My Career Story: Recent Episodes
The Branding Man
In the 100th episode of the My Career Story podcast I open the episode with an important career update of my own, before diving into answering the questions previous guests on the show have submitted including Katherine Jennick, Polly McGee, Michael Stephens, Kathy Caprino, Asifa Lahore, Rebecca Bayuk and Carolyn Parry.
Christopher Kenna is CEO and Founder of Brand Advance (BA), a startup 100 2020 company which connects brands with diverse audiences globally, through Insights, Media and Creative that more authentically engages these communities. Chris is also the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at OUTvertising, the Advertising industry Lobbying Group and as a mixed race, out gay father - is a strong advocate for diversity and representation within the Media and Advertising industry as a member of the WFA Diversity Advisory Board and is also on the advisory board for the V&A Museums. An award winning entrepreneur having received the Innovator of the Year Award at the second annual Ex-Forces in Business Awards and was recently named on EMPower’s 100 Ethnic Minority Executives 2020.
Bobbi was the first openly transgender person in bp and as co-chair of bp Pride’s Transgender Group has transformed trans awareness within the company. She is the founder of “Trans in the City” - a corporate collaboration of over 250 organisations to further transgender awareness globally. Bobbi is a Diversity Role Model and a very proud champion of Stonewall Housing. She was voted #1 in the OUTstanding 50 LGBT+ Future Leaders’ List 2019, #4 in 2020, included in the PWC Stonewall 50 Inspirational Role Models 2019, was winner of the Rainbow Honours LGBTQ Champion Award 2019, the Nestle Diversity Champion Award at the 2020 British LGBT awards, placed #14 in the Pride Power List 2020 and was a business nominee in the 2021 Diva Awards. She plays guitar and bass and sings, has two grown up children and lives in Brighton, UK.
Patrick is a Website Operations Specialist in the Online Fashion Retail sector. He gas been in this field for 12 years, falling into it randomly after giving up as an actor and briefly working in recruitment (which he was dreadful at). In his current role at Levi's he is also the Membership Secretary and Culture Lead of the European LGBTQ+ ERG.
This bonus episode captures the live audio of a panel discussion recorded as part of the virtual shortlist reveal for the 2021 Queer Student Awards, focusing on the timely conversation around reclamation of the word 'Queer' by the LGBTQ+ community globally.
Your hosts: Spencer Cooper, Mufseen Miah
The panellists: Alan Shannon-Smith, Harriet Lunney, Annie Gainsborough, Khadija Lewis
About Queer Talk
Queer Talk is an LGBTQ+ Podcast bringing you a regular dose of positive news stories and fabulous interviews, hosted by Spencer Cooper and Mufseen Miah.
Ultra Naté. She reps hard for Baltimore, Maryland and is a world renown singer, songwriter, DJ, producer, label owner and promoter.
She has released nine studio LPs [1990-2017] and travels the globe performing and spinning live for a variety of audiences. From horse races and the fashion elite to house parties and dance festivals.
Concedes Ultra, “I've been writing my own songs since the beginning of my career. This was pivotal in establishing me as an artist with a distinct style all my own. I was one of the first artists in house/dance music signed to a major record deal with Warner Brothers in the UK in 1989 and I have more than 25 years of experience making groundbreaking music - having collaborated with a wide array of artists such as: The Basement Boys, Nellee Hooper, D-Influence, Mood II Swing, Nona Hendryx, Lenny Kravitz, Frankie Kuckles, N'Dea Davenport, DJ Class, NERVO, Tony Moran, StoneBridge, Todd Terry, David Morales, Michele Williams (of Destiny's Child), Boy George, 4 Hero, Deee-lite, Masters at Work, Roger Sanchez, Morgan Page, Chris Willis, Quentin Harris and others!”
Ultra Naté has delivered her classics, new tunes and energetic dj sets all over the globe performing everywhere from Amsterdam, Paris, London, Japan, Moscow, Sweden, Dubai, Italy, Brazil, Norway and Spain to residencies in Ibiza and such varied events as Glitterbox, children of the ’80’s, Greenpeace Festival, Battle Hymn, U.S. National Cherry Blossom Festival to name a few!
Her spirited presence has graced the stages of New York's massive Summer Stage in Central Park, Nile Rodgers acclaimed FOLD Festival sharing the stage with the likes of CHIC, Duran Duran, Pharrell and Beck to Lincoln Center’s annual Midnight Summer Swing and numerous Pride events around the World.
In Ultra’s nearly three decades of making music, she has remained a musical chameleon, embracing a variety of sounds. Her sound embraces a variety of genres including house, soul, disco, electro pop, R&B/hiphop and rock. Ultra is honored to be considered an icon of the Dance and LGBTQ communities worldwide. She was recently named one of Billboard Magazine’s "Greatest of All Time" Top Dance Artists (#12) along with having three entries in the industry bible’s respective “Greatest Of All Time” Top 10 Dance Club Songs including the perennial, platinum-selling #1 anthem, “Free.”
