Behind The Future

Stressing over exams, feeling like you do not fit in, or wondering how to build a successful digital tech career with absolutely no idea where to start? In this super fun and high-energy episode of Behind the Future, host Becky Simms and 18-year-old student co-host Ivy sit down with Katrina Young, a certified futurist who runs an AI innovation lab and her own space tech startup, to show you how to design a life on your own terms. Katrina is here to share her wild journey and give you the ultimate behind-the-scenes advice for landing a role.

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Stressing over your exam results or feeling like you have no idea how to build a successful career? In this super-relatable episode of Behind the Future, host Becky Simms and student co-host Ruby sit down with Sarah Friswell, CEO of global technology firm Red Ant, to bust some massive myths about the working world. Sarah shares her wiggly journey from school days to the boardroom, proving that your path is never set in stone.

What you’ll get from this episode:

- Why disappointing grades do not define your future. Sarah shares the honest reality of...

Are you stressing over exams and wondering how to launch a successful digital PR career with absolutely zero experience? If the constant school pressure to have your entire life mapped out in a straight line is getting a bit too much, take a deep breath! In this episode of Behind the Future, we sit down with Morgan Rogers, Content and Digital PR Manager at Reflect Digital, to talk about how she turned a short, student internship into a full-time job she genuinely loves.

Morgan’s story is a brilliant reminder that you do not need to have ev...

Stressing over how to land your first-time job*or handle the pressure of your very first shift? In this quick, simple bonus episode of Behind the Future, host Becky Simms sits down with students Finn and Ruby to share their real-life experiences of getting hired and surviving their first roles.

What you’ll get from this episode:

- How to ace the interview: Why you do not need a fancy suit to stand out, including why Finn wore a Nike tracksuit to his retail interview to read the room while Ruby wore her school uniform st...

Are you stressing over your A-Levels, terrified that picking the "wrong" university course will completely ruin your future marketing career? If you are feeling the massive pressure from school to have your entire life mapped out in a perfectly straight line, take a deep breath! In this episode of Behind the Future, we sit down with Chantel Jordan, Marketing Director across the agencies Reflect Digital and LAB, to talk about her incredibly unpredictable and wiggly career journey.

Chantel's story is the ultimate proof that your career journey doesn't have to follow the traditional rules. Even though she...

Stressing over exams and wondering how to get revision to actually stick in your brain? In this quick bonus episode of Behind the Future, host Becky Simms sits down with students Ivy and Ruby to share their real, blunt, and tested tips for surviving exam season.

What you’ll get from this episode:

- Fun revision tricks: Learn how watching video game playthroughs

and making funny memes

can actually help you remember facts.

- Smart study habits: Why studying "little and regular" beats trying to cram at your desk fo...

Are you currently stressing over exams and wondering how to land a high-paying ad tech career with absolutely zero industry experience? If the pressure of school has you feeling completely overwhelmed, take a deep breath. In this super fun episode of Behind the Future, we sit down with Paul Lowery from GumGum to get the absolute truth on how to stand out and bypass the standard job application queue. Paul is here to give you the ultimate behind-the-scenes cheat codes that you can actually use to fast-track your future.

Paul’s own journey kicked off with a ma...

Are you tossing and turning over your exams, wondering if you will ever be able to launch a successful copywriting career? If you are constantly stressing about whether an English degree is actually worth it, or how you can stand out in a world obsessed with AI tools like ChatGPT, this episode of Behind the Future is exactly what you need. We are hanging out with Nicola Joyce, a freelance copywriter who has been crushing it in the fitness industry since 2004, to get the real truth about writing for a living.

Nicola’s story is the ultimate re...

Are you stressing over your exams and worrying that making the wrong choice now will completely ruin your future tech career? If the thought of mapping out the next ten years of your life makes you want to hide, take a massive sigh of relief. In this incredibly fun episode of Behind the Future, we sit down with Mhairi Harris, a Senior Project Manager and Client Delivery Lead at ZeroLight, to uncover her totally unpredictable journey. Mhairi proves that finding your perfect job is rarely a straight line, and you absolutely do not need to have everything figured out...

Are you feeling completely stuck on what to do after your exams? Kickstarting a successful digital career doesn't mean you have to go to university or sit behind a boring desk all day. In this episode of Behind the Future, we are joined by Josh, an Information Service Engineer in the Royal Corps of Signals, which is the cyber branch of the Army.

If you are feeling unsure about your next steps, Josh's story is incredibly relatable. When he first left school, he had absolutely no interest in technology. He actually started out by doing an apprenticeship...

