Ashleigh grew up in Leicester in a working-class, single-parent household, caring full-time for his disabled mother from his teens into his twenties. While his brothers moved on, Ashleigh took on the responsibility of assisted living care. A commitment that shaped his life, his opportunities, and his sense of purpose.

Despite limited options and financial struggles, he started volunteering remotely in the gaming industry. A move that opened the door to a professional career in hosting game services, onboarding influencers, and building brand partnerships. His journey from council estate to business development shows the resilience, guilt, and determination behind breaking class barriers.

In this episode, Ashleigh reflects on:

- Growing up in a tight-knit but changing council estate community

- Balancing care responsibilities with career ambitions

- Moving on from his working-class roots while staying grounded

- The lack of working-class representation in the gaming world

- How education and remote work shaped his opportunities

👉 This is more than a career story, it’s about navigating identity, class, and care while building a new future.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Ashleigh's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Ashleigh!

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- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Ashleigh

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-laywood/

- Twitter / X - @bashtonnn

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess

#WorkingClassStories #GamingIndustry #SocialMobility #ClassAndCare

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In this episode, we meet Ryan, who grew up in the small town of Yeovil, Somerset, a traditionally working-class area hit hard by the 2008 crash. After his parents lost their business, they rebuilt their lives through hands-on work. His dad as a plumber and his mum as a cleaner, instilling in Ryan the value of resilience and humility.

Although strong academically, Ryan was drawn to creativity, inspired by his dad’s love of music. This passion led him to study the arts at university, a move that opened doors to opportunities far beyond his hometown. Through a university placement, Ryan landed his first teaching role in London, marking a major step away from small-town life and into the creative sector.

Despite his success, Ryan remains grounded in his working-class roots. He speaks openly about class divides, the challenges of navigating professional hierarchies, and the need for more support for students from similar backgrounds. Today, he uses his experience to mentor and guide young people, offering the advice he wishes he’d had.

🔹 Topics covered:

- Growing up working class in rural England

- How the 2008 crash shaped his family’s future

- Creativity as a route out of limitation

- Navigating seniority and workplace culture

- Giving back through mentoring and advice

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Ryan's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Ryan!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Ryan

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancallard/

- Website - http://ryancallard.co.uk/

Grant Funds:

- https://www.ukgamesfund.com/

- https://tranzfuser.com/

Also here is an additional bonus clip in case you wanted to watch some of his grandads famous West Country Yap - https://youtu.be/WjTIFkWJctY?t=243

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #WorkingClassStories #SocialMobility #Education #CreativeJourney #InspiringStories #FromYeovilToLondon

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In this episode, we hear from Mert, Research and Engagement Lead at Urban Symbiotics. Mert’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and finding purpose through community.

Growing up in a council estate in Walthamstow to immigrant parents, Mert faced challenges from an early age, from overcrowded housing to being homeless at 16 after coming out as gay. Despite these struggles, he juggled multiple jobs, leaned on the support of friends, and secured a bursary that opened the doors to higher education.

His passion for giving back and improving communities eventually led him to Urban Symbiotics, where his final year project caught the company’s attention and landed him his role. Now, he works to bridge the gap between local communities and urban planning, bringing a fresh perspective rooted in lived experience.

Mert reflects on:

- Navigating working-class identity and social mobility

- Overcoming family struggles and homelessness

- How education and opportunity shaped his path

- The pros and cons of living in London

- Why he defines working class as perseverance and community

Mert’s journey shows how determination and community can open doors, even in the face of systemic barriers.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like if you enjoyed Mert's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Mert!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Mert:

- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mert-yildiz-5578b91a8

- Urban Symbiotics - https://urbansymbiotics.com/

- Urban Symbiotics LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/company/urban-symbiotics

Thanks for Listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #homelessness #urbanplanning #researchandengagement

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In this powerful episode, we hear from Toni, a keynote speaker and social mobility advocate who grew up on a council estate in Basingstoke. Her early life was shaped by grief, limited opportunity, and the pressure to contribute financially instead of pursuing her creative dreams.

