Favourite Positions

In this episode of The Modern Career Playbook, Alex speaks with Teri Thomas about personal brand, visibility and what it really takes to build a credible, fulfilling and future-relevant career today.Teri is the founder of Beyond & Co, a business specialising in growth through people-led marketing. She works with leaders and founders to help them use their voice, perspective and presence more intentionally, not as a form of self-promotion, but as a way to build trust, create value and drive growth.This is a thoughtful and practical conversation about how careers evolve, why doing good work is not always enough on its own, and how clarity, visibility and authentic communication can shape progression, leadership and opportunity.In this episode, Alex and Teri discuss:how Teri’s definition of success, confidence and credibility has changed over timewhy talented people are often under-leveraging themselveswhy doing good work alone is not always enough for progressionwhat personal brand really means and why it is often misunderstoodhow to think about authentic visibility without falling into performative self-promotionthe relationship between personal brand, leadership and growthemployee-generated content and why businesses are paying more attention to ithow AI is changing the way people communicate, create and show up at workwhy leaders need to protect their own voice and thinking in an AI-shaped worldwhere to start if you know you have more to offer but struggle to articulate your valueKey takeaways:Personal brand is not about self-promotion. It is about clarity, trust and value.Doing strong work matters, but people also need to understand the value you bring.Visibility is most powerful when it feels aligned, intentional and authentic.AI can be a useful tool, but it should not replace your perspective, judgment or voice.Careers often progress faster when people learn to articulate their value clearly and consistently.Connect with Teri:Beyond & CoLinkedInTeri's InstagramBeyond & Co's InstagramMentioned in this episode:The Squiggly Career BookHattie Crisell, In Writing PodcastFollow Favourite Positions:⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠About the series:The Modern Career Playbook is a series of conversations with credible leaders and specialists exploring what progression, leadership and career development actually look like today.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who’s figuring out how to grow in their career, lead people more effectively, or simply feel more confident at work.

In this episode of The Modern Career Playbook, Alex speaks with Dr Hayley Dawson about why being good at your job is not always enough on its own, and why the human side of work matters more than ever.Hayley is the founder of Let’s Talk Human Skills, creator of Human Skill School, and host of Let’s Talk. Her work focuses on helping people communicate more clearly, collaborate more effectively and build stronger working relationships, so they can feel more confident and make a greater impact at work.This is a thoughtful and practical conversation about communication, collaboration, confidence and career development. Hayley puts into words something many people feel but do not always know how to name - that the way we handle people, relationships and difficult moments at work shapes far more than we realise.In this episode, Alex and Hayley discuss:why technical ability alone is not always enough for career progressionwhat human skills actually are and why they matterthe difference between technical, operational, human and human-machine interaction skillswhy durable skills like communication and relationship-building matter even more in an AI-shaped worldhow to become more confident in meetings, emails and difficult conversationsthe role of managers in helping people build stronger human skillsthe value of feedback in the momentwhy small actions and “micro moves” can transform working relationshipswhy work friends matter, not just professionally, but personally tooKey takeaways:Being technically strong is important, but it is often human skills that shape trust, visibility and progression.Communication, relationship-building and collaboration are durable skills that will remain valuable even as work changes.Small day-to-day actions can have a huge impact on how relationships at work develop.Managers can play a big role by giving feedback in the moment rather than waiting for formal reviews.Building friendships at work can make working life more meaningful, supportive and fulfilling.Connect with Hayley:Let’s Talk Human SkillsHuman Skill SchoolNewsletterInstagramLinkedInFollow Favourite Positions:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteAbout the series:The Modern Career Playbook is a series of conversations with credible leaders and specialists exploring what progression, leadership and career development actually look like today.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who’s figuring out how to grow in their career, lead people more effectively, or simply feel more confident at work.

In the second episode of the Rezilien × Favourite Positions live debate series, Lily Kyriacou and Alex Young bring together leaders working across operations, digital engineering and transformation to explore a question that sits at the heart of modern execution:What breaks change first: human behaviour or organisational complexity?As organisations operate in what Lily describes as a state of rolling turbulence, where technological shifts, new operating models, changing investor expectations and restructures are all happening at once, strategies can look strong on paper while outcomes still fall short. So what is actually breaking in the process, and why?This live debate explores the tension between change fatigue, uncertainty and resistance on one side, and organisational complexity, structures, incentives and layers on the other. The conversation asks whether change breaks because people do, or whether organisations are still creating conditions that make successful change harder than it needs to be.Joined by Matt Deadman, Chloe Holt and Ella Blakstad, Lily and Alex unpack how culture, leadership behaviour, communication, accountability and clarity all shape whether change lands well or begins to wobble. The discussion also explores what AI is exposing in organisations, why ambiguity is becoming the norm for leaders and how value creation at work is beginning to shift.GuestsMatt Deadman - COO EMEA at NaviamChloe Holt - Chief Client Officer at Godel Technologies EuropeElla Blakstad - Senior Manager at AccentureHosts⁠Lily Kyriacou⁠ - Founder of Rezilien⁠Alex Young⁠ - Host of Favourite PositionsAbout the seriesThe Rezilien × Favourite Positions live debate series brings together credible leaders and specialists to explore what it really takes for people and organisations to perform through constant change.Across each conversation, the series examines the tensions shaping modern work, from adaptability, burnout and leadership to execution risk, organisational design and the human realities of AI-driven transformation.Rezilien was founded by Lily Kyriacou to turn execution from a vague art into a hard science. After 10+ years wrestling with the same execution failures while driving growth and transformation, she built what she wishes she’d had on sleepless nights.A decision‑support tool that shows CEOs whether their operating model can really deliver the growth strategy, helps them design and stress‑test treatment plans grounded in hard evidence and ROI, and tracks whether those changes are actually working.At its core, Rezilien is about stripping out bias, instinct, and the loudest voice in the room from critical execution decisions, so change is led by evidence rather than opinion.Favourite Positions is a podcast and platform founded by Alex Young, focused on honest, practical conversations about careers, leadership and the future of work.Together, this series is designed to create more useful, open and commercially relevant conversations about what it really takes to lead people well in a world of perpetual change.Follow Rezilien on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ and connect with Lily ⁠here⁠.Follow Favourite Positions on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ and connect with Alex ⁠here⁠.Referenced materialsMIT Sloan - When humans and AI work best together - and when each is better aloneMIT Sloan - New MIT Sloan research suggests AI more likely to complement, not replace, human workersHarvard Business Review - What Everyone Gets Wrong About Change ManagementMcKinsey - The human side of generative AI: Creating a path to productivityPwC - How culture can create value during M&A integration

In this episode of The Modern Career Playbook, Alex speaks with Leah Meredith about building a creative career, staying true to your values and creating work that feels both commercial and personal.Leah is the founder and creative director of Haus of Hyde and chief brand officer at Faves. In this conversation, she shares her journey from teaching into creative entrepreneurship, what she has learned about building brands and businesses with intention, and why modern careers often look far less linear than people expect.This is an honest and insightful conversation about creativity, self-belief, commercial growth and the importance of protecting what makes your work feel like yours.In this episode, Alex and Leah discuss:Leah’s journey from teaching into creative business ownershipbuilding Haus of Hyde and Faveswhat it means to have a multi-dimensional careerwhy modern careers are often non-linearbalancing creativity with commercial thinkingthe pressures facing people in creative industries todaycomparison, confidence and building work that feels true to youhow to grow without diluting your valuesKey takeaways:Careers do not need to follow a traditional or linear path to be credible.Creativity and commerciality do not need to be in conflict.Growth is most sustainable when it is rooted in clear values.Comparison can be deeply distracting, especially in creative work.The most compelling work usually comes from staying close to your own perspective and strengths.Connect with Leah:InstagramHaus of HydeFavesFaves newsletterFollow Favourite Positions:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteAbout the series:The Modern Career Playbook is a series of conversations with credible leaders and specialists exploring what progression, leadership and career development actually look like today.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone figuring out their own next step, and follow along for the rest of the series.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

