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In this podcast we interview Aston University alumni – some of the UK’s most employable graduates, and hear the remarkable stories of where their careers have taken them.
Aston has more than 100,000 alumni in 100 countries around the world, and between them, they’re building multi-million-pound empires, saving lives, competing in the Olympics, making TV appearances, getting themselves on Forbes 30 Under 30 lists, uncovering possibilities in AI, and a whole lot more.
Get ready to be inspired, as we uncover what some of our alumni did, after Aston.
What to expect from Series 2 (Episodes 11-20)
Series 2 will be full of the same great stuff, but with a bit of a difference. This series,
Geoff will be joined by a new co-host, Aimee Postle - Aston alumna, Coach, and
Senior Teaching Fellow. You can expect candid conversations, career journeys, and
a dose of inspiration from our global alumni community.
Series 1 Recap (Episodes 1-10)
Geoff Savage from Aston’s Community, Alumni Relations and Development team,
and Aston graduate Katrina Raipuri interviewed 10 alumni about their career
experiences so far. They heard from Christine who founded a global football
franchise, Grace who became an award-winning cocktail entrepreneur, Sunjay who
worked with Kylie Minogue, Simba who went on BBC’s The Apprentice, Gabriella
who moved her career to Norway, Grace who became a BBC Breakfast Presenter,
Paul who taught thousands of people to be better leaders, Sue who oversaw £6
billion of assets, James who lived and worked in 8 countries, and Rachel who project
managed a new Cadbury chocolate bar.
Aston has more than 100,000 alumni in 100 countries around the world, and between them, they’re building multi-million-pound empires, saving lives, competing in the Olympics, making TV appearances, getting themselves on Forbes 30 Under 30 lists, uncovering possibilities in AI, and a whole lot more.
Get ready to be inspired, as we uncover what some of our alumni did, after Aston.
What to expect from Series 2 (Episodes 11-20)
Series 2 will be full of the same great stuff, but with a bit of a difference. This series,
Geoff will be joined by a new co-host, Aimee Postle - Aston alumna, Coach, and
Senior Teaching Fellow. You can expect candid conversations, career journeys, and
a dose of inspiration from our global alumni community.
Series 1 Recap (Episodes 1-10)
Geoff Savage from Aston’s Community, Alumni Relations and Development team,
and Aston graduate Katrina Raipuri interviewed 10 alumni about their career
experiences so far. They heard from Christine who founded a global football
franchise, Grace who became an award-winning cocktail entrepreneur, Sunjay who
worked with Kylie Minogue, Simba who went on BBC’s The Apprentice, Gabriella
who moved her career to Norway, Grace who became a BBC Breakfast Presenter,
Paul who taught thousands of people to be better leaders, Sue who oversaw £6
billion of assets, James who lived and worked in 8 countries, and Rachel who project
managed a new Cadbury chocolate bar.
19 Episodes
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Geoff and Aimee are joined by alumnus Stephen Billingham, who discusses his journey through various leadership roles, including being an executive at multiple high-profile organizations and a chair in both corporate and charitable boards. He talks candidly about the good and the bad of corporate boards, including what makes a good one, and why sometimes personality clashes are inevitable. Stephen also reflects on the crucial role of the chair, and the evolving responsibilities of boards, especially in terms of sustainability and social responsibility. View the digital Aston for Life magazine: https://aflmagazine.aston.ac.uk/
In this episode of 'After Aston I...' hosts Aimee Postle and Geoff Savage sit down with Dr. Krystle Burnett-Dunkley, a triple alumna who has carved an impressive path in the tech industry. Krystle discusses her journey from Birmingham to New York, her work at Hewlett Packard in leading strategic marketing campaigns, and her PhD research on sustainable leadership in the US tech industry. She delves into the fast-paced nature of the New York tech scene, the importance of staying informed in an ever-evolving field, and the potential of AI in marketing. Krystle also shares insights on her role as a mentor, the importance of balancing professional ambitions with personal joy, and the rich crossover between industry and academia.