Starting in a fruit and veg shop, Toni thought that was as far as she could go, until a job at Reed Recruitment transformed her path. That role taught her life skills, built her confidence, and ultimately set her on a journey that led to working at Microsoft, all without a degree.

Toni now speaks at corporate events, bringing raw honesty and lived experience to the topic of social mobility. She’s one of the few working-class women on the keynote circuit and uses her platform to challenge assumptions around class, access, and merit.

In this episode we cover:

- Breaking into corporate without a degree

- Class, creativity & the limits placed on working-class talent

- What’s really happening with DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) in the workplace

- The power of networks, both good and bad

- Why location still locks people out of opportunity

- How Toni built The Common Good Network to support upward mobility

Toni reminds us that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting your roots and that tenacity, curiosity, and directness can get you through doors that seem shut.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socio-economic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Toni's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Toni!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Toni Kent

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonijkent/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_tonikent_/

- Website - https://thecommongood.network/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #SocialMobility #WorkingClassVoices #Microsoft #DEI #KeynoteSpeaker #ClassInTheWorkplace #CommonGoodNetwork #UpwardMobility #NoDegreeNoProblem #WomenInLeadership #CouncilEstateToCorporate #keynotespeaker

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Growing up on a council estate in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, Matt left school with no GCSEs, apart from an A* in PE. Never seen as a high achiever, just one of the kids that got lost in the middle, his journey took a dramatic turn after witnessing the loss of his father. That moment became the catalyst for change. From night school to earning a PhD, while cleaning to fund his studies, Matt carved a path into academia, becoming a research scientist focused on aging. Rooted in working-class values, he’s now helping the next generation of students see what’s possible when you back yourself.

In this conversation, we cover:

- Growing up working-class in Chelmsley Wood and being “lost in the middle” at school

- How grief and personal experience shaped his research interests

- Going from no GCSEs to earning a PhD through night school and self-belief

- Navigating academia as a working-class individual

- The challenges of class bias and microaggressions in professional spaces

- Why resilience, community, and risk-taking were key to his journey

- How he now mentors students from similar backgrounds

- His thoughts on systemic change in education and the role of universities in DEI

- Staying grounded and instilling working-class values in his own children

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed Matts journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Matt!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Matt

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-hill-3870701a1/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #workingclassculture

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In this episode, Michael J. Diamond, freelance producer and director at WEIGHT. Films, shares his journey from a single-parent home in East London to carving out a space for himself in the UK’s creative industry. Drawing on his working-class roots, Michael reflects on how upbringing, location, and access shaped his path. He opens up about the challenges of breaking into film without privilege, the limits of university education, and the power of community and lived experience.

Michael also talks about forming WEIGHT. Films to tell stories often overlooked by mainstream media, and why embracing your background can be a creative superpower. From advice on building a network to the importance of being "easy to help," this conversation is packed with insight for anyone navigating the creative world, especially those coming from outside the usual pipelines.

Topics Covered:

- Defining working-class identity

- The role of geography in creative access

- Challenges of breaking into film without privilege

- The importance of mentorship and self-belief

- Founding WEIGHT. Films to tell diverse stories

- Advice for emerging creatives

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Michaels journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Michael!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Michael J. Diamond

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjdiamond/

- Personal Portfolio Site - https://www.mjdiamond.com/

- WEIGHT. Films - https://www.weightfilms.com/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michaeljdiamond/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess

#WorkingClassVoices #CreativeIndustry #Filmmaking #MichaelJDiamond #WEIGHTFilms #Mentorship #Storytelling #LondonFilmScene

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Growing up in a working-class town in northern England, Nicole was expected to follow the traditional route into engineering. But her passion pulled her in a different direction. After leaving university early, she took a leap of faith with an online animation course—and never looked back.

Through sheer determination, self-taught skills, and relentless networking, Nicole carved out her place in the creative industry. Now a BAFTA member and a local inspiration, she shares her incredible journey of breaking barriers and defying expectations.

