Episode description:

In this deeply impactful final episode of the Career Unlocked series, Alex sits down with Rose Rowkins, a passionate and experienced Suicide Prevention Trainer. Rose shares her journey from growing up in North West London to becoming a leading advocate for suicide prevention. Throughout the conversation, Rose opens up about her career path, which includes working as a Samaritans volunteer, training prisoners in listening skills, and creating the innovative "Talking about Suicide: 10 Tools" (TAS10) session. Rose also discusses the emotional challenges of her work, the importance of structured training and her commitment to making suicide prevention everyone’s business. Whether you’re interested in mental health, advocacy or simply want to be a better support to those around you, this episode is a must-listen.

Key points discussed:

• Rose’s early life in North West London and how it shaped her love for diverse communities
• Her early career experiences, including volunteering with Samaritans and training in prisons
• The development and impact of the TAS10 session and its importance in suicide prevention
• Insights into the misconceptions and myths around suicide and how to approach sensitive conversations
• Rose’s unique approach to building trust and creating safe spaces in her work
• The challenges and rewards of balancing a demanding career with family life
• The importance of structured training in suicide prevention and Rose’s role in shaping educational programmes
• How personal interests like yoga, singing and travel contribute to Rose’s wellbeing and effectiveness at work
• Practical tools for organisations to integrate wellbeing and suicide prevention into their workplace culture
• Rose’s advice for individuals who are concerned about someone in crisis and how to approach the subject of suicide

Resources and links:

• Connect with Rose: LinkedIn
• Start the Conversation: Website
• Samaritans: Website
• Talking about Suicide: 10 Tools (TAS10): Website

Stay up to date with us on Instagram and LinkedIn:

• Favourite Positions Podcast Instagram
• Alex Young on LinkedIn

As always, please reach out and let us know how you’re finding the series and feel free to send us any suggestions for topics you’d like us to explore in future episodes! Thank you for listening and supporting the platform. We're so grateful that you're here.

Episode description:

In this thought-provoking episode of Career Unlocked, Alex sits down with Dean Connell, a creative director with over two decades of experience in the interior design industry and the founder of the innovative design consultancy, I-AM.D.C. Dean shares his journey from growing up in inner-city London to becoming a leading voice in sustainable and circular design. He discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his transition from working at Phones4U to studying interior design at Kingston University and eventually launching his own design consultancy. Dean opens up about his unique philosophy that takes cues from nature to transform traditional workspaces and hospitality environments into sustainable, circular spaces. He also shares his passion for moving beyond 'tick box' sustainability and creating lasting, desirable pieces that transcend functionality. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of design, sustainability and the evolving nature of work.

Key points discussed:

• Dean’s early life in inner-city London and his transition from working at Phones4U to studying interior design
• The importance of focusing on specific skills and developing discipline in one’s career
• Dean’s experiences working as a junior designer and the evolution of his career in the interior design industry
• Founding I-AM.D.C and the inspiration behind challenging the 'take, make, waste' mentality in design
• The integration of circular principles into his work and the importance of creating lasting, repairable and adaptable furniture
• Dean’s approach to moving beyond 'tick box' sustainability and fostering a community committed to circular design
• The impact of technology and innovation on the future of workspace design and how AI and VR may influence the industry
• Dean’s views on the importance of community and user-centered design in creating sustainable and functional workspaces
• Insights into Dean’s most rewarding career moments, including working in Japan and developing the Sessions project
• Upcoming projects and initiatives at I-AM.D.C, including collaborations with Patch co-working spaces

Resources and links:

• Connect with Dean Connell: LinkedIn
• I-AM.D.C: Website
• Patch Co-Working Spaces: Website
• Living With Buildings: The Sessions House Project: Website

Stay up to date with us on Instagram and LinkedIn:

• Favourite Positions Podcast Instagram
• Alex Young on LinkedIn

As always, please reach out and let us know how you’re finding the series and feel free to send us any suggestions for topics you’d like us to explore in future episodes! Thank you for listening and supporting the platform. We're so grateful that you're here.

Episode description:
In this episode of 'Favourite Positions: Careers Unlocked,' Alex chats with Molly, Co-Founder of Flexa, to explore her journey from working on a farm during her childhood to creating a groundbreaking platform that redefines flexible working. Molly shares her unique experiences, including a rigorous gap year, her university life at Oxford and her career in investment banking, which ultimately led her to identify a significant gap in the market. Discover the motivation behind Flexa, the challenges Molly faced and how Flexa is changing the future of work for millions. Molly also discusses the impact of flexible working on diversity and inclusion, the importance of employee value propositions and her vision for the future of Flexa. Tune in to gain valuable insights on navigating the evolving landscape of work and fostering a more inclusive, flexible work environment.

