Wit + Grit

What if the biggest barrier isn't disability - but perception?In this deeply moving episode of Wit + Grit, PJ and Andy sit down with Taylor Mackenzie, Special Olympics GB swimmer, gold medallist and athlete leader, alongside Laura Baxter MBE, CEO of Special Olympics Great Britain.Taylor shares her remarkable journey - from a young girl who struggled to speak, to becoming a double gold medallist in Berlin and now preparing to attempt a Guinness World Record just months after major spinal surgery.Laura explains why Special Olympics is about far more than medals. It's about confidence, belonging, opportunity and challenging society's assumptions about people with intellectual disabilities.Together they explore leadership, resilience, inclusion and why success should sometimes be measured by friendship, courage and joy rather than trophies.This isn't simply a conversation about sport.It's a conversation about seeing people for who they are - and what becomes possible when we do.Key TakeawaysPeople before labelsSpecial Olympics focuses on the person - not the disability.Success looks differentWinning isn't always measured by medals. Sometimes it's confidence, friendship and simply showing up.Courage changes everythingTaylor's comeback after spinal surgery shows resilience in its purest form.Inclusion starts with conversationThe biggest thing we can do is simply engage with people.Challenge assumptionsAbility should always come before disability.Different thinking is a strengthPeople with intellectual disabilities often bring unique perspectives that organisations desperately need.Self-belief begins with someone believing in youFor Taylor, that started with her parents.Legacy isn't built after an eventIt's created years before through education, opportunity and changing perceptions.Chapters List00:00 Finding a Voice Through Special Olympics01:03 Taylor’s Journey Into Swimming04:21 Why Sport Creates Opportunity06:46 National Games in Birmingham09:38 The Origins of Special Olympics10:44 The Athlete Oath: Be Brave in the Attempt11:50 Community, Confidence and Friendship13:34 Changing Perceptions Beyond Sport19:05 Family Support and Taylor’s Berlin Golds29:05 Recovery, Resilience and a World-Record Goal32:30 What Athletes Teach Us About Success34:56 Building a More Inclusive Future40:08 Athlete Leadership and Advocacy42:46 A Future World Games in Great Britain45:48 Partnerships That Create Change48:18 The Lasting Impact of the National Games50:21 How to Support the National Games

What kind of Birmingham do we want to be living in 20 years from now - and are we backing ourselves strongly enough to create it?In Episode 43 of Wit + Grit we are joined by Natalie King for a wide-ranging conversation about Birmingham’s identity, investment, talent and future.Natalie explains why successful city-building cannot be measured only by attracting major businesses. The strongest cities also protect their culture, character and sense of place - creating somewhere people genuinely want to live, work and spend time.She reflects on beginning her career with Marketing Birmingham, turning an internship into a permanent role within two weeks, and the energy, curiosity and willingness to get involved that helped shape her career.The conversation also explores personal branding, confidence, vulnerability, coaching and the importance of bringing young people into rooms where decisions are made. Natalie argues that listening is not enough: young people need access, ownership and genuine opportunities to influence what happens next.From AI and psychological safety to civic pride and the future of Birmingham, this is a hopeful conversation about backing talent, asking better questions and creating a city that is ambitious without losing its heart and soul.Key takeawaysBirmingham has the track record to win major investment, but the type of investment matters as much as the amount.Culture, talent, hospitality and quality of life are central to attracting people and businesses.Cities should be designed around the lives people want to lead - not simply around buildings and corporate investment.Confidence grows when people repeatedly prove to themselves that they can do difficult things.Personal branding is really about understanding what opportunities people should immediately associate with you.Young people often underestimate the value of their perspective and the power of asking good questions.Bringing emerging talent into important rooms creates learning, confidence and better decision-making.Inclusion means giving younger colleagues ownership - not inviting them merely to observe or take notes.Vulnerability and honest conversations help create psychological safety at work.AI is most effective when it supports, rather than replaces, human judgement, empathy and connection.Birmingham needs to stop retreating into self-deprecation and become more confident in telling its own story.Mentors and coaches help people identify possibilities they cannot see while immersed in day-to-day work.The Birmingham of 2035 should be better connected, less car-dependent and full of meaningful opportunities for local talent.If we want young people to shape the future, we must give them access, platforms and the power to influence real decisions.Chapters List00:00 Birmingham's Investment Potential01:48 Natalie's Journey into the Workforce08:11 The Importance of Personal Branding11:01 Encouraging Young Voices14:04 Navigating Challenges in a New Role16:59 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Young People19:11 Empowering Others Through Sponsorship20:11 The Role of AI in Business21:27 Youth Perspectives on Urban Development22:53 Bridging the Gap Between Generations24:16 Birmingham's Brand and Identity26:08 The Importance of Mentoring and Coaching27:32 Envisioning Birmingham in 203529:09 Reflections on Leadership and Community