🔥 Whether you're an aspiring creative or just need a dose of motivation, Nicole’s story proves that you don’t need to follow the usual path to achieve your dreams.

👇 Listen now and get inspired!

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Nicole's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Nicole!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Nicole

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-gregory-baa9271b2/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coley.animations/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #CreativeCareer #AnimationJourney #SelfTaughtSuccess #BAFTAMember #NicoleStory #Inspiration

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In this thought-provoking conversation, Andy Green, co-founder of Modern Cockney Festival, explores the rich and evolving identity of the Cockney community in modern Britain. From the roots of the accent to the resilience of working-class culture, Andy sheds light on the importance of reclaiming and celebrating Cockney heritage.

💬 Key Topics Covered:

• The true origins of the term Cockney

• How working-class cultures have been side-lined

• The power of celebrating identity for personal and collective empowerment

• The role of media in reinforcing harmful stereotypes

• Why Cockney heritage deserves a place in education

• Code-switching and class perception

• The vision behind the Modern Cockney Festival

• How community action can preserve and uplift culture

📣 This is more than just a chat—it's a call to stand up against prejudice and stereotypes, and to embrace the value of every cultural voice.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds

👍 Like this episode if you enjoyed the conversation with Andy

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Andy

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Andy Green, Modern Cockney Festival

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-green-frsa-565325/

- Website - https://moderncockneyfestival.co.uk/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #Cockney #ModernCockney #WorkingClassVoices #CulturalIdentity #AndyGreen #CockneyAccent #CommunityEmpowerment #ClassInBritain #SocialJustice #UKCulture

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In this insightful conversation, Paddy Moogan shares his unconventional journey from a working-class background in Birmingham to becoming a leader in the digital marketing industry. He reflects on his transition from studying law to discovering his passion for SEO, the financial and emotional challenges of moving to London, and the importance of creating opportunities for others from similar backgrounds.

Paddy discusses the evolving agency landscape, the impact of class and privilege on career opportunities, and the importance of hiring self-starters over formal qualifications. He also delves into the generational shift in work attitudes, the role of education in career preparation, and the overlooked mental health struggles of individuals from working-class backgrounds.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Transitioning from law to SEO: A mix of passion, luck, and opportunity

🔹 Defining working-class jobs and the barriers they present

🔹 The role of supportive parents in shaping ambition

🔹 Challenges of moving to London as a young professional

🔹 How remote work affects working-class individuals

🔹 Prioritizing self-starters over formal education in hiring

🔹 The evolving conversation around diversity in agencies

🔹 Mental health struggles in high-pressure work environments

🔹 The need for businesses to adapt to new workforce attitudes

Join us as Paddy shares personal insights, challenges outdated hiring norms, and emphasizes the importance of career-building over simply finding a job.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this episode if you enjoyed Paddy's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Paddy!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Paddy Moogan

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddymoogan/

- Personal Website - https://thenewleader.digital/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #DigitalMarketing #SEO #CareerGrowth #DiversityInTech #coach #thenewleader

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Meet Sonal, a London-born creative with Kenyan roots, who turned uncertainty into innovation. From studying knitwear at Nottingham Trent to pioneering roles in wearable tech, Sonal’s path has been anything but conventional. After a career pivot sparked by redundancy, she now empowers the next generation as a teacher and mentor. Discover how passion, perseverance, and giving back shaped her incredible journey. Don’t miss this story of resilience and creativity! 🎨✨

🔔 Subscribe for more stories of resilience from those with working-class backgrounds!

👍 Like this episode if Sonal’s story resonates with you!

🗣️ Share your thoughts or questions for Sonal in the comments!

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @initialstep.co.uk
• Twitter: @step_initial
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Sonal:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonal-sohal-assoc-cipd-07723335/

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustries #GraphicDesign #FreelanceLife #WorkingClassSuccess #CreativeJourney #DesignCareer #InitialStepPod #Fashion #Fashionindustry #mentor #mentoring #mentee #mentorship

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