In this episode of the After Aston I... podcast, hosted by Aimee and Geoff, the spotlight is on Arese Ugwu, an Aston University alumna and renowned financial educator, author, and filmmaker. Arese shares her journey from studying Business Management at Aston to becoming a key figure empowering African millennial women with smart financial decisions. She talks about her struggles with personal finances and how they inspired her to create educational content, including articles, the bestselling book 'The Smart Money Woman,' and a hit Netflix series of the same name.Arese also discusses the entrepreneurial challenges of funding creative projects and her approach to merging business acumen with creative visions. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about financial empowerment, storytelling, and navigating the film industry. Don't forget to check out the links for where to watch 'The Smart Money Woman' series on YouTube, and for more information on Aston's 20% loyalty scholarship for postgraduate studies. https://www.youtube.com/@AzuwaStudioshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/arese-ugwu-272710a7/?originalSubdomain=nghttps://www.aston.ac.uk/postgraduate/progressing-postgraduate-study
In this episode of After Aston I…, co-hosts Aimee and Geoff are joined by Rupinder Kaur, founder of Asian Women Mean Business. Rupinder shares her inspiring journey from navigating the corporate world as a South Asian woman to leading a platform that empowers South Asian women to overcome self-doubt and step into leadership roles. She discusses the cultural challenges faced by South Asian women in the corporate world and the importance of community support, culturally relevant mentorship, and confidence-building. Rupinder also talks about her inspiring climb up Mount Kilimanjaro with the first all South Asian female group and the impact of her upcoming learning and development app aimed at supporting South Asian women globally. Listen in to hear how Rupinder is reshaping the leadership landscape for South Asian women and fostering confidence, ambition, and success.To learn more about Asian Women MEAN Business at https://www.asianwomenmeanbusiness.com/
In this episode of After Aston I…, co-hosts Aimee and Geoff sit down with Daniel Franklin, an Aston alumnus and the executive editor of The Economist. The conversation spans Daniel's illustrious 41-year career, during which he covered significant global events such as the collapse of communism, the global economic crisis, and recent US elections. Daniel discusses the evolution of The Economist into a global media brand and shares his experiences editing 'The World In' annual edition. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on journalism, the importance of news literacy, and major global trends in technology, demographics, and politics. Whether you're interested in journalism, global politics, or future trends, this episode offers a wealth of insights and thought-provoking discussion.Study online postgraduate degrees with Aston University, from the comfort of your own home: https://online.aston.ac.uk/
In this episode of After Aston I…, Aimee and guest co-host Abby welcome Harley Cunningham, Senior Strategy and Performance Manager at Virgin Media O2. The episode delves into Harley’s personal journey of transforming workplace bereavement support following the heartbreaking loss of her son, James. Harley shares the development and implementation of an innovative bereavement strategy, including 'Hug in a Box,' and offers valuable insights on how companies can better support grieving employees. The conversation highlights the importance of open communication, proactive support measures, and creating a compassionate workplace culture.Follow Harley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harleycunningham/Harley's content on the Aston for Life platformHow to implement a best practice bereavement policy (video) 6 steps to becoming a compassionate leader (video) The Managers' Toolkit for supporting your employee through a bereavement (article)
In this episode of After Aston I.., hosts Aimee and Geoff welcome Lorraine Copes, a successful entrepreneur and advocate for racial equity in the hospitality sector. Lorraine shares her journey from graduating from Aston University in 2001 with a BSc in Logistics to building a two-decade-long career in hospitality, working with renowned companies like TGI Fridays, Shake Shack, and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants. Lorraine discusses her experience launching Be Inclusive Hospitality, a not-for-profit organization aimed at accelerating racial equity in the industry.She elaborates on the organization's data-led approach, mentorship programs, and collaborations with major brands like Uber Eats and Ben's Original. Lorraine also reflects on the importance of equity over equality, challenges of entrepreneurship, her passion for food and drink, and the significance of having a supportive community.The episode wraps up with quickfire questions about Lorraine's dream team member and her favourite Aston memory.Find out more about Lorraine and her work:Lorriane's websiteBe Inclusive HospitalityAnd to learn more about the Alumni Club visit our website.
