We’re PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson - two dads, two mates, who’ve spent our lives working across business, law, education, charity, and media.
Between us, we've made a lot of mistakes, asked a lot of questions, and raised kids who are about to walk into a world of work that’s nothing like the one we grew up in.
That’s why we started Wit + Grit - a space for real, human conversations about what it takes to thrive in a world full of AI, constant pressure, and curated perfection.
This podcast is about the skills you can’t Google.
Things like confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, how to fail well, how to bounce back, how to speak up, and how to listen.
We’re not here to give perfect advice. We’re here to ask better questions.
How do we prepare our kids for jobs that don’t exist yet?
How do we connect generations in a divided, digital world?
What makes someone truly employable in 2025 and beyond?
Each episode, we’ll chat with educators, grads, parents, leaders, misfits, mentors, and all-round brilliant people who’ve lived through the stuff that doesn’t come with a textbook.
If you’re a parent, a young person starting out, an old-head or experienced leader, or just someone trying to figure out how to be more human in a world full of noise - this one’s for you.
Follow us, subscribe, and let’s have the conversations that matter - with a bit of humour, a lot of honesty, and absolutely no corporate jargon.
You can connect with us at:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/107731497/
LinkedIn: PJ Ellis & Andy Dawson
Let’s get into it.
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Damian Kirk: The Diagnosis That Changed My Life at 51
Episode 42
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 36:03
What happens when you spend decades building a successful career before finally understanding how your mind really works?
In this episode of Wit + Grit, leadership consultant and soon-to-be-published-author Damian Kirk shares the life-changing impact of receiving an ADHD and dyslexia diagnosis at the age of 51. What followed wasn’t limitation, it was liberation.
Together, we explore why self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership, why we’re making work far more complicated than it needs to be, and what businesses can do to create environments where people genuinely thrive.
From accountability over hierarchy, to AI, coaching, preparing young people for work and designing organisations for success, this is an honest conversation about leading with authenticity and building workplaces that bring out the best in people.
Whether you’re a leader, a parent, a mentor or simply someone trying to understand yourself a little better, this episode is packed with practical insights you’ll take away long after the conversation ends.
Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn’t changing your career. It’s finally understanding yourself.
Key Takeaways
* Self-awareness is one of the greatest leadership advantages you’ll ever develop.
* A diagnosis doesn’t define you - it helps you understand your strengths.
* Different thinking isn’t a weakness; it can become your greatest asset.
* Great leaders create space for others to succeed rather than having all the answers.
* Simplicity beats complexity in almost every organisation.
* Accountability creates ownership; hierarchy often creates barriers.
* AI won’t replace great leaders - but it may expose poor ones.
* Coaching is one of the most valuable life skills anyone can learn.
* Young people need more real-world experience, mentors and opportunities to explore.
* Success rarely happens by accident - it is designed.
Keywords
Damian Kirk, ADHD, Dyslexia, ADHD diagnosis, neurodiversity, leadership podcast, leadership development, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, coaching, accountability, organisational culture, AI in business, future of work, workplace leadership, business transformation, leadership consultant, career development, mentoring, Wit and Grit podcast, young people, work experience, success by design, leadership mindset, authentic leadership, business growth, employee engagement, change management
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Neurodiversity: A Personal Journey
07:16 Transforming Leadership Through Self-Awareness
13:12 Preparing the Next Generation for the Workforce
20:09 Harnessing AI for Future Opportunities
21:19 The Power of AI as a Capability
22:58 Understanding Energy Costs and Their Complexity
25:30 AI's Impact on Leadership and Management
28:53 The Pinnacle Moment: Self-Awareness in Leadership
31:13 Advice for Young Professionals and Future Aspirations
Changing What This Name Represents. The Gabriel Imevbore Story
Episode 41
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 • Duration 31:37
Gabriel Imevbore joins us to share his journey from growing up in Erdington, Birmingham, experiencing family breakdown and homelessness at 19, to becoming the youngest trustee in YMCA Heart of England’s 180-year history.
In this good-old-heart-to-heart conversation, Gabriel talks about ambition, faith, entrepreneurship, Birmingham, fatherhood, opportunity, social mobility and why your circumstances may shape your opening chapter - but they don’t have to write the ending.
Key takeaways
Your story is shaped by what you choose to do next.
Young people need opportunity, not judgement.
Birmingham has huge entrepreneurial talent that needs backing.
Leaders must stay close to the ground level.
Parents should respect the inspiration behind a child’s dreams.
Unconventional thinkers need space to thrive.
Success is health, family, purpose and giving back.
Representation matters - but so does opening doors for others.
Keywords
Gabriel Imevbore, Wit and Grit, Birmingham, YMCA, homelessness, entrepreneurship, social mobility, young leaders, resilience, Birmingham business, opportunity, youth employment, leadership, community, personal story, Future Faces, National Grid, UpStride, AI, fatherhood, purpose, ambition.
00:00 Gabriel's Early Life and Ambitions
01:36 Challenges and Turning Points
03:57 The Role of Education and Mentorship
07:27 Finding Opportunities and Building a Network
10:14 Community Impact and Giving Back
11:51 Leadership and Ground-Level Engagement
14:49 Pathways to Progress and Social Mobility
Abi Edmunds: Your Child Isn't Just Scrolling.
