Work This Way

In this episode of Work This Way, recorded in FOUNDRY Wandsworth, Christel Cowdrey shares her extraordinary life story. Originally from Sweden, Christel discusses her family's pioneering business in cash registers, her upbringing, and her education in both Sweden and the UK. She details her experience raising fraternal twin boys through IVF, and their involvement as ambassadors of the FOUNDRY. Christel also highlights her multifaceted career, including modelling, working for Bain & Company, writing books, and becoming a cross-cultural mediator. She talks about her transition into mediation following a challenging divorce and her involvement in charitable work, such as volunteering at young offenders prisons. Throughout the conversation, Christel emphasises the importance of authenticity, adapting to new roles, and maintaining a balance between professional and personal life. Her latest book, 'How to Fire Your Husband in Easy Steps,' reflects on her personal and professional journey, aiming to provide insights and support for others facing similar crises.

In this episode of Work This Way, recorded in FOUNDRY Wandsworth, Adam Walker, the host interviews Adam Howie, a resident and business owner at New Acres. Adam Howie shares his journey from living in Streatham to moving to New Acres, his experiences working on super yachts, and his transition into the marine engineering and yacht management business. He discusses his company, CalmerSeas, which provides comprehensive yacht management services, including engineering support and brokerage. Adam Howie also delves into his upbringing in Hampshire, his family dynamics, and how he fosters community spirit at New Acres. He reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, including dealing with burnout and the importance of delegation. Adam Howie emphasises the value of community, both in his personal life and business ventures, and shares his future plans, including developing an app to streamline yacht management services.

In this episode of Work This Way, recorded at FOUNDRY Wandsworth in London, Adam interviews Pam D’Alessandro, a creative lead at Interaction. Pam shares insights into her background, including how her father's influence and her early exposure to design led her to a career in interior design. Pam discusses her professional journey, from internships in Montreal to working on significant projects in London, such as Google's incubator hub. She talks about her approach to design, the collaborative process at FOUNDRY, and her future aspirations of becoming a creative director. Pam also shares personal stories about integrating into life in London, her travels, and her philosophy on hard work and continuous learning.

This episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY features Mark Masters, an advocate for community over competition. Mark shares his journey from feeling out of place in traditional corporate settings to creating 'You Are The Media,' a platform for marketing misfits. From his humble beginnings in Oakdale and academic setbacks, to his career in London’s agency world and eventual return to his hometown, Mark's narrative emphasises the importance of creativity, community, and authenticity. He discusses the impact of his failed school election, working in advertising, launching his agency, and the development of 'You Are The Media.' Mark underscores the transformative power of community as a verb and details local and expanded efforts to connect and uplift creative professionals. The discussion includes his work organising events like Creator Day, aimed at fostering collaboration and creativity, and highlights his strong local advocacy and positive influence in Poole.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, filmed at FOUNDRY Walthamstow E17 in London, guest Kevin Sussat introduces ENVU Media, a marketing agency specialising in paid acquisition and retention for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. Kevin discusses the importance of consistency in marketing messaging across the funnel and the rising costs of online advertising. He explains how ENVU Media works to lower customer acquisition costs and boost lifetime value through innovative strategies. Highlighting their use of AI for creative strategy and ad copy, he emphasises the need for authenticity. Kevin also reflects on his journey from starting as a freelancer to employing staff and shares his personal story of moving from France to London, working at Apple, and his insights on business and lifestyle balance. He concludes by offering tips on learning new languages and emphasises the significance of rest and health for entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY hosted by Adam Walker, guest James Palmer, a financial planner and tax advisor for tech industry clients, shares his unique journey of balancing a successful business with a fulfilling personal life. James recounts growing up as a twin in Winchester, facing family challenges, and the persistent peer competition with his brother Harry. His move to London, career progression, and eventual establishment of Third Wealth, a business aimed at helping tech employees manage their financial and tax matters, are discussed. Despite the hustle of city life, James emphasises the importance of a work-life balance, reflecting on his own experiences and the deliberate choices he makes to achieve a fulfilling personal and professional life. He also highlights his active role in FOUDNRY Wandsworth’s community, promoting social engagement and networking among its members.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, host Adam Walker interviews Haydan Firth, a member of FOUNDRY Poole, who discusses his journey from a male dancer to a Fractional Head of People. Haydan shares his experiences working in different roles, including managing a phone shop and becoming a life coach. He elaborates on the value of hiring a Fractional Head of People for small businesses and the importance of proactive HR strategies. Haydan also speaks about his work with the charity MyTime Young Carers and his personal development journey, including his passion for dance, fitness, and unique coping mechanisms like morning dips and regular cinema visits. The interview concludes with Haydan's reflections on community, entrepreneurship, and effective leadership.

This episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY features Carmen Davies, the community manager for the Dolphin Shopping Centre, who shares her diverse career journey. Carmen's unique path includes roles as an NHS night receptionist, a motorbike training center worker, insurance seller, and a French oven company product manager. She moved from South Africa to Poole at 12 and lived in various places. Carmen narrated her experiences at her first job in an advertising magazine, working for Zurich insurance, her travels in a Winnebago across Europe, and her stint at A&E as a receptionist. She also discussed managing the clash between family responsibilities and work, and what led her to hospitality and eventually to managing community initiatives at the Dolphin Centre.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, Adam Walker speaks with Hatty Jackson, founder of the startup Troopr. Troopr is an online marketplace designed to centralise opportunities and support for the Armed Forces community in the UK. The platform helps veterans, military spouses, and reservists find jobs, training courses, events, and community groups. Hatty shares her journey from researching the viability of Troopr to overcoming the challenges of building and scaling the business. She highlights the unique services provided by large companies like Tesco and smaller organisations, emphasising the mutual benefits of supporting the Armed Forces community.

The episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY features Jake Mattock, a FOUNDRY member on a mission to row across the Indian Ocean for charity. Jake shares his journey from various career attempts, such as working as a personal trainer, sales, recruitment, and advertising, to his current mission in the sustainability space and his adventurous passion project. He recalls his past challenges, including a failed attempt to summit the Matterhorn and discusses his preparation for the Indian Ocean rowing event. Jake emphasizes the mental and physical trials he anticipates, the significance of setting non-financial goals, and how adventure serves as an antidote to life pressures. Jake also encourages the audience to find their own challenging purpose beyond financial success.