PeopleFirst: The Young Careers Podcast

Hustle culture and the productivity obsession

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:00:26 +0000

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 work
How to consume content mindfully
Getting clarity on your goals
The 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

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:26 +0000

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 mindset
Common money mistakes
Best accounts for savings
Stocks & Shares ISAs and investing for beginners
Renting vs buying
Income 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

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 05:00:24 +0000

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 goals
Learning the skills for your future role now
Climbing the corporate ladder vs. climbing your own ladder
Internal and external networking techniques
How 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

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:00:20 +0000

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 OCD
Understanding mental health beyond depression and anxiety
Meaningful, 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

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:23 +0000

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

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:00:26 +0000

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 UK
Strategies for younger workers to thrive in a hybrid work environment
How to create your own benefits from office days
Importance 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

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:01:31 +0000

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 work
Tips on improving efficiency and productivity with AI
The 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

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:00:23 +0000

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 time
The importance of recognising and leveraging individual strengths
How 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

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 05:00:23 +0000

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 confidence
The role of mentors in overcoming self-doubt
Why 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

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:00:23 +0000

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

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:00:26 +0000

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

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:00:31 +0000

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

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:26 +0000

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

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:00:32 +0000

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!

How to Ask for a Pay Rise

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:00:24 +0000

Do you want to progress at work, but unsure of how to broach the subject with your manager? Are you getting paid what you’re worth in today’s market?

In this episode, we’ll guide you through how to ask for a pay rise: when to bring it up and how to approach the conversation effectively.

It can often seem daunting and impossible to move up a pay grade, and talking about money is still seen as taboo for some. But whether or not a promotion is realistic for you and your job right now, it’s important to develop the skill of advocating for yourself and learn how to communicate this to employers in the right way.

To bring you a step-by-step guide to approaching the pay rise conversation, Jordan is joined by career coach Aimee Bateman.

Aimee Bateman is an award-winning founder, executive coach and career strategist. She founded the advice platform Careercake, and is now dedicated to helping women navigate the workplace at a mid to senior level.

You can find out more about Aimee on her website.

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.

Bridging the gap: Building a stronger CV after setbacks

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:00:30 +0000

In this episode, Jordan sits down with Chance and James from Bridge of Hope to explore practical strategies for addressing gaps in your CV. Whether you’ve been a caregiver, navigated life after the prison system or have taken time off for mental health reasons, this conversation offers valuable guidance.

Wondering how to frame a career break without it feeling like a disadvantage? Or how to highlight the resilience and skills gained outside traditional work? Tune in for insights, tools and advice on transforming unconventional career journeys into compelling personal narratives.

From boosting your confidence to identifying support networks, this episode is packed with tips to help you build a CV that tells the real story of your potential.

If you’re ready to make a fresh start or explore new job opportunities, visit the Brook Street website to find roles that match your strengths and story!

From Klarna to Lifetime ISAs: Here’s how to manage your finances

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:00:17 +0000

In this episode, Jordan and finance expert Kia Commodore guide you through the essential steps you should be taking in your 20s and 30s to get on top of your finances.

Do you ever wonder if all those Klarna payments affect your credit score? Is there such a thing as good debt? And just what is a Lifetime ISA?

It can feel daunting to assess your finances, but knowledge really is power. This episode dives into the apps, tools and strategies that are available right now to help you handle money and give you the confidence to budget, save and plan for your future.

Kia is the founder of the financial literacy platform and podcast Pennies to Pounds, which seeks to break down finance jargon in simple terms. She is author of the upcoming book How To Handle Money. You can find her on YouTube 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!

Achieving work-life balance: From hustle culture to learning to say “no”

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 05:00:14 +0000

What exactly is work-life balance? How can we measure it? And is it possible to have a good work-life balance and still thrive in our career?

These are the questions explored by Jordan and guest Freeha Ahmad, Life Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Owner of the Freeha Coaching Academy.

They discuss the importance of establishing boundaries within work and in our personal lives, the power in saying no and their opinions on hustle culture.

You can find more of Freeha’s work on her website 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!

Wired different: How to embrace your neurodivergence at work

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 05:00:16 +0000

Is neurodivergence really a superpower? Will I ever feel safe to ‘unmask’ at work? And how can I learn to thrive in the workplace?

These are the questions Jordan and our guests tackle in this lovely conversation in honour of National Inclusion Week.

