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Explore every episode of the podcast How To Become A...

Dive into the complete episode list for How To Become A.... Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Commercial Interior Landscaper: Watering 1 pubs plants to caring for 55 restaurants14 Oct 202600:33:56

How do you turn a side hustle watering pub plants into a business that lasts 30 years?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Natalie, CEO of Acacia, about accidentally finding her career in commercial landscaping and building a business from the ground up.

While studying architecture and interior design, Natalie started looking after plants to earn extra money. One opportunity led to another, until she was asked whether she could take care of 55 restaurants nationwide. Her response? Say yes and work out how to do it.

We get into:

How a side hustle became a 30-year business

Why “fake it till you make it” worked for Natalie

Teaching herself floristry through YouTube

Surviving the pandemic when hospitality shut down

Why networking took years to pay off

Learning that making more money doesn’t always mean building a better life

Creating a swamp for a Shrek premiere at Somerset House

Why looking after your team matters as a founder

Natalie also shares the deeply personal story behind Acacia Green Spaces and how losing her best friend Sandy inspired her to use nature, workshops and her business to give back to the community.

An episode about taking opportunities, backing yourself and being willing to figure things out as you go.

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Financial Advisor: I Did 18 Exams in 21 Months… Then Nobody Would Employ Me07 Oct 202600:32:40

What does a financial advisor actually do and is being “good with numbers” really the most important part?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Eliana about a career that she describes as being surprisingly close to counselling: understanding what people actually want from their lives, challenging their decisions and helping them use money to make those goals possible.

Eliana’s route into finance was anything but conventional. She originally wanted to be an actress, studied English, spent nearly 18 years in tech and initially walked away from financial services because she hated its sales-driven culture.

Years later, she retrained completing an incredible 18 exams in just 21 months only to discover that despite all those qualifications, nobody wanted to employ her. So she started her own business instead.

We get into:

  • What financial advisors actually do
  • Whether AI could replace financial advice
  • Why money is really about what you want from life
  • Starting a financial advice business with no clients
  • Why Eliana deliberately built her business around helping women
  • Risk, investing and why knowledge can change how risky something feels
  • Supporting people through divorce, illness, dementia and bereavement


Eliana also shares how her husband becoming seriously ill and unable to work changed her own relationship with money and ultimately shaped the type of financial advisor she wanted to become.

This episode is a brilliant reminder that financial planning isn't just about becoming richer. Sometimes, it's about giving someone the freedom to spend their remaining time on what actually matters.

Note from Eliana:

Client Stories: References to client cases are shared for illustrative purposes. Financial advisers don't provide legal representation or legal advice - in complex situations like divorce, Eliana works hand-in-hand with her clients' legal teams every step of the way.

Industry Stats: During our chat, Eliana mentions 2009–2010 estimates that only around 12% of UK financial advisers were women. According to FCA and Personal Finance Society (PFS) data, female advisers have made up just 12–18% of the profession since the mid-2000s, remaining underrepresented today at around 16–18%.

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Immersive Show Director: They Didn’t Know They Were There to Watch a Sacrifice…30 Sep 202600:33:02

What happens when an injury ends the career you’ve worked towards your entire life?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Roxy, an immersive show director and founder of her own creative agency, about going from professional dancer to creating extraordinary live experiences.

After performing professionally for seven years, an injury forced Roxy to rethink everything. Two weeks after her final show, she stepped into the corporate events world, without even knowing how to put on an out-of-office.

Since then, she’s gone on to create experiences for major brands, including Rolex product launches, and build her own immersive creative studio.

We get into:

  • Reinventing yourself when your dream career ends
  • Going from performer to creative director
  • What an immersive show director actually does
  • Starting your own creative agency
  • The huge amount of work audiences never see
  • Creating experiences people genuinely want to be part of
  • Why resilience and hustle matter in the events industry

Plus, Roxy shares one of her favourite projects — taking guests into the woods for a night involving fairies, a protection spell, a sacrifice, a feast over fire and, eventually, a huge rave.

A brilliant episode about creativity, career pivots and turning the skills from one chapter of your life into something completely new.

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Ecologist: Saving Habitats, Working With Developers & Why Nature Is Everyone’s Business23 Sep 202600:30:42

What does an ecologist actually do and can we really balance building more homes with protecting nature?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Evie about her career in ecology and the surprising relationship between conservation, farming and development.

Evie explains how ecologists work with developers and landowners to protect and restore habitats, including the new world of Biodiversity Net Gain, which requires developments to leave biodiversity in a better state than before.

We get into:

  • How to start a career in ecology
  • Why finding your niche is so important
  • Working with farmers, developers and protected species
  • The reality behind the £100m HS2 “bat tunnel”
  • How AI is changing ecology and the skills it can’t replace
  • Why communication can be just as important as science


Plus, Evie shares the environmental realities that should make all of us pay attention, including warnings around the future of our soil and the impact climate change is already having around the world.

A fascinating look at a career working at the intersection of nature, people and the future of our planet.

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Live Seller: I've made £500k in two years selling second hand clothes16 Sep 202600:30:55

What exactly is a live seller and how do you turn selling clothes from your wardrobe into a business generating over £500,000 in sales?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Connor about his journey from logistics and the British Army to becoming a full-time live seller on Whatnot.

What started with his own wardrobe, charity shop finds and car boot bargains has grown into 70,000 items sold, around 50,000 followers and a business run almost entirely by himself.

We get into:

  • How live selling and Whatnot work
  • Going from side hustle to full-time business
  • Why he starts every item at £1
  • Building an audience that comes back for him
  • The reality of sourcing, selling, packing and shipping thousands of items
  • Why leaving the Army gave him the family life he wanted

From serving in the Army to running livestreams watched by over 1,000 people at once, it’s an unexpected career journey and proof that sometimes you don’t need a five-year plan. You just need to start.

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Property Stager: The trick that will sell a property faster and for more money09 Sep 202600:33:04

What does a property stager actually do and can styling a home really help it sell faster?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Sallie about her unconventional journey from law to entrepreneurship, furniture design and eventually property staging.

After training as a lawyer and spending six years in the profession, Sallie realised the career she'd worked so hard for wasn't making her happy. She wanted something more creative and that decision eventually led her to build her own furniture company from scratch.

She explains:

  • What a property stager actually does
  • How staging differs from interior design
  • Why empty properties can actually look smaller
  • How she designs spaces specifically to attract buyers
  • Why creating an emotional connection can help sell a home

She also shares:

  • Her journey from law → advertising → entrepreneurship
  • Starting a furniture business with no design training
  • Going from selling one product a month to around 500
  • Building the business while working another job—and while pregnant
  • Why professional photography completely changed her business


If you’re interested in:

  • Property and interiors
  • Starting your own business
  • Changing careers
  • Home staging
  • Interior design
  • Building a creative career
  • Starting again in your 40


This episode is a brilliant reminder that changing direction doesn’t mean everything you’ve done before was wasted and sometimes your previous careers give you exactly the skills you need for the next one.

👇 Would you stage your home before putting it on the market?

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Podcaster: From Burning £10 Million to Building a Podcast People Actually Love02 Sep 202600:37:07

What does it actually take to build a successful podcast and what happens when your first media business burns through millions?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Jack, founder and host of The Upshot, the sports podcast and newsletter dedicated to the funniest, wildest and most ridiculous stories from the world of sport.

Jack’s journey started long before podcasting. After being rejected from the role he wanted on his university newspaper, he decided to launch his own publication, The Tab, which quickly grew beyond one university and eventually attracted millions in investment.

But rapid growth came with some expensive lessons. Jack talks candidly about raising millions, expanding to America, building a 50-person team and ultimately spending around $10 million before selling the business for far less than he once imagined.

