Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast

In this episode of The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, listeners hear from Molly Fellows an employment associate at Mills and Reeve. In this episode, Molly takes us behind the scenes of how she has navigated the grief of losing her dad five years ago, and how this impacted her role as a trainee solicitor. She opens up about feeling the need to be resilient even in the darkest of times and revealed the mindset shifts that helped her navigate her loss. Whether you are a young person navigating grief or looking to support someone in your workplace, this episode is packed with raw insight and inspiration. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @ffchamber for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride, and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

In this episode of The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, listeners hear from Jess McCallister, the Head of Communications and Partnerships for United By 2022 Charity. United By 2022 are this year's Future Faces charity of the year, as well as the newest Patron to join the ranks.Jess shares her fascinating career journey, from her early days in law and HR to playing a key role in delivering the Commonwealth Games and now helping to build a long-term social impact legacy for the West Midlands. Together, Sophie and Jess discuss everything from career changes and imposter syndrome to work–life balance, volunteering, and youth empowerment.Listeners will get an inside look at how United By 2022 is keeping the spirit of the Games alive, through social value initiatives, youth programmes like Gen22 and Ideas Made Real, and an ever-growing volunteer community supporting major events across Birmingham and beyond.Whether you’re a young professional finding your path, a business wanting to give back, or someone who simply loves seeing Birmingham thrive, this episode offers plenty of insight, inspiration, and practical ways to get involved.If you want to get in touch with Jess, you can find her on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠, or get in touch with Sophie at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction.Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @ffchamber for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride, and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

In the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell sits down with Daniella Campbell, Financial Planner at Forvis Mazars and 2025 Future Faces Ambassador, to talk all things work-life balance.Daniella opens up about her career journey, how Future Faces has shaped her professional growth, and her top tips for maintaining balance. Together, Sophie and Daniella unpack the realities young professionals face, from hybrid working post-pandemic to the vital role of mentorship and supportive workplaces.Tune in to hear how Daniella’s involvement in the Future Faces mentoring scheme has fuelled her personal and professional development, and why balance might just be the key to success.If you want to get in touch with Daniella, you can find her on ⁠⁠LinkedIn, or get in touch with Sophie at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction.Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @ffchamber for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride, and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell,returns with an inspiring conversation featuring Becca Horley, the newly crowned Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (GBYPY) 2025.Becca isn’t your typical lawyer. As a multi-award-winningmedical negligence associate, she’s built a reputation not just for her legal expertise but for her authenticity, confidence, and vibrant approach to professional life. In this episode Becca takes us behind the scenes of her journey, from studying law in Birmingham to becoming a prominent figure within the city’s thriving business community.She opens up about her experiences with Future Faces and how being part of such a dynamic network helped her grow both personally and professionally. Becca shares how her vision board keeps her grounded andgoal-focused, revealing the practical habits and mindset shifts that helped her turn her aspirations into achievements.Becca gives honest reflections on building confidence,cultivating a personal brand, and embracing the power of platforms like LinkedIn to tell authentic stories that connect and inspire. Becca also talks about her mission to bring colour to the legal profession, a world often seen as traditional and reserved.Throughout the episode, Becca discusses the importance of mentorship, finding your community, and taking opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her mentors, colleagues, andnetwork who have supported her journey, and gives a glimpse into what’s next, including her aspirations to blend her passion for law with creative collaborations in fashion.Whether you’re an ambitious young professional, a studentfinding your path, or someone looking to reignite your sense of purpose, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-world wisdom.If you want to get in touch with Becca, you can find her on LinkedIn, or get in touch with Sophie at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction.Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @ffchamber for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride, and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

In the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce, the focus is on neurodiversity and its integral role in human diversity. Sophie is joined by guests Sophie Allen of Serrano Media and Iveta Pudilova, founder of National Neurodiversity Training, to discuss the myths, truths, and strengths of neurodivergent individuals. They explore their personal experiences with ADHD and autism respectively, emphasizing the importance of flexible work environments, psychological safety, and the need for continual education about neurodiversity in workplaces. The trio dive into common misconceptions, highlight the strengths of neurodiverse individuals, and offer actionable advice for both neurodivergent individuals and their allies to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment.You can get in touch with Iveta via LinkedIn, and Sophie viaLinkedIn, or get in touch with Sophie at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction.Follow us for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride — and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