What happens when you spend decades building a successful career before finally understanding how your mind really works?In this episode of Wit + Grit, leadership consultant and soon-to-be-published-author Damian Kirk shares the life-changing impact of receiving an ADHD and dyslexia diagnosis at the age of 51. What followed wasn’t limitation, it was liberation.Together, we explore why self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership, why we’re making work far more complicated than it needs to be, and what businesses can do to create environments where people genuinely thrive.From accountability over hierarchy, to AI, coaching, preparing young people for work and designing organisations for success, this is an honest conversation about leading with authenticity and building workplaces that bring out the best in people.Whether you’re a leader, a parent, a mentor or simply someone trying to understand yourself a little better, this episode is packed with practical insights you’ll take away long after the conversation ends.Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn’t changing your career. It’s finally understanding yourself.Key Takeaways* Self-awareness is one of the greatest leadership advantages you’ll ever develop.* A diagnosis doesn’t define you - it helps you understand your strengths.* Different thinking isn’t a weakness; it can become your greatest asset.* Great leaders create space for others to succeed rather than having all the answers.* Simplicity beats complexity in almost every organisation.* Accountability creates ownership; hierarchy often creates barriers.* AI won’t replace great leaders - but it may expose poor ones.* Coaching is one of the most valuable life skills anyone can learn.* Young people need more real-world experience, mentors and opportunities to explore.* Success rarely happens by accident - it is designed.KeywordsDamian Kirk, ADHD, Dyslexia, ADHD diagnosis, neurodiversity, leadership podcast, leadership development, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, coaching, accountability, organisational culture, AI in business, future of work, workplace leadership, business transformation, leadership consultant, career development, mentoring, Wit and Grit podcast, young people, work experience, success by design, leadership mindset, authentic leadership, business growth, employee engagement, change managementChapters00:00 Understanding Neurodiversity: A Personal Journey07:16 Transforming Leadership Through Self-Awareness13:12 Preparing the Next Generation for the Workforce20:09 Harnessing AI for Future Opportunities21:19 The Power of AI as a Capability22:58 Understanding Energy Costs and Their Complexity25:30 AI's Impact on Leadership and Management28:53 The Pinnacle Moment: Self-Awareness in Leadership31:13 Advice for Young Professionals and Future Aspirations

Gabriel Imevbore joins us to share his journey from growing up in Erdington, Birmingham, experiencing family breakdown and homelessness at 19, to becoming the youngest trustee in YMCA Heart of England’s 180-year history. In this good-old-heart-to-heart conversation, Gabriel talks about ambition, faith, entrepreneurship, Birmingham, fatherhood, opportunity, social mobility and why your circumstances may shape your opening chapter - but they don’t have to write the ending.Key takeawaysYour story is shaped by what you choose to do next.Young people need opportunity, not judgement.Birmingham has huge entrepreneurial talent that needs backing.Leaders must stay close to the ground level.Parents should respect the inspiration behind a child’s dreams.Unconventional thinkers need space to thrive.Success is health, family, purpose and giving back.Representation matters - but so does opening doors for others.KeywordsGabriel Imevbore, Wit and Grit, Birmingham, YMCA, homelessness, entrepreneurship, social mobility, young leaders, resilience, Birmingham business, opportunity, youth employment, leadership, community, personal story, Future Faces, National Grid, UpStride, AI, fatherhood, purpose, ambition.00:00 Gabriel's Early Life and Ambitions01:36 Challenges and Turning Points03:57 The Role of Education and Mentorship07:27 Finding Opportunities and Building a Network10:14 Community Impact and Giving Back11:51 Leadership and Ground-Level Engagement14:49 Pathways to Progress and Social Mobility16:09 Reflections on Talent Recognition and Future Aspirations16:38 Bridging Generational Gaps21:24 Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Impact23:18 Personal Growth and Family Dynamics