We get into:

  • Going from aspiring sports journalist to media founder
  • Building The Tab from a university side project
  • Raising millions without really knowing how to run a business
  • Why relying on Facebook traffic nearly destroyed the company
  • The painful 18-month process of trying to sell it
  • Starting again with a completely different approach
  • Growing The Upshot newsletter from 10,000 to 100,000 subscribers in six months
  • Turning a newsletter into a successful podcast
  • Why consistency matters more than instant growth
  • How to grow on YouTube, social media and other platforms without spreading yourself too thin
  • Why imperfect, personality-led media might be exactly what audiences want


It’s a refreshingly candid conversation about success, failure, algorithms, entrepreneurship and why sometimes the biggest mistakes give you the blueprint for what to do next.

If you want to start a podcast, build an audience, work in media or turn an idea into a business, this episode is packed with lessons from someone who has done it twice—with very different results.

👇 Would you rather raise millions to grow quickly, or build slowly and keep control?

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Multi Hyphenate Creative: I refused to pick just one career26 Aug 202600:29:20

What if you don't want to choose just one career?

In this episode of How To Become A..., Grace speaks to Lize about building a career as a multi-hyphenate creative, working across photography, writing, creative direction and more.

Growing up in Lagos, Lize originally thought she'd become a doctor, scientist or psychologist. Creativity was always part of her life, but for years she saw it as a hobby rather than a realistic career.

That changed when she took a chance on a writing job at university and realised people were willing to pay her for something she genuinely loved doing.

She shares:

  • How she discovered her creative career almost by accident
  • Why you should follow your curiosities
  • Becoming a self-taught professional photographer
  • Finding her niche in boudoir photography
  • Using photography to help women build confidence and self-worth
  • The realities of marketing an intimate photography business
  • Building workshops and mentoring other photographers


We also get into Liz's journey as an author, including how the idea for her novel The Returnees came to her and how she navigated the publishing world without an established writing career.

Plus, Liz shares her advice for anyone with multiple passions: you don't have to put yourself in one box—but you do have to learn how you work best.

If you're interested in:

  • Creative careers
  • Photography
  • Becoming an author
  • Boudoir photography
  • Creative entrepreneurship
  • Finding your purpose
  • Turning hobbies into a career
  • Building multiple income streams


This episode is a brilliant reminder that your career doesn't have to follow one straight line—and sometimes the things you've treated as hobbies are exactly where your future is hiding.

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Impact Campaigner: I reached out to Leonardo Dicaprio & Ricky Gervais, they answered18 Aug 202600:35:35

How do you actually get people to care about the world's biggest problems?

In this episode of How To Become A..., Grace speaks to Paul about his unconventional journey into impact campaigning and how creativity, entertainment and storytelling can be used to create real-world change.

From starting his own company at just 16 to working across marketing, comedy, comics, TV and film, Paul eventually found a way to combine his creative skills with his passion for helping animals.

He explains:

  • What an impact campaigner actually does
  • Why great campaigning is about making things simpler, not more complicated
  • How marketing, comedy and storytelling can create social change
  • Why listening to your audience matters more than shouting at them


He also shares the incredible story behind The Most Important Comic Book on Earth, which brought together names including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ricky Gervais, Jane Goodall and Ian McKellen and helped raise millions for conservation.

Plus, we get into:

  • Sending thousands of emails to make a huge idea happen
  • Using social media to reach audiences traditional campaigning couldn't
  • Helping campaigns that contributed to environmental change
  • Combining entertainment and charity through film
  • Why curiosity and understanding people are essential skills
  • His advice for anyone who wants to make a difference#


At the heart of the episode is one brilliantly simple lesson: make it easy for people to help.

If you're interested in:

  • Charity and nonprofit careers
  • Environmental campaigning
  • Animal conservation
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Creative careers
  • Social impact
  • Storytelling and filmmaking


This is a fascinating look at how the skills you already have could be used to make a much bigger difference than you think.

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Cosmetic Dentist: Buying a dental practice in Chelsea during lockdown11 Aug 202600:31:12

What does it really take to become a dentist and what happens after you qualify?

In this episode of How To Become A..., Grace speaks to cosmetic dentist, clinic owner and entrepreneur Dr Rhona, who shares her journey from dreaming of dentistry at just 12 years old to building her own award-winning clinic, launching a successful oral care brand and becoming one of the UK's leading voices in cosmetic dentistry.

She explains:

  • What it's really like to become a dentist
  • The university and training pathway into dentistry
  • The difference between NHS and private dentistry
  • Why cosmetic dentistry completely changed her career


She also shares:

  • Growing up inspired by healthcare professionals
  • Why she chose dentistry over medicine
  • Buying her own dental practice just before the Covid lockdown
  • Using social media and influencer marketing to grow her clinic
  • Appearing on Dragon's Den with her oral care brand


Plus, we discuss:

  • The reality of running a dental business
  • Financial independence and entrepreneurship
  • Why prevention is the future of dentistry
  • Mental health within the profession
  • Building a personal brand as a healthcare professional


If you're interested in:

  • Dentistry
  • Cosmetic dentistry
  • Healthcare careers
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Building a personal brand
  • Women in business
  • Private practice


This episode is an inspiring look at how clinical expertise, creativity and business can come together to build a truly fulfilling career.

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Defence Lawyer: I had to start work at 14 to fund my education04 Aug 202600:48:04

What does a defence lawyer actually do and what’s it really like defending people in court?

In this episode of How To Become A..., Grace speaks to criminal defence solicitor and law firm founder Shazia, who shares the realities of working in criminal law, building her own legal practice, and dedicating her career to helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives.

From police stations and courtrooms to running a successful law firm, Shazia explains what it really takes to succeed in one of the most demanding professions.

She explains:

  • What a defence lawyer actually does
  • The difference between defence and prosecution
  • How criminal cases are prepared and argued
  • What really happens inside a courtroom
  • The ethics of representing clients

She also shares:

  • Starting work at just 14 years old
  • Funding her own education and law degree
  • Applying for over 140 legal jobs before landing her first role
  • Building her own law firm around family life

Plus, we discuss:

  • Why resilience is one of the most important skills in law
  • Helping vulnerable clients beyond the courtroom
  • Running a business while raising children
  • Why success isn't about money—it's about making a difference

If you're interested in:

  • Criminal law
  • Becoming a solicitor or barrister
  • Defence lawyer careers
  • Starting a law firm
  • Careers in justice and public service


This episode offers an honest, inspiring look at a career built on determination, ethics and helping others.

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Founder of a Sexual Wellness Platform: How can you get your business to 1.2m visitors per month?28 Jul 202600:40:15

*Explicit Content*

What does it take to build a successful business in one of the world's most misunderstood industries?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks with Anna, founder of FrolicMe, an award-winning erotic platform dedicated to female pleasure, healthy sexuality and beautifully produced erotic content.

Leaving behind a successful career in branding and marketing, Anna spotted a huge gap in the market: women weren't being catered for in the world of erotic entertainment. So she decided to change it.

She explains:

  • Why she founded FrolicMe
  • The difference between pornography and female-focused erotica
  • How she built an independent subscription business from scratch
  • Why creating a trusted brand in the adult industry was her biggest challenge


Anna also shares:

  • Her background in marketing and advertising
  • Funding the business herself to maintain complete creative control
  • Growing FrolicMe into a global platform with millions of visitors
  • Licensing content to Playboy while staying true to her original vision


Plus, we discuss:

  • Female pleasure and why it's still overlooked
  • Breaking down stigma around sex and intimacy
  • Censorship, payment restrictions and the challenges of running an adult business
  • Why communication and understanding your own pleasure are key to healthy relationships
  • How entrepreneurship can be driven by purpose as much as profit


If you're interested in:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Female founders
  • Sexual wellness
  • Branding and marketing
  • Building an online subscription business
  • Women's health and intimacy
  • Start-up journeys
  • Business innovation


This episode is an honest and eye-opening conversation about building a business that challenges outdated ideas, empowers women, and encourages healthier conversations around sex.

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Counter Terrorism Bomb Disposal Expert: Why no two explosive devices are ever the same21 Jul 202600:41:34

What does it really take to become a Counter Terrorism Bomb Disposal Expert?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Matt, Head of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Bomb Disposal Unit, to uncover one of the most specialised and high-pressure careers in the UK.