In the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, we focus on the upcoming 25th anniversary of the BYPY awards and their significance for young professionals in the Greater Birmingham area. Sophie is joined by Professor Dilshad Sheikh, Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Arden University, and Dee Kanco-Hammond, head of Risk, Governance and Reporting at St Mungo's and executive MBA student at Arden University. They delve into the history and offerings of Arden University, emphasizing its focus on practical, employer-driven education and support systems tailored for mature and diverse students. Dee shares her personal journey of returning to education to pursue an executive MBA, of which the lucky winner of the upcoming GBYPY Awards will win as well alongside the accolade of Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year. Dee talks about the transformative impact of her executive MBA on her career and personal growth, and how Arden really was the place for her to be.Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership.You can get in touch with Dilshad via LinkedIn, and Dee via LinkedIn.Follow us for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride — and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, the official podcast celebrating the energy, ambition, and achievements of young professionals across Greater Birmingham and the West Midlands.Host Sophie Poduval-Morrell dives into the stories behind the region’s rising stars — with a special focus on 25 years of the BYPY (Birmingham Young Professional of the Year) Awards. In this episode, Sophie sits down with Karl George, the overall winner of the 2002 BYPY Awards. Corporate governance expert Karl George was just the second Birmingham Young Professional of the Year back in 2002. Marking 25 years of the prestigious award – now the GreaterBirmingham Young Professional of the Year - Karl joins us to reflect on how the achievement helped establish his reputation in West Midlands business circles. As a rising star in his own small accountancy firm, Karlemerged as the winner in the finance category ahead of young professionals from a number of the bigger firms, before going on to win the overall award. Now a leader in corporate governance, Karl also discusses how young professionals can benefit from joining boards. Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership.You can get in touch with Karl via ⁠LinkedIn.Follow us for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride — and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, the official podcast celebrating the energy, ambition, and achievements of young professionals across Greater Birmingham and the West Midlands.Host Sophie Poduval-Morrell dives into the stories behind the region’s rising stars — with a special focus on 25 years of the BYPY (Birmingham Young Professional of the Year) Awards. Alongside her is Nicola Fleet-Milne, a prominent advocate for BYPY and a long-time business figure in Birmingham. Nicola shares her journey, including setting up her residential property agency, FleetMilne, and her involvement with various business improvement initiatives in Birmingham. Nicola talks about her initial experience with BYPY, her achievements, and the impact the awards had on her career. The duo also discuss the importance of networking, the evolving nature of the BYPY awards, and advice for young professionals. Nicola emphasizes the value of community, self-awareness, and leaning into one’s strengths for career growth.Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership.You can get in touch with Nicola via LinkedIn.Follow us for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride — and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

In the latest episode of the Future Faces Podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell chats with hospitality pros Sophie Paoloni and Christina Kruzewski about the real-life juggling act of building a career and a personal life. With both guests working in high-pressure sales and events roles, they dive into the challenges young professionals face when trying to maintain relationships, routines, and their own well-being.The trio touch on work-life balance, professional networking, personal relationships, and the challenges of balancing demanding jobs with personal lives and family responsibilities. From setting boundaries and managing burnout to leaning on your network and making space for what really matters, this honest conversation is packed with insights for anyone trying to stay grounded in a fast-paced world. Whether you're in hospitality or just navigating your own work-life mix, this one’s for you.You can get in touch with Sophie and Christina via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