In the first episode of the Rezilien × Favourite Positions live debate series, Lily Kyriacou and Alex Young bring together leaders working across AI, transformation, people and organisational change to explore a question sitting at the centre of modern work:Is human adaptability nearing its limit, or are organisations failing to create the conditions in which it can thrive?As change continues to accelerate through AI adoption, restructures, new ways of working and rising performance pressure, many organisations are still seeing execution strain, burnout, confusion and misalignment. So what is actually going wrong?This live debate explores whether the real issue is human resistance, or whether many organisations are still trying to manage modern change with outdated structures, weak communication, poor change discipline and rigid ideas of what work should look like.Joined by David Fearne, Rebecca Tovey and Fintan Canavan, Lily and Alex unpack what happens when transformation becomes constant rather than occasional, and why adaptability may be less about asking more of people and more about redesigning work, leadership and accountability around the reality of perpetual change.A few of the strongest ideas from the conversation include the importance of a growth-first mindset, the need to make change everyone’s accountability, the risk of treating AI like a simple software rollout and the idea that organisations may be reaching the limits of managing change in the same way they always have.GuestsDavid Fearne - Vice President of AI at NTT DATARebecca Tovey - Group Director, People, Transformation and Change at AmdarisFintan Canavan - Associate Director at Protiviti UKHostsLily Kyriacou - Founder of RezilienAlex Young - Host of Favourite PositionsAbout the seriesThe Rezilien × Favourite Positions live debate series brings together credible leaders and specialists to explore what it really takes for people and organisations to perform through constant change.Across each conversation, the series examines the tensions shaping modern work, from adaptability, burnout and leadership to execution risk, organisational design and the human realities of AI-driven transformation.Rezilien was founded by Lily Kyriacou to turn execution from a vague art into a hard science. After 10+ years wrestling with the same execution failures while driving growth and transformation, she built what she wishes she’d had on sleepless nights. A decision‑support tool that shows CEOs whether their operating model can really deliver the growth strategy, helps them design and stress‑test treatment plans grounded in hard evidence and ROI, and tracks whether those changes are actually working.At its core, Rezilien is about stripping out bias, instinct, and the loudest voice in the room from critical execution decisions, so change is led by evidence rather than opinion.Favourite Positions is a podcast and platform founded by Alex Young, focused on honest, practical conversations about careers, leadership and the future of work.Together, this series is designed to create more useful, open and commercially relevant conversations about what it really takes to lead people well in a world of perpetual change.Follow Rezilien on LinkedIn and Instagram and connect with Lily here.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram and connect with Alex here.Referenced materialsMcKinsey - Why managing culture is critical for value creation in M&APwC - How culture can create value during M&A integrationHarvard Business Review - A Guide to Building a Unified Culture After a Merger or AcquisitionMIT Sloan - When humans and AI work best together - and when each is better aloneMIT Sloan - New MIT Sloan research suggests AI more likely to complement, not replace, human workers

In this episode of The Modern Career Playbook, Alex speaks with Izzy about what it really takes to build a credible and fulfilling career in today’s world of work.This is an honest, practical conversation about progression, self-promotion and learning how to communicate your value clearly. Izzy shares sharp and genuinely useful reflections on why careers are rarely linear, why progression should never be treated as a last-minute conversation and why backing yourself matters more than many people realise.If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to advocate for yourself, ask for more, or navigate the twists and turns of a modern career, this episode is full of reminders that are both grounding and actionable.In this episode, Alex and Izzy discuss:why self-promotion mattershow to communicate your value more clearlywhy progression should be an ongoing conversationthe importance of backing yourselfwhy careers are rarely linearhow pivots, courage, consistency and timing shape career growthKey takeaways:Self-promotion is not something to feel awkward about. It is an important part of career progression.Progression should be discussed consistently, not only when a promotion is on the table.Strong careers are often shaped by pivots rather than perfect plans.Courage, consistency and timing all play a huge role in how careers develop.Connect with Izzy:InstagramYouTubeTikTokWebsiteLinkedInFollow Favourite Positions:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteAbout the series:The Modern Career Playbook is a series of conversations with credible leaders and specialists exploring what progression, leadership and career development actually look like today.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who’d enjoy it too and follow along for the rest of the series.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

The Position Papers (3/3) | Favourite Positions PodcastWhat if the most valuable lessons from business school aren’t the frameworks you learn, but the assumptions they quietly dismantle?In this final episode of The Position Papers mini-series, Alexandra Young reflects on five core MBA subjects — finance, macroeconomics, marketing, innovation and strategy — and the perspective shifts each one created in her day-to-day leadership. Rather than theory, this episode explores how concepts like opportunity cost, behavioural decision-making, external forces and organisational readiness change how we diagnose problems, make commitments and lead change at work.Across five short stories, this episode reframes common career instincts — saying yes, pushing ideas, attributing outcomes, staying in motion — and offers practical ways to think more strategically in complex environments.In this episodeOpportunity cost and the hidden trade-offs behind every yesHow external conditions shape performance outcomesWhy human decisions are rarely rationalThe role of organisational readiness in innovationStrategy as focus, commitment and translation into actionResearch referencedFrederick, Novemsky, Wang, Dhar & Nowlis (2009). Opportunity Cost Neglect. Journal of Consumer Research.Shows people make poorer decisions when opportunity costs are not made explicit.Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow.Foundational research demonstrating systematic biases and non-rational decision-making.Thaler, R. & Sunstein, C. (2008). Nudge.Evidence that defaults and choice architecture strongly influence behaviour.BCG (2024). Most Innovative Companies Report.Found 83% of firms rank innovation as a priority, but only 3% are ready to deliver.Case literature on organisational readiness and timing (e.g., technology adoption cycles).Shows innovation success depends on environmental and organisational conditions.About The Position PapersThe Position Papers is a three-part Favourite Positions mini-series on business school, confidence and growth, recorded during Alex’s MBA alongside full-time leadership. Each episode explores how ambition, identity and modern work intersect in practice.ConnectIf this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need it!You can connect with Alex on LinkedIn and follow Favourite Positions on Instagram for future episodes and resources.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

The Position Papers (1/3) | Favourite Positions PodcastBurnout is usually framed as doing too much of what you don’t care about. But what happens when the exhaustion comes from things you genuinely love?In this opening episode of The Position Papers mini-series, Alexandra Young explores a quieter, more complex form of burnout – the kind that exists alongside high engagement, ambition and growth. Drawing on research and her experience of balancing an MBA with a full-time leadership role, she reframes burnout as a design and misalignment problem rather than a personal failure.This episode explores why highly invested people are often most at risk, how competing commitments create hidden strain, and what actually helps when stepping back isn’t realistic or desirable.In this episodeWhy burnout and engagement can exist at the same timeThe difference between working hard and cognitively carrying workHow pace misalignment between individuals and systems creates frictionThe hidden guilt of caring about multiple things at onceWhy traditional burnout advice often misses ambitious, invested peopleBurnout as a design problem rather than a workload problemFive shifts discussedDefining what “good enough” looks like in the current seasonNaming trade-offs out loud instead of carrying them privatelyDesigning recovery before depletionBeing explicit about how you work bestRecognising early personal warning signsKey questions from the episodeIs your current pace chosen or accumulated?What trade-off are you carrying silently?If you redesigned your week around how you actually work best, what would change?Research referencedDHR Global (2024). Workforce Trends Report.Found 82% of workers report burnout while 88% report high engagement, highlighting that burnout and engagement can coexist.Lang, J. J. et al. (2023). Are algorithmically controlled gig workers deeply burned out? BMC Psychology.Demonstrates that burnout and work engagement can be positively correlated.World Health Organisation. ICD-11 Burnout Definition.Defines burnout as chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.Primeast (2025). The Manager’s Guide to Spotting Employee Burnout.Practitioner research on how burnout can coexist with high responsibility and investment at work.DHR Global (2024). Generational burnout findings.Shows Gen Z and millennials report the highest burnout rates across the workforce.About The Position PapersThe Position Papers is a three-part Favourite Positions mini-series on business school, confidence and growth, recorded during Alex’s MBA alongside full-time leadership. Each episode explores the intersection of ambition, identity and modern work.ConnectIf this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need it!You can connect with Alex on LinkedIn and follow Favourite Positions on Instagram for future episodes and resources.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

