Work This Way

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, Adam Walker interviews Chris Kane, co-founder of Greendale Construction, recording at FOUNDRY Pool in the Dolphin Centre. Chris shares his journey from co-founding the company in 1990 during a recession to working on landmark projects for clients like JP Morgan and the Royal Household. He discusses the challenges and successes of running a construction business for over three decades, his dedication to fitness, and his commitment to community and mentorship. Chris also offers valuable advice for new startups and entrepreneurs, emphasising resilience, networking, and a structured lifestyle. The conversation highlights personal...

In this episode of Work This Way, recorded in FOUNDRY Wandsworth, Christel Cowdrey shares her extraordinary life story. Originally from Sweden, Christel discusses her family's pioneering business in cash registers, her upbringing, and her education in both Sweden and the UK. She details her experience raising fraternal twin boys through IVF, and their involvement as ambassadors of the FOUNDRY. Christel also highlights her multifaceted career, including modelling, working for Bain & Company, writing books, and becoming a cross-cultural mediator. She talks about her transition into mediation following a challenging divorce and her involvement in charitable work, such as volunteering at...

In this episode of Work This Way, recorded in FOUNDRY Wandsworth, Adam Walker, the host interviews Adam Howie, a resident and business owner at New Acres. Adam Howie shares his journey from living in Streatham to moving to New Acres, his experiences working on super yachts, and his transition into the marine engineering and yacht management business. He discusses his company, CalmerSeas, which provides comprehensive yacht management services, including engineering support and brokerage. Adam Howie also delves into his upbringing in Hampshire, his family dynamics, and how he fosters community spirit at New Acres. He reflects on the challenges...

In this episode of Work This Way, recorded at FOUNDRY Wandsworth in London, Adam interviews Pam D’Alessandro, a creative lead at Interaction. Pam shares insights into her background, including how her father's influence and her early exposure to design led her to a career in interior design. Pam discusses her professional journey, from internships in Montreal to working on significant projects in London, such as Google's incubator hub. She talks about her approach to design, the collaborative process at FOUNDRY, and her future aspirations of becoming a creative director. Pam also shares personal stories about integrating into life in...

This episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY features Mark Masters, an advocate for community over competition. Mark shares his journey from feeling out of place in traditional corporate settings to creating 'You Are The Media,' a platform for marketing misfits. From his humble beginnings in Oakdale and academic setbacks, to his career in London’s agency world and eventual return to his hometown, Mark's narrative emphasises the importance of creativity, community, and authenticity. He discusses the impact of his failed school election, working in advertising, launching his agency, and the development of 'You Are The Media.' Ma...

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, filmed at FOUNDRY Walthamstow E17 in London, guest Kevin Sussat introduces ENVU Media, a marketing agency specialising in paid acquisition and retention for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. Kevin discusses the importance of consistency in marketing messaging across the funnel and the rising costs of online advertising. He explains how ENVU Media works to lower customer acquisition costs and boost lifetime value through innovative strategies. Highlighting their use of AI for creative strategy and ad copy, he emphasises the need for authenticity. Kevin also reflects on his journey from starting as a...

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY hosted by Adam Walker, guest James Palmer, a financial planner and tax advisor for tech industry clients, shares his unique journey of balancing a successful business with a fulfilling personal life. James recounts growing up as a twin in Winchester, facing family challenges, and the persistent peer competition with his brother Harry. His move to London, career progression, and eventual establishment of Third Wealth, a business aimed at helping tech employees manage their financial and tax matters, are discussed. Despite the hustle of city life, James emphasises the importance of...

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, host Adam Walker interviews Hayden Firth, a member of FOUNDRY Poole, who discusses his journey from a male dancer to a Fractional Head of People. Hayden shares his experiences working in different roles, including managing a phone shop and becoming a life coach. He elaborates on the value of hiring a Fractional Head of People for small businesses and the importance of proactive HR strategies. Hayden also speaks about his work with the charity MyTime Young Carers and his personal development journey, including his passion for dance, fitness, and unique...

This episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY features Carmen Davies, the community manager for the Dolphin Shopping Centre, who shares her diverse career journey. Carmen's unique path includes roles as an NHS night receptionist, a motorbike training center worker, insurance seller, and a French oven company product manager. She moved from South Africa to Poole at 12 and lived in various places. Carmen narrated her experiences at her first job in an advertising magazine, working for Zurich insurance, her travels in a Winnebago across Europe, and her stint at A&E as a receptionist. She also discussed managing the...

