Sophie Milliken MBE: From Longbenton to Windsor Castle

In this week's episode of Geordie Pride: Voices from the North East, we're joined by Sophie Milliken MBE, and it feels like the perfect conversation to close out what's been a brilliant Season 3.  Sophie wears many hats. She's the founder and CEO of Moja Group, a personal branding agency based in Newcastle, chairs Smart Works North East, co-founded City Ladies Networking, and sits on the North East Combined Authority Business and Economy Board.  From starting her career at John Lewis and commuting to London, to building and selling a successful business, starting again, and creating opportunities right here in the North East, Sophie opens up about the realities of ambition, money, independence and confidence, and why community and networking can make all the difference.     We chat about:  ✨ Wearing lots of hats - and making it all work  💼 Building businesses, selling up, and starting again  🤝 Why your network really matters (and how to find your people)  💷 Money, independence and the freedom it brings  👗 The life-changing work of Smart Works North East  🏰 The full story behind Sophie's MBE - from the unexpected email to Windsor Castle  This episode is a powerful reminder of what's possible when you back yourself, work hard, and surround yourself with the right people.  A fitting final episode to round off Season 3 of Geordie Pride.  🎧 About Sophie Milliken MBE Sophie Milliken MBE is the founder and CEO of Moja Group, where she helps entrepreneurs and executives raise their profiles and become recognised authorities in their industries.  A multi award-winning businesswoman, proud mum, and passionate advocate for the North East, Sophie is the co-founder of City Ladies Networking, hosting events in Newcastle, London and Paris. She also chairs Smart Works Newcastle, where she has doubled the number of unemployed women supported with interview coaching and clothing, and is a Founding Ambassador for Every Child Needs a Mentor.  Sophie serves on the North East Combined Authority Business and Economy Board and is a Non-Executive Director at the North East Business and Innovation Centre.  She hosts the hit podcast Beyond the Bio, and her third book, From Unknown to Unforgettable is out now. She was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to business and education.    🌐 Connect with Sophie 📘 Sophie's new book: https://rb.gy/bqq137  🎤 TEDx Talk – The Truth Behind The Showreel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woZ_d3WTtR4  💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken  🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/Moja_Sophie  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moja_sophie/  🌍 Websites: https://thisismoja.com  https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk     🌍 More from Geordie Pride:   🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk   📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel   📸 Instagram: @geordiepride   💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply   📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected]