The Career Discovery Podcast

#31 - On the show today we meet Kim! Kim works as a Chief Brand Officer in the EdTech industry in the UK. If you’re curious about a career in branding, check it out!

Kim kindly shares with us:

Area of expertise (04:15)

• Common misconceptions of the branding role 
• How branding fits into marketing, or vice versa! 
• Typical roles within a branding team 
• The purpose of the branding role 
• What a chief brand officer does on an average day   
• Most enjoyable parts of the role  
• Challenging parts of the role  
• Proudest moments in the role

Career journey (38:16)

• How Kim became a chief brand officer from an aspiring vet 
• Highs of the career journey   
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Importance of role models and mentors

Advice (01:36:27)

• Helpful education, training and skills for aspiring branding/marketing professionals 
• The future of the branding/marketing profession  
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in branding/marketing: 
  • Marketing Week 
• Advice for her younger self and you!

We also talk about: 

• Why it makes sense to follow your passion 
• The importance of believing in yourself and backing yourself 
• Knowing when it is time for a change 
• Why you shouldn’t worry if you are experiencing imposter syndrome 
• The significance of finding the right company culture for you 

 
Definitions:

• B2B – business to business 
• B2C – business to consumer 
• B2H – business to human

So if you’re curious and wondering what a chief brand officer does or how to become a chief brand officer or if you just want to be inspired ~ listen or watch and enjoy!

→ Show notes

   

***
Thanks so much for listening, we really hope you enjoyed the show!

If you found this episode valuable, please help us spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and giving us a 5-star review.

And if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch using the links below, we would love to hear from you!

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If you prefer to watch the show, our episodes are available on YouTube too.

#30 - On the show today we meet Ash! Ash works as a Vice President in Consultant Relations in the asset management industry in Singapore. If you’re curious about a career in consultant relations, check it out!   

Ash kindly shares with us: 

Area of expertise (4:44) 

• Common misconceptions of the consultant relations role 
• How investment consulting fits into the wider investment management landscape 
• An overview of the Asian asset management industry 
• The purpose of the consultant relations role 
• What a VP, consultant relations does on an average day   
• Most enjoyable parts of the role  
• Challenging parts of the role  
• Proudest moments in the role 

Career journey (52:12)

• How Ash became a VP, consultant relations from aspiring journalist 
• Highs of the career journey   
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Importance of role models and mentors

Advice (01:39:16)   

• Helpful education, training and skills for aspiring consultant relations professionals 
• The future of the consultant relations profession  
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in consultant relations 
• Advice for her younger self and you!  

We also talk about: 

• Being mindful of the lifestyle you want to lead when considering your career options 
• The benefit of extra-curricular activities and networks at work 
• Navigating rejection in sales and relationship management roles 
• Diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) in the asset management industry – more to do but lots to celebrate 
• The power of self-belief and perseverance when faced with challenges 

Resources: 

• Investment Management Certificate (IMC)
• Self Compassion – Kristin Neff

So if you’re curious and wondering what a VP, consultant relations does or how to become a VP, consultant relations or if you just want to be inspired ~ listen or watch and enjoy!

→ Show notes

***
Thanks so much for listening, we really hope you enjoyed the show!

If you found this episode valuable, please help us spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and giving us a 5-star review.

And if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch using the links below, we would love to hear from you!

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Coaching, newsletter, website & more!

If you prefer to watch the show, our episodes are available on YouTube too.

#29 - On the show today we meet Andrew! 

Andrew used to work as an Officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF), one of the British armed forces in the UK. Andrew now continues his work in military strategy & defence management through academia, consulting and writing. If you're curious about a career in the military, defence or the armed forces, check it out!  

Andrew kindly shares with us:

Area of expertise (05:48)

• Common misconceptions of the RAF officer role 
• An overview of the armed forces
• The purpose of the RAF officer role   
• What a RAF Officer does on an average day 
• Most enjoyable parts of the role  
• Challenging parts of the role  
• Proudest moments in the role

Career journey (50:11)  

• How Andrew became an RAF officer 
• Highs of the career journey   
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Importance of role models and mentors 

Advice (02:07:55)  

• Helpful education, training and skills for aspiring armed forces professionals 
• The future of the armed forces profession 
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in the armed forces:  
  • The Ministry of Defence cadet forces 
  • Apprenticeships 
  • Armed forces careers 
• Advice for his younger self and you!

