'My Duvet Flip,' the careers show.
Join Jack Parsons as he delves into an enthralling discussion with people and their careers, where we explore some of their most memorable instances of making mistakes and the valuable lessons they gained from them.
'My Duvet Flip,' the careers show.
Join Jack Parsons as he delves into an enthralling discussion with people and their careers, where we explore some of their most memorable instances of making mistakes and the valuable lessons they gained from them.
Episode Guest:
Matt Callaghan is the Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays, where he leads customer experience, operations, and long-term strategy. With a background spanning Deloitte, British Airways, and frontline leadership at Heathrow, Matt brings a rare blend of operational grit and strategic vision.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:23 Why Matt Said Yes to My Duvet Flip
2:14 First Job at Next: Life Lessons from Retail
4:00 Why Students Should Get a Job While Studying
5:24 From No Plan to Deloitte Graduate Scheme
7:01 Taking the First Step Without a 5-Year Plan
8:20 What "All-In" Really Means
10:16 Work-Life Blend and Being Present
13:12 Failing Exams and Bouncing Back
14:43 What Working Hard Means to Matt
17:06 The Power of Curiosity — And Acting on It
18:59 Why Matt Left Deloitte for British Airways
21:00 Moving to London: Expectations vs. Reality
23:00 Feeling Stuck and Choosing to Pivot
24:57 Getting the Heathrow Operations Role Without Airline Experience
27:11 Falling in Love with Aviation
29:00 Why Matt Applied for a Job He Wasn’t Qualified For
30:45 From Terminal 5 to easyJet
32:11 A Global Role That Wasn’t Sustainable
33:02 Joining easyJet and Shaping Strategy
34:46 Building easyJet Holidays from the Ground Up
36:00 Why easyJet Holidays Is a Special Place to Work
37:43 Life Lesson: What Fostering Taught Matt About Leadership
40:18 Matt’s Duvet Flip: Creating Joy and Connection Through Travel
Episode Partners
📊 Compare the Market
Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.
https://bit.ly/4i53Svj
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Sam Sims is the Chief Executive of National Numeracy, with a career rooted in empowering individuals through confidence-building and lifelong learning. His work focuses on supporting those often overlooked to realise their potential with the right tools and encouragement.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:32 Meet Sam Sims, CEO of National Numeracy
1:13 What National Numeracy does
1:54 Sam’s early work and first jobs
3:06 Lessons from the call centre
4:18 How Sam built confidence as an introvert
5:21 Honest talk on imposter syndrome
6:16 Why networking is Sam’s greatest professional tool
7:23 The right (and wrong) way to network
8:55 From research to running his own business
10:11 What his first company was really about
11:02 When business plans don’t go to plan
11:42 Discovering purpose through volunteering in the US
13:10 Helping a teenager unlock maths confidence
14:19 Why confidence is more important than skill
15:06 The long-term impact of belief and encouragement
15:52 Why Sam joined the charity sector
17:02 What keeps him motivated in the third sector
17:51 Why volunteering is the engine behind social impact
18:37 National Numeracy’s biggest annual campaign
19:45 The power of their partnership with Compare the Market
21:00 How number confidence connects to money
22:01 Why financial literacy is about mindset first
23:00 Sam’s biggest money regret
24:06 One money tip Sam wishes he knew at 18
25:00 Helping communities through local volunteers
26:04 What the charity sector gives back to professionals
27:13 The best work-life lesson Sam ever received
28:09 Sam’s final message on confidence and belief
29:00 What gets Sam out of bed in the morning — his duvet flip
Episode Partners:
📊 Compare the Market
Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.
https://bit.ly/4i53Svj
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Lukas Kaminskis is the CEO of Boom Training and Turing College, two organisations focused on transforming tech education across Europe. He’s a serial entrepreneur passionate about building learner-first experiences that unlock economic mobility.