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, Adam Walker speaks with Hatty Jackson, founder of the startup Troopr. Troopr is an online marketplace designed to centralise opportunities and support for the Armed Forces community in the UK. The platform helps veterans, military spouses, and reservists find jobs, training courses, events, and community groups. Hatty shares her journey from researching the viability of Troopr to overcoming the challenges of building and scaling the business. She highlights the unique services provided by large companies like Tesco and smaller organisations, emphasising the mutual benefits of supporting the Armed Forces community.<...

The episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY features Jake Mattock, a FOUNDRY member on a mission to row across the Indian Ocean for charity. Jake shares his journey from various career attempts, such as working as a personal trainer, sales, recruitment, and advertising, to his current mission in the sustainability space and his adventurous passion project. He recalls his past challenges, including a failed attempt to summit the Matterhorn and discusses his preparation for the Indian Ocean rowing event. Jake emphasizes the mental and physical trials he anticipates, the significance of setting non-financial goals, and how adventure serves...

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, recorded at FOUNDRY Poole in Dorset, Carly Jermyn shares her journey from growing up in Poole and working in family businesses to studying in Wales and building a career in law. She discusses the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship, how her family’s business background influenced her, and the challenges she faced as a legal secretary before discovering her passion for litigation. As a mother, Carly sought to balance her career with family life, leading to the creation of Woodstock, a consultancy platform offering a flexible and supportive work environment for la...

In this episode of Work This Way by Foundry, host Adam Walker interviews Hanri Van der Merwe, a South African entrepreneur who operates several F45 fitness studios in London. Hanri shares her journey from accounting to fitness, overcoming challenges in the franchise world, and the growth of F45 in the UK. She highlights the importance of creating a non-intimidating, scalable fitness environment accessible to everyone. Hanri also discusses her new venture, FS8, a low-impact fitness concept focusing on recovery and wellness. The conversation delves into the diverse and evolving fitness market, the benefits of franchising, and the personal drive...

This episode of Work This Way features an insightful conversation with Tom Fielder, co-founder of Switchplane, a tech company based in Eastbourne. Tom shares the history of Switchplane, from its humble beginnings in a bedroom to its growth into a tech powerhouse. He explains the company's focus on integrating disparate systems to help businesses manage data centrally. Tom also discusses how Switchplane pioneered innovative solutions, such as a pre-Uber taxi booking platform and the development of an e-commerce system. The episode delves into challenges like hiring skilled software engineers locally, the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and their...

Yasser, also known as the Jazzman, narrates his transition from an engineering background to a 13-year teaching career and eventually to entrepreneurship. He co-founded Cove17, a unique barbershop in Waltham Forest blending barbering with culture and community activism. The conversation touches on the evolution of local high streets, the intricate systems behind running a business, and Yasser's ambitions to expand Cov17 internationally to cities like Amsterdam and Berlin. Highlights include Yasser's emphasis on the importance of high streets, his diverse professional background, the positive impact of Cove17 on local communities, and his collaborations with his brother, Atiyah. The Episode...

In this episode of Work This Way, host Adam Walker interviews Rhys Harris, an entrepreneur who transitioned from working within a large organisation to running his own email marketing agency, Fixate. The discussion covers Rhys' upbringing on a dairy farm, his initial disillusionment with a history degree, a pivotal shift to computer science, and his freelance work in web development. Rhys shares his experience of being offered a life-changing marketing job in London by Charlie Terry, his eventual co-founder of Fixate. They delve into the agency's focus on CRM marketing and its notable work with brands like Deliciously Ella...

In the first episode of Work This Way, host Adam Walker chats with Alice Coates, founder of the headhunting service Hatched, at Foundry Poole. Alice shares her journey from selling eggs from 400 chickens at 13 to running an international recruitment business. They discuss various topics including recruitment tips, her time on Junior Apprentice in 2012, and insights on thriving in Austin, Texas. Alice elaborates on the cultural differences between the UK and US work environments, emphasizing the entrepreneurial spirit in the US. She also discusses the importance of company culture in recruitment, her passion for sports, and her avid interest in...

Welcome to Work This Way by FOUNDRY, a new business podcast having real, authentic conversations about work in the 21st Century. Join us every week for brand new guest and episode.