Ultra’s most recent album collaboration, 'Ultra Naté & Quentin Harris as Black Stereo Faith' reached Top 5 on I-Tunes and has spawned the Billboard Top 10 single and video, “I’m Too Sexy (Touch This Skin)” - a spirited alt-funked out cover of Right Said Fred’s classic.
Ultra Naté, your original 'party girl’ keeps bringing the party right back to you.
In this episode we share the career advice gifted to us from some of the LGBTQ+ guests who shared their career stories in the first 3 seasons of the podcast. Featuring - Chloe Davies, Aaron Carty, Lorna Reeves, Michael Newton, Neil Thornton, Divina De Campo, Debbie Cannon, Davide Pagnotta, Paul Russell, Chris Allan, Jamala Osman, Katrina Kibben and Eman Carballo.
John spent over twenty years working in the worlds of advertising, TV and content production, launching and running his own firm along the way. He now helps founders to grow their businesses.
DOM&INK, is a freelance illustrator and merman based in London, from Bolton, via Narnia. He loves to create work that makes you feel empowered, confident and all warm and fuzzy inside. Recurring themes in his work are LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, body positivity, drag and girl bands (he can’t resist drawing a Little Mix video lewk). Throughout his years illustrating, Dom has created art for Little Mix, Cheryl, iWeigh, The X-Factor, Selfridges, Skinny Dip, Emma Watson’s ‘Our Shared Shelf’ and more. He was also the official illustrator Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK Season 1 and for Little Mix : The Search. Something he still pinches himself about daily. 'Free To Be Me' an LGBTQ+ journal of Love, Pride and Finding Your Inner Rainbow is his third book and is published by Penguin Random House UK . Illustrated and written by Dom, it’s a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community and to the reader, to let you know, wherever you are on your rainbow journey, this book will be there for you and be your safe space. Dom's also lucky enough to be feature in Cosmopolitan, Gay Times, Glamour, Buzzfeed and Time Out.
Aamir Hassan has worked in Education for over six years. He has been an English Teacher and moved into several leadership roles from this. Aamir has now decided to move in a different direction and is now an English Tutor and also helps schools with their intervention plans. Furthermore, Aamir is also an examiner for AQA and he delivers on LGBTQ+ and BAME education to various different companies. Aamir has a successful podcast with his husband and runs the account ‘You Don’t Love Me Boys’ in which he and his husband promote visibility for the Queer South Asian community. This year will also see Aamir become a published poet.
A father of two teenagers, who started off his career in retail management, then as a graduate trainee for Sainsbury’s, then donned a different uniform as a police officer, working in criminal investigation, internal investigations, human resources and operational policing, and climbing the ranks to become a Chief Inspector before, after nearly 13 years in the police service leaving, pivoting and then re-inventing himself as a senior HR professional, coming out as gay at 40, moving to London and now works for the transport giant FirstGroup plc as their Senior HR Business Partner and part of the Group HR leadership team at their corporate centre.
Devin Ibañez is the first openly gay Major League Rugby player and is dedicated to LGBTQ+ advocacy in sport. He hopes to inspire the next generation of LGBTQ+ athletes and make sport an inclusive space for them.
Raised in Boston, MA, Devin played for Major League Rugby team, the New England Free Jacks, in their 2019 exhibition season. He won a gold medal while representing Team USA at the 2017 World Maccabiah Games in Israel. He also won the 2018 D1 National Championship with his club team, Mystic River Rugby Club. When not playing, Devin has coached rugby at Westlake Boys High School in New Zealand, his alma mater Brookline High School and most recently with the Northeast Academy. He holds a degree in sport management and education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Find out more about Devin's Transgender Law Center fundraiser mentioned in the episode at https://tinyurl.com/translawcenterfundraiser
Matthew is the Executive Director of NAM, a community-based charity which supports people living with HIV, and those who care for them, by providing accurate and up to date information about HIV/AIDS. Prior to joining NAM Matthew was CEO of GMFA, the gay men’s health charity.
A Chartered Accountant with a passion for SMEs. Having worked for Louis Vuitton, RSM UK LLP, and BT Group Plc, James founded Audeo Fortis to advise start and scale-ups on overcoming barriers to growth (awarded Best SME Business Advisory Firm 2019 - CV Magazine). James’s substantial skills across the breadth of business stem from a purposeful portfolio career covering roles from accounting, corporate finance, and project & programme management, to HR and business process improvement.
James co-founded Join myNexus is 2019, a new digital platform created specifically to remove bias in the investment process for early stage business so that underfunded groups can get better access to funding. As an LGBT+ person James is a passionate advocate for challenging systemic biases and has a keen interest in diversity intersectionality across minority groups. James was recently awarded Institute of Director’s North West Director of the Year Award 2020 (non-executive).
