How To Become A...

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

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.

*Trigger warning for this episode: discussion of infertility and baby loss*What does it really take to start a charity from scratch?In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Bex and Laura, founders of 'The Worst Girl Gang Ever Foundation', a charity supporting women and families through miscarriage, baby loss and infertility.What started as two strangers connecting over shared experiences during lockdown quickly grew into a powerful community, a podcast, a book, and eventually a registered charity helping thousands of people feel less alone.Bex and Laura share:How their personal experiences of miscarriage and baby loss led them to start something bigger Meeting through Instagram and instantly connecting over the lack of support Why they started a podcast with zero experience (and a “Podcasting for Dummies” book) How honest, raw storytelling helped break the taboo around baby loss Growing a community organically through Instagram Turning listener demand into courses, support groups and resources Why they initially charged for support, and why it didn’t sit right The process (and challenges) of applying for charitable status Why having the right board of trustees is crucial How fundraising actually works (grants, campaigns and community challenges) Building campaigns like “Run 10K to Raise 10K”, and raising £36K instead Creating safe spaces through both online and in-person communities The reality of running a charity alongside jobs, families and lifeIf you’re interested in:Starting a charity Turning personal experience into purpose Community building Mental health & grief support Social impact workThis episode is for you.Take a look at the charity here: https://theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/ @the_worstgirlgang_ever

What does it really mean to be an ethical queer brand owner?In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Adam, founder of Rainbow & Co, to talk about building an LGBTQIA+ apparel and accessories brand that puts community, representation and integrity first.From studying graphic design and advertising to running a business from his apartment, Adam shares how personal experience, creative instinct and a strong moral compass led him to create queer merch that actually reflects the full community, not just the parts that are most visible.Adam shares:Why he always wanted to do something creativeHow studying graphic design, media and advertising shaped his pathWhy university was harder than expected as an autistic personHow early side hustles on Etsy gave him his first taste of selling onlineWhat he learned from working for a luxury leather jacket brandWhy burnout pushed him to leave full-time employmentHow an autism diagnosis helped him understand his working styleWhy he started Rainbow & Co after noticing a gap in Pride merchHow he taught himself to build a website, design products and run the businessWhy trans, lesbian and bi-focused products became so important to customersHow he turned a pocket guide into one of the brand’s bestsellersWhy subtle queer design can matter just as much as bold statementsWhat “rainbow washing” means and why he refuses to do itHow Access to Work and support workers helped him build a sustainable businessWhat it means to grow slowly, ethically and on your own termsHe also opens up about:Masking, burnout and late diagnosisWorking from home while others do 9–5 jobsWhy he wants to hire based on values, not just experienceCreating a business culture that reflects the ethics of the brandWhy queer-owned businesses matter in Pride season and beyondIf you’re interested in:Queer-owned businessesEthical brandingPride merchSmall business journeysAutistic entrepreneursCreative careersLGBTQIA+ representationThis episode is for you.Visit his business here: https://rainbowandco.uk/

In this episode, Grace sits down with Paul, founder of BOL Foods, a leading plant-based, nutrition-focused food brand.Paul’s journey is anything but traditional. From dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, to working on a game reserve in South Africa, to breaking bones as a snowboard instructor… his path zig-zagged before leading him into the world of food.After 14 years helping scale Innocent Drinks, Paul took a leap into entrepreneurship, building BOL into a brand focused on making healthy, convenient food accessible to everyone.We talk about:Taking unconventional career paths (and why they matter)What working at Innocent Drinks taught him about businessHow BOL Foods was born from a real gap in the marketThe realities of launching and scaling food productsWhy most ideas don’t work, and why that’s okayBuilding a strong team and company cultureThe importance of passion in business✨ “If you don’t truly care about what you’re building, it’s very hard to get through the tough times.”This episode is perfect for anyone interested in startups, food & drink, or building a purpose-driven brand.