The Position Papers (2/3) | Favourite Positions PodcastConfidence is often framed as a personality trait – something you either have or you don’t. But what if confidence is actually contextual, shaped by environment, familiarity and perceived expectations?In this second episode of The Position Papers mini-series, Alexandra Young reflects on how business school reshaped her understanding of confidence. Drawing on psychological research and her experience of being in a high-achieving MBA cohort, she explores why self-doubt often increases in stretch environments, why visible confidence can be misleading, and how participation – not certainty – is what actually builds confidence over time.This episode reframes confidence as something situational and learnable rather than fixed, and offers practical ways to participate more fully in rooms that matter.In this episodeWhy confidence is situational rather than a fixed traitHow high-achieving environments amplify self-doubtThe gap between performed confidence and internal experienceThe psychological “spotlight effect” in group settingsWhy action builds confidence more reliably than preparationRethinking presence beyond volume or airtimeKey reframes discussedConfidence is familiarity with an environment, not personalityVisible confidence often masks private uncertaintyReadiness rarely precedes participationSilence increases pressure while contribution reduces itPresence does not require constant speakingKey questions from the episodeWhere do you currently feel most confident – and why?Is there a room you’ve been avoiding until you feel ready?What would you do if discomfort meant learning, not misfit?Research referencedKorn Ferry (2024). Global Imposter Syndrome Study.Found 71% of CEOs report experiencing imposter syndrome symptoms, with prevalence increasing at senior levels.Gilovich, Medvec & Savitsky (2000). The Spotlight Effect in Social Judgment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.Demonstrates that people significantly overestimate how much others notice their behaviour and mistakes.Google Trends / global search data (2024).Reported ~75% increase in searches for “imposter syndrome,” indicating rising public concern and self-doubt discourse.About The Position PapersThe Position Papers is a three-part Favourite Positions mini-series on business school, confidence and growth, recorded during Alex’s MBA alongside full-time leadership. Each episode explores the intersection of ambition, identity and modern work.ConnectIf this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need it!You can connect with Alex on LinkedIn and follow Favourite Positions on Instagram for future episodes and resources.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Nearly 80% of professionals across Europe say they feel unprepared to find a job in 2026. At the same time, almost half are planning to look for a new role this year.In this short, standalone episode of Favourite Positions, Alex Young is joined by LinkedIn Career Expert Charlotte Davies to unpack what’s driving that uncertainty – and what people can do about it.Charlotte shares insights from LinkedIn’s latest research, alongside practical advice on how professionals can build confidence, develop relevant skills and use their networks more intentionally in an increasingly AI-driven and competitive job market.This is a quick, grounding listen for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to focus their energy right now.What we coverWhy so many people feel unprepared for the job market in 2026The two most common mistakes people make when things feel uncertainHow to build confidence with AI without feeling overwhelmedWhy squiggly, non-linear careers are becoming the normWhat Gen Z is doing differently when it comes to skills and valuesSimple ways to use LinkedIn more intentionally and effectivelyOne mindset shift that helps people feel more resilient about their careersHelpful links mentioned in the episodeLinkedIn Job Search GuideJob Match – understand how your skills align with rolesAI-powered job search – search for jobs in your own wordsResume Feedback (Premium) – tailored feedback for specific rolesCover Letter Feature (Premium) – draft personalised cover lettersIf this episode resonated, stay tuned – more short, practical conversations are coming soon.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 SummaryIn this special solo episode of Work in Progress, Alex takes a step back to reflect on the biggest lessons learned so far from the series. Instead of interviewing a guest, this episode brings together the key themes that have emerged from conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs and career shapers about how work is changing and what it takes to thrive today.From the rise of AI and shifting career paths to the importance of personal brand and self-care, Alex shares insights, stories and practical advice to help you future-proof your career.💡 TakeawaysWork is changing faster than ever – AI isn’t replacing jobs, it’s reshaping themDream jobs aren’t found, they’re built through curiosity, experimentation and valuesPersonal brand is career insurance – even one thoughtful post a month builds credibilitySharing your learning journey makes you memorable and trusted, not just your winsCVs, cover letters and interviews still matter, but they need to work harder than everThriving at work comes down to clarity, connection and visibility once you’re in the roleSuccess without self-care doesn’t last – boundaries, routines and rest are strategicThe most future-proof skills remain human: creativity, empathy, adaptability🕒 ChaptersWhy this episode is different and what it coversThe biggest shifts in work: remote, balance, and AIDiscovering and pursuing your dream job in a non-linear worldBuilding a personal brand that works for you (including Grace’s example)How to strengthen your CV, cover letter and interview performanceThriving once you’ve landed the role: clarity, connection and visibilityBalancing work with self-care to prevent burnoutClosing reflections on the series and what’s coming nextFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 SummaryIn this episode of Work in Progress, we speak to Olly Haddock – solicitor, innovation specialist at Weightmans and founder of The Careers Edit – about redefining success, building careers that feel authentic and why networking desperately needs a rebrand.Alongside his legal practice, Olly helps lead innovation projects at Weightmans, creating tech-driven solutions to make law more efficient and client-focused. Through The Careers Edit, he’s built a global community of over 50,000 professionals, known for its fresh approach to events that swap stuffy boardrooms for spaces that encourage real conversations and meaningful connections.We explore why pressure can sometimes be a positive driver, how to pivot when a career path isn’t what you expected, and what the happiest professionals Olly meets have in common. Plus, we dig into the myths of networking, the skills we’ll all need in an AI-driven future, and how younger generations are reshaping the world of work.💡 TakeawaysPressure isn’t always negative – it can push you to achieve your best workNetworking is really just relationship building – and needs a total rebrandThe happiest professionals see work as more than tasks; it’s about experiences and relationshipsEmployers who empower their people to network externally show real confidence and trustBeing honest with yourself about what you actually want is key to defining successEmployee personal branding is becoming as powerful as company brandingAI will reshape roles – curiosity and self-motivated upskilling will be non-negotiable🕒 Chapters00:00 – Who is Olly Haddock and how does he introduce himself?01:23 – The story behind starting The Careers Edit03:51 – Early career plans and the importance of flexibility06:54 – Questioning the traditional checklist of success09:23 – Pressure as a motivator and driver of achievement11:16 – Why some professionals feel unfulfilled despite appearances12:15 – Backing instincts: moving into innovation in law16:34 – What the happiest professionals have in common18:32 – Co-working, connection, and the value of community19:41 – Why networking needs a rebrand22:39 – How careers really progress: word of mouth and relationships24:42 – Unconventional connections that shaped Olly’s career26:00 – First steps if your job is draining your energy28:45 – The rise of portfolio careers, purpose, and flexibility33:39 – The skills we’ll all need in an AI-driven future35:27 – How the right people around you shape your career36:50 – What excites Olly about Gen Z in the workplace39:02 – Personal branding, hustle culture, and side hustles40:30 – The widening gap between what people want and what companies offer43:18 – How employers can support people without massive budgets45:10 – Rethinking education and career guidance from school onwards47:28 – Imagining the workplace of the future48:59 – Olly’s one piece of advice for finding or transforming your dream role🔗 Follow OllyThe Careers Edit: https://www.thecareersedit.com/The Careers Edit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareersedit/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-haddock-2b316a106/Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 SummaryIn this episode of Work in Progress, we speak to Emilie Lashmar – brand partner, community builder, and Director of GCUC UK – about the evolving world of work, the role of purpose in retention, and how space design shapes culture.With over 15 years’ experience in brand, marketing, and events, and nearly a decade shaping coworking and creative spaces, Emilie shares her take on the future of flexibility, the difference between performative and authentic values, and what younger generations are really looking for in a workplace. We explore how employers can create environments that work for the whole person, why embedding values into daily decisions matters more than a glossy culture deck, and the small but powerful ways workplaces can foster connection.💡 TakeawaysThe future of work is about flexibility – in space, culture, and contractsPurpose isn’t a “nice to have” – it’s a driver for retention and trustYounger generations are courageous in asking for more – and employers should listenEmbedding values into daily operations matters more than publishing them on a wallPay transparency attracts the right talent and builds trustSpace design directly impacts culture, wellbeing, and inclusionUnlimited holiday is often overhyped – it can create uncertainty or guiltAccessibility (physical, digital, and neurodivergent) needs more attentionCreating a “whole person” workplace means thinking beyond work to life needsNetworking works best when it’s generous, authentic, and community-led🕒 Chapters00:00 – Who is Emilie Lashmar and what does she do?02:14 – From illustration to coworking and community building06:16 – Why the future of work excites Emilie07:20 – Four-day week, pay transparency, and purpose-led business12:39 – The dangers of resisting change15:42 – How to spot authentic values vs good marketing18:24 – Purpose as a retention tool in coworking and creative industries20:26 – A tangible starting point for becoming values-led21:44 – Shifting expectations around where and how we work25:27 – What younger generations really want from work29:55 – Generational shifts in how we think about work-life balance30:15 – How space design influences culture and wellbeing31:47 – Workplace trends: what’s overhyped and what’s under-talked about33:29 – Is there still a gap between what people want and what companies offer?34:12 – Emilie’s dream workplace of the future36:54 – Emilie’s advice for finding or transforming your dream role🔗 Follow EmilieWebsite: https://www.lashmar.co.uk/Brighton Creatives: https://www.brightoncreatives.com/GCUC UK: https://uk.gcuc.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilie-lashmar/Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 SummaryIn this episode of Work in Progress, we speak to Solomon Mehta-Slade – creator of Mental Fitness workshops for organisations, coach, and co-founder of The Change:Maker Collective – about building inner stability so you can thrive at work and beyond.Sol explains how his workshops help people build the mental strength and emotional resilience to perform under pressure, recover quickly from setbacks, and collaborate with more ease. He shares how his own mental health challenges led him to reframe wellbeing as “mental fitness” and why self-worth should never be tied to productivity or job titles. We talk about taming and befriending your inner critic, recognising when your sense of value is coming from output, and how community can make change feel less heavy and lonely. Sol also unpacks what employers often get wrong about wellbeing and offers a vision for workplaces where people can bring their whole selves to work.💡 TakeawaysMental fitness is proactive – it’s about strengthening your mindset, not just reacting when things go wrongSelf-worth is unconditional – it should never depend on your role, output, or recognitionYou can tame your inner critic by noticing it, naming it, and replacing judgement with discernmentBefriending yourself is as important as silencing negative self-talkMicro-moments of presence can reset your mind – you don’t always need long breaksWork can give you meaning, but it’s risky to make it your sole source of identityCommunity helps you realise you’re not alone in your challengesEmployers need to embed wellbeing into culture, not bolt it on as an afterthoughtThe best workplaces create space for people to be human, not just productiveClarity often comes from action – treat roles and career moves as experiments🕒 Chapters00:00 – Who is Solomon Mehta-Slade and what does he do?01:28 – From mindfulness to mental fitness03:47 – How Sol’s own challenges shaped his work06:26 – Mental health vs mental fitness09:30 – The self-worth trap at work11:14 – Taming and befriending your inner critic15:15 – The role of work in shaping self-worth19:10 – Signs your self-worth is tied to productivity22:21 – Finding micro-moments to reset24:56 – A practical three-step tool to break negative self-talk27:02 – Why community and connection matter29:18 – What employers often get wrong about wellbeing31:28 – Green flags to look for when job hunting33:47 – Red flags in workplace culture36:20 – Designing the ideal workplace for mental fitness39:09 – Quick-fire: book, myth, daily habit, and best advice43:24 – Advice for finding or transforming your dream role🔗 Follow SolWebsite: https://www.thealtacademy.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solomon-mehta-slade/Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 SummaryIn this episode, we speak to Austin Okolo – founder of Gen Z Recruits and a leading voice for Gen Z in the world of work – about turning lived experience into lasting impact.Austin shares how his entrepreneurial journey began with selling football boots at school and how it evolved into a mission to fix a broken job market. We talk about building confidence from the ground up, creating opportunities where none exist and why visibility and vulnerability are powerful tools for career growth. Austin opens up about the loneliness of leadership, what most people get wrong about Gen Z and why effort still beats everything else.💡 TakeawaysYour audience might be you – build what you wish you hadConfidence comes from repetition, not personalityGen Z aren’t lazy – they’re just unwilling to settle for outdated normsRecruitment doesn’t have to be transactional – it can be transformationalVisibility leads to opportunity – show up even when you’re nervousDocument your journey, don’t wait to be ‘an expert’Working in isolation can damage your mental health – community mattersPersonal branding works best when it’s grounded in lived experienceEmployers and employees both need to define their non-negotiablesThe future of work needs to include flexibility and connection🕒 Chapters00:00 – Who is Austin Okolo and what does he do?01:43 – From football boots to fashion to founding a business03:50 – The rise and fall of Clubhouse and building a real-life community06:16 – Becoming “Mr Gen Z” and launching Gen Z Recruits08:57 – Why he started a recruitment agency with no corporate background11:39 – Starting from scratch: mentorship, prep and long-term thinking13:15 – The real problems Gen Z face in the job market16:13 – Are Gen Z expectations really that unrealistic?17:56 – Rethinking traditional work models and expectations20:43 – Meeting in the middle: flexibility vs reality22:48 – The hardest part: loneliness as a founder24:10 – Why we need to build our own communities after school26:05 – The hidden cost of working from home28:15 – How Austin got into the media – and why visibility matters31:04 – Building confidence by doing hard things33:35 – Personal branding tips for early-career professionals35:14 – What not to post online (and how to avoid being cringe)38:13 – Why Austin didn’t post about Coldplay – and how to stay in your lane41:08 – What’s next for Gen Z Recruits42:46 – Austin’s signature advice: reverse engineer your dream role44:31 – Where to find Austin online🔗 Follow AustinLinkedIn – Austin OkoloInstagram – @austinokolooTikTok – @austinokolooFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 SummaryIn this episode, we speak to Hannah Sosa – founder of Subtle Series and host of the Awfully Quiet podcast – about redefining career progression for quietly ambitious people.Hannah shares the inspiration behind her unique career platform, how she balances a full-time corporate career with building her own business, and why she believes introspection is an underrated leadership trait. We discuss everything from self-expression to personal branding, from building networks that work for introverts to why sustainable success starts with tuning into yourself.💡 TakeawaysQuiet ambition is still ambition – it just looks differentClarity is the foundation of confident self-expressionYou don’t need to perform your ambition to be seenPersonal branding isn’t about being loud – it’s about being rememberedProgression is easier when you leave breadcrumbs along the wayBeing an advocate for yourself starts with small, consistent winsBalance can mean different things in different seasonsIntrospective leadership is a strength, not a limitationAsking the right questions builds deeper team connectionsCareers of the future must allow room for personality diversity🕒 Chapters00:00 – Welcome, Hannah! What she does and why she does it02:44 – The career path that led to Subtle Series04:52 – Early iterations and finding her audience05:38 – Balancing corporate life and building a brand08:25 – What does it mean to be quietly ambitious?10:19 – Do quieter people avoid leadership roles?12:00 – Platforming different paths to success12:57 – Creating a brand that feels calm yet confident15:27 – Reimagining career learning experiences16:39 – The transformation Hannah wants for her audience18:36 – Why clarity must come before action21:15 – How to build visibility in your own way23:08 – Demonstrating value without feeling salesy26:48 – Don’t wait for your manager to do the work28:41 – Rethinking the ‘rules’ of workplace success30:51 – Building a personal brand without performing34:08 – What the future of work could look like37:14 – What sustainable success means to Hannah39:22 – How to manage and empower quieter team members41:13 – Why we all need regular 1:1s with ourselves44:00 – Closing reflections🔗 Follow Hannahhttps://www.instagram.com/subtleseries/https://www.subtleseries.com/https://www.instagram.com/awfullyquietpodcast/https://www.youtube.com/@Hannah-SosaFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 SummaryIn this episode, we speak to Joseph Liu – career consultant, speaker and host of Career Relaunch – about what it really takes to pivot your career, build a personal brand that feels authentic and find confidence through action.Joseph shares the journey from med school dropout to global speaker, brand strategist and coach. He talks about how to build a narrative that supports your next move, why networking is your most powerful tool in a career shift and how your digital first impression speaks volumes. This episode is packed with practical tools and empowering advice for anyone considering a new chapter.💡 TakeawaysPersonal branding is about clarity, not self-promotionConfidence doesn’t come before action – it grows through doingEvery interaction reinforces or dilutes your personal brandYour narrative needs to convince you first – then othersConsistency across your LinkedIn is more powerful than volumeStanding tall can change how you feelStart networking before you need anythingGood outreach is tailored outreachHosting mindset = powerful at eventsYour first impression is usually digital – make it count🔥 Favourite Soundbites“The first person you need to convince is yourself”“Everything you do reinforces or dilutes your brand”“You won’t be worse off for introducing yourself”“Confidence is a muscle – you build it by doing”“Most jobs aren’t advertised – networking is the key”🔗 Resources + RecommendationsJoseph’s website: josephliu.coJoseph’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephpliu/Career Relaunch podcast: careerrelaunch.netBook: ABCs of Networking by Thom SingerTED Talk: What’s the Work You Can’t Not Do? by Scott DinsmoreBook: Presence by Amy CuddyPlatforms: Eventbrite, Cheapskate LondonWriting platforms: Substack and MediumFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 Summary In this episode, we speak to Kaya Allen-Bevan – founder of Youth the Gap and Edge of Difference – about what it really means to build inclusive workplaces, protect your energy and keep showing up with purpose.Kaya opens up about how her own lived experience fuelled her work in advocacy and DEI. From early activism to launching two mission-driven businesses, she shares the realities of what it takes to do this work – emotionally, financially and professionally. We cover everything from unconscious bias to how to spot green flags in a new role, and how self-awareness is your biggest tool for growth.💡 TakeawaysAdvocacy is about co-creating, not preachingYou can care deeply and want to be paid – they’re not mutually exclusiveSelf-education is where most change beginsBias won’t go away – but awareness helps us navigate itConfidence doesn’t come before action, it comes from itHonest feedback loops are essential for workplace inclusionIf the culture doesn’t support you, you don’t need to stayEmpowering others starts with knowing your own needsSelf-care isn't optional in meaningful work – it’s how you keep goingSafe spaces in the workplace don’t just happen – they’re built intentionally🔥 Favourite Soundbites“I started to question a lot.” “I did it because I was passionate.” “You can’t control it anyway.”🕒 Chapters 00:00 – Meet Kaya and her mission 01:19 – How Edge of Difference came to life 04:10 – Kaya’s personal entry into activism 06:49 – Passion vs. pay: the advocacy tightrope 09:48 – Building confidence through self-care 13:43 – Bias at work: naming it and navigating it 18:47 – Hierarchies, feedback and honest conversations 20:11 – Culture fit vs. culture add 22:11 – How to build safer spaces for feedback 25:41 – What green flags in culture actually look like 30:18 – Diversity + flexibility: what the future needs 34:07 – Holding on to hope in a complex world 37:58 – How to reflect when something isn’t workinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kaiaab/https://www.instagram.com/kaia.ab/https://www.linkedin.com/company/youththegapcic/https://www.instagram.com/youththegap/https://www.linkedin.com/company/edge-of-difference/Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 Summary In this episode, we sit down with Cameron MacRae – Global Director at Bottle Rocket Search – to talk all things work, hiring and how to know if a job is actually right for you.From front-of-house roles in coworking to global leadership in commercial real estate, Cameron shares a decade’s worth of lessons on what’s changed since Covid, how to protect your energy, and why understanding your own boundaries is the key to landing a role you love – and growing in it.We also get honest about red flags in interviews (including when a company says “we’re like a family”), burnout from people-pleasing, and the difference between applying for a job and building a career that works for you.💡 TakeawaysCulture fit matters – but it’s about values, not vibesIf a job spec says “we’re like a family” – runFront-of-house roles are some of the hardest in the business – and the least flexibleYou don’t need to say yes to everything to prove your worthIf you’re interviewing, ask why the role exists and what success looks likeUnlimited annual leave is great – if the culture supports taking itKnowing your boundaries is the first step to building a sustainable careerRecruitment is more like matchmaking than sales – the right recruiter will help you reflect, not just applyBeing honest (with yourself and others) is the fastest route to career growth🔥 Favourite Soundbites“Don’t just apply for a job – know what you don’t want, too.” “If you can’t explain what success looks like in a role, it’s not the right role.” “A job interview isn’t a test – it’s a conversation. Ask your questions too.” “Culture is who you hire – not what’s on the website.”🕒 Chapters 02:21 – Meet Cameron: from sport science to global director 06:47 – The jump from student housing to coworking 10:06 – Post-Covid work shifts: what’s changed and what hasn’t 15:02 – Front-of-house roles: the underappreciated MVPs 17:22 – Unlimited leave, burnout and balance 23:10 – People pleasing, boundaries and how to say no 27:33 – Interview advice from someone who’s seen it all 31:01 – Red flags, green flags and spotting the truth 35:34 – What success really looks like (and how to ask about it) 42:03 – What company culture actually means 47:44 – Why younger employees struggle to set boundaries 53:12 – When saying yes too often starts to backfire 57:37 – Recruiters: how to use them, and how to know they’re good 01:00:01 – The power of honesty (with yourself and others) 01:01:00 – Cameron’s final advice: define what matters to youhttps://bottlerocketsearch.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-macrae-the-office-space-recruiter/Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