From World War II munitions to suspected terrorist devices, Matt explains what his team really does, how they prepare for the unimaginable, and why teamwork, discipline and humility are far more important than Hollywood would have you believe.

We discuss:

  • What a Counter Terrorism Bomb Disposal Expert actually does
  • The difference between military and police bomb disposal
  • How London's specialist unit operates 24/7
  • The training, skills and mindset required for the role


Matt also shares:

  • Why he originally wanted to join the Army
  • Nearly avoiding bomb disposal altogether before discovering he loved it
  • The intensive training required to qualify
  • His experiences serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan
  • The journey from military bomb disposal officer to leading London's specialist police unit


Plus, we explore:

  • Why no to explosive devices are ever the same
  • The importance of remaining calm under pressure
  • How teams prepare for major incidents and public events
  • Supporting mental wellbeing in one of the world's most demanding professions
  • Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness


If you're interested in:

  • Counter terrorism
  • Bomb disposal
  • Military careers
  • Police careers
  • Leadership
  • Emergency services
  • Public service
  • High-pressure decision making


This episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into a profession most of us never see—but one that quietly helps keep millions of people safe every day.

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Life Design Coach: Burnout caused my hairloss14 Jul 202600:35:44

What is a life design coach and how do you redesign your life from the inside out?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Michelle about combining two completely different worlds: interior design and holistic health coaching.


After spending 17 years in the high-pressure world of workplace design, working on huge projects including Spotify’s London headquarters, Michelle experienced severe burnout during COVID, working 100-hour weeks until her body began physically shutting down.

That moment changed everything.


Michelle shares how she rebuilt her health, retrained as a health coach, and created Interior Self, a unique framework helping women redesign their lives through wellness, nervous system regulation, creativity, and intentional living.


She explains:

  • What a life design coach actually does
  • How our environments impact our nervous systems
  • Why burnout often starts with ignoring the body’s warning signs
  • The connection between stress, self-worth, and physical symptoms


She also shares:

  • Growing up struggling with cystic acne and self-image
  • Working in high-end workplace design in Australia and London
  • Designing Spotify’s London HQ
  • How she rebuilt her health after losing her hair during burnout


Plus, we get into:

  • Creating a “framework for living”
  • The five pillars of Interior Self
  • Embodiment practices, dance, and nervous system healing
  • Why slowing down can completely change your life
  • If you’re interested in:
  • Burnout recovery
  • Health & wellness coaching
  • Personal development
  • Interior design & wellbeing
  • Women’s health
  • Nervous system regulation
  • Career pivots & reinvention


This episode is a powerful conversation about self-worth, creativity, healing, and building a life that actually feels good to live.

@interior.self

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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BONUS EPISODE: My Little Brother Interviews Me About The Podcast12 Jul 202600:23:52

What happens when the host becomes the guest?


In this special bonus episode of How To Become A…, Grace hands over the microphone to her 11-year-old little brother, Jack, for a fun, casual role reversal.

Jack asks everything you've probably been wondering...


  • Why did Grace start the podcast?
  • What's her dream for How To Become A…?
  • Who have been her favourite guests?
  • What's the hardest part of creating a podcast?
  • And… who does she look up to?


Along the way, Jack shares his own career dreams, gives some surprisingly wise life advice, and proves he might just have a future as a podcast host himself.

A fun, honest behind-the-scenes episode filled with sibling banter, big ambitions and plenty of laughs.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI Artist: Anonymous street artist to augmented reality 07 Jul 202600:42:16

What does it really take to build a career as an artist in today's world?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to digital artist Doddz, whose work blends physical art with cutting-edge technology to create immersive experiences that have captivated brands, galleries and audiences around the world.


From painting street art anonymously to creating AI-powered installations and augmented reality experiences, Doddz shares how following curiosity, not a traditional career path, led him to one of the most unique creative careers we've featured.


He explains:

  • What a digital artist actually does
  • How augmented reality and AI are changing art
  • Why finding your niche is more important than following trends
  • How technology can create deeper human connection


He also shares:

  • Growing up inspired by his grandfather's imagination
  • Failing A Levels before discovering graphic design
  • Creating anonymous street art that became a local phenomenon
  • Working alongside Steven Bartlett and Social Chain, and the lessons that shaped his business mindset


Plus, we get into:

  • Why artists need to think like brands
  • Building a creative business through social media and LinkedIn
  • The importance of curiosity, experimentation and persistence
  • Designing interactive art that reacts to conversations, emotions and even pollution


If you're interested in:

  • Digital art
  • AI & creativity
  • Augmented reality
  • Creative careers
  • Personal branding
  • Entrepreneurship for artists


This episode is a fascinating look at how creativity, technology and storytelling can come together to build a truly original career—and why your biggest strength might be creating something that has never existed before.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wine Educator: The career journey from ancient coinage, to BBC news, to wine 30 Jun 202600:32:21

What does a wine educator actually do and how do you turn a passion for wine into a career?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Abbie about her fascinating journey from archaeology and BBC journalism to becoming a respected wine educator, writer, and Chair of the Association of Wine Educators.


From producing the BBC’s 6 O’Clock News and 10 O’Clock News to teaching people how to understand wine beyond “just a Sauvignon Blanc,” Abbie shares how she completely changed careers and found a world built around storytelling, travel, education, and taste.


She explains:

  • What a wine educator actually does
  • The difference between casual wine tastings and formal wine qualifications
  • How the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) works
  • Why wine education is becoming more popular than ever


She also shares:

  • Her unusual university journey studying archaeology & ancient coinage
  • Working at the BBC during major world events including 9/11
  • Leaving journalism at the peak of her career
  • How COVID changed people’s relationship with wine


Plus, we get into:

  • Why wine is really about storytelling and culture
  • The reality of working in the wine industry
  • Traveling the world to visit wine regions
  • Launching her podcast Vintage Politics, combining politics and wine


If you’re interested in:

  • Wine education
  • WSET qualifications
  • Food & drink careers
  • Career changes
  • Journalism & broadcasting
  • Wine tasting and travel


This episode is a brilliant reminder that careers don’t have to follow a straight line and that passion, curiosity, and reinvention can lead somewhere completely unexpected.



@abvtastings@vintagepoliticspod

https://www.wineeducators.com

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leader in Entertainment: Live Recording23 Jun 202601:04:50

Recorded live at Sony Music, this special episode of How To Become A… features entertainment industry leader Elliott Linger, whose career has taken him from advertising agencies to PlayStation, Universal Pictures, LEGO, and some of the biggest cultural brands in the world.


In front of a live audience, Elliott shares how he built a career at the intersection of entertainment, strategy, audience insight, and storytelling—despite having no clear career plan when he was younger.

We cover:


  • How he went from an English Literature degree to the entertainment industry
  • Working on brands including PlayStation, Universal Pictures, LEGO, Capcom, Def Jam, and Island Records
  • Launching major entertainment franchises including The Last of Us, Jurassic World, Fast & Furious, and Minions
  • Why understanding audiences is one of the most valuable skills in entertainment
  • The importance of curiosity, adaptability, and resilience in a rapidly changing industry


Elliot also shares:

  • Growing up in a low-income household and breaking into a traditionally exclusive industry
  • The realities of networking and building meaningful relationships
  • How entertainment companies decide which projects get made
  • Lessons learned from working with some of the biggest names in film, gaming, music, and culture

Plus, we dive into:

  • Audience development and consumer behaviour
  • The future of entertainment and AI
  • Career pivots and transferable skills
  • Balancing leadership, family life, and giving back


A huge thank you to Sony Music for hosting this live recording, Creative Mentor Network for partnering on the event, and El Rayo Tequila for sponsoring the evening.


If you're interested in:

  • Entertainment careers
  • Film, gaming, music, and media
  • Audience strategy & marketing
  • Creative industries
  • Leadership and career development
  • Breaking into competitive industries


This episode is packed with practical advice, fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, and insights from someone who has helped shape some of the world's biggest entertainment brands.


🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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Founder of a Design, Build and Facilities Management Company: Building a business worth £24m16 Jun 202600:30:35

What does it take to build a successful design, build, and facilities management company from scratch?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Matt about creating MWA, a company that designs, builds, and maintains commercial spaces for major global brands including Nike, Converse, Jimmy Choo, Net-a-Porter, and more.


Matt shares the reality of building a business over 24 years in one of the toughest industries out there, including surviving recessions, COVID, rising costs, and the constant pressure of winning work.


He explains:

  • What a design, build & facilities management company actually does
  • How commercial office and retail fit-outs work
  • Why facilities management became a huge part of the business
  • What it’s really like working with global brands


He also shares:

  • Dropping out of university after 6 weeks
  • Finding his career path almost by accident
  • Starting his business through redundancy negotiations
  • How referrals and relationships built the company organically


Plus, we get into:

  • Winning huge projects for Net-a-Porter, Nike & Jimmy Choo
  • Why construction is such a high-risk industry
  • Hiring the right people and building strong teams
  • Writing his book Made With Ambition and opening up about personal struggles


If you’re interested in:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Construction and design careers
  • Commercial interiors
  • Starting a business
  • Facilities management
  • Business growth and resilience

This episode is an honest look at the highs, lows, risks, and ambition behind building a company that lasts.


https://www.mwaprojects.com/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Made-Ambition-Build-Legacy-Honesty/dp/B0G26N2WVW

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nike Coach: ADHD is my superpower09 Jun 202600:36:52

What does it really take to become a Nike Coach?


In this episode of How To Become A..., I sit down with Harriet Wright, Nike Coach, women's health advocate, marathon runner, founder of the Like A Girl community, and full-time market researcher.


Harriet shares her unconventional career journey, from studying Business & Management and building a successful corporate career, to becoming a qualified running coach, personal trainer, and one of the faces helping women feel stronger, more confident, and better supported in sport.


We talk about:

🏃 How Harriet became a Nike Coach

💪 Women's health, fitness and the gender research gap

🧠 Living and working with ADHD

👟 Building a running community from scratch

📈 Balancing a full-time job with multiple side projects

🌎 Marathon running, Nike campaigns, and unforgettable running experiences

✨ Why you don't need to have your entire career figured out


This episode is packed with practical advice, honest reflections, and inspiration for anyone looking to create a career that combines passion, purpose, and impact.

Follow Harriet's journey and discover why sometimes the best opportunities come from simply doing what you love.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plastic Surgeon: Maggots in people's faces?!02 Jun 202600:43:15

What does it really take to become a plastic surgeon and what actually happens behind the scenes?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Shan Shan about building a career in plastic surgery, from trauma reconstruction to cosmetic work, and the years of training, discipline, and resilience it takes to get there.


Shan Shan breaks down:

  • What plastic surgery actually involves beyond the TV stereotype
  • The difference between reconstructive and cosmetic work
  • Why so much of her role is about service, precision, and patient care
  • How plastic surgery can improve both function and confidence
  • She also shares:
  • Growing up in a family of doctors and academics
  • How her creativity showed up early through art and doodling
  • Why she chose to explore charity missions in Africa
  • The long and demanding training pathway to becoming a plastic surgeon


Plus, we get into:

  • Working across the NHS and private cosmetic care
  • Why some procedures once funded by the NHS now end up in cosmetic practice
  • How she approaches surgery with empathy and careful planning
  • Why honesty, trust, and patient education matter so much
  • If you’re interested in:
  • Medicine and surgical careers
  • Plastic surgery and reconstruction
  • Cosmetic surgery explained
  • Medical training in the UK
  • Female doctors and career journeys


This episode is a fascinating look at one of the most demanding and rewarding careers in medicine and the human stories behind it.


@drshanshanjing

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hairdresser: My mentor said Asian hair could not be dyed, now I specialise in that26 May 202600:37:32

What does it really take to become a hairdresser and how do you turn a passion for hair into a career?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Jomelyn about building a career in hairdressing, specialising in colour, and creating a private one-to-one hair experience for clients in Hackney Wick.

From doodling hairstyles in school books to running her own hair suite, Jonalyn shares the reality of breaking into the industry and carving out her own path.


She explains:

  • What a day in the life of a hairdresser really looks like
  • Why trust and client experience matter so much
  • How apprenticeships helped her learn hands-on
  • What it’s like to specialise in Asian hair and colour
  • Why creativity and confidence go hand in hand in hairdressing


She also shares:

  • Her early interest in theatrical hair and makeup
  • Why she changed direction from makeup to hair
  • How she learned through trial, error, and YouTube
  • What it was like working in salons, wigs, and with cancer and alopecia patients
  • How she built her own business around calm, personal, and ethical service


Plus, we get into:

  • Starting again after COVID
  • Growing a client base through word of mouth and social media
  • Why finding your niche can change everything
  • The importance of creating a space where clients feel seen, relaxed, and cared for
  • If you’re interested in:
  • Hairdressing careers
  • Creative jobs and beauty careers
  • Apprenticeships and specialist training
  • Salon life and entrepreneurship
  • Building a business in the beauty industry


This episode is an inspiring look at what it really means to become a hairdresser and how much artistry, patience, and personal connection sits behind the chair.

@jomelynferrashair

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Policy Advisor to the Civil Service: Why do you need to protect art during Brexit?19 May 202600:35:07

What does a policy advisor actually do and how do you get into the civil service?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Adam about building a career as a policy advisor in the UK civil service.


From working on Brexit to shaping tech regulation, Adam breaks down what policy work really looks like behind the scenes and why it’s one of the most impactful (and misunderstood) career paths out there.


He explains:

  • What the civil service is (and how it differs from politicians)
  • What policy advisors actually do day-to-day
  • How policies are researched, designed, and turned into law
  • Why policy can take years to develop and implement


He also shares:

  • His journey from a sports degree → economics → civil service
  • The Fast Stream application process (and how competitive it is)
  • What assessment centres are really like
  • How to break into government roles without a traditional path


Plus, we get into:

  • Working on Brexit and major national decisions
  • Balancing personal opinions with apolitical work
  • Why curiosity about politics and society really matters
  • How to build a meaningful career that impacts real lives


If you’re interested in:

  • Civil service careers
  • Government jobs UK
  • Policy, politics, or economics
  • Grad schemes and Fast Stream
  • Meaningful, purpose-driven work


This episode is a fascinating look at how decisions that shape the country actually get made and the people behind them.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Working Woman in the World of Football: Sexism in the sport is still an issue12 May 202600:38:18

What does it take to build a career in football as a woman?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Priyanka about working in football, from her role at Sky Sports to her powerful work tackling sexism in the game.


Priyanka shares how she combined a corporate marketing career with her passion for football, and how that passion led her into advocacy, public speaking, and real change within the sport.


She talks about:

  • Breaking into Sky Sports through marketing
  • Turning a love of football into real opportunities
  • Building networks and getting your foot in the door
  • Balancing a full-time job with passion projects
  • She also opens up about:
  • Experiencing sexism and racism in football
  • Why representation matters, especially for women of colour
  • The importance of speaking up and creating safer spaces
  • Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome


If you’re interested in:

  • Working in sport or football
  • Marketing & media careers
  • Side hustles with purpose
  • Women in male-dominated industries
  • Building confidence and visibility


This episode is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come from simply putting yourself out there.


Resources:

@priyankajasraj

@villa.bellas

@hergametoo

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Somatic Coach: can your nervous system change your career?05 May 202600:33:12

What is a somatic coach and how do you actually become one?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Hannah to explore the world of somatic coaching, a fast-growing field focused on healing the nervous system and creating real, lasting change.


From studying criminology to travelling the world, discovering Pilates, and eventually finding somatic work, Hannah’s journey shows how following curiosity can lead to a completely unexpected career.


Hannah shares:

  • How travel and personal healing led her to this work
  • The connection between the body, stress and the nervous system
  • Why traditional methods don’t always create lasting change
  • Training as a somatic coach and what it really involves
  • Building a coaching business from scratch


She also opens up about:

  • Doing the deep personal work required to help others
  • The emotional challenges of working in this space
  • Navigating self-employment and social media
  • If you’re interested in:
  • Wellness careers
  • Coaching or therapy
  • Nervous system healing
  • Personal development
  • Starting your own business


This episode is for you.

