Health and Social care student, Sophie, joins us to chat about finding the strength through her difficulties and insecurities to get back into education and pursuing her goals. She offers advice on how important it is to have a ‘keep-going’ attitude and challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Listen to more of what Sophie has to say by listening to his episode!

Business Management student, Muhammad, joins to talk about the pressure of his degree and how a new start is sometimes the best option. He shares his inspiring ‘don’t give up’ mentality encouraging others to channel this mindset when confronted with setbacks. Listen to more of what Muhammad has to say by listening to his episode!

Michael joins The Student Sessions to discuss his experience from the Next Gen, discovering the importance of having a supportive network system, and the confidence he gained throughout it. Furthermore, we hear Michael discuss his vulnerability at university and tips for the feeling of imposter syndrome in the corporate workplace. Discover more from Michael from his episode on the Student Sessions!

Zainab joins Tonia to address her transition moving from India to the UK, becoming financially independent at 18 to fund her own education, and her journey of supporting herself alone in a new country. Hear more from Zainab by listening to her on the Student Sessions!

Everyone has mental health needs, needs that require support which is what Donna and Rachel from Birmingham Mind are here to discuss. Most people have never received support and simply don't know how to address their individual mental health needs and cope with their stress. On this episode, Donna and Rachel join Tonia to talk about the importance of finding that support to build strengths, develop coping strategies and regain control so that people are more aware of their own and others well...

This episode of The Student Sessions features Ruman who talks about her journey throughout university, demonstrating how her neurodivergence affected her and showing support for others who are unsure about their degree or current career path. Listen to Ruman talk more on the podcast!

In this episode, we chat with Kate from Ziggurat, a talent and media management company representing creators in factual entertainment. From studying TV and production at university to working her way up from assistant roles to second assistant director, Kate shares her refreshingly honest career journey one that’s anything but linear. We dive into her experiences breaking into the competitive TV industry, why trying different roles helped her discover what she truly enjoys, and how Ziggurat ...

Nakesha, a first year applied humanities student, joins us in this episode to talk about how her lived experiences have driven her at university and her journey to finding the Next Level Youth CIC. Her commitment to helping others with similar experiences recognise their potential and overcoming barriers is admirable. Listen to gain some great advice and support to enhance your own personal growth.

Halima from the University of Northampton talks about navigating university life when feeling disconnected and the importance of being proud of yourself and celebrating your triumphs. Listen to more of Halima on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzz Sprout!

In this episode, we sit down with Laura and Jack from Publicis Groupe to explore how they built an innovative emerging talent program entirely from scratch over the past few years. Designed to fully immerse new joiners in the world of advertising, PR, and media, the programme places participants in real-world scenarios—from creative briefs to client presentations—pushing them beyond their comfort zones and fast-tracking their professional growth. We dive into the philosophy behind the program...

Second year law student, Diego, talks about his lack of direction and guidance when first entering university and the importance of keeping a strong mindset to push yourself. He also talks about his personal progress with networking events and how this inspired him to help other law students attain their own work experience. Listen to more from Diego by clicking on the episode!

On this episode, Sandali from Aston University chats with Tonia about her journey navigating a new country when moving to the UK for university and how she managed to adjust to her new life and becoming independent. Listen to more of Sandali on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzz Sprout!

In this episode of the Student Sessions, Liverpool John Moores University student, Charlotte, talks with us about the emotional difficulty she faced when transitioning to university life, a struggle many others are experiencing, and advice on how she overcame the overwhelming feelings of it all. Hear more from Charlotte by listening to her episode on the Student Sessions!

Is it important to target people in their early career? In this episode, we sit down with Sharon, a seasoned professional with 32 years of experience at Coca-Cola across sales, finance, and HR. Sharon shares how her team works closely with psychologists to create safe, supportive environments where young employees can express their anxieties, grow with confidence, and thrive in their early careers. Why focus on early career support? Sharon explains how investing in young talent benefits both ...

Overcoming barriers and self-celebration, Jason Arday Professor Arday is Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge, Faculty of Education. He is a Trustee of the Runnymede Trust, the UK’s leading Race Equality Thinktank and the British Sociological Association (BSA). Jason sits on the Centre for Labour and Social Studies (CLASS) National Advisory Panel, the NHS Race and Health Observatory Academic Reference Group and the ITV Cultural Advisory Council. Professor A...

Professor Seun Kolade, Head of Research at Sheffield Business School, is a seasoned academic with a focus on digital transformation, circular economy, and transformative entrepreneur Ing. A recognised agile leader and senior fellow of the Higher education Academy (SFHEA), Prof Kolade is the author of more than 80 academic outputs, and has led numerous funded projects and international collaborations.

Imposter Syndrome, Wellbeing and Self-Care, Peter Olusoga Dr Peter Olusoga is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. His PhD thesis, completed in 2012, focused on stress and coping in elite sports coaching, and his current research focuses on burnout and well-being in high-performance environments. Dr Olusoga is a BPS Chartered Psychologist, an experienced consultant, and host of the award-winning sport and performance psychology podcast, Eighty Percent Mental. ...

Building relationships and connections, Alberta Mason, L’Oreal Alberta Mason is a Senior Talent Acquisition Manager within L’Oréal UK and Ireland. With 20 years of experience specialising in graduate and senior level recruitment, she is an innovative and passionate industry expert who, during the pandemic, amassed a tiktok audience of 10,000 through providing bite sized employability support online. Alberta currently manages the L’Oréal for Youth programme, which is the business’s...

Take Action: Get out of your comfort zone, Reggie Nelson Reggie Nelson is most recognised by the media as the young man who went ‘from East London to the City’, by knocking on people’s doors in wealthy areas for life advice. Reggie is an Associate for a Private Equity firm in London, and a two-time published author. His latest book is a memoir called “Opening Doors”, which is available online and in all good bookstores. In this episode, Reggie gives us an insight into his journey and di...

Comfort zones: Getting to know and embracing the real you, Adenike Abidoye Adenike Abidoye is a finance professional with 24 years of corporate work experience, mostly in the Oil & Gas sector. She holds a master's degree in forensic accounting from Sheffield Hallam University, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and an Associate member of the Institute of Certified Management Accountant of Australia and New Zealand. Adenike is currently a Lecturer an...