💬 Summary In this episode, we chat to Mary, co-founder of AI Potential, about what it really means to work with AI – and how to use it to get ahead, especially if you’re early in your career or part of an underrepresented group in tech.Mary talks openly about her journey – from building AI tools to teaching people how to use them with confidence. She makes the case for why AI should be a skill you practise, not just a tool you fear, and how soft skills (which women often excel in) are becoming your biggest asset. This one's packed with insight, especially if you're navigating your next move or leading a team in 2025.💡 TakeawaysAI isn’t replacing people – it’s levelling up what people can doWomen are set to thrive if we value soft skills properlyRe-skilling and up-skilling aren’t optional anymoreThink of AI like a gym for your brain: you get better by using itBias exists in AI – and if you’re not questioning it, you’re accepting itManagers need to learn with their teams, not just delegate tech stuffAI can save you hours of admin – if you know what to ask itUsing AI doesn’t mean switching off your brain – critical thinking is non-negotiableAI could be the confidence boost your career’s been waiting for🔥 Favourite Soundbites“AI is a skill, not a tool.” “Always double-check facts from AI.” “AI can help you unlock your potential – especially when you feel stuck.”🕒 Chapters 00:00 – Who is Mary? 00:37 – The AI takeover: real or hype? 04:24 – Surviving (and thriving in) disruption 07:54 – Confidence in AI: how to build it 11:49 – Women, bias + who’s shaping the tech 15:15 – Future-proofing your skills 19:17 – The hidden bias in hiring tools 22:49 – Getting good at working with AI 26:20 – Managers, this bit’s for you 30:06 – Good news: AI saves you time 34:12 – If you’re job hunting, listen to this 37:15 – Mary’s final advicehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ai-potential/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-kemp-ai/Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