As our government moves towards restricting social media access for young people, the debate has shifted from whether there is a problem to what we do about it.In this episode, we sit down with Abi Edmunds, founder of Social Media Resilience, to explore the realities of growing up online and the skills young people need to navigate an increasingly complex digital world.From social media bans and online safety to AI-generated content, misinformation and emotional resilience, Abi shares what she’s learning from thousands of conversations in classrooms across the UK.Most importantly, she explains why banning technology alone won’t solve the problem. and why critical thinking, community and open conversations may be our best defence.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer or simply trying to make sense of modern life online, this is a conversation that matters.Key takeawaysThe social media ban is the start of a solution, not the solution itself.Young people don’t need more lectures. They need more conversations.Social media isn’t just scrolling. It’s community, identity, friendship and belonging.The most important digital skill may be critical thinking.We’re about as good at spotting AI content as flipping a coin.Online resilience starts with one simple habit: pause.Children often understand the technology better than adults. Adults need to understand the environment better than children.If we remove one platform, young people will find another. The underlying need for connection remains.Parents don’t need all the answers. They need better conversations.The future belongs to people who can question what they see, not just consume it.KeywordsSocial Media Resilience, Abi Edmunds, Online Safety, Digital Wellbeing, Critical Thinking, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Misinformation, Disinformation, Social Media Ban, Online Harm, Parenting, Education, Future Skills, Mental Health, Emotional Resilience, Young People, Schools, Technology, Digital Literacy, Media Literacy, Social Media, TikTok, Instagram, Algorithms, Wit + Grit PodcastChapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview00:36 Social media restrictions for youth: insights and challenges01:34 Australian social media trial: what worked and what didn't02:54 Introducing Social Media Resilience: mission and impact04:46 Parents' concerns and the importance of resilience education05:42 The evolving online landscape and youth behavior07:18 Classroom conversations and engaging young learners09:29 Building critical thinking skills and online literacy10:18 The influence of tech companies and behavioral design11:55 Society, democracy, and the power of algorithms12:24 Misconceptions about social media among parents13:38 Hope and opportunities in social media use14:39 Curriculum design for online critical thinking17:02 Role of schools and teachers in online safety education18:31 Success stories and classroom breakthroughs19:30 Practical tips for parents: grayscale and digital habits20:14 Teaching critical thinking in a world of AI and deepfakes21:05 Spotting AI-generated content: challenges and techniques21:45 The future of media and AI in society22:28 Personal social media habits and professional boundaries23:17 Advice for young adults on social media awareness24:04 Encouraging offline communities and healthy social habits25:00 The upcoming Screen Smart Parents newsletter26:27 Closing remarks and key takeaways

In this episode, we sit down with workplace futurist Stuart Evans to explore AI, robotics, the future of work and what it all means for young people.From agentic AI and humanoid robots to university debt, entry-level jobs, adaptability and the future of human skills, this is a conversation about what happens when work changes faster than our old systems can keep up.Stuart challenges the idea that young people should simply follow the same paths as previous generations and argues that the most valuable future skills may not be technical at all - but deeply human.Key takeaways* Work is shifting from a place you go to something you do.* AI assistants are only the start; agentic AI is the real shift.* Repeatable tasks will increasingly move away from humans.* Young people may be inheriting outdated career advice.* Degrees won’t always be the best route to meaningful work.* Adaptability may be the most important future skill.* Humans tolerate human failure more easily than tech failure.* Generation Alpha may redefine what work and success mean.* The future may need fewer traditional jobs, but more human value.* The big question is how humans and technology work together.KeywordsAI, future of work, agentic AI, workplace futurist, Stuart Evans, human skills, adaptability, Generation Alpha, robotics, humanoid robots, young people, careers, education, university, employability, automation, leadership, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, technology, work culture, Wit + Grit.Chapters List00:00 The Future of Work: A New Landscape03:07 AI and Its Impact on Employment05:42 Humanoid Robotics: The Next Frontier08:21 The Changing Perception of AI10:52 Education and the Skills Gap13:21 The Role of Adaptability in the Future16:01 Redefining Success for Future Generations18:24 The Shift in Work Dynamics20:50 Community and Career Identity23:38 The Future of Work: A Choice, Not a Necessity29:30 Understanding Generation Alpha: Digital Natives and Their World32:48 Education in the Age of AI: Preparing for the Future35:21 Navigating Career Paths: Embracing Adaptability37:35 The Ethics of AI: Data Centers and Autonomous Weapons39:40 Neuralink and the Future of Human Enhancement41:01 The Metaverse: Reality vs. Virtual Experience43:11 The Future of Work: A Blended Human-Digital Workforce