Benas Sidlauskas is the Chief Business Development Officer at Boom Training and Turing College. A long-time co-founder with Lukas, Benas is driven by creating scalable education models that equip people for the future of work.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:20 Meet Lukas and Benas: Co-Founders of Turing College
1:00 From debating rivals to co-founders
2:00 Lukas' first job: rats, grain, and coding bootcamps
3:20 Why Lukas turned down a political path
5:00 Benas’ first hustle: filmmaking at 14
6:15 The presidential film project that changed everything
7:30 Growing up in small towns, dreaming big
8:45 Turning down top universities to start something new
10:00 Investors said no — so they bootstrapped from scratch
11:20 Explaining bootstrapping: lessons and mindset
12:40 Organising events without a legal entity
14:00 Partnering with Harvard — and how Facebook helped
15:20 Getting government backing to bring CS50 to Europe
16:45 Flying to Boston and signing with Harvard
17:30 What Turing College actually does
18:40 Why AI and data skills matter more than ever
20:10 Scaling across 80+ countries
21:20 Impact stories from Uganda and Nigeria
22:40 Acquiring Boom Training and expanding in the UK
24:10 The apprenticeship system — and how they’re transforming it
25:20 Peer-led learning: the secret behind their model
26:30 What makes UK apprenticeships restrictive
28:00 Levy funding: what SMEs are missing out on
29:30 Why upskilling needs to go beyond senior leaders
31:00 What Europe must do to stay competitive in AI
32:00 Lukas on AI’s impact on the labour market
33:30 The financial mindset that helped them grow
34:20 Benas’ biggest money mistake
35:10 Lukas’ #1 advice on investing in yourself
36:00 Money tip: Spend first on “musts”, then “wants”
37:10 What success looks like in 5 years
38:20 Why education must evolve now
39:30 What’s broken in the system — and their fix
40:30 Their message to young people: take control
41:20 Their message to businesses: don’t forget the non-power users
42:20 Benas’ invisible success: resilience through rejection
43:20 Lukas’ invisible success: 10-year co-foundership
44:30 How they complement each other as co-founders
45:30 What gets Lukas out of bed: fixing the future of work
46:20 What motivates Benas: belief in Europe’s innovation potential
47:40 Jack’s reflections and final thoughts
48:40 Outro and thanks
Episode Partners:
📊 Compare the Market
Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.
https://bit.ly/4i53Svj
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Richard Walker is the Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods and a passionate advocate for responsible business. He also founded the sustainable property firm Bywater, blending purpose, grit and leadership to champion people and planet.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:48 Why business is a force for good
1:34 Richard’s first job and early lessons in customer service
3:44 What makes a great communicator?
4:53 Battling assumptions and proving himself
6:14 A year on the shop floor: lessons in humility and leadership
8:15 The power of team culture in retail
9:42 Leadership vs management
10:46 Facing hard days in a tough industry
11:58 The palm oil campaign — and media backlash
13:39 Social impact: microloans, food banks and responsibility
15:00 Why politics wasn’t the answer
16:57 Learning resilience through failure and Everest
19:06 Just keep going: Richard’s Everest analogy
20:28 Biggest money regret
21:09 Richard’s money tip to his younger self
21:56 The Poland chapter: starting from scratch
24:51 Returning to the UK and building a bold property vision
28:03 Pushing through the no’s
29:41 Rethinking what a ‘network’ really means
30:59 Is social media helping or harming ambition?
32:13 Staying authentic in the influencer age
33:50 The four Ps: Passion, Purpose, Profit & Peace
36:43 The influence of Richard’s father and family legacy
38:58 Why Richard joined Iceland despite doubts
40:24 The invisible driver behind Richard’s success
41:52 Richard’s duvet flip moment
Episode Partners:
📊 Compare the Market
Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.
https://bit.ly/4i53Svj
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Nick Bent is the CEO of upReach, a UK-based social mobility charity helping university students from less-advantaged backgrounds secure top graduate jobs. With a background spanning government, business, and the third sector, Nick co-founded upReach to level the playing field for talented young people.
