Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast

In the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, we focus on the upcoming 25th anniversary of the BYPY awards and their significance for young professionals in the Greater Birmingham area. Sophie is joined by Professor Dilshad Sheikh, Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Arden University, and Dee Kanco-Hammond, head of Risk, Governance and Reporting at St Mungo's and executive MBA student at Arden University. They delve into the history and offerings of Arden University, emphasizing its focus on practical, employer-driven education and support systems tailored for mature and diverse students. Dee shares her personal journey of returning to education to pursue an executive MBA, of which the lucky winner of the upcoming GBYPY Awards will win as well alongside the accolade of Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year. Dee talks about the transformative impact of her executive MBA on her career and personal growth, and how Arden really was the place for her to be.Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership.You can get in touch with Dilshad via LinkedIn, and Dee via LinkedIn.Follow us for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride — and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, the official podcast celebrating the energy, ambition, and achievements of young professionals across Greater Birmingham and the West Midlands.Host Sophie Poduval-Morrell dives into the stories behind the region’s rising stars — with a special focus on 25 years of the BYPY (Birmingham Young Professional of the Year) Awards. In this episode, Sophie sits down with Karl George, the overall winner of the 2002 BYPY Awards. Corporate governance expert Karl George was just the second Birmingham Young Professional of the Year back in 2002. Marking 25 years of the prestigious award – now the GreaterBirmingham Young Professional of the Year - Karl joins us to reflect on how the achievement helped establish his reputation in West Midlands business circles. As a rising star in his own small accountancy firm, Karlemerged as the winner in the finance category ahead of young professionals from a number of the bigger firms, before going on to win the overall award. Now a leader in corporate governance, Karl also discusses how young professionals can benefit from joining boards. Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership.You can get in touch with Karl via ⁠LinkedIn.Follow us for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride — and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, the official podcast celebrating the energy, ambition, and achievements of young professionals across Greater Birmingham and the West Midlands.Host Sophie Poduval-Morrell dives into the stories behind the region’s rising stars — with a special focus on 25 years of the BYPY (Birmingham Young Professional of the Year) Awards. Alongside her is Nicola Fleet-Milne, a prominent advocate for BYPY and a long-time business figure in Birmingham. Nicola shares her journey, including setting up her residential property agency, FleetMilne, and her involvement with various business improvement initiatives in Birmingham. Nicola talks about her initial experience with BYPY, her achievements, and the impact the awards had on her career. The duo also discuss the importance of networking, the evolving nature of the BYPY awards, and advice for young professionals. Nicola emphasizes the value of community, self-awareness, and leaning into one’s strengths for career growth.Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership.You can get in touch with Nicola via LinkedIn.Follow us for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride — and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

In the latest episode of the Future Faces Podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell chats with hospitality pros Sophie Paoloni and Christina Kruzewski about the real-life juggling act of building a career and a personal life. With both guests working in high-pressure sales and events roles, they dive into the challenges young professionals face when trying to maintain relationships, routines, and their own well-being.The trio touch on work-life balance, professional networking, personal relationships, and the challenges of balancing demanding jobs with personal lives and family responsibilities. From setting boundaries and managing burnout to leaning on your network and making space for what really matters, this honest conversation is packed with insights for anyone trying to stay grounded in a fast-paced world. Whether you're in hospitality or just navigating your own work-life mix, this one’s for you.You can get in touch with Sophie and Christina via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

In the next episode of The Future Faces Podcast, our host Sophie sits down with two well-known faces in Future Faces network.Vice-President Will Crawford and committee member Jay Loha dive into the real talk with Sophie about balancing relationships and work-life as a young professional. The trio delve into the significance of personal and professional relationships, coping strategies, and the intersection of work and home life. They explore everything from the struggles of being single or married, to the realities of parenting while climbing the career ladder — sharing practical advice, real-life stories, and coping strategies to help listeners thrive both at work and at home. Whether you’re navigating dating apps, managing family commitments, or just trying to keep your sanity intact at work, this episode delivers honest insights and actionable tips.Plus, give the episode a listen for details on an exciting event happening on July 22nd that promises to take this important conversation even further — an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with fellow Future Faces members. Don’t miss out! Check out our events calendar for more information.You can get in touch with Will and Jay via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

In the latest episode of the Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, the discussion revolves around mindfulness, its importance, and how it can benefit young professionals in their careers. Sophie is joined by Tom Forrester, a trainee financial planner at BRI Wealth Management and a member of Future Faces.Tom shares his career journey, including his transition from administrative roles to a client-facing position, and his unexpected pathway into financial planning despite his initial aspiration to be a teacher. He opens up about personal challenges, such as losing his father during his university years and a later personal tragedy, and how these experiences led him to introducing mindfulness practices like journaling and habit tracking into his life. Tom emphasizes the importance of being present, setting personal goals, and aligning your work with personal values. The conversation also touches on the impact of external pressures, the role of corporate culture in personal well-being, and practical mindfulness strategies for young professionals.You can get in touch with Tom via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

