Careers Unwrapped

Art history isn't just about museums and galleries—it's a gateway to developing crucial professional skills and understanding human creativity across time and cultures.

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett interviews Dr. James Fox, a renowned art historian, broadcaster, and Cambridge Scholar, who shares insights into his diverse career path and reveals how studying art history can lead to unexpected professional opportunities.

What You'll Learn:

• How studying art history develops transferable skills like analysis, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Why the creative industries represent one of the UK's fastest-growing economic sectors
• The pathway to becoming an academic, from undergraduate studies through PhD and beyond
• How to transition from academic expertise to broadcast media careers
• Why art education remains crucial for both economic growth and personal development
• The unexpected career paths available to art history graduates, from business leadership to entertainment
• The challenges and opportunities in broadcasting, including practical tips for on-camera work
• How understanding art history provides valuable insights for navigating modern challenges
  
  

The episode offers practical career guidance for those interested in creative industries while highlighting how artistic understanding contributes to professional success across various fields. Fox's journey from art enthusiast to multi-faceted professional demonstrates the diverse opportunities available when combining academic expertise with broader creative pursuits.
Dr. James Fox is a renowned art historian, writer, and broadcaster based at the University of Cambridge, where he serves as Director of Studies at Emmanuel College. As a distinguished academic and public intellectual, he has dedicated his career to making art history accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences through engaging television documentaries, educational initiatives, and public speaking. With extensive experience teaching thousands of students over a 15-year career, Dr. Fox brings unique insights into the intersection of art history, education, and professional development. His work spans multiple roles, including running educational programs at a Canadian sculpture park, serving as creative director of an arts and crafts foundation, and producing acclaimed television series such as "Nature and Us: A History Through Art."

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here. 
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• We Are Futures

Careers Unwrapped is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• From Dreams to Reality: Camila Holden-Ayala’s Journey to Senior Account Manager at Broadcast Revolution
• How to Kickstart your Career by Asking Questions with Bhushan Sethi, Partner at Strategy&
• Make Mistakes… Then Learn From Them! With Rahul Moodgal, Director of Parvus Asset Management

Previous guests include: Phil Harding, archaeologist from Time Team; Deborah Meaden, investor on Dragons' Den; Andrew Barnabas, musical composer; Fiona Campbell of BBC Iplayer & BBC Three; Emma Keller of Nestlé; Nick Telson-Sillett, entrepreneur, an angel investor, a podcaster, a startup mentor, and a public speaker; Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO of Olio; Peter Hopwood, Global Tedx Storytelling and Speaker Coach; 

If you are interested in joining Careers Unwrapped as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/waf-guest

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett interviews Karl Edge, Chief People Officer and Head of Regions at KPMG UK, who shares his 34-year journey from a working-class background to a leadership position at one of the world's leading professional services firms.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why accountancy is far from boring: how it provides a foundation for working globally across any sector
• How to succeed in professional services without an accounting degree or background
• The modern accountant's evolving role in the age of AI and technology
• Why authenticity matters: how to balance being yourself while adapting to corporate culture
• How to develop leadership skills through curiosity and stepping outside your comfort zone
• The power of mentorship and networking in building a successful career path
• Why continuous learning and broad experiences matter more than chasing specific roles
• How to transition from technical expertise to people leadership
• The importance of building trust and relationships with clients beyond their professional titles
• Why embracing discomfort and feedback leads to professional growth and development

Karl Edge is the Chief People Officer and Head of Regions at KPMG UK, bringing over three decades of experience in chartered accountancy and business leadership. With a distinguished career that began as a chartered accountant, Karl has evolved into a strategic people leader responsible for 18,000 employees across KPMG's UK operations. Known for his passion in neuroscience and personal development, he has been instrumental in developing leadership programs and fostering a culture of continuous learning at KPMG. In this episode, Karl shares valuable insights about the evolving nature of accountancy careers, challenging common misconceptions about the profession, and offering practical advice for young professionals entering the field. His journey from a working-class background to a senior leadership position, combined with his focus on mentoring and talent development, provides particularly relevant guidance for career starters looking to build successful careers in professional services.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Connect with Karl Edge

• LinkedIn

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• LinkedIn
• We Are Futures

Careers Unwrapped is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• From Dreams to Reality: Camila Holden-Ayala’s Journey to Senior Account Manager at Broadcast Revolution
• How to Kickstart your Career by Asking Questions with Bhushan Sethi, Partner at Strategy&
• Make Mistakes… Then Learn From Them! With Rahul Moodgal, Director of Parvus Asset Management

Previous guests include: Phil Harding, archaeologist from Time Team; Deborah Meaden, investor on Dragons' Den; Andrew Barnabas, musical composer; Fiona Campbell of BBC Iplayer & BBC Three; Emma Keller of Nestlé; Nick Telson-Sillett, entrepreneur, an angel investor, a podcaster, a startup mentor, and a public speaker; Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO of Olio; Peter Hopwood, Global Tedx Storytelling and Speaker Coach; 

If you are interested in joining Careers Unwrapped as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/waf-guest

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Will Lankston, Managing Director of Timpson Direct.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to thrive in an empowering workplace culture built on trust and kindness
• Why saying "yes" to challenging opportunities accelerates career progression
• The power of personality-based hiring and why cultural fit matters more than technical skills
• How to navigate from entry-level to leadership while staying with one company
• Why taking calculated risks early in your career creates long-term opportunities
• The importance of embracing change and innovation in retail service management
• How upside-down management puts front-line workers at the heart of business success
• Why authenticity and willingness to learn outweigh traditional career expectations

Will Lankston is the Managing Director of Timpson Direct within the Timpson Group, where he has built a remarkable 15-year career starting as a management trainee. Rising through various leadership roles, he has been instrumental in expanding the company's diverse service offerings, including vending operations and international franchising. With expertise in retail and service management, Will embodies Timpson's unique culture of trust, kindness, and empowerment through "upside-down management." In this episode, Will shares valuable insights on career development, organizational culture, and business innovation, providing practical guidance for young professionals looking to build successful careers. His journey from shop floor to senior leadership, combined with his experience in implementing cultural change and driving business growth, offers compelling lessons for those interested in retail management and corporate leadership.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Connect with William Lankston

• LinkedIn

Connect with Mark Fawcett

• LinkedIn
• We Are Futures

Careers Unwrapped is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• From Dreams to Reality: Camila Holden-Ayala’s Journey to Senior Account Manager at Broadcast Revolution
• How to Kickstart your Career by Asking Questions with Bhushan Sethi, Partner at Strategy&
• Make Mistakes… Then Learn From Them! With Rahul Moodgal, Director of Parvus Asset Management

Previous guests include: Phil Harding, archaeologist from Time Team; Deborah Meaden, investor on Dragons' Den; Andrew Barnabas, musical composer; Fiona Campbell of BBC Iplayer & BBC Three; Emma Keller of Nestlé; Nick Telson-Sillett, entrepreneur, an angel investor, a podcaster, a startup mentor, and a public speaker; Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO of Olio; Peter Hopwood, Global Tedx Storytelling and Speaker Coach; 

If you are interested in joining Careers Unwrapped as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/waf-guest

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell, CEO of Ten Thousand Interns Foundation.

Join them as they explore:

• Rebecca's journey from elite swimming to charity leadership
  
  
• The challenges of being a trailblazer in a predominantly white sport
  
  
• Her decision to retire from swimming before the London 2012 Olympics
  
  
• How her elite sports background has shaped her leadership style
  
  
• The mission and impact of the Ten Thousand Interns Foundation
  
  

Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell is a trailblazer in many fields. As the first black woman to swim for Great Britain, she made history before pivoting to the nonprofit sector. Now, as CEO of Ten Thousand Interns Foundation, she leads initiatives creating 10,000 paid internships for black talent across the UK. Her impactful work in fostering inclusion has been globally recognised, earning her spots on Forbes 30 Under 30 and The Times list of influential leaders. She is also an accomplished author of "These Heavy Backbones" and serves as a trustee of Modern Art Oxford.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Connect with Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• The 10,000 Interns Foundation

Connect with Mark Fawcett

• LinkedIn
• We Are Futures

Careers Unwrapped is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• From Dreams to Reality: Camila Holden-Ayala’s Journey to Senior Account Manager at Broadcast Revolution
• How to Kickstart your Career by Asking Questions with Bhushan Sethi, Partner at Strategy&
• Make Mistakes… Then Learn From Them! With Rahul Moodgal, Director of Parvus Asset Management