German Bencci is the CEO and founder of CodeYourFuture, a volunteer-driven organisation training individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to launch successful careers in tech. Originally from Venezuela, German built CodeYourFuture into a global community offering accessible, flexible, and impactful tech education.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:41 Why mentoring and informal conversations matter
1:26 Meet Nick Bent and German Bencci
2:03 First jobs and early career lessons
4:00 Nick's pivot from law to public policy
5:00 German's journey from Venezuela to Europe
6:42 Taking leaps before you're ready
7:49 The power of asking for help
8:13 How mentors shaped Nick and German
9:32 Why in-person learning still matters
11:00 Role models and mindset shifts
12:02 Mentorship at CodeYourFuture and upReach
13:37 From volunteering to founding a charity
16:03 Turning passion into full-time purpose
17:31 Spotting a gap and launching CodeYourFuture
19:02 How young people can start volunteering
21:03 Volunteering as work experience
22:54 The real value of giving your time
24:04 What upReach does for young people
25:26 The graduate job gap and social mobility
27:36 How CodeYourFuture supports career changers
29:54 Removing barriers: childcare, laptops, and support
32:00 How the HG Foundation makes it possible
33:19 What is the Tech 500 programme?
35:12 VIP access to Google HQ
37:05 Restarting CodeYourFuture’s software programme
39:52 How corporate partners can get involved
42:31 Paid internships and practical pathways
44:59 Final question: What's your duvet flip?
Episode Partners:
Hg Foundation
Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.
https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest
Briya Campbell is the Senior Data Enablement Manager at Compare the Market, where she champions innovation and inclusion in the data space. With a dynamic background spanning retail and tech, Briya is passionate about mentorship, representation, and driving commercial impact through data.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:23 Meet the Guest: Senior Data Enablement Manager at Compare the Market
1:03 Bria’s Background: Growing Up in a Single-Parent Household
2:04 First Job Lessons: Patience and Pivoting
4:00 How a Career Academy Opened New Doors
5:57 The Power of Mentorship
7:32 Planning a Future Without a Blueprint
9:00 Being First in the Family to Go to Uni
10:48 The Grit from a Single-Parent Upbringing
12:02 Giving Back: Mentoring Four, Learning from Two
13:25 Breaking into Data After Redundancy
14:44 What Compare the Market Is Really Like
16:27 The Importance of Representation at Work
17:23 Money Tips: Pensions, Budgeting & Saving Early
19:02 Being a Role Model and Staying Authentic
20:47 Advice for Young Black Women in the Workplace
22:30 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
23:55 Why Data & AI Are Exciting Careers
25:29 Final Advice: Take the Risk, Be the Cultural Add
25:50 Bria’s Duvet Flip
Episode Partners
📊 Compare the Market
Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.
https://bit.ly/4i53Svj
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guests
James Turner is the CEO of the Hg Foundation, leading its mission to drive social mobility through technology and education.
Elona Mortimer-Zhika is a Board Trustee at the Hg Foundation and a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and access to tech careers.
Episode Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
0:49 Meet James and Elona from the HG Foundation
1:27 Why tech access is a social mobility issue
2:29 James’ journey from law to education leadership
3:42 Elona’s powerful story: from Albania to tech boardrooms
5:00 Why opportunity is everything — and not equally shared
6:07 What the HG Foundation actually does
8:01 Scaling impact: 100,000 tech opportunities
9:24 Behind the partnerships driving change
11:00 The diversity crisis in tech
12:27 Why inclusion powers better businesses
13:40 Data-backed impact and smarter giving
15:00 Why Elona believes “playing small does not serve the world”
16:26 Who backs the HG Foundation — and why it matters
17:58 The unique power of the HG network
19:46 Why tech careers are ideal for young people
21:26 Mira Murati, ChatGPT & tech role models
23:06 How to future-proof your career with tech
24:52 Real programs, real opportunities
26:07 Final message to the next generation
28:07 James' duvet flip moment
28:43 Elona’s reason for showing up — every single time
29:50 Closing thanks
Episode Partners
Hg Foundation
Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.