Key points discussed:

• Molly's early life and upbringing in London and Somerset
• Her transition from university to investment banking and the intense gap year experiences
• The inspiration and motivation behind starting Flexa
• The challenges faced in the early stages of building Flexa, including the impact of the pandemic
• The role of flexible working in enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion
• The concept of employee value proposition and its significance
• Strategies for companies to introduce flexible working arrangements
• How individuals can identify and negotiate flexible working options
• Staying informed about changes in the future of work
• Future goals for Flexa and the broader vision for the future of work

Resources and links:

• Flexa: Website
• Connect with Molly: LinkedIn
• Recommended study: Nick Bloom’s research on remote and hybrid work
• Articles on flexible working: BBC Worklife, Harvard Business Review

Please stay up to date with us on Instagram and LinkedIn:

• Favourite Positions Podcast Instagram: Favourite Positions Instagram
• Alex Young on LinkedIn: Alex Young LinkedIn

As always, please do reach out and let us know how you’re finding the series and feel free to send us any suggestions for topics you’d like us to explore in future episodes! Thank you for listening and supporting the platform, we're so grateful that you're here.

Episode description:

In this episode of Careers Unlocked, Alex chats with Hannah Cox, Director of betternotstop and The Better Business Network. Hannah shares her journey from her challenging childhood in South London to becoming a successful business leader and advocate for sustainability. She opens up about her experiences with bullying, a cancer diagnosis and the loss of family members, all of which shaped her resilience and drive. Discover how Hannah transitioned from running her own club nights at university to founding betternotstop and The Better Business Network, building and supporting a community of organisations around to UK who want to use their business as a force for good. Learn about her ambitious Project Salt Run, where she'll be running 100 marathons in 100 days to raise awareness and funds for those affected by climate change.

Key points discussed:

• Hannah's early life in South London and Hertfordshire
• Impact of bullying and family challenges on her development
• Transition from university to running her own businesses
• Founding betternotstop and The Better Business Network
• Challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Importance of sustainability in business and the benefits of B Corp certification
• The concept of collective action in The Better Business Network
• The Better Business Summit and its impact
• Hannah's motivations and preparations for Project Salt Run
• Advice for business leaders on making a positive social and environmental impact

Resources and Links:

Connect with Hannah: LinkedIn

Project Salt Run Instagram: Project Salt Run

betternotstop: Website

Better Business Network: Website

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

B Corp Certification

Carbon Literacy Project

ClientEarth

Mind Over Mountains

Goodfest

Blue Earth Summit

Stay Up to Date with Us on Instagram and LinkedIn:

• Favourite Positions Podcast Instagram
• Alex Young on LinkedIn

As always, please reach out and let us know how you’re finding the series and feel free to send us any suggestions for topics you’d like us to explore in future episodes! Thank you for listening and supporting the platform, we're so grateful that you're here.

Episode description:

In this episode of 'Favourite Positions: Careers Unlocked,' Alex sits down with Rifa Thorpe-Tracey, a multifaceted professional known for her contributions to the digital and creative industries, as well as her efforts in empowering women through coaching and community initiatives. From her upbringing in South London with a Mauritian background to her journey in the tech world and beyond, Rifa shares how these experiences shaped her path. Discover her insights on using intuition in decision-making, the creation of impactful community events and her vision for empowering women in tech and creative fields. Tune in to gain valuable insights on personal growth, leadership and creating inclusive spaces.

Key points discussed:

• Rifa's childhood and early influences in South London
• Navigating the creative and digital industries with a unique perspective
• The inspiration behind her community initiatives, including 'She Says' and 'Spring Forward Festival'
• The role of intuition in decision-making and professional growth
• Creating inclusive and empowering spaces for women in tech and creative industries
• The journey from digital agency roles to founding 'Refigure'
• Practical advice for women on negotiating salaries and benefits
• The importance of self-investment and continuous personal development
• Rifa's vision for the future of her coaching and community work

Resources and links:

• 'Refigure': Website
• Connect with Rifa Thorpe-Tracey: LinkedIn
• Follow 'Refigure' on Instagram: @refigure

You can stay up to date with us on Instagram and LinkedIn:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

As always, please do reach out and let us know how you’re finding the series and feel free to send us any suggestions for topics you’d like us to explore in future episodes! Thank you for listening and supporting the platform; we're so grateful that you're here.

Episode description:

In this episode of 'Favourite Positions: Careers Unlocked,' Alex chats with Olamide Majekodunmi, the inspiring founder of 'All Things Money,' to delve into her journey of promoting financial literacy and inclusion among young adults. From her early life in East London to her unexpected transition into entrepreneurship during the pandemic, Ola shares how these experiences have shaped her mission to educate others about personal finance. Discover the motivation behind 'All Things Money,' the challenges Ola faced and the strategies she used to build a thriving community. Ola also discusses her process for creating educational resources, her experience working with major brands and her vision for the future of financial education. Tune in to gain valuable insights on managing finances, building a successful platform and fostering a supportive community.

