PeopleFirst: The Young Careers Podcast

Эпизоды

• 
  Why your pension matters in your 20s 07.09.2026 29мин

  Are pensions just confusing, distant concepts that we can ignore until retirement? Or should we be taking active control of our financial futures right now?  In this episode, Jordan is joined by Rotimi Merriman-Johnson to break down pensions in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you've never paid attention to your pension or just aren't sure where to start, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make smarter money decisions now, so your future self can thank you later.  Rotimi Merriman-Johnson, is a content creator and founder of the financial education platform, Mr MoneyJar.  The pair discuss:  What a pension actually is and where your money goes each month State pensions vs private and workplace pensions Auto-enrollment, Junior SIPPs, and the power of compound growth Taking control of your investments and choosing ethical or green pension plans How to find and consolidate lost pension pots using the Pension Tracing Service The hidden cost of opting out, self-employment challenges and the gender pension gap Maximising your pot with employer matching and generous workplace schemes Why young people should learn about wealth-building as early as consumption  You can follow Mr MoneyJar across all social media platforms @mrmoneyjar and listen to The Mr MoneyJar Show wherever you get your podcasts.  As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  Is the Junior Job Market Dead? 10.08.2026 32мин

  Is the entry-level job market truly collapsing? Or are we just looking at the early career landscape all wrong? In this episode, Jordan and his guests examine the current state of the graduate and early career job market. From the surge of AI-generated applications to the power of stepping-stone roles, they reflect on what it takes for junior candidates to stand out today. Jordan is joined by Paul Porter from Bright Network, and Dionne Jackson, Intelligence Consultant at ManpowerGroup. They discuss: The reality of early career hiring vs media doom and gloomThe broken social contract between job seekers and employersWhy hospitality, retail, and temporary work build crucial soft skillsDisconnects between university curriculums and future workplace needsRe-engaging the UK's 1 million NEET populationNavigating potential barriers like proposed social media bans You can sign up for Bright Network − an early careers platform helping students and graduates launch their careers − for free online and follow Paul Porter on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  Should a job match your personality? 27.07.2026 33мин

  Should we choose a career based on our personality? Or do we risk putting ourselves into a box? In this episode, Jordan and his guests discuss the concept of matching personality types with careers. From the traits that naturally suit certain roles, to work personas, they reflect on the importance of knowing yourself deeply to help you thrive at work. Jordan is joined by Tom Keighley, CEO of the job-matching platform, Urfuture, and Toni-Marie Birtle, Talent Acquisition Executive at ManpowerGroup. They discuss: Do our jobs reflect our personality types?Introversion v.s. extroversion and the danger of labelsHaving a work personaThe importance of knowing yourselfSelf-selecting yourself out of opportunitiesPushing yourself out of your comfort zone You can follow Urfuture on TikTok and download the app on IOS and Android. And you can do the same personality test we did here. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  Your guide to an exceptional job search in 2026 24.08.2026 34мин

  How do you cut through the noise and stand out in the job market today? Are unedited AI applications and generic CVs holding you back from landing your dream role?  In this episode, Jordan and his guests discuss what it takes to execute an effective job search in 2026. From mastering how to tell your story to understanding what employers are really looking for behind the scenes, they discuss how to pitch yourself with confidence, specificity and evidence.Jordan is joined by Shay Loko, entrepreneur and founder of JobsWithShay, and Ruby Elvin, Recruitment Marketing Manager at ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions.  You’ll learn:  The challenge of telling your career story vs just being good at your job Practical ways to hype yourself up and get out of your own way Why providing concrete "evidence" and quantifying experience on your CV is crucial Proactive networking and reaching out directly to recruiters Navigating the shift to an employer-led market and the demand for niche skills Why quality beats quantity and the pitfalls of generic ChatGPT applications  You can follow Shay on X @JobsWithShay and connect with her on LinkedIn.  As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you! 
• 
  Thriving in Corporate When You’re Not A Corporate Person 13.07.2026 29мин

  Ever worry you don’t quite fit into the corporate world? How can you thrive in corporate settings, whilst staying true to yourself?  In this episode, Jordan tackles the idea of being a corporate person, what it takes to succeed in these settings, and dispel some myths about working in large corporations.  He is joined by Shola West, Brand & Cultural Strategist, and Grace Foulkes, Team Manager in Associate Care Public Sector at Brook Street.   They discuss:  What does it mean to be a ‘corporate person’ The hidden rules in corporate culture Having a ‘work self’ Building a name for yourself when you don’t fit the typical mould How corporate culture has changed for the better Advice to their younger self   You can find Shola on TikTok, LinkedIn and Instagram. 
• 
  Season 3 Coming Soon 06.07.2026

  PeopleFirst is back in your ears this Summer.  Join Jordan Spry as he speaks to exceptional guests about the hottest topics from the modern workplace.  We’re covering it all this season; from graduate jobs and apprenticeships, to thriving in corporate settings, and looking at what skills you’ll need for the jobs of the future.  Make sure you’re subscribed to PeopleFirst: The Young Careers Podcast, wherever you get yours.
• 
  Hustle culture and the productivity obsession 01.12.2025 39мин

