In this episode of the After Aston I… podcast, guest host Abby steps in for Katrina to join Geoff and discuss leadership and personal growth with Paul Matthews, an Aston alumnus and leadership coach based in Australia. Paul shares his journey from working in corporate roles across various sectors in the UK and Australia to establishing his own leadership coaching practice. He emphasises the importance of powerful conversations in leadership, the shift towards a work-life balance, and how mindset plays a crucial role in personal development. Paul discusses his book 'Switch,' which focuses on modern leadership practices and the significance of adopting a growth mindset. The discussion also covers the relevance of aligning team performance with business vision, the changing dynamics of the workforce, and practical advice for leaders aiming to improve team clarity and engagement.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmatthewscoach/
Paul’s coaching consultancy website: https://paulmatthews.com.au/
Order ‘Switch’ - Paul’s best-selling book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08QYJ37SS
Get your tickets for Astonbury: https://www.astonbury.co.uk/

In this episode of the ‘After Aston I…’ podcast, Katrina and Geoff interview Grace Smith, an Aston University alumna with an exciting career in the media industry. With a background in public policy and social studies, Grace initially ventured into roles unrelated to her current profession, including working as a corporate tax inspector. However, following a lockdown project, an unexpected opportunity led her to make a career shift, embracing roles as a BBC radio presenter, voiceover artist, live events host, and reporter for major events like the Commonwealth Games and music festivals.

In this episode of ‘After Aston I…’, Katrina and Geoff chat to Gabriella Bossman, a 2015 Politics and International Relations graduate who’s moved her career to Norway. They chat about Gabriella’s experience working and running a business in a different culture, her observations about the importance of language, the approach to work-life balance in Norway, the differences in business ecosystems, cultural adaptability, and more. Gabriella also talks about her work in the green tech space and her desire to build something with a mission behind it, how the country’s strong social security can sometimes lead to less entrepreneurial drive, and the support available for start-ups in Norway.

Find out more about the Alumni Club:
https://www.aston.ac.uk/alumni/the-alumni-club

Connect with Gabriella Bossman on LinkedIn

In this episode of the After Aston I... podcast, hosts Katrina and Geoff welcome Simba Rwambiwa, the co-founder and managing director of Palm Love Care Services. Simba shares how his personal experience of looking after his late mother inspired him to start his own healthcare company focused on providing in-home care. He explains the positive impact of in-home care on the quality of life for patients and shares his passion for helping others. Simba also talks about his experience as a contestant on the BBC's 'The Apprentice' and how it has influenced his approach to business. 

In this episode, Katrina and Geoff delve into the music industry with Sunjay Kohli, an Aston alumnus who has worked with major companies such as Ticketmaster International, Warner Music Group, and BMG. 

Sunjay shares valuable insights into the music industry and advises those aspiring to work at a record label. He discusses how he navigated the corporate and 'glitzy' sides of the business, working with iconic artists such as Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Louis Tomlinson, Alt J and KSI, and how he’s transitioned to running his own business, AAA Media.

Connect with Sunjay
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunjay-kohli-4ab44b55/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunjaykohli/

AAA Media: aaamedia.co

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In this episode, Katrina and Geoff sit down with Aston alumna Grace Ubawuchi, Founder and CEO of the innovative frozen cocktail brand Xīn and Voltaire.

Grace takes us through her journey from being a Business and International Relations student at Aston University to becoming a trailblazer in the drinks industry. 

Throughout the conversation, Grace emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and tenacity in entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges she faced in freezing alcohol and establishing a temperature-controlled logistical chain for product distribution. She also talks about winning this year’s KPMG Black Entrepreneurs’ Award, her ambition for international expansion, and the importance of failure.

In this episode, Katrina and Geoff speak with Christine Kelly, an Aston University alumna and the founder of 'Little Kickers', the world’s biggest and most successful pre-school football academy and an international franchise program.

Christine talks about her journey from graduating with a degree in International Business and Modern Languages to her career in finance, why she decided to start 'Little Kickers', and her experiences running the business and expanding it globally.

Christine also touches on some challenges she faced and lessons she learned along the way, as well as what might be in store for the future.