Are you feeling pressured to fill out your UCAS application and follow the traditional university route to start a successful marketing career? If sitting in a lecture theatre for another three years sounds like your absolute worst nightmare, this episode is exactly what you need to hear. In this episode of Behind the Future, we sit down with Helen Banyard, one half of The Good Stuff group, to talk about her incredibly wiggly path from answering phones to founding her own brand consultancy.

Helen's story is the ultimate proof that you don't need a degree to make...

Want to launch an epic digital career but feel like you need to have your entire life figured out first? If you have always been the unofficial tech support person for your parents, you are absolutely in the right place. In this episode of Behind the Future, we sit down with Mike, the Search Strategist and founder of Tangible Digital, to talk about his incredibly relatable journey from school side-hustles to running his own successful SEO agency.

If you are currently stressing about your exams and feeling the pressure to get perfect marks, Mike’s story will de...

Are you dreaming of building an epic digital career but have no idea where to start? Whether you want to work in video games, marketing, or tech, stepping into the professional world can feel incredibly daunting. In this episode of Behind the Future, we sit down with Rob Murray, the Head of Talent Acquisition at Push Gaming (and formerly PlayStation!), to get the ultimate insider secrets on how to stand out and get hired.

If you are currently stressing over A-levels or worrying about whether university is the only path to success, Rob’s story will put yo...

Are you dreading the constant pressure from teachers and parents to figure out your entire future? Building a successful digital career doesn't mean you need to have a perfect ten-year plan mapped out right now. In this episode of Behind the Future, we sit down with Terry May, the founder of Marqeting, a specialist PPC and performance marketing agency, to talk about his incredibly unpredictable journey.

If you are sitting in class right now and absolutely hating school, Terry’s story will make you feel completely understood. He couldn't wait to leave school after Year 11. Instead of a...

Are you stressed about university and wondering how to build amazing digital careers? Take a deep breath, because this episode proves that you don't need to have your entire life figured out at 16, and sometimes the untraditional path is actually the most fun!

Host Becky Simms and Year 12 student co-host Daisy chat with Beth Puxley, Affiliate Development Manager at Holiday Extras. Beth shares her incredibly relatable story of dropping out of university halfway through her second year because the boring routine of a 9 AM seminar and a 5 PM lecture just was not working for her.

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Wondering if you need a university degree to launch successful digital careers? This Behind the Future episode shows you exactly how to do it.

Host Becky Simms and Year 11 student co-host Max sit down with James Smith, Principal Software Engineer at Red Ant. James shares his inspiring journey to prove that traditional university isn't the only way into tech. Instead, he built his skills through a vocational course, creating WordPress sites for friends, and hacking his MySpace profile with HTML.

James takes us through his fascinating path, starting as an Apple Store trainer, where he...

In this episode of Behind the Future, we dive into the fast-paced world of global social media and content creation with our guest, Hannah. If you are a student currently in sixth form or university and wondering how to turn your passion for media into a full-time career, this video is for you. Hannah shares her journey from studying multimedia journalism at university to managing international content for Harlequin, the world leaders in performance flooring.

We explore the day-to-day reality of a career in global social media and content creation, which includes everything from filming testimonials at...

Welcome to another episode of Behind the Future, the podcast created to help you navigate the wild world of digital careers before you even leave school. In this episode, our host Becky and co-host Dylan, an A-level student currently smashing Politics, Computer Science, and Business, sit down with John Harvey, the Head of AI Operations at Capita. If you are sitting in class wondering if you actually need a degree to work in tech, or if you're worried a robot is going to take your future job, this is the conversation you need to hear.

John shares...

In this episode of Behind the Future, we sit down with Holly, the Head of Growth at a global agency, to discuss how she built a successful marketing career after originally feeling like school didn't suit her. If you are a student in Year 12 or 13 and aren't sure if university is the right path, or if you feel pressured by parents to choose a specific degree, Holly’s journey offers the perfect perspective on finding your own lane.

We dive deep into the world of performance marketing and PPC (Pay-Per-Click). Holly explains how she transitioned from studying Ev...

In this episode of Behind the Future, we’re hanging out with Thomas Redgrove, the founder of Thomas Cookie Co, to find out how he turned a massive sweet tooth into a legendary business. If you’re a student thinking about digital careers, Thomas’s story is the ultimate proof that you don’t need a boring office job to be successful. He shares how he went from the Navy to working "lost" in sales roles before finally taking the leap to bake the best cookies and cookie cups you’ve ever tasted.

Thomas breaks down how digital ca...