  Is the internet’s obsession with productivity about to burst? Whilst hustle culture content continues to motivate some, many of us are ready to swap the romanticised morning routines for realistic chats about work-life balance. To unpack changing attitudes to productivity and work, Jordan is joined by Jillian Reilly, speaker, consultant and author of The Ten Permissions, and Jessica Tagg, Client Relationship Manager at ManpowerGroup. They discuss: What do we actually mean by productivity?Changing attitudes to workHow to consume content mindfullyGetting clarity on your goalsThe power of saying no. You can find more from Jillian on her website, and Jessica on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  Getting honest about your finances: How to reach your money goals 03.11.2025 37мин

  Do you want to get in control of your finances but struggle with where to start? In this episode, we break down common areas of money management, from the best savings accounts, to investing for beginners, the pros and cons of renting and buying, and how to get honest about your money habits. Jordan is joined once again by Kia Commodore, founder of financial literacy platform Pennies to Pounds and author of How To Handle Money. They dive into: The growth mindsetCommon money mistakesBest accounts for savingsStocks & Shares ISAs and investing for beginnersRenting vs buyingIncome protection. You can follow Kia and Pennies to Pounds on Instagram and YouTube. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  Level Up: Practical steps to accelerate your career 20.10.2025 31мин

  Sometimes staying within our comfort zone can be the thing holding us back. So how can we get clear about what we truly want out of our careers and take that next step? In this episode, Jordan discusses practical steps to accelerate your career with Oliver Haddock, founder of the Careers Edit, and Chloe Davidson, Branch Manager at Brook Street. They discuss: Setting short- and long-term goalsLearning the skills for your future role nowClimbing the corporate ladder vs. climbing your own ladderInternal and external networking techniquesHow to chase goals without burning out. You can follow the Careers Edit on Instagram and TikTok, and connect with Oliver Haddock and Chloe Davidson on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  Destigmatising mental health in the workplace 06.10.2025 37мин

  There’s been much progress made in how we talk about mental health as a society. And yet, there’s still a stigma surrounding the ‘unsexy’ side of mental illness. When it comes to the workplace, how can we open up about our mental health in a way that makes us feel protected, authentic and empowered? To unpack this topic, Jordan is joined by Happiness Consultant, Zoe Mallett, and Zack Tucker, content creator @ocdestigmatize and Accounts Consultant. They discuss: The ‘unsexy’ side of mental illness, including OCDUnderstanding mental health beyond depression and anxietyMeaningful, practical ways employers and colleagues can create supportive cultures. You can follow Zoe on Instagram and check out her website, and Zack on Instagram or TikTok. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you! Trigger warning: Please note this conversation contains discussion of mental illness, including anxiety, depression and other potentially distressing experiences.
• 
  How to build a personal brand 22.09.2025 34мин

  What does it mean to have a personal brand? Why should we have one, and how can we cultivate it?  A personal brand is being known for something you're good at. It can mean standing out in crowded online spaces, but it’s also how people remember their interactions with you.  To discuss meaningful personal brands in person and online, Jordan is joined by Hannah Power, a Personal Brand Coach and founder of Amplify, and Tiarni Goodall-Perry, Operations Manager (Public Sector) at Brook Street.  They discuss: The power of combining your authenticity with a strategy Crafting an elevator pitch and leveraging online profiles The importance of relationship-building and networking   You can connect with Hannah on LinkedIn or Instagram, and Tiarni on LinkedIn.  As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  The return to the office: Navigating today’s hybrid world 08.09.2025 32мин

  What’s the truth behind back-to-office mandates? And what do you need to consider if you’re starting a career in today’s hybrid working world? To tackle this heated topic, Jordan is joined by Shiyu Yuan, Research Assistant at King's Global Institute for Women's Leadership, and Clair Dartnell, Head of People & Culture at Brook Street. They discuss: The current landscape of office mandates and working models in the UKStrategies for younger workers to thrive in a hybrid work environmentHow to create your own benefits from office daysImportance of networking in person and online You can connect with Shiyu and Clair on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  “AI took my job”: How to future-proof your career 26.08.2025 36мин

  Using AI at work shouldn’t be a secret. As the world adapts to AI, what does ethical use of AI at work look like? And is it going to replace our jobs? In this episode, we take a realistic look at how workers can use AI at work to improve efficiency, whilst highlighting the importance of maintaining our human edge. To shed light on the topic, Jordan is joined by AI and automation specialist Martyn Redstone, and Victoria Allwright, IT Services Director at Experis UK. You’ll learn: The dos and don’ts when it comes to using AI at workTips on improving efficiency and productivity with AIThe tasks that AI is likely to replace – and the human skills that are more important than ever. You can connect with Victoria and Martyn on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  Finding your ‘why’: Exploring impact-driven careers 11.08.2025 40мин