Where to find her:

@hannahblackburncoach

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DJ: What's it like to tour with Kelis?28 Apr 202600:52:02

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Nikki, a DJ, producer, music director and founder of Mums That Rave, to unpack what a career in DJing actually looks like behind the scenes.


From playing illegal raves as a teenager to touring the world and working with global artists, Nikki shares the reality of building a long-term career in music, and why being a DJ today is more about entrepreneurship than ever before.


Nikki shares:

  • Starting DJing at 15 and breaking into clubs early
  • Why DJs need multiple income streams (radio, production, content, events)
  • The reality of money, streaming and the modern music industry
  • How working in advertising helped her build business skills
  • Balancing creativity with motherhood and building Mums That Rave
  • Why nightlife, culture and community matter more than ever
  • She also opens up about:
  • Misogyny in the music industry
  • The pressure of social media and content creation
  • Burnout, resilience and staying relevant over decades


If you’re interested in:

  • Becoming a DJ
  • Music industry careers
  • Creative entrepreneurship
  • Nightlife & culture
  • Balancing creativity with real life


This episode is for you.


Resources:

@djnikkibeatnik

@mumsthatrave

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Graphic Designer: how do you build a portfolio with no industry connections?21 Apr 202600:35:42

What does a graphic designer actually do?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Darren, Head of Design at digital brand experience agency Odd Common, to unpack what really goes into building powerful brands in the digital space.


From typography and visual storytelling to managing creative teams and pitching to global brands, Darren shares how he turned a childhood love of art into a career designing immersive digital experiences for companies like Nike and BMW.


We discuss:

• Wanting to be an artist (and why graphic design felt “safer”)

• Studying art and design at university

• Building a portfolio with no industry connections

• Sending cold emails and facing rejection

• Landing his first junior design role

• Working on global campaigns for major brands

• Why design is about problem-solving, not just visuals

• The impact of AI on the creative industry

• How to stand out as a junior designer

• The importance of curiosity and creative hunger


Darren also opens up about:

• Being dyslexic and finding confidence through creativity

• Feeling stuck early in his career

• Why recruiters can be powerful allies

• Staying outside your comfort zone

• Supporting underrepresented talent in the creative industries


If you’ve ever wondered how brands create unforgettable digital experiences, or how to turn creativity into a career, this episode is for you.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Strategic Partnerships Lead at Treatwell: Working abroad is the best thing you can do15 Apr 202600:37:48

In this episode, Grace sits down with Daisy, a Strategic Partnerships Lead at Treatwell, to explore what it actually means to build powerful brand collaborations.


From dreaming of a creative career to navigating sales, marketing, and eventually partnerships, Daisy shares her non-linear path, including working abroad in Madrid and building partnerships with major brands like John Lewis.


Together, they break down:

  • What a strategic partnerships role really involves
  • How brands collaborate (and why some partnerships fail)
  • Moving from sales → marketing → partnerships
  • Building relationships that drive real business growth
  • Working abroad and stepping outside your comfort zone
  • The importance of saying yes and figuring it out later


They also discuss the launch of Daisy's own podcast 'The Daisy Chain' and why this project is so personal to her, but with a mission to help other in the same 'lost feeling' in their thirties.


✨ “It’s all about finding businesses that help you grow — together.”


Whether you're curious about partnerships, marketing, or working in fast-growing tech companies, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at a career that’s all about connection and creativity.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Charity Founder: how to take your personal experience and help others07 Apr 202600:49:54

*Trigger warning for this episode: discussion of infertility and baby loss*


What does it really take to start a charity from scratch?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Bex and Laura, founders of 'The Worst Girl Gang Ever Foundation', a charity supporting women and families through miscarriage, baby loss and infertility.


What started as two strangers connecting over shared experiences during lockdown quickly grew into a powerful community, a podcast, a book, and eventually a registered charity helping thousands of people feel less alone.


Bex and Laura share:

  • How their personal experiences of miscarriage and baby loss led them to start something bigger
  • Meeting through Instagram and instantly connecting over the lack of support
  • Why they started a podcast with zero experience (and a “Podcasting for Dummies” book)
  • How honest, raw storytelling helped break the taboo around baby loss
  • Growing a community organically through Instagram
  • Turning listener demand into courses, support groups and resources
  • Why they initially charged for support, and why it didn’t sit right
  • The process (and challenges) of applying for charitable status
  • Why having the right board of trustees is crucial
  • How fundraising actually works (grants, campaigns and community challenges)
  • Building campaigns like “Run 10K to Raise 10K”, and raising £36K instead
  • Creating safe spaces through both online and in-person communities
  • The reality of running a charity alongside jobs, families and life


If you’re interested in:

  • Starting a charity
  • Turning personal experience into purpose
  • Community building
  • Mental health & grief support
  • Social impact work


This episode is for you.


Take a look at the charity here: https://theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/

@the_worstgirlgang_ever

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ethical Queer Brand Owner: LGBTQIA+ apparel that no one was making31 Mar 202600:31:56

What does it really mean to be an ethical queer brand owner?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Adam, founder of Rainbow & Co, to talk about building an LGBTQIA+ apparel and accessories brand that puts community, representation and integrity first.


From studying graphic design and advertising to running a business from his apartment, Adam shares how personal experience, creative instinct and a strong moral compass led him to create queer merch that actually reflects the full community, not just the parts that are most visible.


Adam shares:

  • Why he always wanted to do something creative
  • How studying graphic design, media and advertising shaped his path
  • Why university was harder than expected as an autistic person
  • How early side hustles on Etsy gave him his first taste of selling online
  • What he learned from working for a luxury leather jacket brand
  • Why burnout pushed him to leave full-time employment
  • How an autism diagnosis helped him understand his working style
  • Why he started Rainbow & Co after noticing a gap in Pride merch
  • How he taught himself to build a website, design products and run the business
  • Why trans, lesbian and bi-focused products became so important to customers
  • How he turned a pocket guide into one of the brand’s bestsellers
  • Why subtle queer design can matter just as much as bold statements
  • What “rainbow washing” means and why he refuses to do it
  • How Access to Work and support workers helped him build a sustainable business
  • What it means to grow slowly, ethically and on your own terms
  • He also opens up about:
  • Masking, burnout and late diagnosis
  • Working from home while others do 9–5 jobs
  • Why he wants to hire based on values, not just experience
  • Creating a business culture that reflects the ethics of the brand
  • Why queer-owned businesses matter in Pride season and beyond


If you’re interested in:

  • Queer-owned businesses
  • Ethical branding
  • Pride merch
  • Small business journeys
  • Autistic entrepreneurs
  • Creative careers
  • LGBTQIA+ representation


This episode is for you.


Visit his business here: https://rainbowandco.uk/

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Founder of a Plant Based Food Company: 15 years at Innocent Smoothies before even starting this business25 Mar 202600:39:08

In this episode, Grace sits down with Paul, founder of BOL Foods, a leading plant-based, nutrition-focused food brand.


Paul’s journey is anything but traditional. From dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, to working on a game reserve in South Africa, to breaking bones as a snowboard instructor… his path zig-zagged before leading him into the world of food.


After 14 years helping scale Innocent Drinks, Paul took a leap into entrepreneurship, building BOL into a brand focused on making healthy, convenient food accessible to everyone.


We talk about:

  • Taking unconventional career paths (and why they matter)
  • What working at Innocent Drinks taught him about business
  • How BOL Foods was born from a real gap in the market
  • The realities of launching and scaling food products
  • Why most ideas don’t work, and why that’s okay
  • Building a strong team and company culture
  • The importance of passion in business


✨ “If you don’t truly care about what you’re building, it’s very hard to get through the tough times.”