Pam has been teaching for ten years - four spent deep in the closet, and six years out and proud. Her job title doesn't include any reference to LGBTQ, but she says it's one of the most important parts of what she does. She's head of MFL (modern foreign languages) at Longhill High School, and also co-ordinates the trainee teachers, but since coming out to the entire school in a series of assemblies in 2018, unofficially holds the title of LGBTQ co-ordinator, head gay, and general go-to person for anything LGBTQ. She has appeared on Good Morning Britain and in the Guardian talking about this role, and most recently contributed a chapter to the #LGBTed book "Big Gay Adventures in Education"
Professional hockey players and partners Leah Wilkinson and Sarah Jones share their career stories side-by-side this week!
Leah first represented Wales in hockey aged 17. She is now the most capped player for Wales, in any sport, with 169 appearances. Leah has represented Wales in 3 Commonwealth Games and 8 Europeans throughout her career. Away from the pitch, Leah sits on the Team Wales Athlete Commission, representing the views of Welsh athletes throughout a number of sports. Leah gained her first cap for Great Britain in 2019 and is now a full time hockey player, training towards the Tokyo Olympics. She is currently on a sabbatical from her job as a teacher, teaching both History and Politics at Ewell Castle School in Surrey. In her spare time Leah enjoys spending time in the garden, reading and has a new found love for jigsaw puzzles!
Sarah is a Great Britain and Wales international hockey player with over 125 caps training towards the Tokyo Olympics. She has been to two Commonwealth Games; 2014 in Glasgow and 2018 in Gold Coast and was the first Welsh outfield athlete to represent Great Britain since 2012. She previously worked in capital investment for the Lawn Tennis Association and balanced this part-time role whilst training with GB Hockey for two years before establishing herself as a full-time member. Her career highlights include beating India at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and playing against New Zealand at The Stoop, Twickenham in front of 10,000 fans, the biggest crowd at a hockey match in the UK since 2012. She proudly represents hockey off the field and is passionate about improving the sporting landscape in Wales.
Born and raised on the island of Trinidad and Tobago and state school-educated, Charles, 32, moved to London over 10 years ago fleeing persecution of sexuality.
In the last 5 years, Nick has been working in media, film and broadcasting; holding positions at Gay Times magazine, Celeb Mix and This Radio before recently landing his dream job as a presenter on Manchester’s famous Gaydio. Nick is currently studying Media & Communication with film & Visual Culture at Liverpool Hope University to further his career in the Media Industry.
Nick has a passion for equality after his start in life, and so decided to use his platform to highlight issues within the BAME and LGBTQ+ community. This came to fruition in the form of an up and coming podcast, called “The 802”, with one his closest friends Dan. “The 802” touches on the common issues of equality, race and acceptance with an ecstatic and positive spin and features quests from all over the world and various walks of life.
Vangelis Polydorou first came to our attention when he auditioned for The Voice UK in 2016. His unique voice pushed him through to the finals and made him one of the clear stand outs of the season. His mentor on the show was legendary pop icon ‘Boy George’ who saw something in Vangelis and has continued to work with him ever since. George hand picked Vangelis to sing in his band ‘Culture Club’ for their 2018 world tour and most recently Vangelis supported them with his own set at Wembley Arena. With George on board as his Creative Manager and ex Cocteau Twins drummer Benny D on production, Vangelis began working on songs for his debut album ‘The Drama’ and has just released his first single ‘Throw Me’.
Charl Summers is a Content Creator, Podcast Host/Producer, Illustrator, and LGBTQ+ Advocate. Her work can be found via Unite UK and Lestalk Podcast, where she aims to improve views around LGBTQ+ topics.
Rico provided live updates at the London Black Lives Matter protests along with revealing some of the white-washed black history. Also for Rainbow Films, he volunteered to create documentaries on racism and queer rights, as a spokesperson and part of the film crew. The last documentary, ‘Pride & Protest’ won ‘Official Selection 2020’ at the BFI Flare film festival. He has also spoken on NHS King Cross Hospital panels and North-East A&E doctors on LGBTQI+ healthcare and on a similar subject at the Mayor of London’s round table think tanks. As a newly appointed board member of TransActual UK, he continues to strive to change UK legislation for non-binary equality, Hate Crime and raises the Black Queer intersectionality question in all forums with speeches at Cumbria Pride, London Trans Pride, quoted in Forbes and Department of Transport conferences. As a columnist at Wedzera, he continues to speak out about the complexities of sexuality, gender and racial perceptions. He has recently launched ‘Against Racism’ a nine-part show exploring the various forms of racism and how we collectively can make a difference. Rico is a very vocal activist, fighting avidly for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people and Black people.
Asifa Lahore is Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be LGBT, South Asian and Muslim.
Asifa came into the national spotlight in 2014 when she was censored by the Birmingham Central Mosque from discussing Islam and Homosexuality on BBC Free Speech.
This caused uproar in the British press and allowed Lahore the rare opportunity to speak openly about the topic.
Asifa featured in Channel 4’s groundbreaking documentary Muslim Drag Queens in 2015. Narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, it drew an audience of 1.1 million viewers. That same year, she received the Attitude Magazine Pride Award for activism and increasing visibility of the ‘Gaysian’ community and also judged the Independent's Rainbow List.
