How To Become A...

What does it really take to become a Nike Coach?In this episode of How To Become A..., I sit down with Harriet Wright, Nike Coach, women's health advocate, marathon runner, founder of the Like A Girl community, and full-time market researcher.Harriet shares her unconventional career journey, from studying Business & Management and building a successful corporate career, to becoming a qualified running coach, personal trainer, and one of the faces helping women feel stronger, more confident, and better supported in sport.We talk about:🏃 How Harriet became a Nike Coach 💪 Women's health, fitness and the gender research gap 🧠 Living and working with ADHD 👟 Building a running community from scratch 📈 Balancing a full-time job with multiple side projects 🌎 Marathon running, Nike campaigns, and unforgettable running experiences ✨ Why you don't need to have your entire career figured outThis episode is packed with practical advice, honest reflections, and inspiration for anyone looking to create a career that combines passion, purpose, and impact.Follow Harriet's journey and discover why sometimes the best opportunities come from simply doing what you love.

What does it really take to become a plastic surgeon and what actually happens behind the scenes?In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Shan Shan about building a career in plastic surgery, from trauma reconstruction to cosmetic work, and the years of training, discipline, and resilience it takes to get there.Shan Shan breaks down:What plastic surgery actually involves beyond the TV stereotype The difference between reconstructive and cosmetic work Why so much of her role is about service, precision, and patient care How plastic surgery can improve both function and confidenceShe also shares:Growing up in a family of doctors and academics How her creativity showed up early through art and doodling Why she chose to explore charity missions in Africa The long and demanding training pathway to becoming a plastic surgeonPlus, we get into:Working across the NHS and private cosmetic care Why some procedures once funded by the NHS now end up in cosmetic practice How she approaches surgery with empathy and careful planning Why honesty, trust, and patient education matter so muchIf you’re interested in:Medicine and surgical careers Plastic surgery and reconstruction Cosmetic surgery explained Medical training in the UK Female doctors and career journeysThis episode is a fascinating look at one of the most demanding and rewarding careers in medicine and the human stories behind it. @drshanshanjing

What does it really take to become a hairdresser and how do you turn a passion for hair into a career?In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Jomelyn about building a career in hairdressing, specialising in colour, and creating a private one-to-one hair experience for clients in Hackney Wick.From doodling hairstyles in school books to running her own hair suite, Jonalyn shares the reality of breaking into the industry and carving out her own path.She explains:What a day in the life of a hairdresser really looks likeWhy trust and client experience matter so muchHow apprenticeships helped her learn hands-onWhat it’s like to specialise in Asian hair and colourWhy creativity and confidence go hand in hand in hairdressingShe also shares:Her early interest in theatrical hair and makeupWhy she changed direction from makeup to hairHow she learned through trial, error, and YouTubeWhat it was like working in salons, wigs, and with cancer and alopecia patientsHow she built her own business around calm, personal, and ethical servicePlus, we get into:Starting again after COVIDGrowing a client base through word of mouth and social mediaWhy finding your niche can change everythingThe importance of creating a space where clients feel seen, relaxed, and cared forIf you’re interested in:Hairdressing careersCreative jobs and beauty careersApprenticeships and specialist trainingSalon life and entrepreneurshipBuilding a business in the beauty industryThis episode is an inspiring look at what it really means to become a hairdresser and how much artistry, patience, and personal connection sits behind the chair.@jomelynferrashair

What does a policy advisor actually do and how do you get into the civil service?In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Adam about building a career as a policy advisor in the UK civil service.From working on Brexit to shaping tech regulation, Adam breaks down what policy work really looks like behind the scenes and why it’s one of the most impactful (and misunderstood) career paths out there.He explains:What the civil service is (and how it differs from politicians) What policy advisors actually do day-to-day How policies are researched, designed, and turned into law Why policy can take years to develop and implementHe also shares:His journey from a sports degree → economics → civil service The Fast Stream application process (and how competitive it is) What assessment centres are really like How to break into government roles without a traditional pathPlus, we get into:Working on Brexit and major national decisions Balancing personal opinions with apolitical work Why curiosity about politics and society really matters How to build a meaningful career that impacts real livesIf you’re interested in:Civil service careers Government jobs UK Policy, politics, or economics Grad schemes and Fast Stream Meaningful, purpose-driven workThis episode is a fascinating look at how decisions that shape the country actually get made and the people behind them.