In the next episode of The Future Faces Podcast, our host Sophie sits down with two well-known faces in Future Faces network.Vice-President Will Crawford and committee member Jay Loha dive into the real talk with Sophie about balancing relationships and work-life as a young professional. The trio delve into the significance of personal and professional relationships, coping strategies, and the intersection of work and home life. They explore everything from the struggles of being single or married, to the realities of parenting while climbing the career ladder — sharing practical advice, real-life stories, and coping strategies to help listeners thrive both at work and at home. Whether you’re navigating dating apps, managing family commitments, or just trying to keep your sanity intact at work, this episode delivers honest insights and actionable tips.Plus, give the episode a listen for details on an exciting event happening on July 22nd that promises to take this important conversation even further — an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with fellow Future Faces members. Don’t miss out! Check out our events calendar for more information.You can get in touch with Will and Jay via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

In the latest episode of the Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, the discussion revolves around mindfulness, its importance, and how it can benefit young professionals in their careers. Sophie is joined by Tom Forrester, a trainee financial planner at BRI Wealth Management and a member of Future Faces.Tom shares his career journey, including his transition from administrative roles to a client-facing position, and his unexpected pathway into financial planning despite his initial aspiration to be a teacher. He opens up about personal challenges, such as losing his father during his university years and a later personal tragedy, and how these experiences led him to introducing mindfulness practices like journaling and habit tracking into his life. Tom emphasizes the importance of being present, setting personal goals, and aligning your work with personal values. The conversation also touches on the impact of external pressures, the role of corporate culture in personal well-being, and practical mindfulness strategies for young professionals.You can get in touch with Tom via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

In this episode of the Future Faces Podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell interviews Chris Crossan, the Welcome Experience Coordinator at Arup. Sophie and Chris delve into the concept of mindfulness, it's importance in the workplace, and practical ways to incorporate it, especially for young professionals. Chris shares insights about his role, which includes organizing health and wellbeing activities at Arup, a company known for its strong emphasis on employee care. He discusses the various initiatives Arup has implemented to support mental and physical health, such as wellness rooms, social events, and creative activities. Chris also offers tips for smaller companies to foster mindfulness and well-being in their teams and highlights the importance of setting personal boundaries and taking mindful breaks. This episode emphasizes the value of creating a supportive work environment that encourages employees to thrive, a must-listen for young professionals.You can get in touch with Chris via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

In the latest episode of the Future Faces Podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell sits down with aspiring IT and data lawyer Conor McDonagh.A well-known face within the Future Faces community, Conor talks to Sophie about the transformative impact of AI on the legal industry and the broader tech sector. Connor shares his journey into the legal field, his passion for technology, and how AI is being integrated into legal and business practices. They explore the legal implications of AI, its role in data and technology agreements, and how young professionals can leverage these advancements. Connor also delves into ethical concerns surrounding AI and provides practical advice for those starting in the AI and tech space. He also highlights the importance of proactive engagement, continuous learning, and networking in navigating the evolving landscape of AI.You can get in touch with Conor via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