Asifa's impassioned activism on intersectionality, race, sexual orientation, gender, disability and religion has led her to speak at prestigious institutions such as the Lost Lectures, Channel 4 Diversity Festival, Women of the World Festival, the British Library and the Oxford Union.
She has also been the face of Channel 4's 2016 diversity campaign, 'True Colour TV' as well as one of the ambassadors for 'Open Letters to Queer Britain', a project aiming to create the UK's first LGBT+ museum in collaboration with Levi's UK, the Post office and Queer Britain.
Asifa continues to promote and DJ at London's top Gaysian club nights, Club Kali and Disco Rani.
Her musings on world events have been featured in Winq, Attitude, Gay Times, The Independent and IB Times as well as being featured and interviewed for countless publications worldwide.
In 2019, Asifa walked the first LGBT catwalk at Pakistan Fashion Week London. This was a proud moment for her as a British Pakistani person. Asifa is also passionate about disability rights. She is severely sighted and suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare genetic eye disease which causes progressive sight loss.
Asifa's journey into the spotlight has been a deeply personal one through which she discovered her transgender identity and continues being a voice for intersectional Britain.
Jamie has experience as a Human Resources Advisor and currently works as a Learning & Talent Development Facilitator with a demonstrated history of working in Digital Business Transformation, culture change and Inclusion & Diversity. Jamie currently leads Égalité which is Publicis Group's BRG for its LGBTQ+ employees and their allies. Jamie was shortlisted in the Top 10 for the 'Future Leader' category at The British LGBT Awards 2020.
Ben is multi-hyphenate digital creator, they educate and advocate within the LGBTQIA community. Embracing their Trans Non-Binary Identity Ben has worked with global brands, advice on diversity and has even earned themselves a book deal, coming very soon!
“Growing up I never saw or knew anybody like myself. Now at 26, I am incredibly comfortable with who I am and am visibly present in society. I am existing and thriving as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I hope that I can be the representation for people just like me, giving them the chance to feel accepted that I so often struggled to feel growing up.”
Rohan is an expat Australian currently living in London. Moving to the UK in 2012 to pursue a career in the art world he has since worked in a variety roles for Christie’s, Art Dubai and now manages the British Council’s international touring and loans programme. As well as this, Rohan has recently published his first book, The Passion of Bright Young Things, which is a fictional recount of growing up queer in Australia.
Liane is co-author of Creative Career Coaching, a book for career professionals. She works internationally, delivering workshops and key-notes at conferences and is a Learning and Development consultant for a variety of organisations. She also loves good wine, watching birds and anything to do with nature.
Michael Gunning is an international competitive swimmer having attended two World Swimming Championships. He holds dual Jamaican and British citizenship and is the current national record holder for the 200 metre butterfly, and the 200 and 400 metre freestyle events.
Michael is a mental health and well-being advocate, and founder of CREATE SPACE Retreats and Workshops. He organises bespoke well-being and leadership development programmes for brands, businesses and groups of individuals. These unique experiences help promote the importance of prioritising self-care and personal-growth alongside career ambition and professional development. On the side, Michael runs his own not-for-profit organisation, WE CREATE SPACE, providing free monthly online well-being workshops within the LGBTQ+ communities.
In the season 4 premiere, podcast host Steve shares more about some of the chapters of his own career story focused on his identity as a white cisgender gay man.
In this bonus episode I share my intentions for 2021 alongside some of the guests who have featured on the last three seasons of the podcast.
Philip's career story covers: - how a career in surveying transformed into a passion for working in technology - the many exciting projects he has been involved involving big tech brands like Apple and Blackberry - his thoughts on the tech solutions we need today to help our young people make informed career decisions
Kaemorine's career story covers: - how her career in occupational psychology started - balancing her ambitions alongside being a mother - the work she does with her clients helping them to be more inclusive
Scott's career story covers: - how dropping out of his first graduate job led to a career in SEO - the importance he places on managing his mental health and why other men should too - what he's learnt from the conversations on his own podcast 'Entrepreneurs Can Party'
Katrina's career story covers: - how growing up as an army brat influenced the first jobs they worked - how becoming the managing editor for a blog about recruiting led to creating their own business, Three Ears Media - the importance that good writing has on helping us to make the right career choices
Andrew's career story covers: - how a passion for attending culinary school was derailed by his parents and led to a career in real estate - why going to college (university) wasn't right for him - starting his own company and the advice he would give anyone considering doing the same
Katie's story covers: - the work experience at a local newspaper as a secondary school student that sparked a passion for photography - launching Martin Neeves Photography - the journey towards becoming a transgender woman and an ambassador with Cool2BTrans
In this live recording Davide shared his thoughts on 'How to create a life you love waking up to'. There was also an opportunity for our audience to ask Davide live questions.