We also talk about:  

• Leadership – what it is, what it takes and why it is a privilege not a perk 
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and the progress that has been made within the services 
• Bouncing back from disappointment 
• Imposter syndrome – pros, cons and management tips  
• The importance of doing work you enjoy

So if you’re curious and wondering what a RAF officer does or how to become a RAF officer or if you just want to be inspired ~ listen or watch and enjoy!

→ Show notes

***
Thanks so much for listening, we really hope you enjoyed the show!

If you found this episode valuable, please help us spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and giving us a 5-star review.

And if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch using the links below, we would love to hear from you!

Instagram
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Coaching, newsletter, website & more!

If you prefer to watch the show, our episodes are available on YouTube too.

#28 - On the show today we meet Marcela! 

Marcela works as a Head of Sustainable Investment Quantitative Analysis in the financial services industry in France. If you’re curious about a career in sustainable investment solutions, check it out!

Marcela kindly shares with us:

Area of expertise (03:25) 

• Common misconceptions of the sustainable investment solutions role 
• An overview of the sustainable investment industry 
• The purpose of the sustainable investment solutions role   
• What a sustainable investment solutions specialist does on an average day 
• Specialist tools: 
  • Python 
• Investing basics: 
  • Hedging 
  • Factor investing 
  • ETF’s 
• Most enjoyable parts of the role  
• Challenging parts of the role  
• Proudest moments in the role 

Career journey (31:23)

• How Marcela became a head of sustainable investment quantitative analysis from aspiring pilot 
• Highs of the career journey   
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Importance of role models and mentors  

Advice (01:13:49)

• Helpful education, training, and skills for aspiring sustainable investment solutions professionals 
• The future of the sustainable investment solutions profession 
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in sustainable investment solutions: 
  • Coursera 
  • CFA – Climate & Investing Certificate  
  • CFA – ESG Certificate
  • UN Climate Change
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
  • Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
  • UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Climate Bonds Initiative
  • ChatGPT
• Advice for her younger self and you!

We also talk about:

• The benefit of gaining exposure to different options and possibilities – you can’t be what you can’t see 
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in financial services 
• Balancing growing a career while growing a family   
• The importance of being happy now
• Why it is so important to own your career, promote yourself and get in the driving seat

So if you’re curious and wondering what a head of sustainable investment quantitative analysis does or how to become a head of sustainable investment quantitative analysis or if you just want to be inspired ~ listen or watch and enjoy!

→ Show notes

***
Thanks so much for listening, we really hope you enjoyed the show!

If you found this episode valuable, please help us spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and giving us a 5-star review.

And if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch using the links below, we would love to hear from you!

Instagram
LinkedIn
Coaching, newsletter, website & more!

If you prefer to watch the show, our episodes are available on YouTube too.

#27 - On the show today we meet Joe! 

Joe works as Journalist, Founder & CEO in the media & communications industry in the UK. If you’re curious about a career in journalism, check it out!

Joe kindly shares with us: 

Area of expertise (03:17)

• Common misconceptions of the journalist role 
• An overview of the journalism/media industry 
• Typical roles within a content media agency 
• The purpose of the journalist role   
• What a journalist does on an average day   
• Most enjoyable parts of the role  
• Challenging parts of the role  
• Proudest moments in the role  

Career journey (36:14)

• How Joe became a journalist, founder & CEO, having set his sights on journalism at age 11  
• Highs of the career journey   
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Importance of role models and mentors   

Advice (01:31:01)

• Helpful education, training and skills for aspiring journalists/media professionals 
• The future of the journalism/media profession 
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in journalism/media: 
  • National Council for the Training of Journalists 
  • The Content Marketing Association  
• Advice for his younger self and you!   

We also talk about:

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) within the industry 
• The importance and value of networking    
• Juggling the pursuit of your passion and paying the bills 
• The importance of being able to bring your whole self to work to do your best work 
• Overcoming rejection and the power of persistence

So if you’re curious and wondering what a journalist does or how to become a journalist or if you just want to be inspired ~ listen or watch and enjoy!