https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Matthew Wragg is the CEO at Gattaca Plc. Parent company to Matchtech, Infosec People and Gattaca Projects , where he’s spent over two decades rising through 12 roles to lead the company. Known for his people-first approach and belief in learning through hard graft, Matthew brings deep insight into recruitment, leadership, and resilience.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:20 Matthew’s first job and “get the hell out if it’s not learning” mindset
4:10 From door‑to‑door sales to recruitment: the pivot
7:05 What “hard graft” really means and why it matters
10:22 The role of emotional intelligence in recruitment
13:35 How recruitment has stayed the same — and what’s changed
16:40 Building a team game, not just a desk/mini‑business
19:12 The power of curiosity: “everybody knows something you don’t”
22:30 What makes a great recruiter and what the industry gets wrong
25:45 Inside Gattaca PLC: culture, identity & client‑candidate impact
29:10 Matthew’s “duvet‑flip” moment: what wakes him up in the morning
32:05 Financial decisions, bold steps & money tips
35:20 Career reflections: loyalty, learning and making yourself redundant
38:00 Closing thoughts & take‑aways
Episode Partners:
📊 Compare the Market
Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.
https://bit.ly/4i53Svj
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Tanuja Randery is the Managing Director for Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. A passionate advocate for digital skills and inclusive leadership, she has helped train over 31 million learners globally.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:20 From Early Jobs to Self‑Discovery
3:50 Breaking Into McKinsey: Network & Opportunity
6:15 Doing Excellent Work & Beyond the Ask
8:40 The Partnership Snub: Atlanta & Betrayal
11:10 Reflection: What Was Missing
13:00 Connecting What + How in Leadership
15:20 Resilience: Balance, Energy & the 40‑40‑20 Rule
17:45 Building Your “Board”: Sponsors, Mentors & Squad
20:10 Feedback Fear: Receiving, Unpacking, Acting
22:40 Skills, Tech & Digital Futures
25:10 Training 31M Learners & AWS Impact
27:30 What Gets Me Out of Bed: Her “Duvet Flip”
29:00 Final Reflections & Close
Episode Partners
Hg Foundation
Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.
https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest
Penny Taylor is the HR Director at Compare the Market, where she leads with a passion for inclusivity, kindness, and commercial impact. Her career journey spans retail, travel, and people leadership, grounded in real-world grit and deep empathy.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Why This Chat Matters
1:15 Penny’s Early Years & Academic Setbacks
3:10 The “Floater” Role — Learning Every Part of a Business
5:00 First Jobs, Travel & Finding Direction
7:25 Transition Into the Corporate World
9:10 Discovering HR: From Regional Manager to People Leader
11:30 The Heart of HR: Doing the Right Thing with Kindness
13:45 How to Be Fair, Inclusive & Honest in HR
15:50 Dealing with Mistakes, Taking Responsibility & Resilience
18:00 Money Lessons: Worst Regrets & Pension Tips
20:10 What Makes a Great HR Professional
22:00 Embracing AI: How She Uses Tech in HR Today
24:10 What Gets Her Out of Bed: The Duvet Flip
25:30 Final Reflections & Advice
Episode Partners
📊 Compare the Market
Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.