Karrie's career story covers: - where and when she first discovered her love for mathematics and data analytics - how the influence of her family both drives and holds her back - what she loves about working with data
Jon's career story covers: - the powerful question posed by his parents whilst studying that focused his thoughts as a teenager - his experience working onboard a cruise ship - the transferable skills which supported a transition into working in communications and experiential events
Josh's career story covers: - starting a clothing company whilst still at sixth form - the work his agency, archtype, has delivered for the NHS and Stormzy - why he is currently focusing on bringing together black agency founders
Antonio's career story covers: - how he went from selling cheese to delivering keynotes around the world - the mistakes he's learnt from along the way - his thoughts on authenticity and vulnerability - the moments that he has 'bet on himself' and why that matters
Lucy's career story covers: - her journey from unpaid intern for a homelessness charity and to a CEO working and living in Kenya - what led her launching The Lucidity Coach, and the work that she loves - why change excites her so much
Paul's career story covers: - humble beginnings as a proud baker's boy prior to his move to London at the age of 18 - the frustrations and opportunities that working in the West End that led to a change in direction and working in New York - building his own wellness coaching business, Standing Ovation Choir
Lindsey's career story covers: - the work she has done since deciding not to go to university including working as a special police constable - how her experience at SAP over the last 5 years has helped her to be more authentic in the workplace - the inspiration she draws from the interns she meets
Chris' career story covers: - the twists and turns in his career which began at the age of 15 - his lived experience of LGBT+ discrimination in the workplace - the launch of Your D&I, his business with a mission to create equal opportunities for all
Jade's career story covers: - working as an apprentice at global professional services EY for the last four years - why she chose to start her career on an apprenticeship - the support she received from her parents - where her career may have led if she'd made different choices
Ags' career story covers: - how learning what she didn't want to do, and a passion for trying different foods, lead her towards a purposeful career in health and wellness coaching - what she has learnt from her clients so far - why she loves about running her own business
Alex's career story covers: - the start of his career journey after deciding against going to university - the blog that led to a career at BBC Radio One Xtra - taking the leap into self-employment and rediscovering his passions in life - how he became the author of 'The Search for Clarity'
50 guests with powerful career stories, and more to come in Season 3. Launching Monday 7 Sept 2020.
Julie's career story covers: - why she relates her career story to that of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - how the various careers she pursued and her passion for helping people led to studying towards qualifications in careers advice and guidance - the changing careers landscape and its effects upon young people - the moment she met, the then prime minister, David Cameron
A group of young people I first met at EY share their apprenticeship stories in this recording of a special A level results week webinar.
Elizabeth's story covers: - how being born with a physical disability (congenital limb deficiency) has influenced her career - the moment she won a medal at the Sydney 2020 Paralympic games - the work that she does speaking in schools inspiring the next generation - her views on how and why we need to be more inclusive in the workplace
Chris’ career story covers: - his creative career journey towards becoming the founder and CEO of The Futur - The 1 Billion Mission teaching creatives how to make money doing what they love…without feeling gross #1BminusOne - his thoughts on everything from education, fear, community and doing the work needed to get you from where you are to where you want to be
Harriet’s career story covers: - her initial steps from university into the world of work that finally brought her from Glasgow to London - how she has navigated her career working in student recruitment and in two of the world’s biggest creative agencies - how she first became aware of the LGBT+ community - why being an ally means so much to her, and why it should to you too
Debbie's career story covers: - her time in the army as a chef - the relationship which first allowed her to explore her gender identity and expression - a new career working in insurance that empowered her to make the changes she needed in her life - the journey she has been through so far as a trans woman
Raf's career story covers: - how questioning his definition of success changed the career path he was once on - his experiences of growing up with homophobia in Poland - reflections on growing up as an anxious overachiever - his passion for coaching
Patrick's career story covers: - the article he wrote about living with HIV that went international overnight and his work for London 2012 that proceeded a traumatic breakdown - how he discovered a passion for public speaking - why he founded the LGBT Dementia Network - the impact lockdown in the UK initially had on his mental health
Divina’s career story covers: - how a question posed by her now husband, prompted a career in drag not long after finishing university - the various career opportunities, including working as a teacher and a summer performing in Ibiza, have shaped her drag - her rise to fame on the telly including successfully auditioning to become part of the first UK season of RuPaul’s Drag Race last year
Alexandra's episode covers: - how using her initiative has helped her to seek out new career opportunities - the turning point in her career resulting from a post published on LinkedIn - how her background and the skills she has developed in her career so far have been important factors in her success
Annie’s career story covers: - why she left university before completing her course - the various doors of opportunity that opened up to her as a result of this decision - her journey from TEDx speaker to Founder and Owner of Art For Messy Beings
Bev and Heather’s career stories cover: - their vast combined experience working in the corporate world and how it led them to launching their own podcast - what has held them back in the past and how to use it to drive you forward - the conversations they have with their own children around careers - the importance of balance in life
Siobhan’s career story covers: - the influence her grandfather has had on the career choices that she has made - her thoughts on why your background should not be what defines you - the various ways that she sees imposter syndrome popping up in her life, and others’
Rebecca's career story covers: - her time teaching both in the UK and the United States of America - her passion for writing - the challenges of working as a freelancer - how she deals with anxiety
Hilda's career story covers: - her first experience working for the mob in New York City - the succession of jobs that followed which helped her to find the career and work that she loves - the work she has since pursued in workforce development and employability skills training - the launch of her own business, Inspired Learning and her mission to track 1 million inspirations before she turns 100
World Voice Day is a worldwide annual event that takes place on April 16 devoted to the celebration of the phenomenon of voice.The aim is to demonstrate the enormous importance of the voice in the daily lives of all people. In this bonus episode of the podcast three members of the UK LGBT+ community share their ‘coming out’ stories - our shared opinion being that sharing our stories using our voice empowers more to do the same!