In the newest episode of the Future Faces Podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell discusses the impact of AI in the workplace with Alex Peart, a senior manager at KPMG and GBYPY award winner. Sophie and Alex cover the importance of AI for businesses and young professionals, practical applications, associated risks, and the need for responsible usage to build trust. Alex also shares insights on how AI is transforming various industries by automating mundane tasks and enhancing efficiency. They also discuss the significance of honing your soft skills and maintaining a growth mindset while adapting to new technologies.You can get in touch with Alex via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth. This episode, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, delves into the art of networking with guest Suzie Branch-Haddow. Suzie is the vice principal for External Development at BMet College and a multi-award winner, including the Future Faces President's Award 2024. Suzie shares her journey and expertise in networking, discussing its importance for young professionals and providing tips on building meaningful connections. Despite her extensive experience, Suzie emphasizes the ongoing challenges and nervousness associated with networking, covering strategies for effective networking, the value of follow-up, and the importance of being genuine and honest. Suzie also reflects on how winning awards like BYPY has significantly impacted her career, and highlights the importance of environments like Future Faces that provide a safe space to develop critical networking and relationship-building skills.You can get in touch with Suzie via her LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.In this episode, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell invites award-winning solicitor Joel Blake to discuss the significance of genuine networking for career growth. Joel shares his journey as a private client solicitor, his unexpected win of the Future Faces Ambassador Award, and how being a part of the Future Faces network has influenced his professional life. He offers valuable insights into the importance of building authentic relationships over transactional networking, highlights the role of Future Faces in his development, and provides practical advice for both introverts and extroverts entering the networking scene. You can get in touch with Joel via his LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.In this episode, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, Rory, the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year in Sales, Marketing and Communications 2024, shares his journey and expertise in networking. Rory, a Regional Marketing Executive for North Europe at Röhlig Logistics, discusses the importance of building genuine relationships for career advancement. He talks through his diverse career experiences, including marketing for an auction house and web design for Aston University. Rory also emphasizes the significance of personal branding, highlighting his ballroom and Latin dancing achievements. He also provides practical advice for young professionals on networking, focusing on authenticity, consistency, and engagement through platforms like LinkedIn. Rory elaborates on the psychological aspects of networking, distinguishing between fear and anxiousness, and offers actionable tips such as the 'SEE Factors'—Smile, Eye Contact, and Energy—to effectively approach and connect with people. You can get in touch with Rory via his LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.Hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, this episode tackles a pressing issue many young professionals grapple with: Imposter Phenomenon. Joining Sophie to explore this topic is Dr. Samantha Strong, a university lecturer recognized for her contributions to education and training, and winner of the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Award for Training & Education in 2024.Samantha is a senior lecturer at the School of Optometry at Aston University, and shares her fascinating journey of navigating imposter feelings. Despite not following a traditional career path, she highlights the importance of embracing unique experiences and skills, proving that differences can be strengths rather than weaknesses.Samantha’s process of overcoming imposter feelings wasn’t instantaneous but gradual. Key to her progress was accepting mentorship and being open to receiving constructive feedback. Now in a position of influence, Samantha passionately supports her students by openly discussing challenges, making herself a relatable mentor and reinforcing the culture of kindness and empathy. This approach aims to dismantle the daunting walls of self-doubt that many young professionals face today.You can get in touch with Samantha via her LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.In this episode, our host Sophie Poduval-Morrell focuses on helping young professionals in the West Midlands build career confidence and tackle the concept imposter phenomena. Our guest this week is Rebecca (Becca) Horley, a Future Faces member and recently crowned Birmingham Law Society's Solicitor of the Year. Becca shares her experiences with imposter phenomena, detailing her journey to becoming an associate at Shoesmiths, and offers practical advice on building self-confidence, creating a supportive network, and the importance of setting goals and making plans. She also emphasizes the value of one's unique personal style in enhancing confidence and professional success. Becca's story includes her daily routines, fashion inspirations, and strategies she uses to maintain a work-life balance, underscoring the importance of resilience and continuous personal development.You can get in touch with Becca via her LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.In this episode, our host Sophie Poduval-Morrell introduces Belinda Kaur, a dynamic professional renowned for her expertise in marketing, mentoring, and motivation. Belinda shares her journey from studying computer science to thriving in various roles such as red carpet hosting and running her own business. She candidly discusses her struggles with imposter syndrome, the importance of confidence, and how mentorship has played a crucial role in her personal and professional growth. Belinda provides invaluable tips on building confidence, navigating career changes, and the power of networking. The episode emphasizes the significance of setting and achieving goals, as well as pushing through self-doubt to advance in one's career.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