In this episode of Behind the Future, we explore how students can build real skills while studying with Gori Yahaya, founder of Upskill and an expert in practical learning and career development. Gori shares his journey from starting small local projects to working with global organisations like Google, offering students a practical guide to developing the skills that matter in the real world.

Listeners will discover how to move from being a generalist in your first role to developing specialist skills that set you apart in the job market. Gori explains the importance of curiosity, creativity, and...

In this episode of Behind the Future, we explore the world of apprenticeships with Naomi Ogundiran, a degree apprentice and ambassador at the London Apprenticeship Ambassador Network. Naomi shares her personal journey, offering an authentic and inspiring guide for teens considering an apprenticeship as a pathway into their chosen industry. From her early experiences at school—when a simple email mistake revealed the stigma some students feel around apprenticeships—to her determination to pursue competitive roles, Naomi provides a candid look at the challenges and rewards of this career path.

Listeners will learn practical tips for finding the...

Start the new year inspired with this special Behind the Future episode, featuring the very best moments from 2025. From students shaping the future of tech to entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators making an impact, this episode brings together stories, insights, and advice to help you start 2026 ahead.

We’ve pulled together the most inspiring conversations from the past year—covering creativity, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and personal growth. Whether you’re curious about tech, marketing, or making your mark in the world, this episode is packed with motivation, practical tips, and fresh perspectives to guide your journey.

Tune i...

In this inspiring episode of Behind the Future, host Becky Sims is joined by co-host Daisy, a third-year Digital Marketing student, and special guest James, a seasoned marketing professional. Together, they explore what it takes for students to break into the world of marketing and start building a successful career.

James shares his journey from early curiosity in creative and digital projects to navigating the evolving marketing landscape. He talks about the importance of taking initiative, experimenting with skills like photography, graphic design, and using AI tools, and how self-driven projects can make a student stand out...

In this inspiring episode of Behind the Future, host Becky Sims is joined once again by co-host Daisy, a third-year Digital Marketing student based in Leeds. Together, they welcome their youngest guest to date: Toby, a junior software developer whose journey into tech began at Aspiration Digital.

Toby shares how attending the London Aspiration Digital event at just 17 became the catalyst for his entire career, from discovering where his skills fit, to learning the power of networking, to eventually meeting the person who would become his boss. Becky and Daisy dig into Toby’s story, exploring how he...

In this episode of Behind the Future, recorded at Newcastle University during one of our Aspiration Digital events, host Becky Sims is joined by special co-host Lucia, a computer science student and Newcastle University intern, as they dive into the inspiring journey of Andrew and Pete, the founders of Atomic. From starting their first small ventures at university to creating one of the most successful communities for small business owners, Andrew and Pete share the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way.

Listeners will hear how the duo turned early challenges, like motivational text messages and...

In the “Future Unplugged: Come Behind the Scenes” bonus episode of Behind the Future, listeners get an insider look at what goes on behind the camera. With roles swapped, the hosts step back while Chris, Erin, and Lulu reveal the work that makes the podcast happen - covering camera setup, lighting, audio, editing, and scheduling. They explain how tools like Otter AI for live transcripts and AutoPod for editing streamline production and keep episodes smooth.

Student co-host Daisy shares her experience as a guest, reflecting on the nerves and excitement of interviewing industry professionals and the confidence-building skil...

In this episode, we explore how students are already shaping the future of tech, with insights from Lella, Head of IBM’s Global Student Strategy. From coding at just eight years old to leading global projects that connect students with industry leaders, Lella’s journey proves that you don’t need decades of experience to make a real difference in technology.

She shares how her early curiosity for coding, combined with entering hackathons and creating student-led projects, led her to work with IBM to bridge the gap between students and professionals worldwide. You’ll hear how she turned c...

In this episode of Behind the Future, Amber, founder of She Bytes Back, shares her journey as a woman in tech. From studying economics and working in finance to discovering coding during the pandemic, Amber reveals how she navigated a male-dominated industry and built a supportive community for ambitious women in tech.

Amber talks about the challenges of breaking into tech without a traditional background, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the importance of psychological safety and peer support. She explains how teaching others and creating resources helped her grow her skills and confidence while also empowering other...

In this episode, we chat with Bram, Head of Brand and Digital for a major law firm, to explore the dynamic world of digital marketing and how students can navigate their path into this exciting field. Bram shares his unique journey, from studying communications and launching his own small business, to specializing in digital communications during the early days of social media for law firms.

Throughout the conversation, Bram dives into the three most important things for career success. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of balancing legal precision with creative content, the power of data in...