Key points discussed:

• Ola's early life and upbringing in East London
• Her transition from university to entrepreneurship during the pandemic
• The inspiration and motivation behind starting 'All Things Money'
• The importance of financial literacy and how to improve it
• Practical steps for young adults to achieve financial stability and growth
• The process of creating eBooks, workshops and other educational resources
• Ola's experience with brand partnerships and the criteria for collaboration
• Strategies for negotiating better salaries and benefits
• The impact of live events and workshops on building a community
• Staying informed about changes in the economy and financial markets
• Future goals for 'All Things Money' and fostering financial literacy

Resources and links:

• 'All Things Money': Website
• Connect with Ola: Instagram
• Follow 'All Things Money' on TikTok: All Things Money TikTok
• Listen to the 'All Things Money' podcast: All Things Money Podcast
• Recommended book: "Money: A User's Guide" by Laura Whateley
• Financial comparison websites: Money.co.uk, MoneySuperMarket.com
• News sources for staying updated: BBC News, Money Saving Expert

Please stay up to date with us on Instagram and LinkedIn:

• Favourite Positions Podcast Instagram
• Alex Young on LinkedIn

As always, please do reach out and let us know how you’re finding the series and feel free to send us any suggestions for topics you’d like us to explore in future episodes! Thank you for listening and supporting the platform, we're so grateful that you're here.

Episode description:

In this episode of Favourite Positions, Alex chats with Mike Turner, co-founder of Bird & Blend, a unique tea company known for its innovative blends and strong community focus. Mike shares his journey from his early days in Manchester and Warwickshire, to his experiences as a ski instructor in Canada and how he and his Co-Founder Krisi built Bird & Blend from the ground up. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of starting a business, the importance of sustainability and the future of the tea industry. Mike's story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience and staying true to your values.

Key points discussed:

• Mike's early life in Manchester and Warwickshire
• The influence of his family and school experiences
• Transition from working various jobs to starting Bird & Blend
• The initial idea and inspiration for Bird & Blend
• Overcoming challenges in the early days of the business
• Importance of sustainability and how it's integrated into Bird & Blend
• The role of community and customer focus in Bird & Blend's success
• The impact of company culture and the journey to becoming a top employer
• Future plans and growth for Bird & Blend

Resources and links:

• Bird & Blend Tea Co.
• Contact for partnerships: info@birdandblendtea.com / meg@birdandblendtea.com
• Follow Bird & Blend on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

You can stay up to date with us on Instagram and Linked In:

https://www.instagram.com/favouritepositionspodcast/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-young-74431a135/

As always, please do reach out and let us know how you’re finding the series and feel free to send us any suggestions for topics you’d like us to explore in future episodes! Thank you for listening and supporting the platform, we're so grateful that you're here.

Episode description:

In this episode of 'Favourite Positions: Careers Unlocked,' Alex sits down with Stefanie Sword-Williams, the dynamic founder of 'Fuck Being Humble,' to explore her journey of embracing authenticity and self-promotion in the workplace. From her early life experiences growing up across different continents to the challenges she faced in toxic work environments, Stef shares how these shaped her resilient and adaptable nature. Discover the inspiration behind 'Fuck Being Humble,' the impact of its bold name, and the community it has fostered. Stef also delves into her process of writing and publishing her book, navigating the pandemic, and her vision for the future of work. Tune in to gain valuable insights on building a personal brand, the power of self-promotion, and practical advice for those looking to carve their own unique career paths.

Key points discussed:

• Stef's childhood and school experiences in Leeds and the US
• Discovering her authentic self and confidence from a young age
• Transition from university to her first job in marketing and branding
• Challenges faced in a toxic work environment and lessons learned
• The inspiration and motivation behind starting 'Fuck Being Humble'
• The significance of the provocative name and its impact
• Early days of hosting events and building a community
• The importance of authenticity and self-promotion in career growth
• Bootstrapping the business and navigating financial constraints
• Writing and publishing her book 'Fuck Being Humble'
• Stef's perspective on the evolving future of work
• Advice for individuals navigating their careers and the importance of continuous self-promotion
• Embracing flexibility, passion and creativity in career choices

Resources and links:

• Fuck Being Humble
• Connect with Stefanie Sword-Williams on LinkedIn
• Follow Fuck Being Humble on Instagram

You can stay up to date with us on Instagram and Linked In:

https://www.instagram.com/favouritepositionspodcast/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-young-74431a135/

As always, please do reach out and let us know how you’re finding the series and feel free to send us any suggestions for topics you’d like us to explore in future episodes! Thank you for listening and supporting the platform, we're so grateful that you're here.