In this episode, PJ and Andy reflect on Jess Dunn’s week of work experience with Wit + Grit, what it revealed about young people, confidence, opportunity and the future of work.From students struggling to secure placements, to AI anxiety, skills shortages, third sector pressure and the need for businesses to “press go”, this is a conversation about moving beyond roundtables and into action.Let's do this.Key takeaways* Young people are more anxious about the future than many adults realise.* Work experience expectations are often far too low.* Businesses can make a huge impact by simply opening the door.* AI is creating both opportunity and fear for the next generation.* Human skills like critical thinking will matter more than ever.* The third sector is already doing vital work but often lacks resource.* We need better infrastructure connecting young people, schools, charities and businesses.KeywordsWit + Grit, work experience, young people, future of work, AI, Microsoft Work Trends, Birmingham, skills shortage, employability, third sector, social mobility, opportunity, critical thinking, youth employment, business leadership, placements.Chapters00:00 The Journey of Mentorship and Youth Empowerment02:15 Challenges in Youth Employment and Future Anxiety05:20 The Role of AI in Shaping Future Careers06:35 Creating Opportunities Through Collaboration08:48 The Importance of Human Skills in the AI Era11:57 Navigating the New Normal in a Changing World21:41 The Power of Reading and Inspiration22:24 Daily Habits and Small Efforts24:17 Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation25:52 Addressing the Skills Shortage Debate30:03 Engaging the Community for Change31:18 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations36:30 outro1.mp3

At 17, Jessica Dunn was trying to find work experience in media, marketing, journalism and radio. After around 10 rejections, she was almost left spending the week in the school canteen.In this episode, Jess shares how young people are really feeling about work, careers, AI, grades, rejection and opportunity.It’s an honest conversation about confidence, the gap between generations, and why businesses need to do more to open doors for the next generation.Key takeaways* Young people are anxious about future careers.* Rejection damages confidence earlier than we realise.* Many students need opportunity before they have experience.* Businesses can help through tasters, open days and placements.* AI is both exciting and unsettling for young people.* Grades matter, but they should not define someone’s future.* Investing in young people benefits everyone.KeywordsJessica Dunn, work experience, young people, next generation, careers, employability, AI, education, confidence, Birmingham, Wit + Grit, opportunity, youth voice, placements, business responsibility, future of work, social mobility.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Work Experience00:55 Young People's Perspectives on Careers02:18 Challenges Faced by Young People in the Job Market04:25 The Role of Schools and Businesses06:25 Future Aspirations and Advice for Peers08:44 The Impact of Social Media on Young People10:31 Parental Influence and Support12:11 Conclusion and Reflections on Opportunities13:47 Navigating Parental Relationships and Social Media14:36 The Overwhelming Nature of Current Events15:19 The Impact of AI on Education and Careers17:57 Balancing AI Use and Critical Thinking in Youth24:09 The Job Market and AI's Role in Youth Employment27:21 Parenting in the Age of AI and Education31:38 The Importance of Grades vs. Personal Growth

Ameesha Green is the founder of The Book Shelf, a book shepherd, philosophy thinker, mentor and proudly neurodivergent entrepreneur.In this episode, we explore ADHD, business, creativity, AI, education, philosophy, children’s futures, writing, and why one-size-fits-all thinking simply does not work. From naming her childhood teddies after philosophers to building a publishing business, Ameesha shares a refreshingly honest view on how different minds work, why books still matter, and whether AI is helping us think better — or helping us avoid thinking altogether.Key takeaways* ADHD can be both a creative advantage and a practical challenge.* Self-awareness matters more than forcing yourself into broken systems.* One-size-fits-all education does not serve every child.* AI can be a sparring partner, not a replacement for thinking.* Books still have the power to pass wisdom between generations.* Entrepreneurship is rarely linear — sometimes you build by saying yes.* Writing can help turn ideas into impact.KeywordsAmeesha Green, ADHD, neurodivergence, AI, creativity, philosophy, books, publishing, entrepreneurship, The Book Shelf, book shepherd, education, children’s future, critical thinking, Stoicism, business ownership, self-awareness, Wit + Grit.Chapters00:00 Navigating Neurodivergence in Business02:46 The Role of Stoicism in Entrepreneurship05:03 Philosophy and Its Impact on Decision Making07:35 The Importance of Open Conversations with Kids10:33 Political Engagement and Community Involvement13:18 The Power of Books to Change Lives16:17 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Children's Books25:33 A Meandering Journey to Business28:56 Transitioning to Hybrid Publishing30:49 Learning from Authors and Their Stories33:03 Navigating Challenges as a Business Owner36:03 The Importance of Side Hustles38:10 Crafting Your Elevator Pitch39:31 The Role of AI in Publishing42:00 The Benefits of Writing45:05 Reflections on Personal Growth46:21 Wit and Grit in Business