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in startups, food & drink, or building a purpose-driven brand.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gifts and Homeware Brand: Creating a brand to avoid the 9-518 Mar 202600:31:02

In this episode, Grace sits down with Nina, the creative behind Nina Bombina, a colourful gifts and homeware brand known for its joyful, dopamine-filled designs.

From always wanting to be an artist, to navigating photography, marketing jobs, and eventually building a thriving product-based business. Nina shares the honest, winding journey behind her brand.

We talk about:

  • Starting a creative business during lockdown
  • Turning designs into real, sellable products
  • Selling at markets vs online (and why markets win for her)
  • Getting stocked, featured, and discovered
  • Balancing creativity with making a living
  • The reality of running a physical product business


This episode is packed with insight for anyone dreaming of building a creative brand or wondering if there’s space for them in a competitive industry (spoiler: there is).

✨ “I thought it wouldn’t go anywhere… but I proved myself wrong.”


🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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Glastonbury Stage Programmer: How do you work at the biggest festival in the world?11 Mar 202600:43:32

What does a Glastonbury stage manager actually do?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Dan, the programmer and venue manager behind the Rum Shack at Glastonbury, to unpack what it really means to run a late-night festival stage, scout emerging talent, and build community-focused programmes that change lives.


From MCing and MySpace hustle, to founding Lyrix Organix and being invited to run the Rum Shack stage at Glastonbury (first asked in 2013), Dan’s path is full of detours, practical hustle and intentional values.


Dan shares:

  • Why he fell into the music scene at university
  • How temp jobs (Transport for London) helped him develop real-world admin & people skills
  • Starting Lyrix Organix and early nights that helped launch artists (Ed Sheeran among them)
  • How he programs 60+ artists across five days and maps the arc of a festival night
  • Why he programs outside the mainstream agent-driven model
  • Scouting talent before they’re “hot”: the Koji Radical example
  • The logistics puzzle of limited Glastonbury tickets and sharing bands across stages
  • Building, rotating and mentoring a backstage team (many are former students)
  • Creating Levelling the Field: a trainee programme for deaf & disabled festival workers
  • Turning festival accessibility into paid, transferable work across other events
  • Practical advice: “Start anywhere, follow it everywhere”


He also opens up about:

  • Imposter syndrome (and why it doesn’t stop him)
  • Balancing values with the practical workload of running a stage
  • Why rotating crews and artists matters for inclusion and freshness
  • How youth development and long-term scouting create career pipelines
  • The emotional side of programming, visualising how a night will flow


If you’re interested in:

  • Festival production & stage management
  • Live music programming & artist scouting
  • Careers in events, youth development or accessibility
  • How to launch creative initiatives that scale across festivals


This episode is for you.


Resources:

https://lyrixorganix.co.uk/

https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/areas/the-common/levelling-the-field/

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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DJ + Photographer: How do you get the gig of Twickenham Stadium in front of 80,000 people?04 Mar 202600:33:09

In this episode of How To Become A, Grace sits down with multi-hyphen creative Timi to uncover how he built a career as both a film photographer and DJ, without following a traditional path.


From shooting campaigns and newspaper features to DJing in front of 80,000 people at Twickenham Stadium, Timi shares how networking, authenticity, and genuinely loving what you do can open unexpected doors.


We dive into:

  • How he turned a disposable camera into paid photography work
  • Shooting England rugby captain Maro Itoje for The Times
  • Photographing Emma Raducanu for Vodafone
  • Becoming a resident DJ for Saracens and performing at major stadiums
  • Why having a unique style matters more than formal training
  • How to price yourself as a creative
  • The power of putting your work out there


Timmy’s journey proves you don’t need one fixed dream, just passion, consistency, and the courage to ask.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn creativity into a career, this episode is for you.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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Post Production Co-ordinator: Is post where the magic really happens?25 Feb 202600:37:21

What actually happens after filming wraps?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Holly to explore the world of post production, the part of film and television that shapes the final story you see on screen.

From editing and sound design to ADR (Additional Dialogue Recording), grading, music, and delivering shows to Netflix, Amazon and Apple TV. Holly shares what it really means to be a Post Production Coordinator.


We talk about:

• Growing up wanting to be an actor

• Musical theatre and auditioning for drama school

• Rejection and losing her agent

• Working in restaurants while chasing creative dreams

• Hitting rock bottom in 2019

• Therapy and rebuilding confidence

• Falling into post production unexpectedly

• Working in Soho, the UK’s post production hub

• What ADR actually is

• How editing changes a storyline

• The magic of music and score

• Freelance life in film and TV

• Long contracts vs downtime between projects


Holly also shares:

• Why being organised is everything

• How to break into the industry without connections

• The reality of working on Apple TV, Amazon & Netflix productions

• Why post is where the magic really happens


If you’ve ever wondered how a script becomes the show you binge, this episode reveals the hidden world behind the edit.


🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

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Head Chef: Why you should you support your independent restaurants18 Feb 202600:38:58

What does it really take to become a head chef?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Andy, Head Chef at ROVI (part of the Ottolenghi group), to unpack the real journey behind running a high-performing kitchen.


From growing up in a hospitality family (with a dad who owned nightclubs and restaurants) to working his way up through kitchens in Australia and London, Andy shares the truth about the industry, the highs, the burnout, the pirate-ship energy of kitchen culture, and the leadership skills no one talks about.


We cover:

  • Starting out in a family restaurant
  • Culinary school vs on-the-job training
  • Moving from Australia to London without a job lined up
  • Working your way from chef de partie to sous chef to head chef
  • What being a head chef actually involves (hint: it’s not just cooking)
  • Managing big teams under pressure
  • Menu development, seasonal produce & working with a kitchen garden
  • Cooking for 200+ guests in Sicily & Ibiza
  • The harsh realities of the hospitality industry
  • Why supporting independent restaurants matters


Andy also shares the mindset you need to survive in kitchens:

✔️ Work ethic

✔️ Resilience

✔️ Thick skin

✔️ Passion for food

✔️ Leadership under pressure


If you’ve ever dreamed of running a kitchen, opening a restaurant, or just want to understand what happens behind the pass, this episode is for you.


Resources:

https://ottolenghi.co.uk/pages/locations/rovi

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

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Entrepreneur in the Education Sector: Teenagers need more start ups like this11 Feb 202600:39:32

How do you turn years in the classroom into a business that actually helps kids?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace talks with Ramita, a former middle-years teacher who founded Elevate, a curriculum and mentoring platform that supports pre-teens (especially girls) with resilience, confidence and social skills.


Ramita walks us through:

  • Her original path (pre-med → genetics → a life-changing volunteer teaching stint)
  • Why she loved teaching and why teacher burnout is real
  • The moment she decided to build something outside school: designing an 8-week curriculum for tweens
  • How Elevate launched in Singapore, then pivoted online during COVID to reach kids worldwide
  • What the Elevate workshops and school programmes actually cover (resilience, social skills, transition support, online wellbeing)
  • How she built the Elevate Festival, turning curriculum pillars into hands-on experiences for girls
  • Business realities: juggling teaching + entrepreneurship, finding funding/customers, and dealing with feedback
  • Practical advice for educators who want to start a venture: test ideas, lean on your network, iterate, and accept that “failure” teaches you the next move


Resources:

https://www.elevate-ra.com/

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

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Fashion Designer: From council estate to Vivienne Westwood 04 Feb 202600:35:58

What does it really take to become a fashion designer?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Alethea, a designer at Next, to break down the reality of working in fashion, from high street accessories to predicting next year’s trends.


From growing up on a council estate with dreams of becoming a designer, to working for Vivienne Westwood, to designing pieces you’ve probably seen on the high street, Alethea’s journey proves there’s no single route into fashion.


