Careers Unwrapped

Welcome to Careers Unwrapped, where we explore the raw, honest, stories of people who are making it to the top of their careers, to help you with yours. With your host Mark Fawcett, we invite our guests from a variety of industries to break down the guidance and skills they wish they’d had when they started their careers. Advice you can put into action in your life.

Art is Like a Shark: Creating a Career in the World of Art with Dr. James Fox, Art Historian and Broadcaster

Ever wondered how art history could launch a dynamic career spanning academia, broadcasting, and creative leadership? Join host Mark Fawcett as he sits down with renowned art historian Dr. James Fox to explore the surprising versatility of an arts education. From teaching at Cambridge to directing documentaries and leading creative foundations, Dr. Fox reveals how studying art develops crucial skills in analysis, communication, and innovative thinking. Perfect for anyone considering a creative career path or looking to understand how arts education can open unexpected professional doors, this episode challenges common misconceptions about art's role in business and society. • Key highlights include navigating academic career paths, transitioning into broadcasting, and why creative industries are vital to the UK economy • Learn why art isn't just for galleries - it's a fundamental part of human society with practical applications across industries • Discover the exciting range of careers available in creative sectors, from traditional roles to emerging opportunities in film and digital media

04-22
34:47

Busting Myths About Accountancy with Karl Edge, Chief People Officer and Head of Regions at KPMG UK

Ever wondered if accountancy could be more than just numbers? Join host Mark Fawcett as he sits down with Karl Edge, Chief People Officer at KPMG UK, to shatter myths about the accounting profession. Karl shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to leadership, revealing how accountancy can be a gateway to diverse career opportunities worldwide. Whether you're a recent graduate considering your options or someone curious about professional services, discover why you don't need an accounting degree to succeed, how to leverage your authentic self in a corporate environment, and what leadership really looks like in modern accountancy. Listen in for practical insights on building a fulfilling career in one of the world's leading professional services firms. • Perfect for early career starters looking to understand the real world of accounting • Valuable for those interested in leadership development and career progression • Essential listening for anyone questioning whether they'd "fit in" to corporate culture

04-15
32:13

Building a Career Through Trust and Culture with Will Lankston, Managing Director of Timpson Direct

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Will Lankston, Managing Director of Timpson Direct. They explore Will's 15-year journey from management trainee to senior leader, the unique culture that's kept him at Timpson, and how embracing opportunities and taking risks have shaped his career growth in the retail service industry.

04-01
31:25

From Olympic Hopeful to CEO: Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell's Journey of Breaking Barriers

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell, CEO of Ten Thousand Interns Foundation. Together, they explore her remarkable journey from becoming the first black woman to swim for Great Britain to now leading a transformative charity creating opportunities for black talent in the workplace.

03-18
32:13

How to Take Control of Your Career: A We Are Futures Roundtable Discussion

In this special roundtable episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Victoria Geary and James Rimmer, Senior Strategists at We Are Futures, to explore the realities of career transitions. Drawing from their experiences in education, recruitment, and youth engagement, they discuss how careers often develop in unexpected ways. The conversation covers the value of staying curious, making deliberate career changes, and the importance of building professional relationships. Whether you're early in your career or considering a change, their practical insights show how different experiences can shape a meaningful professional journey.

03-04
34:30

Breaking Free from Corporate Life: A Journey into Sustainable Entrepreneurship with Laura Harnett of Seep

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Laura Harnett, Founder of Seep, to explore her journey from corporate executive to eco-entrepreneur. Whether you're a seasoned professional considering a career pivot or an aspiring founder, this conversation unpacks valuable insights about securing investment, choosing the right business partners, and building a purpose-driven company. Laura shares candid lessons about transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, including her recent Dragons' Den experience and her passionate advocacy for female founders. Tune in to discover how corporate experience can be leveraged for entrepreneurial success, and why sometimes life's biggest challenges can lead to our greatest opportunities.

02-18
34:34

How AI is Transforming Marketing in 2025, Expert Insights from Guy Hanson of Validity

In this episode of Careers Unwrap, host Mark Fawcett sits down with Guy Hanson, Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity, to explore the evolving world of digital marketing and data management. They discuss the AI revolution's impact on marketing, the critical importance of data literacy in modern careers, and how to build successful customer engagement strategies. Guy shares valuable insights from his 35-year journey in tech and marketing, offering essential advice for those starting their careers in this rapidly changing field.