Former police officer Hannah Bailey spent years working in high-pressure frontline roles, telling everyone she was fine while quietly carrying trauma, stress and undiagnosed PTSD.In this powerful episode, Hannah shares how a cancer diagnosis brought unexpected relief because it meant she no longer had to go back to work, why real resilience is not the same as silence, and how she rebuilt her life through treatment, therapy, humour and a completely new understanding of wellbeing.This is a conversation about trauma, workplace culture, cancer, PTSD, leadership, laughter, and what it really means to be well long term.Key takeaways* Looking “fine” on paper can hide deep emotional and mental exhaustion.* High-pressure cultures can train people to stay silent until they break.* Real resilience is not invincibility; it is knowing when to ask for help.* Leaders need to notice changes in people, not just performance.* Humour and connection can help the brain feel safe again.* Wellbeing support must be proactive, genuine and led from the top.KeywordsMental health, PTSD, trauma, policing, cancer survivor, resilience, workplace wellbeing, burnout, leadership, psychological safety, therapy, BWRT, Blue Light Wellbeing, stress, high-pressure work, police officer, emotional health, workplace culture.Chapters List00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Journey00:20 The Relief of a Cancer Diagnosis01:52 The Impact of Workplace Culture on Mental Health04:21 The Struggles of a Police Officer06:33 The Identity Crisis of a Police Officer09:22 The Journey Through Cancer Treatment11:47 The Role of Support Systems14:06 Finding Hope in Alternative Treatments16:51 The Power of Mindset and Resilience19:00 The Importance of Long-term Wellbeing24:39 Healing Through BWRT: A Personal Journey29:14 Understanding Trauma: The Role of the Amygdala and Hippocampus34:10 The State of Mental Health in Organisations36:19 Recognising Symptoms of Mental Health Issues42:12 Addressing Concerns: How to Approach Colleagues45:23 Wit and Grit: The Power of Humour and Resilience

The graduate job market has never been more competitive, with up to 150 applicants per role, but that doesn’t mean opportunity has disappeared.In this episode, we sit down with Kristie Brookes and Liv Roden from Aston University to unpack what it’s really like to be a student right now, and what employers might be getting wrong.We explore the growing gap between education and employment, why “entry-level” roles now expect experience, and how students can stand out in a world of AI-generated CVs and identical applications.From “power skills” and emotional intelligence to hiring for potential over perfection, this is a practical, honest conversation about the future of work - and how both students and employers need to adapt.If you’ve got kids heading into the world of work, or you’re hiring the next generation, this one matters.Key TakeawaysThe graduate market is tougher than ever — but opportunity still existsDifferentiation is everything (and it’s not just about grades)Employers should hire for potential, not just experienceAI is changing entry-level work, but human skills matter more than ever“Power skills” (leadership, AI, innovation, emotional intelligence) are the real advantageStudents aren’t lazy - they’re navigating a completely different worldYour personality, passion, and story are what set you apartThemes • Future of work • Early careers / graduate market • AI & employability • Emotional intelligence • Identity & confidence • Social mobility • Hiring & leadershipKeywords graduate jobs, early careers, Aston University, employability, Gen Z workforce, hiring graduates, AI in recruitment, power skills, soft skills, student careers, internships UK, graduate market UK, career advice, emotional intelligence at work, leadership skills, entry level jobs UKChapters00:00 Meet the Employer Engagement Officers01:40 Current Student Experience and Market Challenges05:44 Understanding the Role of Employer Engagement Officers08:56 Career Journeys of Kristie and Olivia13:48 Aston University: Opportunities and Offerings16:45 Power Skills and Student Preparedness20:02 Perceptions of Young People in the Workforce21:50 Emotional Intelligence in the Job Market24:57 Demonstrating Passion and Personality28:55 The Value of University Experience33:10 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Career Paths