What does it take to build a career in football as a woman?In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Priyanka about working in football, from her role at Sky Sports to her powerful work tackling sexism in the game.Priyanka shares how she combined a corporate marketing career with her passion for football, and how that passion led her into advocacy, public speaking, and real change within the sport.She talks about:Breaking into Sky Sports through marketing Turning a love of football into real opportunities Building networks and getting your foot in the door Balancing a full-time job with passion projectsShe also opens up about:Experiencing sexism and racism in football Why representation matters, especially for women of colour The importance of speaking up and creating safer spaces Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndromeIf you’re interested in:Working in sport or football Marketing & media careers Side hustles with purpose Women in male-dominated industries Building confidence and visibilityThis episode is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come from simply putting yourself out there.Resources:@priyankajasraj@villa.bellas@hergametoo

What is a somatic coach and how do you actually become one?In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Hannah to explore the world of somatic coaching, a fast-growing field focused on healing the nervous system and creating real, lasting change.From studying criminology to travelling the world, discovering Pilates, and eventually finding somatic work, Hannah’s journey shows how following curiosity can lead to a completely unexpected career.Hannah shares:How travel and personal healing led her to this workThe connection between the body, stress and the nervous systemWhy traditional methods don’t always create lasting changeTraining as a somatic coach and what it really involvesBuilding a coaching business from scratchShe also opens up about:Doing the deep personal work required to help othersThe emotional challenges of working in this spaceNavigating self-employment and social mediaIf you’re interested in:Wellness careersCoaching or therapyNervous system healingPersonal developmentStarting your own businessThis episode is for you.Where to find her:@hannahblackburncoach

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Nikki, a DJ, producer, music director and founder of Mums That Rave, to unpack what a career in DJing actually looks like behind the scenes.From playing illegal raves as a teenager to touring the world and working with global artists, Nikki shares the reality of building a long-term career in music, and why being a DJ today is more about entrepreneurship than ever before.Nikki shares:Starting DJing at 15 and breaking into clubs early Why DJs need multiple income streams (radio, production, content, events) The reality of money, streaming and the modern music industry How working in advertising helped her build business skills Balancing creativity with motherhood and building Mums That Rave Why nightlife, culture and community matter more than everShe also opens up about:Misogyny in the music industry The pressure of social media and content creation Burnout, resilience and staying relevant over decadesIf you’re interested in:Becoming a DJ Music industry careers Creative entrepreneurship Nightlife & culture Balancing creativity with real lifeThis episode is for you.Resources: @djnikkibeatnik @mumsthatrave

What does a graphic designer actually do?In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Darren, Head of Design at digital brand experience agency Odd Common, to unpack what really goes into building powerful brands in the digital space.From typography and visual storytelling to managing creative teams and pitching to global brands, Darren shares how he turned a childhood love of art into a career designing immersive digital experiences for companies like Nike and BMW.We discuss:• Wanting to be an artist (and why graphic design felt “safer”)• Studying art and design at university• Building a portfolio with no industry connections• Sending cold emails and facing rejection• Landing his first junior design role• Working on global campaigns for major brands• Why design is about problem-solving, not just visuals• The impact of AI on the creative industry• How to stand out as a junior designer• The importance of curiosity and creative hungerDarren also opens up about:• Being dyslexic and finding confidence through creativity• Feeling stuck early in his career• Why recruiters can be powerful allies• Staying outside your comfort zone• Supporting underrepresented talent in the creative industriesIf you’ve ever wondered how brands create unforgettable digital experiences, or how to turn creativity into a career, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Grace sits down with Daisy, a Strategic Partnerships Lead at Treatwell, to explore what it actually means to build powerful brand collaborations.From dreaming of a creative career to navigating sales, marketing, and eventually partnerships, Daisy shares her non-linear path, including working abroad in Madrid and building partnerships with major brands like John Lewis.Together, they break down:What a strategic partnerships role really involvesHow brands collaborate (and why some partnerships fail)Moving from sales → marketing → partnershipsBuilding relationships that drive real business growthWorking abroad and stepping outside your comfort zoneThe importance of saying yes and figuring it out laterThey also discuss the launch of Daisy's own podcast 'The Daisy Chain' and why this project is so personal to her, but with a mission to help other in the same 'lost feeling' in their thirties. ✨ “It’s all about finding businesses that help you grow — together.”Whether you're curious about partnerships, marketing, or working in fast-growing tech companies, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at a career that’s all about connection and creativity.