JobsWorth

On this week’s episode of JobsWorth I’m joined by Essex based Musician Tobias (Toby) Smith. 

What does it take to turn something most people view as a hobby into a fully fledged career?

Well, in Toby’s case, it involved two particularly inspiring family members, a heady mix of talent and hard work and a focus on what matters…doing something you love. 

This was easily one of my favourite episodes to date. Toby’s outlook on life is aspirational and for someone who hasn’t yet turned 30, the ability he’s developed to not sweat the small stuff is something everyone can learn from. 

Whether you’re a musician (budding or otherwise), on the fence about turning your passion into a career or just simply want to hear from someone who views the world through a lens of positivity and optimism (I know right) then this episode has something for you.  

Stick around till the end for a little taste of what Toby can do with a guitar and some random song requests from the crew. You won’t want to miss it. 

Please enjoy…Tobias Smith. 

#jobsworth #podcast #career #worklife #storiesthatinspirechange

Recorded at Jabber Studio; https://jabberstudio.co.uk/

Watch the show on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@jobsworthpodcast

Follow the show on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jobsworthpodcast/?hl=en

Subscribe to the JobsWorth newsletter; https://jobsworth-newsletter.subscribepage.io/

Follow me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhawker/

Follow me on TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@globaltechcollective

Contact the show on [email protected]

My guest this week is Essex based  Social Media Manager, Strategist and Content Creator, Abby Thomas.

“I spent the majority of my 20’s working in a corporate role feeling like I was watching myself live out someone else’s life.”

It’s a powerful statement and one that I think will resonate with a lot of our listeners. 

Abby’s is a story of  resilience, hard graft and ultimately a lesson in the liberation that comes from  getting sh*t done on your own terms. 

During our conversation we talk about the pressure that so many of us feel in our late teens to get a “proper job” and how that can lead us to turn our back on the things we love doing. 

We talk about what it takes to leave the perceived security of the corporate world, overcoming redundancy, the reality of building a business from scratch and the very real impact of burnout. 

I also ask Abby a load of your questions on all things social media (get your note pad out and prepare to create better, more authentic content) and my mum comes up with a banger of a question to close things out. 

Please enjoy…Abby Thomas. 

#jobsworth #podcast #career #worklife #storiesthatinspirechange

Recorded at Jabber Studio; https://jabberstudio.co.uk/

Watch the show on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@jobsworthpodcast

Follow the show on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jobsworthpodcast/?hl=en

Subscribe to the JobsWorth newsletter; https://jobsworth-newsletter.subscribepage.io/

Follow me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhawker/

Follow me on TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@globaltechcollective

Contact the show on [email protected]

On JobsWorth this week I’m speaking with Essex based Nutritional Therapist, Alexandra Allan. 

Alex describes herself as having been lucky enough to have had two careers. 

The first was a 20 year run in publishing…a world she’d wanted to work in from a young age and one where she achieved a great level of success.  The second began when Alex turned 40, inspired in part by a book she picked up in an airport that changed her life on a flight home from New York. 

During our conversation we explore the events that led Alex to change her relationship with work, why she turned her back on a job and an industry where she was at the top of her game,  what it actually takes to move from one career to another and how she overcame imposter syndrome along the way. 

We discuss Alex’s experience of supporting her clients with perimenopause and menopause, the impact it can have on women beyond hot flushes and highlight the work that still needs to be done to ensure organisations are providing the support to their employees that is so desperately needed. 

I also ask Alex some listeners questions on nutrition, health and wellbeing and was blown away by just how knowledgeable she is. There is some seriously useful stuff in here. 

This is a super special episode. 

Please enjoy…Alexandra Allan. 

#jobsworth #podcast #career #worklife #storiesthatinspirechange

Keywords

Nutritional Therapy, Career Change, Women's Health, Perimenopause, Publishing, Life Transitions, Personal Growth, Health and Wellness, PCOS, Gut Health, menopause, workplace support, nutrition, supplements, fasting, career change, health, wellness, women's health, NHS

Website - https://www.alexallannutrition.co.uk/contact

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

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-allan-nutrition/

Recorded at Jabber Studio; https://jabberstudio.co.uk/

Watch the show on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@jobsworthpodcast

Follow the show on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jobsworthpodcast/?hl=en

Subscribe to the JobsWorth newsletter; https://jobsworth-newsletter.subscribepage.io/

Follow me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhawker/

Follow me on TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@globaltechcollective

Contact the show on [email protected]

On this weeks episode of JobsWorth I speak with Gemma and Will Jones, the husband and wife team behind Essex based bakery business Wilma's.

This conversation is, as its heart, a lesson in starting again. 

After the pair were forced to leave their previous careers behind it was time to go back to the drawing board. 

What followed was the creation of a brand that has become synonymous with all of your favourite sweet treats (think cupcakes, brownies, cookies...but not as you know them🍰)

We explore what it takes to pick yourself back up again when one door closes, and the tools you need to build yourself a new one and step through it. 