Alethea shares:

  • Always knowing she wanted to be a fashion designer
  • The teacher who helped map out her path
  • Studying fashion at university and foundation year
  • Working for Vivienne Westwood and Lulu Guinness
  • Why she moved from designer brands to the high street
  • How fashion really makes money
  • The difference between designer labels and commercial fashion
  • What it’s like seeing your designs out in the real world
  • The pressure of development trips to factories
  • How trends are actually predicted
  • Why macro trends (like politics and economics) shape what we wear
  • Navigating feedback and rejection in creative roles
  • The realities of working in fashion production


She also opens up about:

  • Why you don’t need to be “fashion crazy” to work in fashion
  • How to break into the industry without connections
  • Why you should make your mistakes working for someone else
  • The importance of developing thick skin
  • Why creativity and commercial awareness must work together


If you’re interested in:

  • Becoming a fashion designer
  • Working in high street fashion
  • Trend forecasting
  • Creative careers
  • How to get into the fashion industry
  • Commercial design roles


This episode is for you.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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Brand Manager of the Marriott Hotels: Is the customer always right?28 Jan 202600:35:16

What does a Brand Manager at Marriott actually do?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Kel to unpack what it really means to shape, launch and scale hotel brands across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.


From moving countries as a teenager, to working front-of-house in a five-star London hotel, to landing a graduate role at Marriott, Kel’s journey proves that brand leadership isn’t about advertising alone. It’s about building the full guest experience.


Kel shares:

  • Why he originally wanted to work in social services
  • Moving to the UK at 15 and navigating cultural change
  • Studying Business & Hospitality at university
  • Why working in hotel operations was essential
  • The importance of emotional intelligence in hospitality
  • How he discovered brand management through a VP coffee chat
  • Completing a Master’s in Advertising & Marketing
  • Landing Marriott’s graduate programme
  • Navigating redundancy during COVID
  • Rebuilding her career internationally
  • Moving back to London for a second chance
  • Launching new hotel brands across EMEA
  • What brand management actually means (and how it differs from marketing)


She also opens up about:

  • Cultural differences between working in Asia and Europe
  • The hierarchy of hotel operations
  • Influencing stakeholders in corporate environments
  • Balancing ambition and personal life
  • Taking leaps of faith in your career


If you’re interested in:

  • Hospitality careers
  • Working for Marriott
  • Brand management roles
  • Corporate marketing
  • International careers
  • Travel and tourism jobs


This episode is for you.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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Founder of a Cinematic Dining Experience: Why your support system is SO important21 Jan 202600:40:18

What happens when your two obsessions, movies and food, become a business?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace talks to Amy, the founder of Taste Film, about building a cinematic dining concept that pairs full film screenings with menus inspired by the movies. From the seed idea in 2017 to pop-ups, COVID pivots, viral growth, and expansion into new cities. Amy walks us through the messy, thrilling reality of turning nostalgia into a scalable hospitality experience.


They discuss:

• The moment the idea came to life (Goodfellas + garlic = epiphany).

• Moving from TV runner → college teacher → entrepreneur.

• Prototyping: pop-ups, borrowing friends, borrowing kitchens, and buying a projector.

• Keeping the brand alive during COVID (Taste Film at Home, cook-alongs, delivery boxes).

• Operational lessons: menu development, working with venue chefs, and protecting the guest experience.

• Growth pains: viral moments, hiring too fast, learning finance, and building a team.

• Expansion strategy: Manchester, Edinburgh, B2B / studio premieres, and international options.

• Practical tradeoffs: safety nets, part-time vs all-in, funding risk, and the emotional cost of scaling.


Amy also shares honest entrepreneurial advice: start small, learn event ops, know your numbers, protect the product, and lean on people who believe in you.


Resources:

Taste Film: https://tastefilm.co.uk/

The book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/entrepreneur-revolution/daniel-priestley/9780857089731

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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Sports Agent & Agency Owner: We signed our first astronaut 14 Jan 202600:47:18

What does it really take to become a sports agent and eventually run your own agency?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Stefan, sports agent to Chris Eubank Jr. and co-founder of YRDS, to break down the real path into athlete representation and sports business.

From internships and Olympic volunteering to the Premier League and launching a boutique sport & entertainment agency — this is a conversation about hustle, relationships, and long-term strategy.


Stefan shares:

• Growing up internationally and how that shaped his career

• Getting his break through the London 2012 Olympics

• Working at the Premier League for 10 years

• How he started representing Chris Eubank Jr.

• What a sports agent actually does day-to-day

• Negotiating brand partnerships & sponsorship deals

• Why relationship-building is everything

• Co-founding YRDS and building a boutique agency

• Working with premium fashion brands

• Representing talent beyond sport — including an astronaut


He also talks about:

• The pressure behind major fights and global events

• The long process behind landing big brand deals

• Why boutique agencies can outperform big corporations

• Expanding internationally (Middle East & LA)

• The importance of internships and real-world experience


If you’ve ever wondered what happens outside the ring or how athletes secure life-changing opportunities, this episode reveals the reality behind the headlines.


Resources:

YRDS: https://yrds.com/

Co-founders: @jonoyatess @danieljamesunderwood @stefanwesson


LOCOG: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Organising_Committee_of_the_Olympic_and_Paralympic_Games

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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Freelance Photographer: how much should you save up before leaping to freelance?07 Jan 202600:27:14

What does it actually take to become a freelance photographer?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Grace to unpack the honest, behind-the-scenes reality of turning photography from a hobby into a career.


From unpaid internships and temp jobs to shooting for major brands and launching her own agency, this is a transparent conversation about the creative highs and the financial realities of freelance life.


Grace shares:

• Starting with GCSE photography and finding her creative spark

• Why internships matter in creative industries

• Working corporate and knowing when it’s not for you

• Taking the leap into freelance (and saving before you do)

• The reality of inconsistent income

• Why pricing conversations in photography are so important

• Building two brands: personal fashion work vs. event photography

• Securing sponsorships and flying abroad for shoots

• The importance of community in creative industries


She also opens up about:

• Being diagnosed with autism and how that shaped her work style

• Stress in corporate environments

• Why routine matters, even as a freelancer

• Picking up part-time work during quieter seasons

• Setting realistic goals instead of rigid five-year plans


If you’ve ever wondered how photographers actually make money, this episode is for you.


Please note: I had to silence the amount paid for the Converse job as this is under NDA - apologies for the tease!

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

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Music Creative: The myth of the 'overnight success'12 Nov 202500:53:19

What does it actually mean to be a “music creative”?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Toby to unpack the unconventional, multi-layered path of building a career in music — without fitting into one box.

From performing and writing his own music to running a studio, directing visuals, programming festival stages, and founding Sounds Queer to platform emerging queer artists, Toby shares how music has been the thread running through everything he does.


In this episode, we cover:

  • Wanting to be a performer from childhood
  • Studying Media & Cultural Studies
  • Why grad schemes didn’t feel right
  • Working retail while building music
  • The moment that changed everything
  • Taking the leap into freelance life
  • Building State Is Flow studio
  • Starting Sounds Queer
  • Programming stages at Mighty Hoopla
  • Performing at Glastonbury
  • Creating safe spaces for emerging queer artists
  • Why community matters more than contacts


We also talk about:

  • The myth of “overnight success”
  • Pivoting when something stops working
  • Building resilience in creative careers
  • Imposter syndrome in music
  • Following gut instinct
  • Making space for joy in your work


If you’re dreaming of working in music, as an artist, programmer, producer, curator, or creative, this episode is an honest look at how nonlinear, messy and beautiful that journey can be.


@tobycortonmusic

@soundsqueerhq

@stateisflow

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

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CEO of a Global Interior Design Business: How to launch in multiple different countries05 Nov 202500:33:54

What does it actually take to become the CEO of a global interior design business?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Penny, founder and CEO of Siren, about her 20-year journey from young interior design graduate in Sydney to leading studios across Australia, Singapore and London.


This is not just about beautiful spaces.

It’s about building a business from scratch, scaling internationally, taking risks, managing teams, and balancing motherhood with leadership.


