Reacting to the news that there are to be changes in the way we measure graduate outcomes in the entrepreneurial space, we dusted off the podcast kit and reached out to Marcus Simmons who runs MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management at Falmouth University, to record an emergency bonus pod.

Marcus is someone who lives at the cutting edge of enterprise education and entrepreneurial development; an experienced enterprise lecturer, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and a master of creating outstanding, innovative business learning experiences that truly resonate with students.

In this episode, we break down some major shifts in how startups and freelancers are being reported — changes that could have a serious ripple effect on universities and how they track and support entrepreneurial success. We also get into the knowledge gap exposed by the Graduate Outcomes Survey and why it’s actually an exciting opportunity for institutions to rethink how they support their next-gen entrepreneurial cohorts.

This one’s packed with real-world insight and forward-thinking ideas that could shape the future of enterprise support in higher education — and ultimately lead to more meaningful success for freelancers, founders, and students alike.

Let’s get into it.

Freelancer Club

Falmouth Entrepreneurship 

In today's episode, we spend time with a true disruptor in the education space. Ed Fidoe is the Chief Executive of the London Interdisciplinary School, a new kind of university that breaks down traditional academic barriers, focusing on real-world, problem-based learning. Before founding LIS, Ed co-founded School 21, a pioneering school in East London that’s transforming how young people learn by emphasising skills like oracy and critical thinking.

Ed has also advised top educational institutions like Cambridge University, LSE, and Eton College, and has been at the forefront of reimagining how we prepare the next generation for an increasingly complex world.

School 21

The London Interdisciplinary School

Freelancer Club

Here at Freelancer Club, we frequently have conversations with universities, and a common theme has emerged—the growing challenge of student engagement.

Whether it’s low attendance at extracurricular activities, a feeling of disconnect from the academic environment, or a general lack of enthusiasm for the university experience, this issue is becoming more prevalent.

While some attribute it to COVID, the cost of living, mental health or a generational shift in priorities, others believe there’s something deeper going on. Today, we’re diving into the student engagement crisis with our guests, Mhairi Threlfall, Enterprise Consultant at UWE Bristol and Libby Anson, Student Employment and Enterprise Manager at the Glasgow School of Art.

We’ll explore the dramatic shift in the student experience over the past decade, why universities need to adapt, and the role of innovative communication strategies, hybrid delivery, and fresh solutions to these modern challenges.

Freelancer Club

The University of the West of England Bristol

The Glasgow School of Art

In today’s episode, we share the journeys of two emerging freelancers, Manaz Javaid and Elijah McDonnell, whom we had the pleasure of working with during separate programmes at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Westminster respectively. 

We explore what motivated them to join a freelance programme, their initial expectations, and the key insights they've gained from the experience. We also delve into the value of building connections with fellow participants and how universities can foster these relationships.

Listen as these ambitious solopreneurs discuss how freelance programmes have shaped their careers and what universities can do to better support aspiring freelancers. We'll also touch on the role educational institutions play in nurturing entrepreneurial talent.

Whether you’re a student thinking about freelancing, an educator, or just curious about the freelance world, this episode offers firsthand perspectives on the challenges and rewards of launching a freelance career straight out of university.

In this episode of Freelancers: Next Gen, we sit down with the formidable Director of Careers and Enterprise for the School of Arts and Creative Industries at the University of East London, a renowned educator, and an influential force in the world of creative business, Alison Lowe MBE.

We explore the challenges faced by creative freelancers, the role of educators in the creative field, the value of unconventional thinkers, and how educators can better prepare future freelancers. Additionally, we delve into the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation.

FreelancerClub.net

University of East London

References mentioned in this episode:

Rise, Freelancer programme

Alchemy by Rory Sutherland

Recorded live at the IEEC (International Enterprise Educators Conference) in Belfast as part of our Education mini-series, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Francesca Morelli. Francesca is an Enterprise Support Officer at Queens University Belfast and the co-founder of VAVA, an influencer marketing agency making waves in the industry.

In this episode, we delve into the value of attending events like the IEEC, the challenges enterprise teams and students face in today’s entrepreneurial landscape, and how we can better support students eager to launch their side hustle or business. Plus, we talk about the incredible work Francesca does at Queens and how her experience with VAVA adds value to her role.

It’s an inspiring conversation packed with insights, so let’s get started!

• https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/inqubate/AboutInQUBate
• https://vavainfluence.com/
• freelancerclub.net 

Dan Ariely is a three-time New York Times Bestselling Author and a leading figure in the fields of Psychology and Behavioral Economics.

One of his great strengths is how he unravels the complexities of human behaviour, explaining why we make the decisions we do and how we can make better ones. With a rich background that includes collaborations with global giants like Google and Apple, TED and the World Economic Forum, as well as advising governments worldwide, we were keen to get Dan's thoughts on freelancing.

We discuss the role of playfulness, the freelance psyche, making time to think, behavioural patterns and cold-water swimming! 

Dan's Website

Freelancer Club

I stumbled across the Freelancer Magazine in highly unusual circumstances but when I did, I was absolutely thrilled to see that someone had decided to celebrate the works of solopreneurs and spotlight self-employed stories. 

Sophie Cross launched Freelancer Magazine three years ago and the publication continues to thrive. They boast growing community of readers, online and offline (yes, there's a print version!) and contribute to the way we all view freelancing.  

In this episode, we talk about our relationship with the term ‘freelancer’, virtual co-working, how to engage a community in 2024, Ru Paul’s mantra and how we can best support the next generation of freelancers.  

Freelancer Magazine

Freelancer Club

I first met Louise when she reached out for a meeting and laid bare her story. 

At just 20 years old, she co-founded BreatheUni with her brother, an initiative that creates non-judgemental spaces for students looking to learn about mental health, equality, diversity and inclusion. Sessions were held with peers who are Mental Health First Aiders who can signpost relevant information and resources.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Louise's battle with imposter syndrome, racial trauma, and gender inequality
• The student experience today
• The importance of language and support systems
• The power of storytelling. 

Note: Our conversation contains references to topics that may be jarring or emotionally challenging for some listeners.

LyonsAppiah

Beyond

Freelancer Club

Rafael Espinal is the Executive Director of the Freelancers Union, a non-profit organisation serving as a support system for independents, based in New York.

Rafael oversees the organisation's umbrella and brings his wealth of experience and dedication to advocacy to support and champion the rights of freelancers and independent workers. Before joining Freelancers Union, Rafael played a pivotal role in actioning the Freelance Isn't Free bill. 

In this episode of Freelancers: Next Gen, we discuss the blurred lines between post-pandemic working options and the allure of freelancing, how self-employment is perceived in the US and the impact of their Freelance Isn't Free bill as it enters its 8th year. 

Freelancers Union

Freelance Isn't Free Bill

Freelancer Club