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 communitiesHer early career experiences, including volunteering with Samaritans and training in prisonsThe development and impact of the TAS10 session and its importance in suicide preventionInsights into the misconceptions and myths around suicide and how to approach sensitive conversationsRose’s unique approach to building trust and creating safe spaces in her workThe challenges and rewards of balancing a demanding career with family lifeThe importance of structured training in suicide prevention and Rose’s role in shaping educational programmesHow personal interests like yoga, singing and travel contribute to Rose’s wellbeing and effectiveness at workPractical tools for organisations to integrate wellbeing and suicide prevention into their workplace cultureRose’s advice for individuals who are concerned about someone in crisis and how to approach the subject of suicideResources and links:Connect with Rose: LinkedInStart the Conversation: WebsiteSamaritans: WebsiteTalking about Suicide: 10 Tools (TAS10): WebsiteStay up to date with us on Instagram and LinkedIn:Favourite Positions Podcast InstagramAlex Young on LinkedInAs 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.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex 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 designThe importance of focusing on specific skills and developing discipline in one’s careerDean’s experiences working as a junior designer and the evolution of his career in the interior design industryFounding I-AM.D.C and the inspiration behind challenging the 'take, make, waste' mentality in designThe integration of circular principles into his work and the importance of creating lasting, repairable and adaptable furnitureDean’s approach to moving beyond 'tick box' sustainability and fostering a community committed to circular designThe impact of technology and innovation on the future of workspace design and how AI and VR may influence the industryDean’s views on the importance of community and user-centered design in creating sustainable and functional workspacesInsights into Dean’s most rewarding career moments, including working in Japan and developing the Sessions projectUpcoming projects and initiatives at I-AM.D.C, including collaborations with Patch co-working spacesResources and links:Connect with Dean Connell: LinkedInI-AM.D.C: WebsitePatch Co-Working Spaces: WebsiteLiving With Buildings: The Sessions House Project: WebsiteStay up to date with us on Instagram and LinkedIn:Favourite Positions Podcast InstagramAlex Young on LinkedInAs 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.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex 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 SomersetHer transition from university to investment banking and the intense gap year experiencesThe inspiration and motivation behind starting FlexaThe challenges faced in the early stages of building Flexa, including the impact of the pandemicThe role of flexible working in enhancing diversity, equity and inclusionThe concept of employee value proposition and its significanceStrategies for companies to introduce flexible working arrangementsHow individuals can identify and negotiate flexible working optionsStaying informed about changes in the future of workFuture goals for Flexa and the broader vision for the future of workResources and links:Flexa: WebsiteConnect with Molly: LinkedInRecommended study: Nick Bloom’s research on remote and hybrid workArticles on flexible working: BBC Worklife, Harvard Business ReviewPlease stay up to date with us on Instagram and LinkedIn:Favourite Positions Podcast Instagram: Favourite Positions InstagramAlex Young on LinkedIn: Alex Young LinkedInAs 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.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex 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 HertfordshireImpact of bullying and family challenges on her developmentTransition from university to running her own businessesFounding betternotstop and The Better Business NetworkChallenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemicImportance of sustainability in business and the benefits of B Corp certificationThe concept of collective action in The Better Business NetworkThe Better Business Summit and its impactHannah's motivations and preparations for Project Salt RunAdvice for business leaders on making a positive social and environmental impactResources and Links:Connect with Hannah: LinkedInProject Salt Run Instagram: Project Salt Runbetternotstop: WebsiteBetter Business Network: WebsiteUnited Nations Sustainable Development GoalsB Corp CertificationCarbon Literacy ProjectClientEarthMind Over MountainsGoodfestBlue Earth SummitStay Up to Date with Us on Instagram and LinkedIn:Favourite Positions Podcast InstagramAlex Young on LinkedInAs 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.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex 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 LondonNavigating the creative and digital industries with a unique perspectiveThe inspiration behind her community initiatives, including 'She Says' and 'Spring Forward Festival'The role of intuition in decision-making and professional growthCreating inclusive and empowering spaces for women in tech and creative industriesThe journey from digital agency roles to founding 'Refigure'Practical advice for women on negotiating salaries and benefitsThe importance of self-investment and continuous personal developmentRifa's vision for the future of her coaching and community workResources and links:'Refigure': WebsiteConnect with Rifa Thorpe-Tracey: LinkedInFollow 'Refigure' on Instagram: @refigureYou can stay up to date with us on Instagram and LinkedIn:InstagramLinkedInAs 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.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex 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 LondonHer transition from university to entrepreneurship during the pandemicThe inspiration and motivation behind starting 'All Things Money'The importance of financial literacy and how to improve itPractical steps for young adults to achieve financial stability and growthThe process of creating eBooks, workshops and other educational resourcesOla's experience with brand partnerships and the criteria for collaborationStrategies for negotiating better salaries and benefitsThe impact of live events and workshops on building a communityStaying informed about changes in the economy and financial marketsFuture goals for 'All Things Money' and fostering financial literacyResources and links:'All Things Money': WebsiteConnect with Ola: InstagramFollow 'All Things Money' on TikTok: All Things Money TikTokListen to the 'All Things Money' podcast: All Things Money PodcastRecommended book: "Money: A User's Guide" by Laura WhateleyFinancial comparison websites: Money.co.uk, MoneySuperMarket.comNews sources for staying updated: BBC News, Money Saving ExpertPlease stay up to date with us on Instagram and LinkedIn:Favourite Positions Podcast InstagramAlex Young on LinkedInAs 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.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex 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 WarwickshireThe influence of his family and school experiencesTransition from working various jobs to starting Bird & BlendThe initial idea and inspiration for Bird & BlendOvercoming challenges in the early days of the businessImportance of sustainability and how it's integrated into Bird & BlendThe role of community and customer focus in Bird & Blend's successThe impact of company culture and the journey to becoming a top employerFuture plans and growth for Bird & BlendResources and links:Bird & Blend Tea Co.Contact for partnerships: [email protected] / [email protected] Bird & Blend on Instagram | Twitter | FacebookYou 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.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex 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 USDiscovering her authentic self and confidence from a young ageTransition from university to her first job in marketing and brandingChallenges faced in a toxic work environment and lessons learnedThe inspiration and motivation behind starting 'Fuck Being Humble'The significance of the provocative name and its impactEarly days of hosting events and building a communityThe importance of authenticity and self-promotion in career growthBootstrapping the business and navigating financial constraintsWriting and publishing her book 'Fuck Being Humble'Stef's perspective on the evolving future of workAdvice for individuals navigating their careers and the importance of continuous self-promotionEmbracing flexibility, passion and creativity in career choicesResources and links:Fuck Being HumbleConnect with Stefanie Sword-Williams on LinkedInFollow Fuck Being Humble on InstagramYou 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.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Episode description: In this episode of Favourite Positions, Alex sits down with Bud, the founder of BARCO, Boxless and Men of Melanin. Bud shares his journey from growing up in Brighton, navigating challenges in the education system, and pursuing a career in professional basketball to becoming a prominent figure in community activism and business consultancy. Learn about his initiatives aimed at improving inclusivity, sustainability and mental health support for men of colour. Bud's story is a testament to the power of resilience, community and the drive to make a difference.Key points discussed:Bud's early life and upbringing in BrightonExperiences and challenges in schoolTransition from school to professional basketballThe impact of a professional sports career on personal growthTransition from basketball to the business worldFounding and goals of BARCO, Boxless and Men of MelaninInsights into the creation and impact of these organisationsLeadership qualities and advice for fostering inclusive culturesFuture goals and upcoming initiativesResources and links:BARCO - Black Anti-Racism Community OrganisationBoxless ConsultancyMen of MelaninFollow Bud on LinkedInUpcoming event:Brighton Carnival: Join us for a celebration of Black culture at St. Ann's Well Gardens in Brighton. Enjoy performances, great food and a vibrant parade. Check out the carnival details and mark your calendars for a day of fun and community spirit! More info hereYou 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.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Episode description: In this episode of Favourite Positions, Alex sits down with Bailey Greetham-Clark, the founder of Be Great Fitness. Bailey shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a prominent figure in the health and fitness industry. Discover how he turned his struggles into a mission to make fitness accessible to all, especially vulnerable groups. Bailey's story is a testament to the power of resilience, passion and community-driven initiatives.Key points discussed:Bailey's early life and upbringing in challenging circumstancesThe transformative power of running and physical activityTransition from running to boxing and early coaching experiencesFounding Be Great Fitness during the pandemic and its missionThe impact of inclusivity and accessibility in fitness programsThe role of social media in growing Be Great FitnessBailey's perspective on community-driven fitness and its futureAdvice for young entrepreneurs and organizations promoting health and wellbeingUpcoming projects and national expansion plans for Be Great FitnessResources and links:Be Great FitnessFollow Bailey on InstagramYou 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.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Founded in 2022 by curator Eden Maseyk and entrepreneur Luke Davis, Helm Gallery in Brighton is the result of a collective vision; one that aims to provide a never-before seen arts and exhibition space in the heart of the city. The gorgeous gallery space is made up of two floors. A ground floor consisting of a rotating selection of limited-edition prints and highly sought after original pieces carefully selected and curated by the team. Downstairs is home to the exhibition hall, a vast area that hosts cutting-edge shows, classes and immersive experiences.Helm places a huge emphasis on ensuring their doors are open to everyone. They are determined to make the art world more inclusive and accessible. They never charge anyone to view the art and their events series focuses on showcasing as many art forms as possible, including music, dance and interactive workshops.We sat down with Eden and Artist Liaison, India Coles, to discuss why it’s so important to wider society to make art more accessible.Learn from the experts on the finest contemporary art in the world about the magic of creativity.Stay up to date with Helm here:https://helm-gallery.com/As for us, we’re wrapping up this series on a high as we have a new venture to tell you aboutAs of 2024, we will be doing LIVE in person ‘What’s Working?’ events. Starting early in the new year, join us as we collectively shape the future of work at our new FREE event series  – these 90 minute sessions are packed with expert speakers, an insightful panel discussion and network opportunities.Engage in panel talks dissecting critical work-related topics from AI to hybrid working, gather actionable insights and contribute to thought-provoking conversations about the future of work.Join discussions led by top speakers, gain fresh perspectives and discover approaches that can help you to redefine how you view work.We’ll be sharing the links to our 'What's Working?' events soon so stay tuned if you want to be part of shaping the future work.Thank you so much for listening to the first of our collaborative podcast series between Favourite Positions and Projects, it’s been such a pleasure to interview all of the inspiring guests we’ve had on over the past few months and we can’t wait to release more episodes next year.You can stay up to date with us on Instagram and Linked In:https://www.instagram.com/favouritepositionspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/projectsbtn/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-young-74431a135/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-harris-9504a4212/Please do reach out and let us know how you’ve found the series and feel free to send us any suggestions for topics you’d like us to explore in future episodes.Wishing you a wonderful end to the year.We’re looking forward to exploring what the future holds with you.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