→ Show notes

***
Thanks so much for listening, we really hope you enjoyed the show!

If you found this episode valuable, please help us spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and giving us a 5-star review.

And if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch using the links below, we would love to hear from you!

Instagram
LinkedIn
Coaching, newsletter, website & more!

If you prefer to watch the show, our episodes are available on YouTube too.

#26 - On the show today we meet Alex! 

Alex works as a Social Entrepreneur in the UK. 

Alex kindly shares with us:  

Area of expertise (02:54)

• Common misconceptions of the entrepreneur role 
• An overview of the entrepreneurial landscape 
• The purpose of the entrepreneur role
• The differences between the roles of founder, entrepreneur and CEO    
• What an entrepreneur does on an average day   
• Most enjoyable parts of the role  
• Challenging parts of the role  
• Proudest moments in the role

Career journey (50:03)

• How Alex became an entrepreneur from not knowing what he wanted to do 
• Highs of the career journey   
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Importance of role models and mentors

Advice (01:33:59)

• Helpful education, training and skills for aspiring entrepreneurs  
• The future of the entrepreneurship 
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in entrepreneurship: 
  • My First Million Podcast 
  • The Purposeful Project 
• Advice for his younger self and you! 

We also talk about:

• Social entrepreneurship, ESG and sustainability 
• The power of self-awareness 
• Navigating overwhelm and burnout 
• The importance of knowing and upholding your values 
• Embracing failure, resilience and tenacity

So if you’re curious and wondering what an entrepreneur does or how to become an entrepreneur or if you just want to be inspired ~ listen or watch and enjoy!

→ Show notes

***
Thanks so much for listening, we really hope you enjoyed the show!

If you found this episode valuable, please help us spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and giving us a 5-star review.

And if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch using the links below, we would love to hear from you!

Instagram
LinkedIn
Coaching, newsletter, website & more!

If you prefer to watch the show, our episodes are available on YouTube too.

#25: On the show today we meet Victoria! 

Victoria works as the Principal of a secondary school and sixth form college in the UK. 

Victoria kindly shares with us:

Area of expertise (02:28)

• Common misconceptions of the principal role
• An overview of the education sector
• The myriad of roles within schools
• The purpose of the principal role 
• What a principal does on an average day   
• Most enjoyable parts of the role  
• Challenging parts of the role  
• Proudest moments in the role

Career journey (20:02)

• How Victoria became a principal from aspiring primary school teacher 
• Highs of the career journey   
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Importance of role models and mentors

Advice (45:26)  

• Helpful education, training and skills for aspiring teaching professionals  
• The future of the teaching profession  
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in teaching: 
  • Get Into Teaching 
• Advice for her younger self and you!

We also talk about:  

• Navigating steep learning curves 
• The importance of believing in the vision of your school (or organisation) 
• The greater demand for pastoral care within schools since the pandemic 
• Creating a better world through education 
• The benefit of applying for roles before you think you are ready 

So if you’re curious and wondering what a principal does or how to become a principal or if you just want to be inspired ~ listen or watch and enjoy!

→ Show notes 

***
Thanks so much for listening, we really hope you enjoyed the show!

If you found this episode valuable, please help us spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and giving us a 5-star review.

And if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch using the links below, we would love to hear from you!

Instagram
LinkedIn
Coaching, newsletter, website & more!

If you prefer to watch the show, our episodes are available on YouTube too.

On the show today we meet Merope! Merope works as a Client Services Director in the advertising industry in the UK. 

Merope kindly shares with us:  

Area of expertise (02:51)

• Common misconceptions of the client services director role 
• Insights into an advertising agency – typical workflow, departments & the myriad of roles
• An overview of the advertising industry
• The purpose of the client services director role 
• What a client services director does on an average day 
• Most enjoyable parts of the role  
• Challenging parts of the role  
• Proudest moments in the role 

Career journey (37:03) 

• How Merope became a client services director without a career plan 
• Highs of the career journey   
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Proudest moments of the career journey   
• Importance of role models and mentors 

Advice (01:14:20)

• Helpful education, training and skills for aspiring client services directors and advertising professionals 
• The future of the advertising profession  
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in advertising:  
  • Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) 
• Advice for her younger self and you! 