From baking in their kitchen at home and selling their products from a bright pink trailer (Cakey McCakeface) to opening 3 shops, employing 25 staff and becoming a go to destination for people all over the UK, we cover it all. 

Please enjoy...Gemma and Will Jones

Keywords

Wilmas, bakery, entrepreneurship, cookies, brownies, business journey, couple entrepreneurs, challenges, success, baking, business growth, entrepreneurship, couple dynamics, customer experience, scaling a business, community building, baking, small business, challenges, success, business growth, entrepreneurship, quality, expansion, food industry, advice, passion, discipline, team dynamics, future aspirations, jobsworth, podcast, career, worklife, storiesthatinspirechange.

Recorded at Jabber Studio; https://jabberstudio.co.uk/

Watch the show on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@jobsworthpodcast

Follow the show on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jobsworthpodcast/?hl=en

Subscribe to the JobsWorth newsletter; https://jobsworth-newsletter.subscribepage.io/

Follow me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhawker/

Follow me on TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@globaltechcollective

Contact the show on [email protected]

In the first of our brand spanking new JobsWorth Express episodes I jump on a call with Mark Green, CEO and Founder of Change Rebellion. 

Mark has been working in the change and transformation space for almost two decades and in 2023 he decided to forgo the security (perceived security at least) of a permanent job to set up his very own business. 

We explore the events that led to him making that decision, the lessons he's learnt along the way, the reality of building something from scratch on your lonesome and the advice he'd share with anyone looking to do the same thing.

Please enjoy...Mark Green. 

Links

Website - https://changerebellion.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-green-3368744/

Recorded at Jabber Studio; https://jabberstudio.co.uk/

Watch the show on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@jobsworthpodcast

Follow the show on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jobsworthpodcast/?hl=en

Subscribe to the JobsWorth newsletter; https://jobsworth-newsletter.subscribepage.io/

Follow me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhawker/

Follow me on TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@globaltechcollective

Contact the show on [email protected]

This week I'm sitting down with Ralph Tait, founder and owner of The Hatch in Leigh on Sea. 

The Hatch has become a bit of a haven for me over the past couple of years. You'll regularly find me there a couple of times a week hunched over my laptop while knocking back some of their incredible coffee. 

As a result, I've got to know Ralph a little better and it was a complete no brainer to ask him if he'd be happy to come onto the show. 

We chat about how The Hatch came to be, how Ralph juggles running a coffee shop while also working in consulting, and the lessons both worlds have taught him along the way. We also touch on what it’s like to put your own stamp on a space that means so much to so many...thanks in large part to the work of his mum, Lynn, and the legacy she built in the local community. 

This was an absolute pleasure. Ralph is a great communicator and, while we may have to fact check some of the dates **adds to to-do list** his knowledge of The Old Foundry, where The Hatch is located, as well as the surrounding area is top draw (Dan Snow's History Hit eat your heart out). 

Enjoy... Ralph Tait. 

P.S. A huge thank you to Ralph for not only being a great guest but also for letting us use his incredible space to record some future episodes. 

Keywords

The Hatch, Ralph Tait, community hub, entrepreneurship, family legacy, coffee shop, business evolution, local culture, innovation, personal growth, consulting, problem solving, legacy, family balance, career advice, work-life balance, entrepreneurship, emotional connection, business expansion, community

Links

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theoldfoundry.thehatch

Recorded at Jabber Studio; https://jabberstudio.co.uk/

Watch the show on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@jobsworthpodcast

Follow the show on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jobsworthpodcast/?hl=en

Subscribe to the JobsWorth newsletter; https://jobsworth-newsletter.subscribepage.io/

Follow me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhawker/

Follow me on TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@globaltechcollective

Contact the show on [email protected]

This week we flip the script on the traditional JobsWorth format.

It’s my turn to be on the receiving end of a barrage of questions and there’s only one person I’d trust with the job. My little brother Luke Adam Hawker.

This conversation was super special. As well as talking about our careers, what it takes to start a business and how we juggle work and fatherhood, we also explore the importance of creativity (regardless of what you do for a living), my struggles with mental health, my discomfort with what I do for a living and how I’m slowly overcoming it (13 years in) and the pros and cons of stereotypes. 

Luke and I also go to war (kinda) on why I’m so against the word ‘passion’ when it comes to work. 

We laugh, I cry, our Mum walks in half way through unannounced. It's a riot. 

A HUGE thank you to Luke for putting so much effort into coming up with the questions as well as for reaching out to some special guests and getting them involved too. 

Please enjoy this conversation with...errr...me 🤷

Recorded at Jabber Studio; https://jabberstudio.co.uk/

Watch the show on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@jobsworthpodcast

Follow the show on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jobsworthpodcast/?hl=en

Subscribe to the JobsWorth newsletter; https://jobsworth-newsletter.subscribepage.io/

Follow me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhawker/

Follow me on TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@globaltechcollective

Contact the show on [email protected]

We wrap up this batch of JobsWorth Reshare episodes with Roll Boys Rising from October 2024. George Artemi, founder of Roll Boys, was certainly a fan favourite and 6 months on he's gone from strength to strength, building a brand that is renowned for making sensational cinnamon rolls. 