In this episode we had the absolute pleasure of speaking to Sam Hornsby, co founder of creative career app ERIC. ERIC is an award-winning platform connecting the next generation of talent to the creative industries.Sam and her childhood best friend Mae founded ERIC, which is on a mission to give young people access to career experiences, initiatives & opportunities, whilst also helping creative companies get these opportunities in front of their target audience.We spoke to Sam about what Gen Z want from the world of work, what companies can be doing to ensure they’re making diverse and inclusive hiring decisions and what exactly the creative industries are.Thank you for listening, we hope you found this episode insightful and we will be back next week with another so stay tuned - next week will actually be our last in the series, it’s not going to be one to miss! https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-hornsby-25a95334/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.meet-eric.com/https://apps.apple.com/us/app/eric-creative-career-app/id1593220987As always don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram. We are @favouritepositionspodcast and @projectsBTN. You can also let us know how you found this episode via LinkedIn. We would love to hear from you and find out what’s working for you right now.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Garrett Keogh is an expert in uncertainty and this episode is exactly what you need to listen to if you’re feeling worried about the future.As a pioneer in the digital sector, he has worked at a senior level for huge brands, from MTV to AOL, running digital and content departments and leading digital strategy. He’s delivered major campaigns for BBC, ITV, SKY and Red Bull, led social media strategy development for the BBC and helped launch some of its biggest TV brands online. Garrett talks to us about his career to date, starting out as a journalist, writing about which printers and other new technological devices were worth purchasing, then reviewing websites in magazines (yes, that wa a real job) to eventually running his own agency, building from scratch to a multi-million-pound turnover with clients including TGI Fridays, NBC Universal, Sony, HP, Nike, Sky and more. We loved hearing from him about his take on how the changes we’re experiencing currently in the world of work are really exciting and how technology can continue to evolve and enable us to live better lives.Find out more about the Uncertainty Experts here: https://www.uncertaintyexperts.com/We hope you find this episode insightful and we will be back next week with another so stay tuned. As always don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram. We are @favouritepositionspodcast and @projectsBTN.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking to Jonathan Reid, a podcasting and personal branding specialist who has achieved incredibly impressive things in his career to date, all through self-taught practises. His company, Reidentify helps B2B businesses and their representatives become thought leaders in their industry. He also runs an organisation called Purpose Led, through which he impacts thousands of driven people on a regular basis through a weekly podcast, speaking engagements at schools, universities and corporates across the UK and he hosts his own events too. Jonathan is all about impact, positive mindset and leaving the world a better place than how you found it!He’s a fountain of wisdom and we know you’re going to really enjoy this episode.For anyone wanting to connect with Jonathan, you can find him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-reid-654566172/Learn more about Reidentify:https://www.linkedin.com/company/reidentify/Listen to Purpose Led:https://www.purposeledclub.com/We’ll keep you up to date with any events we run with him, too and hope they’re not far in the future.Thank you for listening. We will be back next week with another so stay tuned. As always don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram. We are @favouritepositionspodcast and @projectsBTN. You can also let us know how you found this episode via LinkedIn. We would love to hear from you and find out what’s working for you right now.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

In this series, we are interviewing a range of inspiring experts across diverse industries, finding out how they got into the positions they’re in and what they think the world needs to look like.This episode, we’re fortunate enough to be joined by Thom Elliot, who alongside his brother James, founded the incredible pizzeria chain Pizza Pilgrims which as of the time of this recording has 25 sites around the UK.Thom talks to us about the journey they’ve been through to get Pizza Pilgrims to where it is today, the importance of surrounding yourself with passionate people and how to cultivate the happiest team possibleHe also gives us a low down on how to make the best pizza in the world, so it’s not an episode to miss. Please stay tuned on the Projects website for our interview with Thom which will go live in November.You can check out Pizza Pilgrim’s story in more detail here: https://www.pizzainthepost.co.uk/pages/who-we-are#:~:text=Pizza%20Pilgrims%20was%20born%20in,famous%20pizzaoli%20in%20the%20worldWe will be back next week with another so stay tuned. As always don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram. We are @favouritepositionspodcast and @projectsBTNFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