Asif’s career story covers: - his career journey from the police to working at adidas - the challenges he has tackled promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace - his personal experiences of exclusion as a parent - his thoughts on what we can learn from failure when trying to be more inclusive
Lee's career story covers: - the moment he fell in love with magic at the age of 4 - his journey from magician to keynote speaker - becoming a published, award-winning author - his top tips for becoming a better speaker
Tonia’s career story covers: - the work she is doing to bring together the key stakeholders in graduate recruitment through TG Consulting Ltd. - why her passion for supporting young people drives the work that she does - the ways in which her career journey so far is helping her clients to support social mobility - the importance she places on adopting the right mindset in your career
Graham's career story covers: - his own journey as a young person from life on a council estate to agency owner - the lessons he learnt at the start of founding a business that informed the success he experiences today - what led to him sharing his expertise as an author
Dino's career story covers: - his move, alone, at the age of 16 from Hong Kong to Perth, Australia - the career moves he made from IT to miming, before being headhunted for reality TV show, Married At First Sight - how he discovered his true calling as a mindfulness and wellness coach - the launch of The Modern Yogi
Natasha’s career story covers: - the moment she realised she had a passion for fashion - the various ways in which her creative flair shows itself - how her business has evolved over the five years she has owned it
Ellie's career story covers: - her background in occupational psychology - the journey she took towards, and motivations for, starting her first business - some of the challenges she has faced as a female throughout her career - the mission she, and her team, are working towards with Fledglink
Chloe's story covers: - the nudge from her mother that started a successful career in retail - her experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace - the voluntary work that supports the community she loves being part of - her lived experiences of intersectionality
Katherine's career story covers: - the ‘twists and turns’ that first started whilst studying at university - the various ways in which she has supported young people in their career and life planning - how redundancy created another chain of events which led to her channeling energy and a passion for creativity into launching a new careers product - turning the tables on me as the interviewer!
Emanuel’s career story covers: - how he stumbled upon a career as a digital nomad - his passion for visual communications and role as an agent of change - how he dealt with the realisation that he belonged to the LGBT+ community - how he learnt to let go and embraced authenticity in his life and work - the importance he places on self care
Lorna’s career story covers: - Her choice to join the Police as a senior crime officer at the age of 18, rather than studying at university, which saw her working on high profile events such as London 2012 - How what should have been the routine sight of a dead body led to a dream and a realisation that her well-being was suffering by the stress if her job - The decision to leave the Police in 2018 without a plan, which led to her starting her own events company, part of which has already delivered a number of LGBT+ weddings, including her own - The experience so far which includes being shortlisted in the British LGBT Awards for a Diversity Hero Award
This bonus episode covers: - an insight into my career in employer branding whilst at EY over the last decade - the moments there that had extraordinary impact on me - the questions posed by listeners and my answers - some of the careers advice shared by the guests from season 1 - a glimpse into what to expect in 2020 from The Branding Man
Bianca’s career story covers: - the origins of her entrepreneurial ‘spark’ which she traces back to her parents - how the time she spent working at Accenture helped her to discover her passion for personal branding, the focus of her first business - the experience of taking part in, and reaching the final of, 'The Apprentice' - the many lessons that life as an entrepreneur has taught her - publishing and co-authoring her first book, Self Made
Michael’s career story covers: - the journey from working in hospitality at home in Wales, through aspirations to work in theatre at university and a brief flirtation with criminology, before discovering the world of events and technology 7 years ago - the charitable work that he does through Diversity Role Models and as COO at the P3 network - his powerful stories around belonging to the LGBT+ community and publically sharing his HIV positive status
Charlotte's career story covers: - the coping strategies she used whilst studying at Birmingham University - how being authentic in the way that she lives and builds relationships others has helped to open up countless career opportunities for her - the skills she learnt as a classroom teacher that continue to serve her today - the power to be found in owning our choices and learning to fail forward
Liz’s career story covers: - Her original dream career of becoming solicitor from the age of 13 - The trip to India that launched her yoga career and the start of her business - The time she has spent focusing on her spiritual development - What she’s learnt about herself along the way
Conor’s career story covers: - What informed his subject choices at school - Why he decided against studying at university - His first two jobs working at Not Going To Uni and Springpod, and how they differ - Why he thinks it’s important to always be asking yourself, and others, ‘why?’ - What he values in our mentoring relationship - The skills you need to be a successful relationship manager and to thrive in your future career