In this episode, we cover:

  • Knowing from a young age she wanted to be an interior designer
  • Getting into university by one exact mark
  • Hustling for her first internship
  • Launching Siren and winning Yahoo7 as an early breakthrough project
  • What “design and build” actually means
  • The five key stages of a commercial interior design project
  • Growing a studio organically
  • Moving to Singapore and starting again from scratch
  • Building trusted leadership teams across continents
  • Launching Siren London
  • The realities of running a global creative business


We also talk about:

  • Networking in competitive industries
  • Starting a business in your twenties
  • Not paying yourself in the early years
  • Having children while scaling internationally
  • Leading with confidence and resilience
  • Why there’s never a “right time” to take a leap


If you’re interested in interior design, creative entrepreneurship, or building a global business from nothing, this episode is full of practical insight and honest reflection.


@sloane_penny

@sirendesign


Business: https://sirendesign.co.uk/

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

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Social Media Supervisor: Do you know how much goes into one social post?29 Oct 202500:33:00

What does a Social Media Supervisor actually do?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Sammie to unpack what it really takes to manage major entertainment brand accounts, from internships and unpaid placements to working on Spider-Man campaigns and running social for Disney+.


This is the honest, behind-the-scenes reality of working in digital entertainment.

We cover:

  • Wanting to be a presenter (Big Cats in South Africa!)
  • Studying English & Drama
  • Breaking into media through internships
  • Working at Penguin Random House
  • PR internships and discovering what wasn’t right
  • Starting in university digital marketing
  • Breaking into Universal Pictures
  • Moving through Sky, Sony, and Disney
  • What a Social Media Supervisor actually does day-to-day
  • Organic vs paid social
  • Building brand voice online
  • Working on Spider-Man: No Way Home
  • Managing fan communities
  • Navigating fast-paced digital teams
  • Career progression in entertainment


We also talk about:

  • Imposter syndrome
  • Moving companies strategically
  • Fixed-term contracts vs permanent roles
  • Women in media
  • Balancing ambition with future family plans
  • When to take risks in your career

If you’re curious about working in social media, entertainment marketing, or digital brand strategy, this episode gives you a real-world look at how to get in, grow, and thrive.



🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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Breathwork Coach: Why is breathing your most powerful business tool?21 Oct 202500:41:54

What if the most powerful tool for managing stress, performance, and emotional resilience was something you’re already doing 23,000 times a day?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Danny about his journey from corporate finance and semi-professional football to becoming a breathwork coach.


This isn’t just about wellness trends. It’s about resilience, identity shifts, and discovering how something as simple as breathing can change the way you handle pressure, anxiety, and performance.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Danny’s early ambition to become a professional footballer
  • Studying chemical engineering and moving into finance
  • Corporate life in financial markets
  • Career crossroads and losing a sporting identity
  • Taking a year out to travel
  • Discovering breathwork in South Africa
  • The moment breathwork changed everything
  • What breathwork actually is (and what it isn’t)
  • The science behind breathing and the nervous system
  • Transitioning from corporate to coaching
  • Building confidence in a “woo-woo” wellness space
  • Making breathwork accessible and relatable


We also talk about:

  • Imposter syndrome
  • Resilience through injury and career change
  • The mind-body connection
  • Using breath to regulate stress
  • How breathwork can improve performance and mental clarity


If you’re curious about breathwork, personal growth, nervous system regulation, or building a purpose-driven career, this episode is for you.


@thebreathworkbreddah


Breathwork song:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5MPosF8tzkEwgDGgcr83ZN?si=Sl3i3fGGRxi7cKKc8M_nRA

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

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Industry Lead in Digital: From Meta, to Reddit, this is a career in 'digital'14 Oct 202500:46:04

What does an Industry Lead in Digital actually do?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Doulla, a former Industry Lead at Reddit, about building a career in digital from non-linear beginnings, leading sales & industry teams, and finding purpose beyond titles.


Doulla shares:

  • Her zig-zag career path: mature student → Nielsen → London 2012 Olympics → Facebook → Reddit
  • How she turned lived challenges (dyslexia, single parenthood) into career fuel
  • What an industry lead actually owns: vertical strategy, team coaching, and client outcomes
  • Stories from building audience & advertiser trust on new platforms
  • Practical hiring & mentorship tips for early- and mid-career digital professionals
  • How to move from client-service to platform strategy


They also open up about:

  • Reclaiming purpose after serious illness and career crossroads
  • Why theatre, community and curiosity matter to digital leadership
  • The emotional labour of leading teams through fast change


If you want a career that combines commercial impact with human connection, press play.

👇 Who do you want to reach with your digital work?


@doullacroft


Referenced in the ep:

FMCG: fast moving consumer goods

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

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Sustainability Entrepreneur: ARE YOU MAD (Making a Difference) makes trash into treasure for brands07 Oct 202500:37:15

What does a sustainability entrepreneur actually do?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace talks to James, co-founder of waste design studio Are You Mad, about turning waste into paychecks, pop-ups and products. James shares how he moved from the fashion/music world into building a studio that makes acoustic panels, shop fittings and funky shoe-risers out of local waste, runs community workshops, and gets brands to pay for creative reuse.


James shares:

  • How he went from warehouse kid to founder of a waste design studio
  • Why creativity (not guilt) is the key to changing behaviour
  • How to prototype: shredders, small presses, molds and quick pop-ups
  • The real business model: brands pay for narrative, not just impact
  • Practical ways to start: waste audits, local partners, and pilot projects
  • Hiring makers & paying London Living Wage for collection/sorting roles
  • The tricky bits: factory risk, contamination, and scaling real products


He also opens up about:

  • Starting Are You Mad during / after COVID and why timing mattered
  • Using industry relationships to get pilots and partners
  • Why “selling rubbish” can actually pay the bills (if you package it right)
  • The limits of scaling and why local loops matter


If you want to launch an impact business that actually pays, this episode gives you design-led tactics, fundraising realities, and the messy creativity you’ll need to survive.


Resources:

Are You Mad website: https://www.areyoumad.co/

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Associate Project Director for a Construction Group: How long does it take to build a skyscraper?30 Sep 202500:39:35

What does an Associate Project Director actually do on a huge London build?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks with Tom, an Associate Project Director at Mace, about the day-to-day reality of delivering multi-year, multi-million-pound projects in the city. Expect cranes, late-night problem solving, and the tiny decisions that keep thousands of people safe.


Tom shares:

  • How he got into construction (from childhood diggers to a Mace grad scheme)
  • Why on-site experience matters more than you think
  • What an Associate Project Director actually does vs. site manager / project manager
  • The crazy logistics behind crane lifts, road closures and working over live railways
  • Managing hundreds of workers and dozens of subcontractors
  • Dealing with late materials, contractual headaches and keeping the program on track
  • The human side: keeping people safe, motivated and coming home each day
  • Career advice for anyone who wants to move from boots on site to the boardroom


If you like big challenges, hands-on problem solving, and seeing physical results from your work, this episode will make you look at building sites in a whole new way.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Owner of a Mental Health Company: Why do schools need therapists?23 Sep 202500:29:21

How do you build a mental health service that actually reaches children and young people and survives as a business?


In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace talks to Ami, founder of London Young Counselling, about creating a school-based mental health company from scratch. Ami explains how she turned temp admin jobs and a single idea into a service that places trained counsellors on school sites, making help easier to access for pupils.


Ami shares:

  • How she discovered the need while temping in schools
  • Why putting counselling in schools changes access and outcomes
  • The first practical steps she took: research, a name, a website and one school
  • How she recruited, vetted and trained counsellors for work with children
  • Clinical safeguards: therapy experience, supervision and limits on face-to-face hours
  • Funding & early costs (small start-up spend, family support, slow growth)
  • Growing from one placement to multiple schools — and the moment she realised she needed to hire staff
  • Crisis moments (COVID, rising demand) and how the service scaled post-pandemic
  • The emotional toll of working with vulnerable young people — and why self-care and supervision matter
  • Practical advice for anyone wanting to start a youth mental health service

If you care about access, safety and building a values-led business, this episode gives a grounded, compassionate road-map for getting started.


We cover:

  • starting small and testing demand
  • clinical and safeguarding necessities for school work
  • how to hire and trust the right counsellors
  • balancing founder life, finances and emotional load


Resources:

https://www.londonyoungcounselling.com/

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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