Geoff and Aimee kick off series 2 with a conversation with Aston graduate and Olympic boxer, Delicious Orie, also known as DJ.DJ transitioned into the world of boxing at 18 and since then has represented Team GB in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, won Gold at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Gold at the European Championships, and more.In this episode, DJ shares the inspiration behind his switch to boxing, his rigorous training regime, the significance of competing at his home Games, his future plans of turning professional, how the challenges he faced during his formative years have fueled his drive and determination, and how he balances resilience and passion. DJ, Aimee and Geoff also share their ring walk song choice!
Geoff introduces Aimee as the new co-host of the After Aston I… podcast! The two tell us what to expect from the upcoming series, due to land on the airwaves very soon! Series 2 will bring you more candid conversations with Aston University alumni – some of the UK’s most employable graduates – as we hear the remarkable stories of where their careers have taken them. If you’ve not yet subscribed, go ahead and hit that little bell. You’ll be the first to know when a new episode drops, and you’ll make us very happy.
In this season finale of the After Aston I… podcast, hosts Katrina and Geoff are joined by Rachel Krol, a Project Engineering Manager at Mondelēz International. Rachel, an Aston University alumna with a degree in mechanical engineering, shares insights about her exciting role with the snack giant. She discusses her involvement in various projects, including the production of well-loved snacks like Cadbury chocolate bars and Creme Eggs. Rachel also talks about the challenges and pride in working for a top global company, the use of collaborative robots, and her passion for supporting early careers in engineering. Connect with Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-krol-808/Find out more about Mondelēz International: https://www.mondelezinternational.com/
In this episode of the After Aston I... podcast, co-hosts Abby, who is filling in for Katrina, and Geoff, engage in a captivating conversation with Aston alumnus James Henderson. Graduating from Aston University in 1990 with a degree in Management and Administrative Studies, James has built an illustrious career in the luxury goods industry, including prestigious roles in Formula One yachts and private aviation. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Exclusive Resorts, a leading private travel and hospitality membership club in North America. Throughout his career, James has lived and worked in diverse locations such as Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Switzerland, Italy, and the United States, bringing a wealth of international experience to the table.Exclusive Resorts website: https://exclusiveresorts.com/James’ personal blog: https://james-henderson.com/Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjhenderson/Connect with James on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james.j.henderson/
In this episode, Katrina and Geoff speak to Sue Noffke, an Aston University alumna who has built a successful career in the finance sector. Graduating in 1989 with a degree in business and biochemistry, Sue gained early experience in investment during her placement year at Schroders, a global asset management company. She returned to Schroders post-graduation and has risen to head its UK equities division, managing a portfolio worth 6 billion pounds. Sue shares insights into her role, detailing the responsibilities of overseeing investments and the importance of equities in the market. She discusses the rarity of spending an entire career at one company, attributing her longevity to a blend of autonomy, stability, and continuous learning opportunities at Schroders. Sue also touches on the gender dynamics within the finance industry, noting its male-dominated nature but emphasising the importance of visibility and role models for women. She also provides advice for those interested in a role in fund management!Connect with Sue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-noffke-639a9124/
In this episode of the After Aston I… podcast, guest host Abby steps in for Katrina to join Geoff and discuss leadership and personal growth with Paul Matthews, an Aston alumnus and leadership coach based in Australia. Paul shares his journey from working in corporate roles across various sectors in the UK and Australia to establishing his own leadership coaching practice. He emphasises the importance of powerful conversations in leadership, the shift towards a work-life balance, and how mindset plays a crucial role in personal development. Paul discusses his book 'Switch,' which focuses on modern leadership practices and the significance of adopting a growth mindset. The discussion also covers the relevance of aligning team performance with business vision, the changing dynamics of the workforce, and practical advice for leaders aiming to improve team clarity and engagement.Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmatthewscoach/Paul’s coaching consultancy website: https://paulmatthews.com.au/Order ‘Switch’ - Paul’s best-selling book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08QYJ37SSGet your tickets for Astonbury: https://www.astonbury.co.uk/
In this episode of the ‘After Aston I…’ podcast, Katrina and Geoff interview Grace Smith, an Aston University alumna with an exciting career in the media industry. With a background in public policy and social studies, Grace initially ventured into roles unrelated to her current profession, including working as a corporate tax inspector. However, following a lockdown project, an unexpected opportunity led her to make a career shift, embracing roles as a BBC radio presenter, voiceover artist, live events host, and reporter for major events like the Commonwealth Games and music festivals.