This special episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast features a live recording of the IWD Conference & Expo, recorded by the IWD Conference & Expo team. Our host Sophie Poduval-Morrell hosted a panel on young professional women, centred around empowering girls for career success, the importance of self-care, being authentic, and what is it like to be in a male-dominated industry. The panel included the voices of four prominent young professional women: Ebony Belle, a mental health nurse and practitioner, specialist mentor, founder of Belle-Being, and senior manager at Vision For All CIC; Freya Dearman, a trainee solicitor and vice president of Future Faces; Nadia Johnstone-Smith, a private client & COP advisor at Quilter Cheviot Financial Planning ; and Ibukun Oluleye (Ibby), brand executive at Tribera and events leader. The panel addresses key issues such as the importance of networking, balancing career with personal well-being, finance management, authenticity in the workplace, and overcoming social mobility barriers. They share personal experiences and advice on maintaining mental health, handling gender challenges in male-dominated industries, managing LinkedIn presence, and the significance of International Women's Day in their lives.Future Faces would like to thank the founders of the IWD Conference & Expo, Kasim Choudhry and Edwin Ladd, as well as the rest of the team, for kindly providing the live recording of the panel.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.Today, we are shining a spotlight on a truly inspiring story featuring the gifted fashion designer and salon owner, Rosie Billington. Hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, this episode focuses on the power of personal branding and staying true to one's purpose in the competitive world of fashion.Rosie Billington's journey into fashion didn't follow a conventional path. From an early age, Rosie's desire to do something creative set her apart from the typical nine-to-five routine. With a love for art and fashion, she embarked on a journey that would see her wearing multiple hats—fashion designer, salon owner, and an everlasting contributor to the personal style landscape.By designing for herself and her circles, she quickly gathered a loyal clientele, becoming a favorite on red carpets and prestigious events like the GBYPY Awards and the Grammys.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.DISCLAIMER: This episode touches on potentially distressing topics, such as cancer treatment.Following on with this month's theme of being known for your purpose, our host Sophie interviews Morgan Paine, a consultant transport planner and Future Faces member.Morgan shares his poignant journey of being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 20, his intense treatment process, and how his fitness background played a crucial role in his recovery.During the pandemic, he faced additional challenges but remained determined to regain his health. Morgan talks about his evolving purpose of raising awareness about mental and physical health among young professionals and the importance of paying attention to one's body.He discusses how Future Faces helped him amplify his message and the steps he took to transition back to normal life, focusing on his purpose and future goals.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to another episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth. This month, our theme revolves around being known for your purpose and aligning it with your personal brand. In today’s fast-paced business world, the noise can often drown out our sense of personal direction. If you’re seeking to define your purpose and refine your personal brand, this is the podcast episode for you. Our host Sophie is joined by her colleague at the GBCC, Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. Known for her strong sense of purpose and a robust personal brand, Anjum shares her journey and insights. She speaks about her experience of stepping into the business world, building a brand without even realizing it initially, and the responsibility that comes with it. The episode also touches on upcoming Future Faces events focused on personal branding and the Imposter Phenomena. You can find more information on the GBCC events calendar. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes. You can get in touch with Anjum via her LinkedIn.

In this episode of the Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval Morrell, manager of Future Faces Chamber of Commerce, the focus is on goal setting. Guest Rebecca Mander, founder of GuruYou, discusses her journey from managing director to executive coach, highlighting significant personal and professional challenges. The conversation covers the importance of setting big, realistic goals, the concept of the Bounce Mindset, and overcoming obstacles like fear of failure and overwhelm. Rebecca also shares practical advice on the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals and the benefits of mentorship and coaching. The episode also touches on upcoming Future Faces events focused on personal branding and the Imposter Phenomena. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes. You can access Rebecca's Career Confidence Kit mentioned in the episode HERE, as well as her E-Book HERE. Get in touch with Rebecca and her team via her LinkedIn or the GuruYou website.

Welcome to a special edition of the Future Faces podcast series, where we celebrate exceptional talent from the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards. Hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, manager of Future Faces, this edition brings you stories of triumph, resilience, and inspiration from award winners across a spectrum of industries. Eleven young professionals were recently honored for their contributions to fields such as finance, legal, not-for-profit, and creative arts, among others. These accolades spotlight the diverse and unique backgrounds of our winners, emphasizing their impact within the Greater Birmingham community. The collective wisdom and advice shared by the winners serves as a reminder of the value of recognition and reflection. Future applicants are encouraged to apply for the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2025 awards to seize a chance to shine and inspire.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Future Faces podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell. This new episode celebrates the achievements of Santina Bunting, the youngest winner of the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (GBYPY) Awards. A civil engineering apprentice at Arup, Santina reflects on her decision to pursue an apprenticeship over traditional education, influenced by her mother's sacrifices. She emphasizes the supportive environment at Arup and the opportunities provided through the Future Faces network. The discussion highlights the importance of visibility, education, and diversity in the professional world, with anecdotes about organizing successful community and networking events. Santina's experiences and positive outlook advocate for women in STEM and underscore the value of early career investment for future leadership development.

