Show Notes
BLUEY is a bona fide global phenomenon. In 2024, the animated show about a delightful Australian dog and her family saw more than 55+ billion minutes streamed in the U.S. When you add in the first six months of 2025, it’s more than 80+ billion minutes total streamed. That kind of success is rare, and it’s Nicki Sheard’s job to shepherd the brand and its beloved characters beyond the screen: from inside popular games like Just Dance, to appearing on the sides of Converse sneakers, and being one of the very few non-Disney brands to be brought into the Disney parks (coming in 2026.)
It’s a career Nicki Sheard may not have had if she didn’t trust her gut. Midway through pursuing a PhD at Harvard, she realized science (and dissecting fruit flies) wasn’t the path for her. Her determination and curiosity has helped her shape a unique professional journey that’s taken her to P&G, McKinsey Consulting, Charlotte Tilbury and the BBC. As CEO of BBC Studios Brands & Licensing, Nicki oversees the growth of Bluey (for which the BBC is co-commissioner, distributor and licensor of the multi-award-winning animated series produced by Ludo Studio) as well as brands like Dr. Who, Strictly Come Dancing (Dancing With The Stars) and BBC Earth.
💬 In this episode, we explore:
Why Nicki chose to trust her gut and leave Harvard before completing her Phd
The professionals lessons Nicki learned working as a consultant
How BCC Studios is embracing Artificial Intelligence to create new products
The two guiding principles Nicki uses to prioritize work and family
What Nicki sees as the unique appeal behind Bluey and the safeguards she uses to protect the brand
🔗 Visit Bluey’s website
🔗 Visit The Booker Prize website
📸 Follow Bluey on TikTok
📸 Follow BBC Studios on Instagram
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