In this episode, we sit down with Lorna Blaydon, the Chief Marketing Officer at Enterprise Nation, to explore how young people can access incredible opportunities and grow their own businesses. Lorna shares her unique journey—from university days discovering her passion for people and business psychology, to navigating internships, early career challenges, and eventually becoming CMO of a dynamic, fast-moving company.

Throughout the conversation, Lorna dives into the importance of building your network, using your connections strategically, and standing out when opportunities aren’t always advertised. She reflects on the lessons she’s learned over 15 years in market...

In this special bonus episode of Behind the Future Podcast, meet Becky, the founder of Aspiration Digital, as she shares her journey from discovering digital marketing to creating a platform that inspires thousands of students. Aspiration Digital hosts events and workshops to give young people real insight into careers in marketing, tech, AI, creative industries, and entrepreneurship.

Becky discusses how her own school experiences inspired her to bridge the gap between education and the working world. From hosting events to launching a podcast that reaches students beyond the room, she explains how Aspiration Digital shows there’s no...

Ever felt like school just isn’t your thing? You’re not alone. In this episode of Behind the Future, Steve Price shares his story of how he went from being an average student to becoming a Creative Director, all thanks to curiosity, hustle, and a love for drawing. As he says, “I wasn’t exceptional at school, but I could draw,” and that small talent changed everything.

Steve walks us through his journey, from his amazing art teacher spotting his potential to filling countless sketchbooks with ideas that shaped his creative skills. He explains how exploring, experiment...

In this episode, Lisa Goodchild shares her insights on empowering students through real-world industry experience and hands-on learning. Lisa dives into how exposing young people to workplaces like TikTok, Google, and Spotify gives them practical skills, leadership opportunities, and a glimpse into potential career paths. She explains why traditional education can sometimes feel like a “tick-box” exercise and how students thrive when they connect their learning to things they are passionate about, from music and film to sustainability and technology.

Lisa also highlights the importance of building networks, taking chances, and staying persistent, sharing stories of young peop...

In this episode, Joe Seddon reveals how he gets students into Oxford and Cambridge, helping talented young people overcome the barriers that often hold them back. Growing up in a small town in Yorkshire, Joe didn’t have access to the networks, guidance, or resources that many students take for granted. Despite this, he secured a place at Oxford University and immediately knew he wanted to create opportunities for others to do the same.

Joe is the founder and CEO of Zero Gravity, a tech platform designed to identify and support students from low-income backgrounds, giving them th...

This week on Behind the Future, we sat down with Indy Bhogal, Associate Director of Digital at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, to hear how a university student placement turned into an 18-year career at one of the world's biggest brands.

Indy didn’t get where he is today by following a rigid plan. In fact, he admits he never set out to work in digital communications at all. Starting out as a multimedia design technology student at Brunel University, he applied for a year-long placement with his friends and landed a role at Coca-Cola. On paper, the job so...

Lucy Hall’s story is one you don’t want to miss. In this episode of Behind the Future, Lucy Hall, founder of Digital Women and SocialDay, shares how she went from teaching herself digital marketing as a teenager with no computer at home to becoming one of the UK’s leading voices in digital skills and community building.

Lucy didn’t take the traditional route. She wasn’t a straight-A student, didn’t leave school with perfect grades, and often felt like she didn’t fit in academically. But when her mum bought the family’s first computer a...

On today’s episode of Behind the Future, we chat with Tom Shaw, a Software Developer and Content Creator, who turned his love for gaming into coding, freelancing, and building real skills that can shape your future. If you’ve ever wondered how to take your gaming hobby and turn it into something more, this episode is packed with tips, inspiration, and practical advice for teens who want to level up in life.

Tom shares his journey from spending hours on YouTube gaming videos to learning how to code, taking on freelance projects, and discovering ways to make...

In this episode, Ellen Bundy shares her journey from studying Geography to finding her passion in marketing, building communities, and just going for it. 💡 She talks about how starting small side projects, hosting meetups, and saying “yes” to opportunities helped her gain confidence, learn new skills, and grow her career.

Ellen also shares her top networking tips, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and why building your online presence early can open doors you never expected. Whether you’re figuring out your next step after uni or just want practical advice on taking action, this episode is full of inspir...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Carlo Weaver, who shares his incredible journey from being homeless as a teenager to managing an £83 million portfolio. Carlo’s story is about resilience, determination, and never letting life’s challenges define you. He opens up about leaving school without his GCSEs, being diagnosed with autism, and facing extreme hardships.

Carlo Weaver shows that even in the toughest situations, it’s possible to turn your life around. From working multiple jobs and caring for family members to discovering a degree apprenticeship with NatWest, Carlo proves that opportunities can appear when yo...