Jordan is joined by Amie Barlow, ADHD wellness coach and owner of AMIEBFIT Coaching, and Molly Reid, Advisory Consultant at ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions, who both have very different journeys with dyslexia and ADHD.

From the positive impact of diagnosis, to understanding and working with your brain, to advocating for yourself in the workplace, this episode should leave you feeling empowered and ready to thrive.

For support with some of the issues raised in this episode, why not visit the ADHD Foundation, National Autistic Society or Made By Dyslexia.

You can follow more of Amie’s work on her website and socials.

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!

Beyond stereotypes: Building a career in social care

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 05:00:11 +0000

In today’s episode, we’re exploring how you can build a flourishing career in social care that makes a real difference to people’s lives.

Everybody’s life will be touched by social care at some point, and the sector is only going to become more important in the future. It deserves to have ambitious, caring individuals leading the way in its transformation, and maybe you’re one of them.

Jordan is joined by Danny Macey, Associate Training Manager at Brook Street Social Care to discuss opportunities for growth, common stereotypes and why some people just have that X-factor.

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!

www.brookstreet.co.uk

This week, we also recommend you check out Future You, the podcast from Prospects, where they dive deep into a different postgraduate course every week. You can find it here: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/podcasts.

Fast-paced and people-focused: Working in recruitment

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 05:00:08 +0000

Recruitment is a dynamic and rewarding career path, but it’s an often misunderstood industry.

In this episode, Jordan and guest Darren Lynch dispel common myths about recruitment, share their motivations for working in the industry and explore the benefits and growth opportunities available through working in this sector.

Recruitment is inherently people-focused and at the end of the day, you could help change someone’s life by finding them the right opportunity. If you’re a good communicator and thrive on working with people, then maybe it’s a career path you should consider.

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!

www.brookstreet.co.uk

‘Do I really need to go to uni?’ Post-school options and what’s right for you

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 05:00:13 +0000

With A Level results out this week and GCSEs just around the corner, we hope you get the results you’re looking for.

But we also know this is a time where you can feel overwhelmed, disappointed, and not sure what to do next. Maybe you’re at a crossroads and want to hear more about the options open to you when you leave school.

In this episode, Jordan talks with Conor Cotton from Not Going To Uni and Chris Rea from Prospects about the various paths you can take. From exploring the highs and lows of apprenticeships vs. university, to sharing what potential employers are looking for in candidates, we hope this episode leaves you feeling empowered with a better sense of what to do next.

Whether you opt for further education, go straight to working, or just need more time to reflect, this episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out at 18. There are ample resources and people available who can advise and support you.

Links mentioned in this episode:

https://notgoingtouni.co.uk/

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/

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 email can wait: How to be mindful throughout your working life

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 05:00:10 +0000

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘mindfulness’? Hippy-dippy woo-woo stuff, or an exclusive club you’re not a part of?

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be a complicated thing, and in our busy modern lives it’s more important than ever to prioritise your wellbeing.

Join host Jordan Spry as he talks with happiness expert, psychologist and presenter Zoe Mallett, and Megan Corless, Head of Colleague Experience at Brook Street, about what mindfulness actually is, and share practical tips on how you can be more present, set boundaries and reduce the constant overstimulation we face in our daily lives - and especially at work.

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!

www.brookstreet.co.uk

Welcome to PeopleFirst!

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 14:34:16 +0000

Coming soon and dropping fortnightly….

Entering the world of work can be scary; from facing imposter syndrome, to struggling with work life balance; it can feel like we’re the only ones who don’t have it all figured out.

But the People First podcast is here to tell you something different. Brought to you by Brook Street, we digest the common issues that young people are facing in the world of work. From balancing remote work with wellbeing, to asking for a pay rise, to navigating painful career gaps, to neurodivergence at work - this is a space for open and honest conversations helping you to make positive changes.

In each episode, host Jordan Spry will chat to incredible guests, including happiness expert Zoe Mallett, to break down the issue at hand and make you feel less alone.

PeopleFirst Season 2 coming soon!

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:00:25 +0000

PeopleFirst is back with a brand new season and brand new conversations.

Join Jordan Spry as he speaks to incredible guests about the ever-evolving world of work.

From personal branding and imposter syndrome, to the future of AI and work, we cover it all.

Make sure you’re subscribed to PeopleFirst: the young careers podcast, wherever you get yours.

Dropping fortnightly from 30th June.