In this episode of the Future Faces Podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell interviews Chris Crossan, the Welcome Experience Coordinator at Arup. Sophie and Chris delve into the concept of mindfulness, it's importance in the workplace, and practical ways to incorporate it, especially for young professionals. Chris shares insights about his role, which includes organizing health and wellbeing activities at Arup, a company known for its strong emphasis on employee care. He discusses the various initiatives Arup has implemented to support mental and physical health, such as wellness rooms, social events, and creative activities. Chris also offers tips for smaller companies to foster mindfulness and well-being in their teams and highlights the importance of setting personal boundaries and taking mindful breaks. This episode emphasizes the value of creating a supportive work environment that encourages employees to thrive, a must-listen for young professionals.You can get in touch with Chris via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

In the latest episode of the Future Faces Podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell sits down with aspiring IT and data lawyer Conor McDonagh.A well-known face within the Future Faces community, Conor talks to Sophie about the transformative impact of AI on the legal industry and the broader tech sector. Connor shares his journey into the legal field, his passion for technology, and how AI is being integrated into legal and business practices. They explore the legal implications of AI, its role in data and technology agreements, and how young professionals can leverage these advancements. Connor also delves into ethical concerns surrounding AI and provides practical advice for those starting in the AI and tech space. He also highlights the importance of proactive engagement, continuous learning, and networking in navigating the evolving landscape of AI.You can get in touch with Conor via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

In the newest episode of the Future Faces Podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell discusses the impact of AI in the workplace with Alex Peart, a senior manager at KPMG and GBYPY award winner. Sophie and Alex cover the importance of AI for businesses and young professionals, practical applications, associated risks, and the need for responsible usage to build trust. Alex also shares insights on how AI is transforming various industries by automating mundane tasks and enhancing efficiency. They also discuss the significance of honing your soft skills and maintaining a growth mindset while adapting to new technologies.You can get in touch with Alex via LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and essential advice on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth. This episode, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, delves into the art of networking with guest Suzie Branch-Haddow. Suzie is the vice principal for External Development at BMet College and a multi-award winner, including the Future Faces President's Award 2024. Suzie shares her journey and expertise in networking, discussing its importance for young professionals and providing tips on building meaningful connections. Despite her extensive experience, Suzie emphasizes the ongoing challenges and nervousness associated with networking, covering strategies for effective networking, the value of follow-up, and the importance of being genuine and honest. Suzie also reflects on how winning awards like BYPY has significantly impacted her career, and highlights the importance of environments like Future Faces that provide a safe space to develop critical networking and relationship-building skills.You can get in touch with Suzie via her LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.In this episode, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell invites award-winning solicitor Joel Blake to discuss the significance of genuine networking for career growth. Joel shares his journey as a private client solicitor, his unexpected win of the Future Faces Ambassador Award, and how being a part of the Future Faces network has influenced his professional life. He offers valuable insights into the importance of building authentic relationships over transactional networking, highlights the role of Future Faces in his development, and provides practical advice for both introverts and extroverts entering the networking scene. You can get in touch with Joel via his LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.In this episode, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, Rory, the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year in Sales, Marketing and Communications 2024, shares his journey and expertise in networking. Rory, a Regional Marketing Executive for North Europe at Röhlig Logistics, discusses the importance of building genuine relationships for career advancement. He talks through his diverse career experiences, including marketing for an auction house and web design for Aston University. Rory also emphasizes the significance of personal branding, highlighting his ballroom and Latin dancing achievements. He also provides practical advice for young professionals on networking, focusing on authenticity, consistency, and engagement through platforms like LinkedIn. Rory elaborates on the psychological aspects of networking, distinguishing between fear and anxiousness, and offers actionable tips such as the 'SEE Factors'—Smile, Eye Contact, and Energy—to effectively approach and connect with people. You can get in touch with Rory via his LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.Hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, this episode tackles a pressing issue many young professionals grapple with: Imposter Phenomenon. Joining Sophie to explore this topic is Dr. Samantha Strong, a university lecturer recognized for her contributions to education and training, and winner of the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Award for Training & Education in 2024.Samantha is a senior lecturer at the School of Optometry at Aston University, and shares her fascinating journey of navigating imposter feelings. Despite not following a traditional career path, she highlights the importance of embracing unique experiences and skills, proving that differences can be strengths rather than weaknesses.Samantha’s process of overcoming imposter feelings wasn’t instantaneous but gradual. Key to her progress was accepting mentorship and being open to receiving constructive feedback. Now in a position of influence, Samantha passionately supports her students by openly discussing challenges, making herself a relatable mentor and reinforcing the culture of kindness and empathy. This approach aims to dismantle the daunting walls of self-doubt that many young professionals face today.You can get in touch with Samantha via her LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.In this episode, our host Sophie Poduval-Morrell focuses on helping young professionals in the West Midlands build career confidence and tackle the concept imposter phenomena. Our guest this week is Rebecca (Becca) Horley, a Future Faces member and recently crowned Birmingham Law Society's Solicitor of the Year. Becca shares her experiences with imposter phenomena, detailing her journey to becoming an associate at Shoesmiths, and offers practical advice on building self-confidence, creating a supportive network, and the importance of setting goals and making plans. She also emphasizes the value of one's unique personal style in enhancing confidence and professional success. Becca's story includes her daily routines, fashion inspirations, and strategies she uses to maintain a work-life balance, underscoring the importance of resilience and continuous personal development.You can get in touch with Becca via her LinkedIn.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.In this episode, our host Sophie Poduval-Morrell introduces Belinda Kaur, a dynamic professional renowned for her expertise in marketing, mentoring, and motivation. Belinda shares her journey from studying computer science to thriving in various roles such as red carpet hosting and running her own business. She candidly discusses her struggles with imposter syndrome, the importance of confidence, and how mentorship has played a crucial role in her personal and professional growth. Belinda provides invaluable tips on building confidence, navigating career changes, and the power of networking. The episode emphasizes the significance of setting and achieving goals, as well as pushing through self-doubt to advance in one's career.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