Davide’s career story covers: - His time spent studying and working in Italy before moving to the UK - The role that passion has played in guiding his career journey and the choices that he has made - The impact creativity and self-mastery can have on your career - His work developing his students at The Rao Institute
Joanne's career story covers: - her journey from BTEC to petrol station to call centre to account management through to her current career at EY - relocating from their Dublin office to Manchester whilst embracing motherhood - how her passion for people and HR developed - the work that she has progressed on to strategically leading on diversity, inclusion and belonging at EY following the completion of her Masters degree
James’ career story covers: - how he navigated his own career exploring what worked and what didn’t - his passion for working in employer branding - the importance of being authentic in the work that we do - the challenges and opportunities of working globally - his ambitions for the future, decided and undecided
Ollie's career story covers: - the role that passion and interest played in his academic studies - the inspiration behind his business RateMyEnterprise - his advice on what it takes to become a business founder and entrepreneur - what the business looks like today and aspirations for the future
Rebecca's career story covers: - why she decided to become a personal trainer - what she loves about the work that she does with her clients - how she balances work and her life as a mother - the conversations she has with her children about their future careers
Carolyn's story covers: - how her childhood experiences and parental influence have informed her career story to date - her journey from Royal Holloway (University of London) to Career Coach of the Year - her work helping others to discover their purpose and passion for the work that they do - the creation of her INSPiRED Career and Life Coaching Framework and Planning tool
Rupy's story covers: - his journey from medical school to founder of The Doctor's Kitchen - his global vision for helping people to eat their way to health - the joy he finds in cooking - balancing a busy life working as a GP and entrepreneur
Amaka and I worked together in the branding and attraction team at EY. From the moment that I met Amaka I have always been inspired by her positive outlook on life and the way that she visualises her goals and slays them, which included launching her own podcast ‘My Dream My Reality’ - which in turn inspired me to start one of my own.
Amaka is extremely passionate about personal development, entrepreneurship and helping others to realise their full potential. She is the host of her own podcast called 'My Dream My Reality' and this year launched a new platform called ‘Amaka Answers’ where career and personal development questions are answered in under 60 seconds!
Aaron and I lived together between 2007 and 2009 during the time that I transitioned from my career in teaching into the world of student recruitment. His passion and drive for the achieving his goals, no matter how much hard work and focus, that may involve has always inspired me.
Entrepreneur and business owner Aaron Carty, one of Essex Police’s youngest ever police officers at 18 and a half years old, left to pursue his dream of working in the media industry, creating films and marketing campaigns. Having no money, qualifications or experience – this was not an easy feat.
As the International Beyoncé Impersonator Aaron, burst onto the scene in 2015 on Britain’s Got Talent, where he wowed the judges with his Crazy In Love / Single Ladies routine with his six female dancers. Having been a police officer for five years really got the press’ attention; as did his fame when he arrested, the now late, Jade Goody.
Since Britain’s Got Talent – Aaron has performed all over the world including New York, Las Vegas, L.A, Seychelles, Berlin and Sitges. Having performed for Coca-Cola and even international royalty. As well as three UK tours including performances in front of 20,000 people at Trafalgar Square as part of Pride in London and the explosively amazing Mighty Hoopla festival with The Grand.
Beyoncé Experience is exactly that – a full Beyoncé concert experience including choreography, an army of female dancers, couture costumes and over 40 of Beyoncé’s best loved hits from Destiny’s Child to Lemonade
From the moment that I met LJ during my time working at EY I was captivated by her passion for helping young people to become the best version of themselves, no matter their background, and how she uses her voice to lobby those ‘in power’ showing them how youth engagement needs to be done.
Laura-Jane is a passionate campaigner for youth employment and the rights for all young people to access employment and have their voices heard on the issues that affect them. Laura-Jane believes that it is for all of us to create a youth friendly society so that young people can fulfil their potential.
Neil inspires me with the way that he takes ownership of himself and his career, using his many talents and the platforms that he has created, to not only better himself but also to support and educate others.
Neil is a London-based Digital Editor, blogger, podcaster and coffee drinker (not always in that order). Having begun his career as a copywriter in the luxury retail industry, Neil worked his way up to the role of Editor and has worked with some of the world’s biggest fashion and luxury brands. Neil has a passion for content and what it can achieve for a brand, and has actively evolved his skill set into content marketing and strategy over traditional editorial editing.
Out of the office Neil spins multiple project plates; he runs the men’s lifestyle blog What Neil Did, and co-presents the good news podcast A Good Good Thing. He also gives back volunteer with FoodCycle, London Friend and Diversity Role Models.
Since meeting Nuno through a mutual friend, over 5 years ago, I’ve always been blown away by his work ethic, resilience and commitment to achieving the goals that he sets himself. He is an amazing friend and I couldn’t be prouder of everything that he does - in many respects he is the perfect role model (and rather gorgeous I’m sure you will agree all at the same time).
