{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/667ac78d83e70f59f79dd863/69139379c1ed8717c505e227?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"From Full-Time Carer to the Gaming Industry | Ashleigh’s Working-Class Journey","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/667ac78d83e70f59f79dd863/1762890601461-385d5bb3-2075-46f6-b7de-f65f8455595f.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>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 responsibility of assisted living care. A commitment that shaped his life, his opportunities, and his sense of purpose.</p><p><br></p><p>Despite limited options and financial struggles, he started volunteering remotely in the gaming industry. A move that opened the door to a professional career in hosting game services, onboarding influencers, and building brand partnerships. His journey from council estate to business development shows the resilience, guilt, and determination behind breaking class barriers.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Ashleigh reflects on:</p><p><br></p><p>- Growing up in a tight-knit but changing council estate community</p><p><br></p><p>- Balancing care responsibilities with career ambitions</p><p><br></p><p>- Moving on from his working-class roots while staying grounded</p><p><br></p><p>- The lack of working-class representation in the gaming world</p><p><br></p><p>- How education and remote work shaped his opportunities</p><p><br></p><p>👉 This is more than a career story, it’s about navigating identity, class, and care while building a new future.</p><p><br></p><p>🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!</p><p><br></p><p>👍 Like this if you enjoyed Ashleigh's journey!</p><p><br></p><p>🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Ashleigh!</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Us:</p><p>- Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/</p><p>- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial</p><p>- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198</p><p>- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9</p><p>- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Ashleigh</p><p>- LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-laywood/</p><p>- Twitter / X - @bashtonnn</p><p><br></p><p>Thanks for listening!</p><p><br></p><p>#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess</p><p>#WorkingClassStories #GamingIndustry #SocialMobility #ClassAndCare</p>","author_name":"James Taylor"}