In a powerful and compelling new episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we were introduced to Gabriel Imevbore, an eloquent, determined, and inspiring sales director at Z Digital UK. Hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, this episode highlights Gabriel's journey, which resonates with the theme of Black History Month, touching upon the significance of social mobility and the unique challenges faced by young Black professionals. Gabriel discusses his challenging upbringing, marked by his mother's battles with severe depression, financial hardships, and his own youthful rebellion. His story traverses his time in emergency accommodation at St. Basil's, several years at the YMCA, and the transformative mentorship of DK James. Despite early struggles, Gabriel rose to become a successful young professional. His story includes becoming the youngest trustee of YMCA Heart of England, and winning notable awards like the Third Sector Award and Young Leader of the Year. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

In episode 38 of the Future Faces podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce interviews Ashley Kerr, an associate at Mills & Reeve and a former member of the Future Faces Committee. Ashley shares his inspiring career journey, discussing his personal experiences with social mobility. From his challenging school years where he had to fight for education while caring for his sick grandfather, to navigating university applications without family support, and eventually succeeding in the legal profession, Ashley's story is one of determination and resilience. The conversation underscores the importance of social mobility and the impact of networking, mentorship, and perseverance in achieving career goals.

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals, families or groups through a system of social hierarchy. Basically, it talks about moving up or down the social ladder based on your wealth, occupation, age, gender or other social variables. In episode 37 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from Alena Dudrah and Phil Hunt from mfg Solicitors. Sophie talks to Alena and Phil about their career journeys and how social mobility has shaped how they got to where they are today, including a special insight into the inner workings of the legal profession pathway. They also discuss the upcoming professional development event on social mobility, taking place on 25 September at The Button Factory. The event will feature a live panel discussion on how social mobility affects the workplace, with key speakers such as Gabriel Imevbore, Emma Chater, Javed Ahmed and Baoli Zhao. Visit the GBCC events website for more information.

It's two months to go until we celebrate the successes and achievements of young professionals at the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards 2024, taking place at the ICC on Friday, 18 October. In episode 36 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from this years awards ceremony host, Amber Sandhu. With a diverse and extensive background in the media, spanning across TV and radio broadcasting for BBC Midlands Today, BBC Asian Network, BBC Radio WM and Sky Sports News, including covering the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Amber will be bringing her dynamic personality to the ICC stage to present the awards ceremony. In this episode, Amber talks to Sophie about personal brand, imposter syndrome and how important it is for social media to be a safe space to share content that is authentic to you. Sophie also talks about the upcoming awards and their importance to the careers of young professionals, with the shortlist being announced very soon.

Participating in a mentor scheme programme can be hugely beneficial for anyone's career, whether they are a young professional or a senior leader. In episode 35 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from Heart FM presenter and marketing communications expert Ed James, and his mentee Georgia Turvey, social media content executive at Liquid and the genius behind the Future Faces TikTok account. Sophie talks to Ed and Georgia about their mentoring relationship, and how the scheme has helped Georgia to create a new-found confidence in areas such as public speaking and personal brand. Ed also offers a special insight into the workings behind being a mentor, and how having a mentee is equally important for growth as a senior leader.

Young professionals can benefit hugely from either having a mentor or being a mentor themselves, and in episode 34 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast we hear just how much of an impact a mentor relationship can have on an individual. Sophie talks to one of the successful matches from the Future Faces mentor scheme programme, general manager of Touchwood Solihull, Tony Elvin, and Money Chopra, cluster sales manager at Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin. Tony and Money offer an insight into their mentor/mentee relationship, detailing how the mentor scheme has impacted both of them in their careers and personal lives. Find out how Tony's advice and support has helped Money to achieve her goals and aspirations in the last six months.

