After Aston I...

In this episode of After Aston I.., hosts Aimee and Geoff welcome Lorraine Copes, a successful entrepreneur and advocate for racial equity in the hospitality sector. Lorraine shares her journey from graduating from Aston University in 2001 with a BSc in Logistics to building a two-decade-long career in hospitality, working with renowned companies like TGI Fridays, Shake Shack, and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants. Lorraine discusses her experience launching Be Inclusive Hospitality, a not-for-profit organization aimed at accelerating racial equity in the industry.

She elaborates on the organization's data-led approach, mentorship programs, and collaborations with major brands like Uber Eats and Ben's Original. Lorraine also reflects on the importance of equity over equality, challenges of entrepreneurship, her passion for food and drink, and the significance of having a supportive community.

The episode wraps up with quickfire questions about Lorraine's dream team member and her favourite Aston memory.

Find out more about Lorraine and her work:
Lorriane's website
Be Inclusive Hospitality

And to learn more about the Alumni Club visit our website.

Geoff and Aimee kick off series 2 with a conversation with Aston graduate and Olympic boxer, Delicious Orie, also known as DJ.

DJ transitioned into the world of boxing at 18 and since then has represented Team GB in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, won Gold at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Gold at the European Championships, and more.

In this episode, DJ shares the inspiration behind his switch to boxing, his rigorous training regime, the significance of competing at his home Games, his future plans of turning professional, how the challenges he faced during his formative years have fueled his drive and determination, and how he balances resilience and passion. DJ, Aimee and Geoff also share their ring walk song choice! 

Geoff introduces Aimee as the new co-host of the After Aston I… podcast! The two tell us what to expect from the upcoming series, due to land on the airwaves very soon!

Series 2 will bring you more candid conversations with Aston University alumni – some of the UK’s most employable graduates – as we hear the remarkable stories of where their careers have taken them. 

If you’ve not yet subscribed, go ahead and hit that little bell. You’ll be the first to know when a new episode drops, and you’ll make us very happy.

In this season finale of the After Aston I… podcast, hosts Katrina and Geoff are joined by Rachel Krol, a Project Engineering Manager at Mondelēz International. Rachel, an Aston University alumna with a degree in mechanical engineering, shares insights about her exciting role with the snack giant. She discusses her involvement in various projects, including the production of well-loved snacks like Cadbury chocolate bars and Creme Eggs. Rachel also talks about the challenges and pride in working for a top global company, the use of collaborative robots, and her passion for supporting early careers in engineering.

Connect with Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-krol-808/
Find out more about Mondelēz International:  https://www.mondelezinternational.com/

In this episode of the After Aston I... podcast, co-hosts Abby, who is filling in for Katrina, and Geoff, engage in a captivating conversation with Aston alumnus James Henderson. Graduating from Aston University in 1990 with a degree in Management and Administrative Studies, James has built an illustrious career in the luxury goods industry, including prestigious roles in Formula One yachts and private aviation. 

Currently, he serves as the CEO of Exclusive Resorts, a leading private travel and hospitality membership club in North America. Throughout his career, James has lived and worked in diverse locations such as Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Switzerland, Italy, and the United States, bringing a wealth of international experience to the table.

Exclusive Resorts website: https://exclusiveresorts.com/
James’ personal blog: https://james-henderson.com/
Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjhenderson/
Connect with James on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james.j.henderson/

In this episode, Katrina and Geoff speak to Sue Noffke, an Aston University alumna who has built a successful career in the finance sector. Graduating in 1989 with a degree in business and biochemistry, Sue gained early experience in investment during her placement year at Schroders, a global asset management company. She returned to Schroders post-graduation and has risen to head its UK equities division, managing a portfolio worth 6 billion pounds. Sue shares insights into her role, detailing the responsibilities of overseeing investments and the importance of equities in the market. She discusses the rarity of spending an entire career at one company, attributing her longevity to a blend of autonomy, stability, and continuous learning opportunities at Schroders. Sue also touches on the gender dynamics within the finance industry, noting its male-dominated nature but emphasising the importance of visibility and role models for women. She also provides advice for those interested in a role in fund management!

Connect with Sue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-noffke-639a9124/

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.