Previous guests include: Phil Harding, archaeologist from Time Team; Deborah Meaden, investor on Dragons' Den; Andrew Barnabas, musical composer; Fiona Campbell of BBC Iplayer & BBC Three; Emma Keller of Nestlé; Nick Telson-Sillett, entrepreneur, an angel investor, a podcaster, a startup mentor, and a public speaker; Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO of Olio; Peter Hopwood, Global Tedx Storytelling and Speaker Coach; 

If you are interested in joining Careers Unwrapped as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/waf-guest

In this special roundtable episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Victoria Geary and James Rimmer, Senior Strategists at We Are Futures.
Join them as they explore:

• How their careers evolved from unexpected starting points
  
  
• The importance of staying curious throughout your career
  
  
• Why networking is simpler than you think
  
  
• How to make successful career transitions
  
  
• The value of trying different roles early in your career
  
  
• Why it's okay not to have everything planned out

Victoria Geary is a Senior Strategist at We Are Futures and a qualified Careers Leader with Level 6 RCDP certification. Her expertise spans careers education from primary to postgraduate level, with particular focus on developing strategies aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks of good careers guidance. She specialises in alternative education models, education-employer partnerships, and supporting non-linear career paths.

James Rimmer is a Senior Strategist and Co-creation Lead at We Are Futures, bringing expertise in community engagement across education, charity, and sport sectors. His work focuses on empowering youth voices and driving initiatives that create meaningful impact for young people. With a background in teaching and marketing communications, he brings a unique perspective to fostering inclusive decision-making and building connections between brands and young people.
Together at We Are Futures, they work to tackle issues that matter most to young people and their families, creating deep engagement between brands and future generations.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Resources:

• James Rimmer on LinkedIn
• Victoria Geary on LinkedIn
• Mark Fawcett on LinkedIn
• We Are Futures

Careers Unwrapped is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• From Dreams to Reality: Camila Holden-Ayala’s Journey to Senior Account Manager at Broadcast Revolution
• How to Kickstart your Career by Asking Questions with Bhushan Sethi, Partner at Strategy&
• Make Mistakes… Then Learn From Them! With Rahul Moodgal, Director of Parvus Asset Management

Previous guests include: Phil Harding, archaeologist from Time Team; Deborah Meaden, investor on Dragons' Den; Andrew Barnabas, musical composer; Fiona Campbell of BBC Iplayer & BBC Three; Emma Keller of Nestlé; Nick Telson-Sillett, entrepreneur, an angel investor, a podcaster, a startup mentor, and a public speaker; Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO of Olio; Peter Hopwood, Global Tedx Storytelling and Speaker Coach; 

If you are interested in joining Careers Unwrapped as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/waf-guest

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett welcomes Laura Harnett, Founder of Seep, a sustainable cleaning products company making waves in retail.

Join them as they explore:

• How a career spanning retail, consulting, and investment led to founding Seep
  
  
• The impact of personal challenges on entrepreneurial decisions
  
  
• The journey from corporate life to startup founder
  
  
• Navigating investment rounds and Dragon's Den
  
  
• The importance of female founders and investors in business
  
  
• Building a B Corp focused on sustainability
  
  

Laura Harnett is the Founder of Seep, a certified B Corporation founded in 2020 that's transforming the cleaning accessories market with sustainable innovations. A former retail operator at Selfridges and consultant at major firms, Laura's path to entrepreneurship was catalysed by a breast cancer diagnosis in her late thirties. Now, she's leading a company that's secured placement in major retailers and recently received investment on Dragon's Den, while actively championing female entrepreneurs through various initiatives.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Connect with Laura Harnett

• LinkedIn

Connect with Mark Fawcett

• LinkedIn
• We Are Futures

Careers Unwrapped is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• From Dreams to Reality: Camila Holden-Ayala’s Journey to Senior Account Manager at Broadcast Revolution
• How to Kickstart your Career by Asking Questions with Bhushan Sethi, Partner at Strategy&
• Make Mistakes… Then Learn From Them! With Rahul Moodgal, Director of Parvus Asset Management