With over 17 years in communications working at London’s top beauty agencies, Jasmine Wicks-Stephens has worked with the industry’s best talent and a plethora of amazing brands from all aspects of beauty.She launched her own agency Known five years ago. Her team is made up of likeminded go-getters and brand builders including PR pros, designers, social media managers, events specialists, marketing pros and experts in everything else you could possibly need to get your brand, Known. Their clients range from global market leaders to indie start-ups. In 2020, Jasmine launched a skincare brand, Faace. Working alongside the beauty insiders she has known for over a decade, she created her own brand to fill a gap in the market, giving consumers a new, more direct way to shop for their skin. Faace launched with a capsule collection of Period, Tired and Sweaty Faace masks and the brand is now stocked in retailers across the globe - from Harrods and Lane Crawford to Lookfantastic and Boots ME.For anyone interested in starting their own company, this is not one to miss.We spoke to Jasmine about sustainability, community, trust and autonomy, being a female founder and what success looks like. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed making it.Find out more about Known here: https://www.known-community.com/Check out Faace here: https://www.wearefaace.com/Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-wicks-stephens-b912641b/?originalSubdomain=ukWe hope you find this episode insightful! We will be back next week with another one so stay tuned. As always don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram. We are @favouritepositionspodcast and @projectsbtn. You can also let us know how you found this episode via LinkedIn. We would love to hear from you and find out what’s working for you right now.https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-young-74431a135/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-harris-9504a4212/Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Welcome back to the Favourite Positions podcast. In this series, we've teamed up with Projects who run high-end, inclusive work spaces. We're asking experts from diverse industries 'What's Working?' for them and their teams, discussing the future of work and coming up with strategies for bringing the best out of ourselves and those around us.This episode, we’re joined by Pauline Roussel.Pauline is an expert in coworking spaces and community. Over the last 8 years, she has dedicated her time and effort to better understand the world of modern workspaces. Her mission is to teach people and companies about how to create spaces that work best for them and help them to attract and retain talent by being one step-ahead when it comes to their workplace strategy.She’s the co-founder of Coworkies, a global job board setting the hiring and recruiting standards for the coworking and flex industry. The job board is the outcome of 5 years of travelling, visiting over 500 coworking spaces around the world.She is also the co/author of "Around The World in 250 Coworking Spaces" a 350 pages coffee table book highlighting 250 founders of coworking and collaborative workspaces and their stories.https://www.instagram.com/coworkieshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/coworkies/https://www.coworkies.com/Pauline talks to us about her career to date, how to create inspiring work spaces and what she thinks the future of towns and cities around the world will look like - spoiler: coworking spaces play a leading part!We hope you find this episode insightful! We will be back next week with another one so stay tuned. As always don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram. We are @favouritepositionspodcast and @projectsbtn. You can also let us know how you found this episode via LinkedIn. We would love to hear from you and find out what’s working for you right now.https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-young-74431a135/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-harris-9504a4212/Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Welcome back to the Favourite Positions podcast and if you’re new here then hello for the first time. My name is Alex and I’m the Founder of this platform. I designed it to help inspire people to find what they love to do! This our 4th series and for the first time, we’re proudly collaborating with Projects for the next 10 episodes. Projects is a coworking space provider with 2 stunning spaces in Brighton and many more set to open across the UK. I’m joined by Alana Harris who runs one of Projects’ spaces and is also leading on Projects’ marketing, she’s going to be cohosting this series with me and I’m so lucky to have her onboard. This episode, we’re talking to Josh Connolly, resilience coach and one of the UK’s most influential mental health speaker.TW: We need to put a trigger warning in here because suicide is briefly touched upon so if listening to any references about this topic isn’t supportive of you in your journey then we apologise and welcome you to listen to any of our other episodes.Josh speaks incredibly openly in this episode and mentions that in December 2012, he began planning his suicide. He had just become sober, but after years of dependency and a lifetime of trauma, he explains that he was completely lost.   He tells us that back then, he believed that resilience was the ability to keep going no matter what, to avoid any struggle and show up. That ideal drove him to a place where he felt the best thing to do for his children was to take his own life. Today, he has a new idea of resilience. One that is fluid, that allows him to struggle and ask for help. Listen to Josh talk about how he’s learnt to understand what he feels, knows what he needs as a result and is able to communicate that within his activities and relationships.https://www.joshconnolly.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/josh_ffw/If you’re yet to follow Favourite Positions on socials then please do, it’s always so fulfilling to hear from our listeners about what they thought about the episodes and find out what career challenges they’re facing - you can connect with us @favouritepositionspodcast on Insta and by searching for Favourite Positions on LinkedIn. You can also listen to all of the other 3 series via all major streaming platforms and read our handy expert written guides on our website: favouritepositions.com - we have articles up about getting into a huge range of roles, improving your overall wellbeing at work and inspiring a high-performing team.If you’re yet to join Projects’ online community then you’re missing out! Follow us on social media @projectsbtn and benefit from better business related advice, we’re always posting about how to benefit people and the planet whilst maximising profit! We’d love to connect with you there, too.In fact, if you’d like to experience working from a Projects space yourself then get in touch! You can book a tour and trial here: https://www.projectsclub.co.uk/visit-usFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Welcome back to the Favourite Positions podcast and if you’re new here then hello for the first time. My name is Alex and I’m the Founder of this platform. I designed it to help inspire people to find what they love to do! This our 4th series and for the first time, we’re proudly collaborating with Projects for the next 10 episodes. Projects is a coworking space provider with 2 stunning spaces in Brighton and many more set to open across the UK. I’m joined by Alana Harris who runs one of Projects’ spaces and is also leading on Projects’ marketing, she’s going to be cohosting this series with me and I’m so lucky to have her onboard. This episode, we’re fortunate enough to be joined by the incredible, Lynn Anderson Clark. Lynn is the Co-founder and CEO of The Know, purpose-driven media company.The Know’s mission is to help people feel less stressed about current affairs and more capable of implementing small changes in their daily lives, as well as incentivising heftier change in policy and investment. Lynn talks to us about her career to date, how she avoids burning out and what she knows about the work life desires of both millennials and Gen Zs.Find out more about The Know here: https://www.theknowmedia.co/If you’re yet to follow Favourite Positions on socials then please do, it’s always so fulfilling to hear from our listeners about what they thought about the episodes and find out what career challenges they’re facing - you can connect with us @favouritepositionspodcast on Insta and by searching for Favourite Positions on LinkedIn. You can also listen to all of the other 3 series via all major streaming platforms and read our handy expert written guides on our website: favouritepositions.com - we have articles up about getting into a huge range of roles, improving your overall wellbeing at work and inspiring a high-performing team.If you’re yet to join Projects’ online community then you’re missing out! Follow us on social media @projectsbtn and benefit from better business related advice, we’re always posting about how to benefit people and the planet whilst maximising profit! We’d love to connect with you there, too.In fact, if you’d like to experience working from a Projects space yourself then get in touch! You can book a tour and trial here: https://www.projectsclub.co.uk/visit-usFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Welcome back to the Favourite Positions podcast and if you’re new here then hello for the first time. My name is Alex and I’m the Founder of this platform. I designed it to help inspire people to find what they love to do! This is the start of our 4th series and for the first time, we’re proudly collaborating with Projects for the next 10 episodes. Projects is a coworking space provider with 2 stunning spaces in Brighton and many more set to open across the UK. I’m joined by Alana Harris who runs one of Projects’ spaces and is also leading on Projects’ marketing, she’s going to be cohosting this series with me and I’m so lucky to have her onboard. In this episode, I talk you through what you can expect from the upcoming series, introduce Alana properly and discuss with her what’s going on in the world of work right now (we cover topics such as meaningful work, flexible working, what different generations want from work, burn out, and AI) . We also end the episode with an exciting announcement about a new venture we have planned!If you’re yet to follow Favourite Positions on socials then please do, it’s always so fulfilling to hear from our listeners about what they thought about the episodes and find out what career challenges they’re facing - you can connect with us @favouritepositionspodcast on Insta and by searching for Favourite Positions on LinkedIn. You can also listen to all of the other 3 series via all major streaming platforms and read our handy expert written guides on our website: favouritepositions.com - we have articles up about getting into a huge range of roles, improving your overall wellbeing at work and inspiring a high-performing team.If you’re yet to join Projects’ online community then you’re missing out! Follow us on social media @projectsbtn and benefit from better business related advice, we’re always posting about how to benefit people and the planet whilst maximising profit! We’d love to connect with you there, too.In fact, if you’d like to experience working from a Projects space yourself then get in touch! You can book a tour and trial here: https://www.projectsclub.co.uk/visit-usLook forward to bringing you the next episode of ‘What’s Working’ next week - until then, we hope you get to do something you love.Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Hi, It's Alex here, Founder of Favourite Positions.I’ve recently become the Director of a company that just over 3 years ago, I was working an entry level job for. My career to date has been fast paced and I’ve learnt a lot in a short space of time. Some lessons were more painful than others but I’m a firm believer that there are positive sides to any experience. In this podcast episode, I go into what I've done to get to where I am now, the 'mistakes' I've made along the way and what I'm most excited about for both Favourite Positions and the company I am directing, Projects.I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for all of your incredible support, words of encouragement and openness throughout this series. Hearing how this platform has helped you is so special to me and to my amazing Mum, Angela, who produces the podcast.#FavouritePositions team xFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

The plant-based meat alternative market is heaving with products in 2022 – but perhaps no brand has quite captured the attention of meat eaters, flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans alike quite like THIS. With its hyper-realistic versions of common meat products, THIS has been making it easier to make plant-based like-for-like ingredient swaps since its launch in 2019.Andy Shovel co-founded THIS alongside business partner Pete Sharman, with whom he now shares the role of Co-CEO. Prior to THIS, the pair established and ran a burger restaurant chain – yes, serving real meat. While the origins of the company seem antithetical at first, Andy says it actually makes perfect sense – both are big lovers of the taste of meat, who want to be able to replicate it in a cruelty-free, sustainable way.It has been a whirlwind few years for Andy but his tongue-in-cheek, light-hearted approach keep him grounded through it all. Not only can THIS products be found on the menu in Café Nero, Honest Burger and Prezzo, just to name a few, but he and his team have also been winning awards, including a Food Matters Live Award for Plant-Based Product of the Year.Hear from him about how he went from selling animal meat burgers to setting up one of the largest disrupter brands in the plant based food industry.We're @favouritepositionspodcast on Instagram, be sure to connect with us there if you'd like to join our online community of people who are finding what they love to do.Thank you for listening and for your support, always.#FavouritePositions team x...Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