We also talk about:  

• Following your instincts and trying different things until you find the thing you love   
• Managing your personal brand at work 
• Navigating salary increases and mentors 
• The value of continuous learning 
• The importance of culture and being able to bring your whole self to work 
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the industry
• Presenting and public speaking – skills that can be nurtured and developed    

So if you’re curious and wondering what a client services director does or how to become a client services director, or if you just want to be inspired ~ listen, watch and enjoy!

→ Show notes

***
Thanks so much for listening, we really hope you enjoyed the show!

If you found this episode valuable, please help us spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and giving us a 5-star review.

And if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch using the links below, we would love to hear from you!

Instagram
LinkedIn
Coaching, newsletter, website & more!

If you prefer to watch the show, our episodes are available on YouTube too.

On the show today we meet Grace! Grace works as a Digital Marketing Manager in the asset management/investment management industry in the UK.  

Grace kindly shares with us:

Area of expertise (4:22)

• Common misconceptions of the digital marketing manager role  
• An insight into the structure of a digital marketing team and how it fits into the broader marketing team 
• An overview of the asset management/investment management industry  
• The purpose of the digital marketing manager role   
• What a digital marketing manager does on an average day 
• Specialist tools: 
  • WordPress web content management system (CMS) 
  • Adobe Analytics 
  • Salesforce 
  • Salesforce Marketing Cloud   
• Most enjoyable parts of the role  
• Challenging parts of the role  
• Proudest moments in the role 

Career journey (54:36)

• How Grace became a digital marketing manager from aspiring TV chef and speech & language therapist 
• Highs of the career journey   
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Proudest moments of the career journey   
• Importance of role models and mentors 

Advice (01:33:40)  

• Helpful education, training and skills for aspiring digital marketing professionals  
• The future of the digital marketing profession  
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in digital marketing:  
  • Google Digital Garage 
  • Digital Marketing Podcast 
• Advice for her younger self and you! 

We also talk about:  

• The power of collaboration 
• The importance of trusting yourself  
• The value of talking to people and asking for help 
• Saying yes to opportunities 
• Being open to change, embracing it and reframing it as an opportunity 

So if you’re curious and wondering what a digital marketing manager does or how to become a digital marketing manager or you just want to be inspired! Listen, watch and enjoy!

→ Show notes

***
Thanks so much for listening, we really hope you enjoyed the show!

If you found this episode valuable, please help us spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and giving us a 5-star review.

And if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch using the links below, we would love to hear from you!

Instagram
LinkedIn
Coaching, newsletter, website & more!

If you prefer to watch the show, our episodes are available on YouTube too.

On the show today we meet Katie! Katie works as a General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer in the investment management industry in the UK.  

Katie kindly shares with us: 

Area of expertise (02:36)

• Common misconceptions of the general counsel role 
• An overview of the investment management industry 
• The purpose of the general counsel role 
• An overview of the typical roles within an in-house legal department 
• What a general counsel does on an average day 
• Most enjoyable parts of the role 
• Challenging parts of the role 
• Proudest moments in the role

Career journey (22:29)

• How Katie became a general counsel from aspiring vicar  
• Highs of the career journey  
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Importance of role models and mentors 

Advice (01:11:27)

• Helpful education, training and skills for aspiring legal professionals   
• The future of the legal profession 
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in the legal profession: 
  • The Law Society 
  • Solicitors Regulation Authority 
  • The Bar Council 
• Advice for her younger self and you!  

Other resources: 

• Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life – Héctor García & Francesc Miralles 

We also talk about: 

• The legal profession more broadly: 
  • In house legal versus private practice 
  • Law firms – typical types, structures and services  
  • Solicitors, Solicitor Advocates & Barristers 
• The Japanese concept of ‘ikigai’ 
• Why it’s okay not to have a plan 
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) 
• The importance of staying open and curious 

So if you’re curious and wondering what a general counsel does or how to become a general counsel or you just want to be inspired – listen or watch and enjoy!

→ Show notes

***
Thanks so much for listening, we really hope you enjoyed the show!

If you found this episode valuable, please help us spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and giving us a 5-star review.

And if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch using the links below, we would love to hear from you!

Instagram
LinkedIn
Coaching, newsletter, website & more!

If you prefer to watch the show, our episodes are available on YouTube too.