Nuno is an actor currently in Hamilton West End, as a standby for a few roles including Lafayette/Jefferson, and Hamilton himself. With credits including Jesus Christ Superstar, and ITV's show "Cold Feet", Nuno has established himself in what can be considered a perilous industry to get into. Performing is Nuno's leading passion, albeit not the only one. With a colourful vocational path including psychology degrees, and a certified passion for physical rehabilitation, he is a mind of many interests, and a bountiful career with a unique perspective on the importance of mental well-being.
Joseph and I first met when he attended my personal training bootcamp in Clapham. I remember being inspired by his energy and enthusiasm for his career, as well as being impressed that he owned his own business, something I aspired towards, which has now become a reality.
Joseph is a Coaching Psychologist, Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and a PCC-credentialed coach, meaning he has over 1000+ accredited coaching hours. He is the founder of Become Coaching & Training Ltd. and his expertise lies in supporting and challenging people to get unstuck, achieve their goals and unlock their leadership potential. He is extremely passionate about leadership development and has a wealth of experience in L&D across a range of industries. He is experienced supporting leaders globally, particularly in the Middle East and has coached and delivered training programs globally. Over the last 15 years he has worked in a range of organisations supporting people make confident and positive changes in their lives. Throughout his career he has advanced in a number of L&D roles; and has worked for Edexcel, a training manager for an immigration law firm and also in leadership development for Kingfisher plc. a FTSE100 organisation. Apart from running Become, Joseph is involved in the design and delivery of our leadership programmes and also coaches a number of senior executives and CEOs.
Jamala and I first met in my Geography classroom back in 2006 when she walked into the room as a pupil in one of my Year 8 classes. Jamala has overcome the greatest of adversities in her life is working towards reaching the potential all of her teachers, myself included, always knew that she had. I couldn’t be prouder of everything that she is achieving.
Jamala Osman is a 25-year-old social entrepreneur and former Bank Manager at Barclays plc. She was one of the youngest bank managers in the country and was tasked with running her first branch at the age of 21.
Having had a difficult start to life, her dramatic turnaround inspired her to create pathways and programmes for other struggling individuals to help break down barriers. Winner of Great Britain and Irelands Young Citizen Award for 2018 and TEDx London Speaker Jamala is on a mission to help bridge the gap between young talent and organisations.
Polly’s book ‘The Good Hustle’ inspired me to create a business with heart that focused on adding value to the world of business.
Dr Polly McGee is an author, leadership facilitator and digital strategist. With over a decade working in innovation, commercialization and leadership in public, university and private sector roles, Polly has been an integral part of the Australian startup ecosystem and a disruptor-for-good in traditional industries. Polly is passionate about creating connection in organisations large and small through courageous leadership, growth mindset, compassion and diversity. She recently undertook certification with Brene Brown to deliver her Dare to Lead Curriculum to leaders globally.
Scott first came to my attention over Instagram in 2018. I was inspired by his entrepreneurial passion, branding expertise and authentic approach to business.
Scott Lancaster is the Managing Director of Clementine House Branding Agency and author of the recently self-published book ‘Parallel: Exploring how meaningful connections are created in life, love and business’.
Scott helps business and people connect better, guiding the brands he works with to redefine their message and stand out in the world, as opposed to simply adding to the noise. His agency brings affordable branding services to those hungry to compete with the best in their industry.
Kathy’s Finding Brave podcast has empowered me to make confident choices in the journey establishing myself as a proud business owner, and her work to support women in similar crises to those that she has experienced in the past inspires me.
Kathy Caprino, M.A. is an internationally-recognized career and executive coach, writer, speaker and leadership trainer dedicated to the advancement of women in business. A former corporate Vice President, she is also a Senior Forbes contributor, trained therapist, seasoned executive coach and the author of Breakdown, Breakthrough. Kathy's core mission is to support a “finding brave” global movement wherein women are inspired to close their power gaps and step up boldly to their most thrilling visions and goals, and achieve them with greater success and impact.
Kathy is the President and Founder of Ellia Communications, Inc., a premier career coaching and executive consulting firm offering career and leadership development programs for women including the Amazing Career Project course, her Finding Brave podcast, and the Amazing Career Certification training for coaches and her Close Your Power Gaps programs. A Senior Forbes contributor and a leading voice on Thrive Global and LinkedIn, she is also a TEDx and keynote speaker and top media source on careers, leadership, and women’s issues. Her new book, Close Your Power Gaps, is due out in Summer 2020 from HarperCollins Leadership and Murdoch Books (Australia).
To kick things off it seemed obvious to start with my own career story to date, well, a snapshot at least, there is a lot to talk about! It took me 20 years to find a career where I was working to my strengths, achieving the goals that I set myself and most importantly, where I was happy. The ‘Which Career? No Idea.’ problem that had plagued and tormented me has finally solved, and as cheesy as it might sound I’d found the purpose of my work and who I was serving...our young people. The dots that connected my careers through teaching, mentoring, volunteering and ultimately the career I’ve found my groove in, employer branding.