This special episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast features a live recording of the IWD Conference & Expo, recorded by the IWD Conference & Expo team. Our host Sophie Poduval-Morrell hosted a panel on young professional women, centred around empowering girls for career success, the importance of self-care, being authentic, and what is it like to be in a male-dominated industry. The panel included the voices of four prominent young professional women: Ebony Belle, a mental health nurse and practitioner, specialist mentor, founder of Belle-Being, and senior manager at Vision For All CIC; Freya Dearman, a trainee solicitor and vice president of Future Faces; Nadia Johnstone-Smith, a private client & COP advisor at Quilter Cheviot Financial Planning ; and Ibukun Oluleye (Ibby), brand executive at Tribera and events leader. The panel addresses key issues such as the importance of networking, balancing career with personal well-being, finance management, authenticity in the workplace, and overcoming social mobility barriers. They share personal experiences and advice on maintaining mental health, handling gender challenges in male-dominated industries, managing LinkedIn presence, and the significance of International Women's Day in their lives.Future Faces would like to thank the founders of the IWD Conference & Expo, Kasim Choudhry and Edwin Ladd, as well as the rest of the team, for kindly providing the live recording of the panel.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.Today, we are shining a spotlight on a truly inspiring story featuring the gifted fashion designer and salon owner, Rosie Billington. Hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, this episode focuses on the power of personal branding and staying true to one's purpose in the competitive world of fashion.Rosie Billington's journey into fashion didn't follow a conventional path. From an early age, Rosie's desire to do something creative set her apart from the typical nine-to-five routine. With a love for art and fashion, she embarked on a journey that would see her wearing multiple hats—fashion designer, salon owner, and an everlasting contributor to the personal style landscape.By designing for herself and her circles, she quickly gathered a loyal clientele, becoming a favorite on red carpets and prestigious events like the GBYPY Awards and the Grammys.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to the next episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth.DISCLAIMER: This episode touches on potentially distressing topics, such as cancer treatment.Following on with this month's theme of being known for your purpose, our host Sophie interviews Morgan Paine, a consultant transport planner and Future Faces member.Morgan shares his poignant journey of being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 20, his intense treatment process, and how his fitness background played a crucial role in his recovery.During the pandemic, he faced additional challenges but remained determined to regain his health. Morgan talks about his evolving purpose of raising awareness about mental and physical health among young professionals and the importance of paying attention to one's body.He discusses how Future Faces helped him amplify his message and the steps he took to transition back to normal life, focusing on his purpose and future goals.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes.

Welcome back to another episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, where we connect with professionals across the West Midlands to explore topics that matter to our careers and personal growth. This month, our theme revolves around being known for your purpose and aligning it with your personal brand. In today’s fast-paced business world, the noise can often drown out our sense of personal direction. If you’re seeking to define your purpose and refine your personal brand, this is the podcast episode for you. Our host Sophie is joined by her colleague at the GBCC, Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. Known for her strong sense of purpose and a robust personal brand, Anjum shares her journey and insights. She speaks about her experience of stepping into the business world, building a brand without even realizing it initially, and the responsibility that comes with it. The episode also touches on upcoming Future Faces events focused on personal branding and the Imposter Phenomena. You can find more information on the GBCC events calendar. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes. You can get in touch with Anjum via her LinkedIn.

In this episode of the Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval Morrell, manager of Future Faces Chamber of Commerce, the focus is on goal setting. Guest Rebecca Mander, founder of GuruYou, discusses her journey from managing director to executive coach, highlighting significant personal and professional challenges. The conversation covers the importance of setting big, realistic goals, the concept of the Bounce Mindset, and overcoming obstacles like fear of failure and overwhelm. Rebecca also shares practical advice on the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals and the benefits of mentorship and coaching. The episode also touches on upcoming Future Faces events focused on personal branding and the Imposter Phenomena. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on the Future Faces podcast and follow us on social media for updates and new episodes. You can access Rebecca's Career Confidence Kit mentioned in the episode HERE, as well as her E-Book HERE. Get in touch with Rebecca and her team via her LinkedIn or the GuruYou website.