02-04
32:08

How to Lead with Balance in Insurance with Nick Turner, Group Chief Executive Officer at NFU Mutual

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Nick Turner, Group Chief Executive Officer at NFU Mutual, to discuss his journey from stacking shelves to leading one of the UK's major insurers, his philosophy of kind and commercial leadership, and why insurance is far more exciting than people think.

01-21
34:12

Debunking Hospitality Myths and Building Careers with Kelly Johnstone, COO of Springboard

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Kelly Johnstone, Chief Operations Officer of Springboard, to discuss the vibrant world of hospitality and tourism. Kelly shares her journey through various leadership roles, the current state of the industry, and valuable insights for young professionals looking to make their mark. Tune in for an engaging conversation about the opportunities, challenges, and the exciting future of this dynamic sector!

01-07
31:48

Modern HR Insights with Danny Harmer, Chief People Officer at Aviva

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Danny Harmer, Chief People Officer at Aviva. Together, they explore the evolution of HR from personnel to strategic business function, debunk common misconceptions about careers in HR, and discuss how the pandemic has transformed workplace practices.

12-17
35:56

How to Find Your Career Path with Nicola Semple

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Nicola Semple, Career and Confidence Coach, to discuss how to navigate career changes, the importance of self-reflection in career development, and why it's essential to embrace curiosity throughout your professional journey.

12-10
32:52

Career Lessons That Never Get Old: Best of 2024

In this special episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett looks back at the most inspiring moments and valuable career lessons from 2024, featuring conversations with archaeologist Phil Harding, BBC Controller Fiona Campbell, AI specialist Jocelyn Burnham, antiquarian bookseller Tom Ayling, and political commentator James Matthewson.

12-03
38:09

The Power of Naivety: Building Wealthy Social Enterprises with Brett Wigdortz

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Brett Wigdortz, Founder of Teach First and tiny.co. Together, they explore Brett's journey from management consultant to education pioneer, discussing why being young is an advantage in entrepreneurship, and how to spot life-changing opportunities.

11-12
31:34

The Reality of Modern British Politics with James Matthewson, Political Commentator & Writer

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by James Matthewson, Political Commentator & Writer. Together, they explore James's unconventional journey into politics, the realities of working in Westminster, and how the political landscape has evolved for those seeking to enter the field.

10-29
35:56

The Rare World of Literary Treasures with Tom Ayling, Founder of Tom W. Ayling Rare Books & Manuscripts

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Tom Ayling (@tomwayling on TikTok), Founder of Tom W. Ayling Rare Books & Manuscripts and a TikTok sensation with over 359,943 followers. Together, they explore Tom's journey from bookseller to rare book expert and social media star, diving into the fascinating world of literary treasures, and how platforms like TikTok transformed the antiquarian book trade.

10-15
34:17

Unveiling the Truth: Jessica Hill's Journey in Investigative Journalism

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Jessica Hill, a seasoned senior investigative journalist and features reporter. They discuss Jessica's diverse career journey, from regional coverage to international reporting, and delve into the nuances of investigative journalism in education.

10-01
32:34

Career Marketing Masterclass with Thomas Powner, Chief Executive of CareerThinker

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped Masterclass, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Thomas Powner, Chief Executive of CareerThinker, to discuss career marketing. They explore why you should approach your job search as a marketing campaign, how you can showcase your value over function, and how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market.

09-24
13:57

The AI Revolution in Arts and Heritage with Jocelyn Burnham

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Jocelyn Burnham, an independent speaker, consultant, and trainer in AI. Together, they explore how AI is transforming the cultural sector, its impact on careers, and how individuals can harness its potential for personal and professional growth.

09-17
34:17

Why You Should Never Undervalue Creatives with John Mouratis, Founder of Story Flow Entertainment

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by John Mouratis, Founder of Story Flow Entertainment. Together they discuss the intricacies of video production, how to build high-performing creative teams, and the importance of embracing technology in the creative industry.

09-03
31:10

Navigating Sustainable Fashion and Career Sustainability with Alexis Maule

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Alexis Maule, Advisory Board Member of NOLD. They discuss sustainable fashion, diversity in the industry, and Alexis's journey from the White House to fashion tech, sharing valuable insights for career development across global industries.

08-20
36:39

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