In this episode of ‘After Aston I…’, Katrina and Geoff chat to Gabriella Bossman, a 2015 Politics and International Relations graduate who’s moved her career to Norway. They chat about Gabriella’s experience working and running a business in a different culture, her observations about the importance of language, the approach to work-life balance in Norway, the differences in business ecosystems, cultural adaptability, and more. Gabriella also talks about her work in the green tech space and her desire to build something with a mission behind it, how the country’s strong social security can sometimes lead to less entrepreneurial drive, and the support available for start-ups in Norway.Find out more about the Alumni Club:https://www.aston.ac.uk/alumni/the-alumni-club Connect with Gabriella Bossman on LinkedIn
In this episode of the After Aston I... podcast, hosts Katrina and Geoff welcome Simba Rwambiwa, the co-founder and managing director of Palm Love Care Services. Simba shares how his personal experience of looking after his late mother inspired him to start his own healthcare company focused on providing in-home care. He explains the positive impact of in-home care on the quality of life for patients and shares his passion for helping others. Simba also talks about his experience as a contestant on the BBC's 'The Apprentice' and how it has influenced his approach to business.
In this episode, Katrina and Geoff delve into the music industry with Sunjay Kohli, an Aston alumnus who has worked with major companies such as Ticketmaster International, Warner Music Group, and BMG. Sunjay shares valuable insights into the music industry and advises those aspiring to work at a record label. He discusses how he navigated the corporate and 'glitzy' sides of the business, working with iconic artists such as Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Louis Tomlinson, Alt J and KSI, and how he’s transitioned to running his own business, AAA Media.Connect with SunjayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunjay-kohli-4ab44b55/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunjaykohli/AAA Media: aaamedia.co Aston for Life newsletterUpdate your details and make sure you’ve opted into alumni communications if you’d like to receive the new Aston for Life newsletter: https://www.aston.ac.uk/alumni/contact-us/update-form Follow us on social media to hear about the new Alumni ClubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/astonalumni/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aston-alumni/X: https://twitter.com/astonalumniFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/astonuniversityalumni/
In this episode, Katrina and Geoff sit down with Aston alumna Grace Ubawuchi, Founder and CEO of the innovative frozen cocktail brand Xīn and Voltaire. Grace takes us through her journey from being a Business and International Relations student at Aston University to becoming a trailblazer in the drinks industry. Throughout the conversation, Grace emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and tenacity in entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges she faced in freezing alcohol and establishing a temperature-controlled logistical chain for product distribution. She also talks about winning this year’s KPMG Black Entrepreneurs’ Award, her ambition for international expansion, and the importance of failure.
In this episode, Katrina and Geoff speak with Christine Kelly, an Aston University alumna and the founder of 'Little Kickers', the world’s biggest and most successful pre-school football academy and an international franchise program.Christine talks about her journey from graduating with a degree in International Business and Modern Languages to her career in finance, why she decided to start 'Little Kickers', and her experiences running the business and expanding it globally.Christine also touches on some challenges she faced and lessons she learned along the way, as well as what might be in store for the future.
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