https://bit.ly/4i53Svj
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Matt Madrigal is the Chief Technology Officer at Pinterest, where he leads product management, engineering, and infrastructure for the platform. With a career spanning eBay, Google, and Fanatics, Matt is a seasoned e-commerce and tech leader passionate about building positive, high-impact user experiences.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:23 From Chico to Pizza Shop: Matt’s First Job
3:45 Lessons in Work Ethic from Immigrant Parents
5:32 What Hard Work Really Means
8:01 The Cheers and Chores Philosophy
10:46 Breaking into Tech & Early Career Moves
13:30 Surviving the Dot-Com Boom
15:58 Joining eBay and Learning at Scale
19:15 Why Shopping & E-Commerce Hooked Matt
21:40 Choosing Managers vs. Missions
24:01 The Truth About AI & Early Career Jobs
27:18 What Makes a Great Software Engineer
30:12 The Red Flags in Tech Talent
32:14 Key Lessons from Google
35:17 Undoing Old Habits to Grow
37:20 Why Matt Said Yes to Pinterest
39:34 What Sets Pinterest Apart
42:01 Using Pinterest to Inspire Youth Spaces
44:00 Why Pinterest Is a Great Place to Work
46:19 Matt’s Biggest Life Lessons
48:35 Matt’s Duvet Flip: Solving Hard Problems with Great People
Episode Partners
Hg Foundation
Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.
https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Graham Rogers
Graham Rogers is the Co-CEO of Homes for Students, bringing a decade of leadership experience in student accommodation and a passion for a people-first culture.
Kate Forester
Kate Forester is the Managing Director at Homes for Students, known for her straight-talking leadership style, focus on team development, and deep commitment to delivering on promises.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:41 Meet Kate & Graham — Double Trouble
1:46 First Jobs: Paper Rounds & Waitressing
4:00 Early Money Lessons & Family Motivation
5:30 Advice for Young People Starting Out
8:00 How to Know When a Job Isn’t for You
10:35 From Waitressing to Banking to Leadership
13:20 Presence, Imposter Syndrome & Tangible Feedback
16:45 Independence & Grit in the Workplace
20:15 Climbing the Career Ladder the Right Way
23:05 Resilience: Why Young People Need More of It
26:15 Giving Feedback Without Fear
29:05 The Story Behind Homes for Students
32:00 How You Leave a Job Matters
35:15 Starting a Business: The Risks & Real Talk
38:00 Leadership Lessons from the Early Days
41:00 Building a People-First Culture
43:00 Dealing with Mucky Ducks in Business
45:00 Learning the Hard Way — Personal Reflections
47:30 What's Next for Homes for Students
49:00 Kate & Graham’s Duvet Flip
Episode Partners
📊 Compare the Market
Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.
https://bit.ly/4i53Svj
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Llorayah Timbou Faucher is a Degree Apprentice at Marks & Spencer who started as a quiet Christmas temp and is now inspiring future leaders. Her story is one of confidence, curiosity, and creating memorable moments for customers and colleagues alike.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:47 Starting as a Christmas Temp at 18
2:05 Nervous Beginnings & Not Knowing the Ropes
3:12 Learning the Power of “Just Ask”
4:30 From Quiet to Confident: Finding Her Voice
6:10 Falling in Love with Retail
7:45 When M&S Went from Job to Dream
9:10 Speaking Up as a Young Leader
10:35 Managing Dyslexia & Team Briefs
12:00 What Retail Teaches You About Life
13:30 Building Real Relationships at Work
14:55 The Role of Mentors in Her Journey
16:10 “You Can Do Anything, But Not Everything”
17:30 Learning to Prioritise & Focus
18:50 From Learner to Leader: Coaching Others
20:10 Inside the Degree Apprentice Programme
21:35 Advice for Future Christmas Temps
23:00 Llorayah’s Duvet Flip — Making People’s Day
Episode Partners
M&S
M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.