Previous guests include: Phil Harding, archaeologist from Time Team; Deborah Meaden, investor on Dragons' Den; Andrew Barnabas, musical composer; Fiona Campbell of BBC Iplayer & BBC Three; Emma Keller of Nestlé; Nick Telson-Sillett, entrepreneur, an angel investor, a podcaster, a startup mentor, and a public speaker; Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO of Olio; Peter Hopwood, Global Tedx Storytelling and Speaker Coach; 

If you are interested in joining Careers Unwrapped as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/waf-guest

In this episode of Careers Unwrap, host Mark Fawcett welcomes Guy Hanson, Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity, a renowned expert in digital marketing and data management.
Join them as they explore:

• The evolving landscape of AI in marketing from "wow" and "now"
  
  
• The critical role of data in modern marketing 
  
  
• How data literacy shapes future marketing career success
  
  
• The importance of an omnichannel marketing approach
  
  
• What hiring managers look for beyond technical skills
  
  
• The rapid evolution of marketing technology
  
  

Guy Hanson is the Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity and a distinguished expert in digital marketing and data management. With over three decades of experience evolving from mainframe computing to modern digital marketing, Guy has played a pivotal role in shaping how businesses leverage data for customer engagement and growth. As a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at more than 100 events, he brings deep expertise in email marketing optimization, data literacy, and the strategic application of AI in marketing. Guy is particularly noted for his ability to bridge the technical aspects of data management with practical business outcomes, making him a valuable voice for both marketing practitioners and business leaders navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Connect with Guy Hanson

• LinkedIn

Connect with Mark Fawcett

• LinkedIn
• We Are Futures

Careers Unwrapped is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• From Dreams to Reality: Camila Holden-Ayala’s Journey to Senior Account Manager at Broadcast Revolution
• How to Kickstart your Career by Asking Questions with Bhushan Sethi, Partner at Strategy&
• Make Mistakes… Then Learn From Them! With Rahul Moodgal, Director of Parvus Asset Management

Previous guests include: Phil Harding, archaeologist from Time Team; Deborah Meaden, investor on Dragons' Den; Andrew Barnabas, musical composer; Fiona Campbell of BBC Iplayer & BBC Three; Emma Keller of Nestlé; Nick Telson-Sillett, entrepreneur, an angel investor, a podcaster, a startup mentor, and a public speaker; Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO of Olio; Peter Hopwood, Global Tedx Storytelling and Speaker Coach; 

If you are interested in joining Careers Unwrapped as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/waf-guest

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Nick Turner, Group Chief Executive Officer at NFU Mutual.

Join them as they explore:

• The origins and importance of insurance in modern society
  
  
• How NFU Mutual started and what makes it different as a mutual
  
  
• The diverse range of career opportunities in insurance
  
  
• Nick's journey from shelf stacker to CEO
  
  
• The evolution of his leadership philosophy
  
  
• The future impact of AI on the insurance industry
  
  
• Why insurance shouldn't be seen as a grudge purchase
  
  

Nick Turner is the Group Chief Executive Officer at NFU Mutual, bringing over three decades of expertise in board and executive roles. His work has helped shape organizations like the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Personal Finance Society. Under his leadership, NFU Mutual serves over 1.1 million customers with £2.5 billion in premium income, employing over 4,400 people directly and 2,700 through their agency network.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here

Connect with Nick Turner

• NFU Mutual

Connect with Mark Fawcett

• LinkedIn
• We Are Futures

Careers Unwrapped is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• From Dreams to Reality: Camila Holden-Ayala’s Journey to Senior Account Manager at Broadcast Revolution
• How to Kickstart your Career by Asking Questions with Bhushan Sethi, Partner at Strategy&
• Make Mistakes… Then Learn From Them! With Rahul Moodgal, Director of Parvus Asset Management

Previous guests include: Phil Harding, archaeologist from Time Team; Deborah Meaden, investor on Dragons' Den; Andrew Barnabas, musical composer; Fiona Campbell of BBC Iplayer & BBC Three; Emma Keller of Nestlé; Nick Telson-Sillett, entrepreneur, an angel investor, a podcaster, a startup mentor, and a public speaker; Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO of Olio; Peter Hopwood, Global Tedx Storytelling and Speaker Coach; 