In this episode, I sit down with George Artemi, founder of Roll Boys, who shares his journey from aspiring professional footballer to successful entrepreneur. George discusses the challenges he faced after being released from football, his experiences in the hospitality industry, and the personal struggles that led him to a turning point in his life. George also discusses the importance of self-discovery, the challenges of entrepreneurship and building a brand with heart and authenticity.

Takeaways

• Experiencing rock bottom can lead to profound personal growth.
• Self-discovery is a continuous process that requires introspection.
• Mental health awareness is essential in navigating life's ups and downs.
• Authentic relationships are vital for personal fulfilment.
• Embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• It's important to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

Roll Boys

Website - https://rollboys.co.uk/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rollboysldn/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@rollboysldn
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@ROLLBOYSTV

Keywords

George Artemi, football career, hospitality industry, mental health, personal growth, entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, self-discovery, life lessons, resilience, plant medicines, psychedelics, Ayahuasca, personal journey, Roll boys, entrepreneurship, brand building, self-discovery, faith, belief

Recorded at Jabber Studio; https://jabberstudio.co.uk/

Watch the show on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@jobsworthpodcast

Follow the show on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jobsworthpodcast/?hl=en

Subscribe to the JobsWorth newsletter; https://jobsworth-newsletter.subscribepage.io/

Follow me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhawker/

Follow me on TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@globaltechcollective

Contact the show on [email protected]

For our penultimate Reshare episode we're going back to a conversation I had in March 2024 with Charlotte Debond-Sayer, founder of Essex based wedding and events venue, The Boundary.  

Ever wondered how a childhood passion can ignite a trailblazing career in interior design and entrepreneurship? Charlotte Debond-Sayer joined me to share her extraordinary journey from dreaming of beautifying spaces as a child to creating The Boundary, a unique Essex-based wedding and events venue. This episode unravels Charlotte's story, weaving through the transformative impact of motherhood on her career, the resilience needed to shift from employee to business owner, and the importance of setting a powerful example for her daughters.

The path to success is as much about the missteps as the milestones. Charlotte and I traverse the education and experiences that led her to interior design, reflecting on how a blend of family influence, academic choices, and a healthy dose of independence shaped her professional ambitions. We highlight the critical moments of her career, from the serendipity of landing a job where eagerness won over experience, to the pivot from redundancy to entrepreneurship—each chapter marking the contours of a life less ordinary.

As we peel back the layers of work-life balance, Charlotte illustrates how she's crafted a family vibe in her business, all while championing community ties and fostering collaborations that extend far beyond The Boundary's beautiful spaces. Her journey is a colorful tapestry of 'blinkinies' and bridal gowns, of joyous community events and the quest for personal fulfillment. Join us for an inspiring listen that offers a peek into the vibrant spirit of an entrepreneur balancing the books and bedtime stories with equal finesse.

Follow The Boundary on Social Media:
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theboundaryessex/ / INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theboundaryessex/

Recorded at Jabber Studio; https://jabberstudio.co.uk/

Watch the show on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@jobsworthpodcast

Follow the show on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jobsworthpodcast/?hl=en

Subscribe to the JobsWorth newsletter; https://jobsworth-newsletter.subscribepage.io/

Follow me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhawker/

Follow me on TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@globaltechcollective

Contact the show on [email protected]

On this weeks JobsWorth Reshare episode we're going back to our very first episode and a conversation I had with my mum, Lisa Hawker, back in September 2023.

Have you ever wondered how the dreams of your childhood could possibly shape your future? Well, on this maiden episode of 'JobsWorth' we explore that very concept with my guest, Lisa Hawker, who also happens to be my Mum. 

We discuss her evolution from aspiring spy and actress to a successful self-employed artist. From banking to BT, all the way through to the discovery of her true passion - ceramics, this is a tale of courage, determination, and resilience. A single full-time mother juggling parenting, work, and education, all while pursuing her dream career, Mum's story is testament to the fact that sometimes, the most unconventional path can lead to the most rewarding destination.

As she opens up about her journey, we learn about her struggles, triumphs, and the lessons she's learned along the way as well as the importance of self-belief when it comes to pursuing your dreams. 

Anyone who is lucky enough to have their mum around knows that as you get older, opportunities to actually sit down and speak to your parents are pretty rare and whilst I thought I might immediately regret the decision to have her on as the first guest I feel so fortunate I got the chance to record this. 

Enjoy. 

Recorded at Jabber Studio; https://jabberstudio.co.uk/

Watch the show on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@jobsworthpodcast

Follow the show on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jobsworthpodcast/?hl=en

Subscribe to the JobsWorth newsletter; https://jobsworth-newsletter.subscribepage.io/

Follow me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhawker/

Follow me on TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@globaltechcollective

Contact the show on [email protected]