https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Kayte Houghton is the Payroll Lead at Marks & Spencer, where she’s risen from admin assistant to leading payroll for 65,000+ colleagues. A champion of resilience, Kayte’s journey from council house to career leadership shows what’s possible when passion meets opportunity.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:49 Kayte’s Early Life as a Teen Mum
2:15 Living on Benefits & Hitting Rock Bottom
3:40 The Courage to Visit the Job Centre
4:50 Discovering the Marks & Start Programme
6:10 Finding a Buzz in Admin Work
7:30 Gaining Confidence from Small Wins
8:45 Getting the Life-Changing Phone Call
10:10 Starting Her First Role at M&S
11:40 Learning the Power of Supportive Managers
13:00 Climbing from Admin to Team Leader
14:35 Reclaiming the Word “Ambitious”
16:00 How M&S Feels Like Family
17:20 Seeking Mentors & Giving Back
18:45 Imposter Syndrome & Belonging
20:00 Falling into Payroll — and Loving It
21:15 Why Empathy Matters When Handling Pay
23:10 From Post Room to Payroll Lead
24:30 Kayte’s Duvet Flip — Personal Pride & Identity
Episode Partners
M&S
M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.
https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Kate Goolnik is a Food Business Graduate at Marks & Spencer with a passion for how food gets from supplier to shelf. From night shifts in nightclubs to store openings and sandwich logistics, Kate’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and drive.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:48 Starting Out in Nightclubs During Uni
2:15 Learning to Work With Different People
3:20 The Supermarket Fascination
4:30 From Store Launch to Grad Scheme
6:10 Finding a Sponsor Who Opened Doors
7:55 “It’s Okay Not to Know” — Career Advice
9:40 Why M&S Just Felt Right
11:05 Primary School Doubts & Dyslexia Discovery
12:55 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
14:30 Learning to Flip Your Mindset
15:40 Why Kate Loves M&S Culture
17:10 The Great Sandwich Challenge — A Lesson in Resilience
19:00 Learning from Mistakes and Supporting Others
20:20 Kate’s Duvet Flip — Why She Gets Up Every Day
Episode Partners
M&S
M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.
https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Alice Grennan is a Fashion, Home & Beauty Product Graduate at Marks & Spencer, where she’s building a multifaceted retail career. From lava flows to sustainable fashion, Alice’s squiggly career path is powered by passion, resilience, and confidence.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:48 Alice’s First Job at 13 — The £5 Paper Round
2:05 Hustling for Hospitality Roles
3:15 How Early Jobs Built Resilience
4:30 From Geography to Fashion — A Career Reroute
6:10 Falling in Love with Sustainable Style
7:45 Choosing M&S Over Another Grad Job
9:15 What It’s Like Working in Retail Over Christmas
11:00 From Shop Floor to Head Office — Seeing It All
12:40 Why Every Grad Should Start in Store
14:05 The Power of Rotations at M&S
15:45 Marketing, Buying & Plan A — Her Favourite Roles
18:00 Learning from Mentors, Leaders & Experience
19:30 Building Confidence in the Corporate World
21:00 Alice’s Duvet Flip — Why She Shows Up Every Day
Episode Partners
M&S
M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.
https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Jhorvis Tyrell is a Warehouse Operative at Marks & Spencer who started through the Prince’s Trust programme. From overcoming nerves to becoming a confident team player, he’s passionate about helping customers get their orders on time — every time.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:50 Meeting M&S Through the Prince’s Trust
1:45 First Impressions of the Warehouse
2:30 How Jhorvis Handled His Nerves
3:15 Becoming a Picker — What the Role Involves
4:40 Confidence, Colleagues & Community
6:00 “Don’t Give Up” — Advice for Job Seekers
7:15 Supporting His Mum Through Work
8:20 Learning Automation Skills
9:45 Why M&S Feels Like a Family
11:00 What It’s Like Working in the Warehouse
12:20 Favourite Roles: Picking vs Automation
13:30 Helping New Starters Succeed
14:30 Jhorvis’ Duvet Flip — Why He Gets Up Each Day
16:00 Final Thoughts on Confidence, Mentors & Pride in the Job
Episode Partners
M&S
M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.
