Initial Step
James Taylor
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About This Podcast
Welcome to Initial Step!
On this channel, we bring you short, engaging conversational interviews where we talk with talented individuals from the creative sector, focusing especially on those who have risen from low socioeconomic or working-class backgrounds.
Our aim? To shine a light on the barriers that often exist when trying to break into creative roles. But more importantly, to showcase inspiring stories of how these challenges can be overcome. Join us as we explore the journeys of remarkable people, learn about their struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Because no matter where you start, breaking into the creative sector is possible, and we’re here to prove it.
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Recent Episodes
Social Mobility, Class & Creating Fair Opportunity | Nina Slingsby, Founder of OAHA
What does it really take to level the playing field, and is the system even designed to let that happen?Nina Slingsby, founder of OAHA, shares her personal journey from a grant-funded school to…
A Life Between Systems: Care, Education and Employment - Marisa's Journey
In this conversation, Marisa shares her journey growing up in foster care in Essex, shaped by instability, addiction and the justice system. She reflects on how receiving funding to attend a convent…
Lifting the lid at the BBC on Newsnight - David's story of class within the BBC
In this episode, veteran graphic designer David Chaudoir draws on over 30 years in the media industry to speak candidly about class, culture, and power inside major institutions like the BBC.David…
Championing Young People from Working-Class Backgrounds - Samuel Conley
In this episode, I get to speak with with Sam Conley, Youth Empowerment Lead at Poplar HARCA, to unpack what it really means to grow up working class in the UK today.From the stigma and stereotypes…
From Full-Time Carer to the Gaming Industry | Ashleigh’s Working-Class Journey
Ashleigh grew up in Leicester in a working-class, single-parent household, caring full-time for his disabled mother from his teens into his twenties. While his brothers moved on, Ashleigh took on the…
From Yeovil to London: Ryan’s Journey Through Class and Creativity
In this episode, we meet Ryan, who grew up in the small town of Yeovil, Somerset, a traditionally working-class area hit hard by the 2008 crash. After his parents lost their business, they rebuilt…
From Youth Hostels to Urban Planning – Mert’s Journey
In this episode, we hear from Mert, Research and Engagement Lead at Urban Symbiotics. Mert’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and finding purpose through community.Growing up in a council…
From Council Estate to Keynote Speaker: Toni's Story
In this powerful episode, we hear from Toni, a keynote speaker and social mobility advocate who grew up on a council estate in Basingstoke. Her early life was shaped by grief, limited opportunity,…
Opting out of exams to gaining a PhD: Matts Journey
Growing up on a council estate in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, Matt left school with no GCSEs, apart from an A* in PE. Never seen as a high achiever, just one of the kids that got lost in the middle,…
From East London to Filmmaking: Michael J. Diamond's Story
In this episode, Michael J. Diamond, freelance producer and director at WEIGHT. Films, shares his journey from a single-parent home in East London to carving out a space for himself in the UK’s…
From Cumbria to the Games Industry – Nicole’s Journey
Growing up in a working-class town in northern England, Nicole was expected to follow the traditional route into engineering. But her passion pulled her in a different direction. After leaving…
Cockney Culture Reimagined | Andy Green on Identity, Class & Empowerment
In this thought-provoking conversation, Andy Green, co-founder of Modern Cockney Festival, explores the rich and evolving identity of the Cockney community in modern Britain. From the roots of the…
From Law to SEO: Paddy Moogan on Breaking Barriers in Digital Marketing
In this insightful conversation, Paddy Moogan shares his unconventional journey from a working-class background in Birmingham to becoming a leader in the digital marketing industry. He reflects on…
From Knitwear Fashion to Teaching the Next Generation: Sonal’s Inspiring Career Journey
Meet Sonal, a London-born creative with Kenyan roots, who turned uncertainty into innovation. From studying knitwear at Nottingham Trent to pioneering roles in wearable tech, Sonal’s path has been…
From Wigan to London: Danny's Working-Class Journey to Freelance Success
In this episode of Initial Step, we dive into the inspiring journey of Danny, a freelance graphic designer from Wigan. Raised in a working-class family, Danny’s story is one of resilience and growth…
From Small-Town Roots to Big Brand Success: Riks Journey
In today’s episode, we sit down with an inspiring guest who grew up in a working-class family and turned their love for creativity into a successful career in advertising. They talk about how early…
From Broadcast Journalism to Design Strategy: Kellie's Story of Resilience
In this powerful episode, we chat with Kellie Hill, a resilient professional who turned a challenging upbringing in Northern England into a thriving career in experience design strategy. From…
From Bolton to Just Eat: Jai's Journey through Class, Ethnicity, and Resilience
In this episode, we sit down with Jai, a senior digital designer at Just Eat, who shares his inspiring journey from a working-class upbringing in Bolton to a thriving career in the design industry.…
From Essex to Media Success: Andy Copping’s Inspiring Journey
Join us as we sit down with Andy Copping, a media professional who turned his childhood passion into a thriving career. Growing up in suburban Essex with supportive parents, Andy's love for media…
Working Class to Film & TV success - Abs McKenzie, Freelance Post Producer
**From Nottingham to Freelance Success: Abs' Inspiring Journey**Today, we are thrilled to have Abs, a truly remarkable guest, share her incredible story.Growing in Nottingham, Abs was raised in a…
Frequently Asked Questions
Initial Step has published 20 episodes since July 2024, covering topics in Business, Documentary.
Initial Step is currently highly active with new episodes monthly. Average episode length is 53m.
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