So This Works

I've just turned 40! This month was also the anniversary of an event that happened when I was 18 years old, and I can't believe that was over half my lifetime ago! On this podcast I talk about things I would say to 18-year-old me, and things I would say to other young adults who are thinking about their futures.

On this episode I talk to Toni Carver of TLC Style and Colour. We talk about why she left her career in finance, the importance of feeling good and boosting your confidence and the importance of life/work balance and life a year after the first UK lockdown.For more information about Toni and TLC Style and Colour, visit her website at https://www.tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk/

On this episode I talk to Felix Leech, a stuntman from London. He has worked on productions such as Game of Thrones, Sex Education and the Paddington films. We discuss how he moved into that career, the challenges of doing something you love as opposed to what others consider a 'real job' and some of the dangers associated with his work.Visit Felix online at Facebook on https://www.facebook.com/FlexiFelixStunts or at Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/flexifelixstunts

On this episode I talk to Joanna Pease, a Life Coach based in West Yorkshire, UK. To some people, the concept of life coaching may seem like an American idea, or an unnecessary investment, so Joanna takes the time to talk about the positive impact it can have on your life. We discuss why she chose a career, why it is fine to change your career as much as you need, and then shares a near death experience of her own which affects her decisions today.

Today I talk about recognising your value in the workplace, the business world and on a personal level with your family, friends, peers and colleagues.

On this episode I speak to David Wilson, the Director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film. David and his colleagues have been responsible for bringing several television and film production companies to Bradford, meaning shows like Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack and ABC Murders have all recorded in the city. We discuss the impact the film office has had on the city of Bradford, his encounters with actors like John Malkovich and Cillian Murphy, and his love for playing and performing music.You can find out more about the film office at https://www.bradford-city-of-film.com/

On this episode I speak to Erica Mackay of the Marketing Detective Agency, an advertising and marketing company based in London. We discuss the choices that led to her current career, her former career as a bodyguard and the importance of taking risks. You can find out more about her company at www.themarketingdetectiveagency.com

On today's episode I talk to Josiah Sulc, CEO of Rooted In, a Bradford based charity specialising in community development and providing training opportunities to benefit the lives of the residents of Allerton and Lower Grange, two suburbs within West Bradford.We talk about why he chose a career in the charitable sector, why he turned his back on other careers, how he strikes up a work life balance and several other topics.

On this episode I talk about the influence of the death of George Floyd has had on the world. I also discuss race as an issue closer to home in the city of Bradford and the UK in general.

On this episode I talk to Lloyd Thompson, the founder of Tranquil Productions and Tech Styles International. Lloyd organises breakdancing events, classes and workshops, and also works in media production and online tutoring. We discuss why he chose this particular career and the lessons he's learned along the way.For more information about Tranquil Productions, visit www.tranquilproductions.co.uk

On today's episode I speak to April-Joy Serrant, the founder of AJS Training Solution, a training company based in West Yorkshire. We discuss how she launched her training company, the importance of work/life balance, living through the era of COVID-19 and advice on starting your own business.Find out more at the website www.ajstrainingsolution.com

On this episode I talk to Rad Miller, a fellow filmmaker and Director of Pocket Projects, a video production company based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Rad is a good friend, and we talk about how his career in film began, his filmmaking inspirations, and how COVID-19 has affected his work and the world around us. For more information about Rad and his work, please visit radmiller.com and pocketprojects.co.uk

On this episode I talk to Liz Mytton, a theatre maker, writer and creative facilitator based in Bristol, in the south west of England. We discuss what she loves about writing and theatre production, the inspirations that encouraged her choice of career, and a certain show called "The Oval" by Tyler Perry which is making waves for the wrong reasons.To find out more about Liz, visit her website www.lizmyttonwrites.com

The number one issue affecting the world right now is COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. It's stopped the world in it's tracks, it threatens our health and wellbeing, and for those of us who run businesses, these are uncertain times. Understandably there is a lot of fear in the air, so on this episode I list a number of things we can do to stay positive and aim to move forward with our careers, our lives and find hope for the future.

On this episode I talk to Dennis Gerald, an actor, presenter and model from Manchester in the north of England. We talk about how Dennis moved into a career that he enjoys, why he moved away from the usual 9-5 roles, and his inspirations that inspire him to work harder.For more information about Dennis, visit www.dennisgerald.co.uk

On this episode I speak to Nick Ahad, a writer, stand up comedian and radio presenter for Radio Leeds. He has also produced and directed short films and written scripts for the British soap Emmerdale.We talk about how he started working in radio and journalism, taking the step into stand up comedy and how race can have an effect on how you are perceived in the world.

On this episode I speak to Ben Goodwin aka ExP, an MC and Recording Engineer of DubWhy Studios in Leeds. Ben is a successful hip-hop recording artist who has gained recognition across the UK for his unique brand of songwriting and approach to a wide range of topical issues. I've had the privilege of using his music studio over the years (and I highly recommend it). We talk about the birth of DubWhy Studios, creating a music label, the importance of doing the things you love, running a limited company, the highs and lows of self employment, how hip-hop music has changed over the years and lots of other things along the way.For more information about DubWhy Studios, visit their website at http://dubwhystudios.com

On this episode I talk to Tim Nelson, the International Development Director of Hope for Justice, a global charity fighting human trafficking and modern slavery. We talk about balancing a demanding role which takes him all over the world with family and personal time, running a business and a whole host of other topics.For more information about Hope For Justice, visit their website.www.hopeforjustice.org

Today I speak to Philip Charles, Co-Director of PiPeLine Productions Academies Ltd, an alternative education provision based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. I've known Philip for 20 years and we worked together running music workshops for young people across the UK for several years. We talk about the growth of PiPeLine, how a hobby can turn into a business, and his love of salsa dancing and music.For more information about Pipeline Productions, visit their website at www.pipelineproductions.co.uk

On this episode I speak to Mike Edwards, the Director of the Northern Affinity, a new networking initiative based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. We talk about starting a business in order to better your life, networking, why the Northern Affinity is important, and also touch on his football team Liverpool FC, a major rival of my own football team Manchester United!For more information about the Northern Affinity, visit the website at www.thenorthernaffinity.co.uk

On this episode I talk to Melanie Kirk, the Director of Architect Hair Extension Academy and the Creator of Easiring about moving away from the corporate world and getting started in business, becoming an inventor and juggling family with business.For more information about Architect Hair Extension Academy, visit the website below.https://architecthairexacademy.co.uk

On this first episode, I introduce the So This Works podcast, provide a little bit of background about how and why I started my own business, and the importance of a work/life balance. I hope this introduction inspires you and encourages you to listen to future podcast episodes!