https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Tom Coltman is a Store Manager at Marks & Spencer, having risen through the ranks from work experience to leadership in just seven years. He's passionate about building confidence, resilience, and opportunities for the next generation of retail leaders.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:21 Tom’s First Job — From College to Retail
3:10 Finding Confidence on the Shop Floor
5:05 Climbing the M&S Ladder
7:00 Stepping Up During a Christmas Crisis
9:15 What Makes a Great Manager
11:05 Role Models & Lessons in Leadership
13:12 How Empathy Built My Career
15:05 Why M&S is More Than Just Retail
17:22 Managing Stress & Staying Calm
19:00 Helping the Next Generation Flip the Duvet
21:15 Tom’s Duvet Flip — What Gets Him Up Every Day
23:00 Final Reflections & Words of Advice
Episode Partners
M&S
M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.
https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Jane Mustoe is Director of Technology at Tesco, where she leads teams focused on enabling functions and driving innovation through cutting-edge tech. With a background spanning financial services and retail, she’s passionate about building products that truly connect with customers.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:46 Meet the Director of Technology at Tesco
1:51 Jane’s First Job & Early Lessons
3:45 How Orchestras Taught Her to Lead Tech Teams
5:36 Why Jane Chose Tech (Even in the Green-Screen Era)
6:59 Product Obsession: Where Tech Meets Design
7:44 Breaking into Tech as a Woman – Then and Now
10:49 How to Stay in Control of Your Career
12:15 Jane’s Roles in Tech: Then vs. Now
14:45 Tesco’s Four Tech Families Explained
16:01 Why Jane Still Chooses Product Today
16:54 Is AI Making Better Technologists?
18:06 From Finance to Retail: Making the Career Leap
19:50 Signs It’s Time to Make a Career Move
20:55 Why Retail — and Why Tesco
22:06 How to Stand Out When Applying to Tesco
24:31 Tesco’s Culture of Realness & Opportunity
26:03 What Makes Jane Happy at Tesco
27:35 What Her 1,400-Person Tech Team Actually Builds
29:11 Innovation Labs: From Idea to Store in Weeks
31:00 Frictionless Shopping & the Future of Retail
32:45 AI, Apps & Accessible Innovation
34:28 The One Trait Behind a Great Tech Career
35:08 Jane’s Duvet Flip: Why She Gets Out of Bed
Episode Partners
Hg Foundation
Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.
https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Episode Guest:
Nicola Green is the Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, where she leads all internal and external communications, brand PR, and public affairs. With over two decades of experience, she’s a driving force behind major industry campaigns and a passionate advocate for building trust through authentic communication.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:43 Meet Nicola Green: Role at Virgin Media O2
1:18 Paper rounds and the power of early graft
2:30 Building confidence through work, not textbooks
3:49 The teacher who fuelled Nicola’s drive
5:08 The impact of setbacks and self-belief
6:35 Balancing hard graft and glass-half-full mindset
8:00 Learning from the hard parts of the job
9:42 Internal vs external comms: what Nicola learned
11:01 Helping others see the opportunity
12:31 Why mentors matter (and when to move on)
13:53 The fearlessness of youth vs corporate caution
15:16 The 6-letter hustle that unlocked her career
17:04 Staying curious in the boardroom
19:01 Bringing the customer into every conversation
20:12 18 years at O2: from startup spirit to industry impact
22:41 From iPhone launches to Beyoncé at The O2
24:45 Why you don’t need to know tech to work in telco
26:03 Writing is still a superpower
27:47 How AI helps — and hinders — comms
30:00 AI as a starting point, not a solution
32:58 Daisy AI: Using tech for good
34:00 Will AI replace comms jobs? Nicola’s view
36:16 The three life lessons Nicola lives by
37:30 Why connections are your career currency
38:20 Nicola’s duvet flip: enjoying the work, being a role model
Episode Partners
Hg Foundation
Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.
https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.
Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/