As we approach the end of Pride Month, Future Faces continues to shine a light on the movement by welcoming Char Bailey, director of people and culture at Birmingham Pride UK. Char joins Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell and co-host Nadia Johnstone-Smith from the Future Faces diversity and inclusion group to discuss the year-round support offered by Birmingham Pride, as well as the evolution of the 27-year-old organisation. Char also speaks candidly about some of the barriers she has had to overcome as a mixed race, neurodiverse member of the LGBTQ+ community. Find out why the work done by Birmingham Pride has "massive ripple effect for the rest of the world."

In episode 32 of Future Faces, The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from Shereen Johal, associate at Shoosmiths and member of the Future Faces Diversity and Inclusion working group. DISCLAIMER: This episode features potentially upsetting topics, including abuse and discrimination. Please listen at your own discretion. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Shereen about her own personal journey of being a member of the LGBTQ+ community in the legal sector, including how she advocates and raises awareness for the community in a variety of ways. Shereen shares a brave and thought-provoking insight into how she has dealt with discrimination herself, and talks about how people can support the LGBTQ+ community by being an ally. If you would like to get in touch with Shereen, you can find her on LinkedIn.

In episode 31 of Future Faces, The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from committee member Hannah Ellis, senior business manager at Lloyds Bank. DISCLAIMER: This episode features potentially upsetting topics, including eating disorders and cancer. Please listen at your own discretion. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Hannah about her own personal journey with mental health struggles, including how she overcame her struggles and the support she received from work as well as her family and friends. If you would like to get in touch with Hannah, you can find her on LinkedIn. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please reach out to people who can help you. Below is a list of resources for mental health awareness and support: www.mind.org.uk birminghammind.org www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ www.betterhelp.com www.mentalhealth.org.uk www.youngminds.org.uk www.sane.org.uk

In episode 30 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from Kerrie Henry-Edge and Mike Jeffries, who are part of the team at our chosen charity Birmingham Mind. Kerrie is Birmingham Mind's fundraising officer, while Mike heads the role of training manager. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Kerrie and Mike about the work they do at Birmingham Mind, including the mental health services they offer for the people of wider Birmingham. Kerrie and Mike also give a preview into what they will be doing for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place from the 13th to the 19th of May, as well as a special insight into the mental health first aid courses they provide for businesses. If you would like to get in touch with Kerrie or Mike, you can find them on LinkedIn.

In episode 29 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from Alice Kinder, senior associate solicitor at Bexley Beaumont. Alice is also the youngest president in 204 years of the Birmingham Law Society, as well as last year's winner of the Greater Birmingham Legal Young Professional of the Year award. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Alice about her career in the legal sector, especially her role as the current president of the Birmingham Law Society, and the importance of leadership for young professionals. Alice also offers a special insight into her views on empowerment and the female voice in the business community. If you would like to get in touch with Alice, you can find her on LinkedIn.

In episode 28 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from leadership experts Louise Teboul and Avni Ahuja. Louise and Avni are both key figures at Common Purpose, who provide transformative learning experiences to professionals, in order to give them the skills, mindset and spark to make a difference. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Louise and Avni about the importance of leadership, and how young professionals can foster a working style that will help them to move forward in their careers towards being leaders of their sectors. Louise and Avni also give a special insight into how Common Purpose can provide leadership advice for professionals, including their Legacy Programme. If you would like to get in touch with Louise, Avni and the team at Common Purpose, please visit their website at commonpurpose.org You can also find Louise and Avni on LinkedIn.

In episode 27 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from mindfulness in the workplace expert Amanda Jackson from Beacon Learning and Performance Limited. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Amanda about Mindfulness and Resilience, and how we can incorporate them into our daily lives through something as simple as folding our laundry. Amanda gives a special insight into how all people have different resilience limitations, and how mindfulness practices can be used to benefit our mental health. If you would like to get in touch with Amanda and the team at Beacon Learning and Performance Limited, please call ⁠07969 776075  or email [email protected]. You can also find Amanda on LinkedIn.