 Hilary Owen is the Head of Marketing at Escape The City, the leading purposeful job board, helping mission-driven job seekers find work that they believe in, at organisations doing things differently.They believe you shouldn’t need to compromise on flexibility or ways of working that suit you, and that working for a cause you truly care about is more possible now than ever. We couldn't agree more, obviously.Their platform showcases 1,000s of organisations doing business for good, for people and our planet. Because life’s too short to do work that doesn’t matter. Their tag line is: Do Something Different, don’t waste 40+ hrs a week being unhappy and that's exactly what Hilary did.Before joining Escape, Hilary worked in fashion brand and content marketing in New York and London.She left in January 2021 to pursue a simpler life — starting with converting a campervan and subsequently spending the summer in Cornwall.Hilary is a thought leader in work place culture and shares openly what’s worked for her in her career to date to ensure she’s fulfilled and living her best life!We're @favouritepositionspodcast on Instagram, be sure to connect with us there if you'd like to join our online community of people who are finding what they love to do.Thank you for listening and for your support, always.#FavouritePositions team xFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Becci Paige is the Founder of Stay In Your Lane Vintage, a hand picked vintage clothing store with a physical location in the heart of Brighton’s lanes and online shop.Becci began her business two goals in mind. She wanted to create a sustainable clothing brand and to create an experience that made people happier than before they walked in. Having gotten to know her myself via being a customer, I can confidently say she is succeeding on both fronts. Becci’s background in retail made her see that there were not enough shopping spaces to make humans feel safe and included. She says it baffled her how we are so immersed in harmful stereotypes and these have attached themselves to clothes. From how clothes are marketed to how shops segregate their layout, she set out to do things different, creating a genderless clothing store and a place for each and everyone to feel truly welcome. Regardless of who the garment was originally manufactured for, if it fits and makes you feel fabulous then she believes it is made for you! Many of the pieces available for sale have been reworked and so are totally unique.Becci has made shopping sustainably and feeling empowered to dress however makes you feel your most confident simple. Hear her story on how she went from a hopeless place to a business owner with a clear mission and a lease of life she didn’t see coming.Visit SIYLV's site here: https://stayinyourlanevintage.com/We're @favouritepositionspodcast on Instagram, be sure to connect with us there if you'd like to join our online community of people who are finding what they love to do.Thank you for listening and for your support, always.#FavouritePositions team x Follow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

John Thornton is probably the most fearless employee I’ve ever met. We got to know one another at an all day long event at innocent smoothie’s head quarters, where he worked at the time. I had the pleasure of both hanging out with him and getting to see him do what he does best, which is write. He has since moved on from innocent to work as the Senior Creative of Surreal, a healthy cereal brand but during his time copy writing for the well known and loved smoothie brand, he caused an internet-wide argument about a blue drink, nearly poisoned the nation's children with Conker Milk, got himself banned from the company LinkedIn account, enraged an army of Covid-deniers, had to be airbrushed out of the TV ad I wrote...and he says those were the better days. In his own words, it is a miracle he wasn't fired.Hear about how he went from being told off at school for cheekiness to being told off at work for the same thing but somehow not enough to get in serious trouble and just enough to make a name for himself in the creative marketing world, for the right reasons.Find out more about what John's up to here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thornjohnton/We're @favouritepositionspodcast on Instagram, be sure to connect with us there if you'd like to join our online community of people who are finding what they love to do.Thank you for listening and for your support, always.#FavouritePositions team xFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

George Bettany is the Co-Founder of Sanctus, a coaching organisation which offers a holistic and sustainable approach to growth, blending personal and professional development with proactive wellbeing support.George charts his personal journey from being an active child to a promising football player then an entrepreneur who dropped out of Uni to focus on his original business. He speaks openly about how ultimately, he and his business partner burnt out during the pursuit of that first business.They both struggled with their mental health and wellbeing and didn't know how to to unbottle the way that they'd been feeling. They felt the space that they needed didn’t exist. Neither of them felt “ill” enough for therapy, and they didn’t even know where to start with trying to explain how they were feeling to friends and family.George explains that he found his ‘place’ in life through solving that exact problem with Sanctus. People needed somewhere to talk and to connect that didn’t yet exist. And so Sanctus, meaning “pure” in Latin, became a living, breathing brand on a mission to change the way the world views mental wellbeing in the workplace and to give people the space that they need.George has recently taken on the role of Chief Purpose Officer and talks during this episode about what he loves most about what he does as well as the challenges he's faced and how he's overcome them.Find out more about Sanctus: https://sanctus.io/We're @favouritepositionspodcast on Instagram, be sure to connect with us there if you'd like to join our online community of people who are finding what they love to do.Thank you for listening and for your support, always.#FavouritePositions team xFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Sal is a Mindset, Mood & Movement Coach. Though he's the first to tell you that he's not your typical life coach - he doesn't preach positivity.He's also not a conventional business coach – he won't examine your spreadsheets.As you'll find out in this episode, Sal listens very deeply to individuals and business founders and encourages them to see what they're not comfortable seeing, so they can move on up to a new level of consciousness. He believes that in guiding them to see their truth, a shift is created in their perspective that frees them from fear and unease. Essentially, he create the conditions for positive change and personal growth.He has been on a journey of profound personal growth himself. Hear about how he compiled his first list of the 'things he needed to work on for himself' as a child, how his anxious 'high achiever' tendencies in early adulthood led him to pursue success in business, relationships, financial stability, constantly looking or next ‘thing’ to make him happy and how, in searching for answers to him unease, over the last 20 years, he has studied Indian philosophy, practiced yoga and become a yoga teacher.It was a real honour to record with Sal and I hope you enjoy listening to his incredible story to date.Find out more about Sal: www.saljefferies.comWe're @favouritepositionspodcast on Instagram, be sure to connect with us there if you'd like to join our online community of people who are finding what they love to do.Thank you for listening and for your support, always.#FavouritePositions team xFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Daisy Morris is a social media strategist and the Founder of social media consultancy and digital community, The Selfhood.Studying Fashion at University, Daisy specialised in digital media and online consumer psychology, laying the vital foundations upon which her growth in the online world would be built.After graduating she worked in creative agencies, within teams at in-house fashion brands, and on specific activations and events for global brands, such as Pernod Ricard, Nasty Gal, and Diagio.In this episode, Daisy tells us how, in 2019, she quit her job after finding frustration in the lack of down-to-earth, real, and human advice available for those trying to find their way in the world of digital marketing and social media.With a fire in her belly and an undeniable enthusiasm to support others in finding their voice on social media, she went on to found The Selfhood. The company was born to teach business owners and creatives how to share their talents and promote their work online, in the most actionable and authentic way.Daisy tells us how the main premise of The Selfhood is that it aims to make URL interactions feel just as human as IRL ones. She uses funny tongue in cheek videos, memes, and vibrantly designed interactive content to share the know-how on building meaningful communities and connections on social media with business owners, creators, students, and creatives, far and wide.Eager to found a sense of community in real life, as well as in the digital world, Daisy also runs her own sell-out community-centric events and away from the world, she has started a netball team for women looking to make new friends in London, which has been a huge success and continues to grow.Find out more about Daisy: https://www.theselfhood.com/social-linksWe're @favouritepositionspodcast on Instagram, be sure to connect with us there if you'd like to join our online community of people who are finding what they love to do.Thank you for listening and for your support, always.#FavouritePositions team xFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Charlie Partridge has lived a life. Working as a performer, he has hosted events all over the globe to hundreds of thousands of people from New York and LA to Paris and London. He's toured shows with The New Scientist and hosted the Moth Live (one of the most downloaded podcasts in the world).I first came across Charlie during his performance last year at Brighton Fringe and became obsessed. He was bringing hardcore beats from the underground German Haus scene as Acid Klauss, a Bavarian beatboxer, music producer, club veteran and comic creation. Charlie has created a huge variety of live entertainment experiences, to the highest possible standard, for all manner of clients including Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, Royals, charities and broadcasters. Testimonials on his website echo my own feelings about his talents, with Meta exclaiming that booking him for a team event has gone down in history for them and Wilderness stating that he is the best act they have ever had the pleasure of booking!Hear from Charlie about where his imagination comes from, how he got into the position he's in and what he loves most about what he does.Find out more about Charlie: https://charliepartridgecomedy.co.uk/We're @favouritepositionspodcast on Instagram, be sure to connect with us there if you'd like to join our online community of people who are finding what they love to do.Thank you for listening and for your support, always.#FavouritePositions team xFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.

Calypso Barnum-Bobb is a Self-Discovery Coach, Speaker and Host who helps people re-discover and express their most authentic selves so they can create lives they're obsessed with.She leads 1:1 and group coaching sessions, talks and workshops in collaboration with leading global brands, including Nike, adidas, SOHO house, Lost Village music festival and the London College Of Fashion. She also runs a challenge for her community called 21 Days Of Self-Discovery, helping groups of people realise their greatness.She's also the co-founder of People Like Us Retreats- the inclusive retreat company that holds transformational retreats for the modern human and the host of her brand new podcast Self-Centred with Calypso.Hear about her fascinating journey to date and get an exclusive insight into what she's planning next.Find out more about Calypso: https://msha.ke/calypsobarnumbobbWe're @favouritepositionspodcast on Instagram, be sure to connect with us there if you'd like to join our online community of people who are finding what they love to do.Thank you for listening and for your support, always.#FavouritePositions team xFollow Favourite Positions on LinkedIn and Instagram, connect with Alex here.