  Is the concept of a ‘dream job’ a motivation, or can it sometimes be a hindrance to success and happiness? What does it mean to have an impact-driven career, and more importantly, how can we find one? In this episode, we’re exploring impact-driven careers and how to find your ‘why’ in your work. Host Jordan is joined by Career Coach Caroline Hickey, and Mike Bernhardt, Business Centre Manager at Brook Street Social Care, to share their own career journeys and how they’ve found meaningful work. You’ll learn: How your 'why' can change over timeThe importance of recognising and leveraging individual strengthsHow to align your careers with personal values and goals. You can find Caroline on TikTok and on her website, and you can connect with Mike on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  Overcoming imposter syndrome: Mindset shifts and mentorship 28.07.2025 35мин

  In today’s episode, we dive into imposter syndrome - what is it, how it holds people back and practical ways to overcome it. Host Jordan is joined by career change and growth coach Sarah Burrows, and Megan Corless, Head of People and Culture at Manpower, to explore how labelling yourself with imposter syndrome might be limiting your potential. You’ll learn: How to reframe your mindset and build confidenceThe role of mentors in overcoming self-doubtWhy stepping outside your comfort zone is key to personal and professional growth. Whether you're navigating a career transition, aiming for a promotion or simply feeling stuck, this episode offers actionable insights to help you break free from imposter syndrome and thrive. You can find Sarah Burrows on Instagram and LinkedIn, and Megan Corless on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  Office Unfiltered: From toxic bosses to quiet quitting 14.07.2025 30мин

  Our relationship to the workplace is evolving - fast. From post-pandemic burnout, to seeing the possibilities of flexible or hybrid working on social media, we’re reshaping how we think about careers and are expecting more from the employee-employer relationship than ever before. In this episode, Jordan is joined by HR Consultant Kelly Smallcombe to unpack the reality of the modern workplace - from toxic bosses to the growing ‘quiet quitting’ trend, how do we navigate office politics in 2025? You can find Kelly Smallcombe on TikTok. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  “Squiggly careers”: Navigating non-linear career paths 30.06.2025 37мин

  Season 2 of PeopleFirst kicks off with a deep dive into navigating non-linear career paths. A CV with gaps and radical changes may have been off-putting to employers in the past, but more and more those with a squiggly career are often the most coveted by businesses. To discuss all, host Jordan Spry is joined by Janine Esbrand, a Leadership Development Coach and host of The Career Change Maker Podcast, and Shelly Larsen-McHugh, Social Impact and Employee Engagement Lead at ManpowerGroup. From transferable skills, to pivoting to your true passion, stay tuned to learn how to craft and own your career story; no matter what shape it has taken. You can find both Janine and Shelly on LinkedIn, and check out The Career Change Maker Podcast here. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  Navigating workplace conflict: Why emotional intelligence is key 27.01.2025 54мин

  What’s really going on when we experience conflict at work? Can we ever get over a personality clash? Are there unavoidable tensions between different generations? And how can we navigate these tricky situations professionally without letting them derail our careers or impact our wellbeing? In this episode, Jordan speaks with Vince Sanderson, a management consultant and workplace mediation expert, to explore the issue of workplace conflict. Discover how to view conflict as a communication challenge, understand why empathetic individuals may find it more difficult to manage, and gain valuable insights from Vince on dealing with challenging managers. This discussion highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in strengthening both personal and professional relationships – and we think you’ll gain great insights from this chat! You can follow Vince over on TikTok and Instagram. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  The art of the job interview 13.01.2025 39мин

  Nothing is dreaded quite like the job interview. But do they need to be so anxiety-inducing? Can we get better at interviews with time? And what exactly are employers looking for? Join Jordan in today’s episode as he dives into the art of the job interview with Sinead Randall, Operations Lead at Brook Street, who has interviewed thousands of people across her career. From underselling vs. overselling yourself, the STAR technique, to answering the ‘what are your weaknesses’ question, this is a no-nonsense conversation that will empower you to nail your next job interview. You can connect with Sinead Randall on LinkedIn, or follow Brook Street on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook! As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!
• 
  What it’s really like returning to work after parental leave 16.12.2024 52мин

  Do you ever worry that starting a family will make you lose your edge? Do you wonder how you can balance raising a family with achieving your professional goals? In this episode we dive deep into what it’s like returning to work after parental leave. Jordan is joined by Clara Wilcox, Career Coach for parents and owner of The Balance Collective, and Claire Morgan, Head of Business Performance at ManpowerGroup Deutschland, to discuss the highs and lows of returning to work. From flexible working, to role models in the workplace, and adapting to change in identity, this is an honest conversation that gives space to the realities of returning to work, particularly for women. Tune in for advice on finding balance in this new stage of life from two women with different experiences of motherhood. You can find out more about Clara and her work here, and you can find Claire Morgan on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!