In episode 26 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from leadership coaching expert Rebecca Mander from GuruYou. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Rebecca about Self-Doubt and the Imposter Phenomena (otherwise known as Imposter Syndrome), and how young professionals can tackle these feelings in order to persevere in their careers. Rebecca also gives us a special insight into the Bounce Forward programme, as well as what our young professionals can expect from our Resilience and Mindfulness professional development event, taking place on 12 March at Mills & Reeve, as part of our Bounce Forward mini-series. If you would like to get in touch with Rebecca and the team at GuruYou, please call  0121 270 4300 or email [email protected]. You can also find Rebecca on LinkedIn.

In episode 25 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from two of our fantastic Future Faces vice presidents - Amy Jacklin and Sarah Griffiths. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to the VPs about why they wanted to join the Future Faces committee, and what they are looking forward to getting stuck into most about the upcoming year. We also hear a special insight from Sophie about her role as Future Faces manager, and what she is looking forward to about the upcoming year.

In episode 24 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from some new faces on our fantastic Future Faces committee - Adam Gadsby, Harry Paige and Jasmine Caine. Our new faces are also joined by re-elected committee member, Will Crawford. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to the group about why they wanted to join the Future Faces committee, and what they are looking forward to getting stuck into most about the upcoming year.

In episode 23 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from five members of our brand new Future Faces executive committee, including our President Kasim Choudhry and new vice-president, Freya Dearman. Joining Kasim and Freya are new committee members Faye Jacklin and Jamie Gibson, as well as longstanding committee member Tom Bower. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to the committee members about their own journeys with Future Faces, as well as what they are looking to bring to the network in the next year.

In episode 22 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, head of Creative Partnerships at Birmingham Hippodrome and overall winner of the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards 2023. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Zaylie about her career journey into the Creative Arts sector, through to winning the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2023. Zaylie talks about her awards journey, from the application process to her judges interview, as well as what it has been like for her since she won her award. Zaylie also offers a personal insight into being a working mother, with how she has juggled having a young baby, spearheading the Creative Partnerships department at Birmingham Hippodrome, and applying for the awards.

In episode 21 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from Tara Attfield-Tomes, founder of PR agency EAST VILLAGE., and Georgie Butler, associate director at Blackberry Events. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Tara and Georgie about the importance of being both a mentor and mentee in a young professionals' career, and how young professionals can access a mentor through the Future Faces network. Tara and Georgie offer a personal insight into their own mentor relationship, and how the mentoring journey contributed to both their careers.

In episode 20 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from Faye Jacklin, assistant manager at Claritas Tax, and Leon Thomas, Media and Partnerships consultant at Pearl Comms. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Faye and Leon about the importance of diversity and inclusion, and why businesses must invest in their work spaces and people in order to create a diverse and inclusive environment. Faye and Leon offer a personal insight into their own career journeys, and how ensuring the businesses they work for are equipped to deal with people with diverse abilities has been a key part of choosing their career paths.

In episode 19 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from Alex Bishop, co-head of Shoosmiths in Birmingham. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Alex about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace following Shoosmiths' move to their new offices, and what businesses can do to ensure their employees feel like they are being included and listened to. Alex offers an in-depth insight into the design process behind the new Shoosmiths offices at 103 Colmore Row, including everything herself and co-head Beth McArdle considered in their design decisions with input from their fellow employees, and why each design decision was so important.

In episode 18 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from one of the prime movers of the BYPY awards, John James. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to John about the history of the BYPY awards, his involvement in it, and why it is so important for young professionals to be involved in awards, such as the upcoming Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards 2023. John offers an insight into his life and career in Birmingham, and a personal reflection on his and other prime movers' involvement in bringing the BYPY awards to the city.

In episode 17 of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from previous BYPY awards winner Laura Thursfield on this month’s theme of Imposter Syndrome. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell talks to Laura, director and chartered financial planner at Mazars, about winning the BYPY awards in 2018, and how Imposter Syndrome had an impact on building her career after winning the award. They talk about how Imposter Syndrome feels, how to try and overcome it, and how important it is for young professionals to apply for the upcoming Greater BYPY awards (applications close on Monday 10th of July.) Laura offers an in-depth insight into her career journey, and how winning the awards presented her with opportunities she wouldn't have thought to be possible.