If you are interested in joining Careers Unwrapped as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/waf-guest

In this episode of Careers Unwrap, host Mark Fawcett welcomes Kelly Johnstone, Chief Operations Officer of Springboard and a seasoned executive in the tourism, leisure, and hospitality industry. Together, they explore the vibrant world of hospitality and the opportunities it offers.
Join them as they explore:

• The current state of the hospitality industry
  
  
• Springboard's mission to future-proof the talent pipeline
  
  
• The importance of changing perceptions about hospitality jobs,
  
  
• The value of apprenticeships as a pathway into the industry
  
  
• The unique skills developed in hospitality
  
  
• The impact of technology in the industry
  
  

Kelly Johnstone is a seasoned senior executive in the tourism, leisure, and hospitality industry, currently serving as the Chief Operations Officer at Springboard. With a rich background that includes 18 years of international experience with Thomas Cook, Kelly has developed a deep understanding of the hospitality sector, particularly in shaping the future talent pipeline. Her leadership at Springboard focuses on promoting career opportunities within the industry, addressing skill shortages, and dispelling negative perceptions about hospitality jobs. 
Notably, she champions initiatives like Future Chef, which seeks to identify and nurture the next generation of culinary talent. Kelly's insights into the evolving landscape of hospitality, especially post-COVID, and her advocacy for apprenticeships and diverse career pathways make her a vital voice in the conversation about the industry's future. Her passion for people and commitment to fostering a positive work environment underscore her belief in the transformative power of hospitality careers.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Connect with Kelly Johnstone

• LinkedIn

Connect with Mark Fawcett

• LinkedIn
• We Are Futures

Careers Unwrapped is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• From Dreams to Reality: Camila Holden-Ayala’s Journey to Senior Account Manager at Broadcast Revolution
• How to Kickstart your Career by Asking Questions with Bhushan Sethi, Partner at Strategy&
• Make Mistakes… Then Learn From Them! With Rahul Moodgal, Director of Parvus Asset Management

Previous guests include: Phil Harding, archaeologist from Time Team; Deborah Meaden, investor on Dragons' Den; Andrew Barnabas, musical composer; Fiona Campbell of BBC Iplayer & BBC Three; Emma Keller of Nestlé; Nick Telson-Sillett, entrepreneur, an angel investor, a podcaster, a startup mentor, and a public speaker; Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO of Olio; Peter Hopwood, Global Tedx Storytelling and Speaker Coach; 

If you are interested in joining Careers Unwrapped as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/waf-guest

In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Danny Harmer, Chief People Officer at Aviva.

Join them as they explore:

• How HR has evolved from personnel administration to strategic business partnership
  
  
• The impact of COVID-19 on workplace practices and hybrid working
  
  
• Why commercial acumen is crucial for HR professionals
  
  
• The balance between technology and human touch in modern HR
  
  
• How to build and influence organizational culture
  
  
• The importance of data and analytics in people management

Danny Harmer is Chief People Officer at Aviva, where she leads the transformation of workplace culture and people strategy. With over two decades of experience in HR leadership, she has held senior positions at Halifax and other major financial institutions. Her approach to HR focuses on making businesses brilliant through their people, combining commercial acumen with strategic people management.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Connect with Danny Harmer

• LinkedIn

Connect with Mark Fawcett

• LinkedIn
• We Are Futures

Careers Unwrapped is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• From Dreams to Reality: Camila Holden-Ayala’s Journey to Senior Account Manager at Broadcast Revolution
• How to Kickstart your Career by Asking Questions with Bhushan Sethi, Partner at Strategy&
• Make Mistakes… Then Learn From Them! With Rahul Moodgal, Director of Parvus Asset Management

Previous guests include: Phil Harding, archaeologist from Time Team; Deborah Meaden, investor on Dragons' Den; Andrew Barnabas, musical composer; Fiona Campbell of BBC Iplayer & BBC Three; Emma Keller of Nestlé; Nick Telson-Sillett, entrepreneur, an angel investor, a podcaster, a startup mentor, and a public speaker; Tessa Clarke, Co-founder & CEO of Olio; Peter Hopwood, Global Tedx Storytelling and Speaker Coach; 

If you are interested in joining Careers Unwrapped as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/waf-guest