Episode 40
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 • Duration 27:51
As our government moves towards restricting social media access for young people, the debate has shifted from whether there is a problem to what we do about it.
In this episode, we sit down with Abi Edmunds, founder of Social Media Resilience, to explore the realities of growing up online and the skills young people need to navigate an increasingly complex digital world.
From social media bans and online safety to AI-generated content, misinformation and emotional resilience, Abi shares what she’s learning from thousands of conversations in classrooms across the UK.
Most importantly, she explains why banning technology alone won’t solve the problem. and why critical thinking, community and open conversations may be our best defence.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer or simply trying to make sense of modern life online, this is a conversation that matters.
Key takeaways
The social media ban is the start of a solution, not the solution itself.
Young people don’t need more lectures. They need more conversations.
Social media isn’t just scrolling. It’s community, identity, friendship and belonging.
The most important digital skill may be critical thinking.
We’re about as good at spotting AI content as flipping a coin.
Online resilience starts with one simple habit: pause.
Children often understand the technology better than adults. Adults need to understand the environment better than children.
If we remove one platform, young people will find another. The underlying need for connection remains.
Parents don’t need all the answers. They need better conversations.
The future belongs to people who can question what they see, not just consume it.
Reclaiming What It Means To Be Human with Workforce Futurist Stuart Evans
Episode 39
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 • Duration 46:30
In this episode, we sit down with workplace futurist Stuart Evans to explore AI, robotics, the future of work and what it all means for young people.
From agentic AI and humanoid robots to university debt, entry-level jobs, adaptability and the future of human skills, this is a conversation about what happens when work changes faster than our old systems can keep up.
Stuart challenges the idea that young people should simply follow the same paths as previous generations and argues that the most valuable future skills may not be technical at all - but deeply human.
Key takeaways
* Work is shifting from a place you go to something you do.
* AI assistants are only the start; agentic AI is the real shift.
* Repeatable tasks will increasingly move away from humans.
* Young people may be inheriting outdated career advice.
* Degrees won’t always be the best route to meaningful work.
* Adaptability may be the most important future skill.
* Humans tolerate human failure more easily than tech failure.
* Generation Alpha may redefine what work and success mean.
* The future may need fewer traditional jobs, but more human value.
* The big question is how humans and technology work together.
Keywords
AI, future of work, agentic AI, workplace futurist, Stuart Evans, human skills, adaptability, Generation Alpha, robotics, humanoid robots, young people, careers, education, university, employability, automation, leadership, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, technology, work culture, Wit + Grit.
Chapters List
00:00 The Future of Work: A New Landscape
The Work Experience Problem: The Future Needs a First Chance
Episode 38
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 • Duration 36:49
In this episode, PJ and Andy reflect on Jess Dunn’s week of work experience with Wit + Grit, what it revealed about young people, confidence, opportunity and the future of work.
From students struggling to secure placements, to AI anxiety, skills shortages, third sector pressure and the need for businesses to “press go”, this is a conversation about moving beyond roundtables and into action.
Let's do this.
Key takeaways
* Young people are more anxious about the future than many adults realise.
* Work experience expectations are often far too low.
* Businesses can make a huge impact by simply opening the door.
* AI is creating both opportunity and fear for the next generation.
* Human skills like critical thinking will matter more than ever.
* The third sector is already doing vital work but often lacks resource.
* We need better infrastructure connecting young people, schools, charities and businesses.
Keywords
Wit + Grit, work experience, young people, future of work, AI, Microsoft Work Trends, Birmingham, skills shortage, employability, third sector, social mobility, opportunity, critical thinking, youth employment, business leadership, placements.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Mentorship and Youth Empowerment
02:15 Challenges in Youth Employment and Future Anxiety
05:20 The Role of AI in Shaping Future Careers
06:35 Creating Opportunities Through Collaboration
08:48 The Importance of Human Skills in the AI Era
11:57 Navigating the New Normal in a Changing World
Jessica Dunn: Give Young People a Chance
Episode 37
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 • Duration 35:39
At 17, Jessica Dunn was trying to find work experience in media, marketing, journalism and radio. After around 10 rejections, she was almost left spending the week in the school canteen.
In this episode, Jess shares how young people are really feeling about work, careers, AI, grades, rejection and opportunity.
It’s an honest conversation about confidence, the gap between generations, and why businesses need to do more to open doors for the next generation.
Key takeaways
* Young people are anxious about future careers.
* Rejection damages confidence earlier than we realise.
* Many students need opportunity before they have experience.
* Businesses can help through tasters, open days and placements.
* AI is both exciting and unsettling for young people.
* Grades matter, but they should not define someone’s future.
* Investing in young people benefits everyone.
Keywords
Jessica Dunn, work experience, young people, next generation, careers, employability, AI, education, confidence, Birmingham, Wit + Grit, opportunity, youth voice, placements, business responsibility, future of work, social mobility.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Work Experience
00:55 Young People's Perspectives on Careers
02:18 Challenges Faced by Young People in the Job Market
04:25 The Role of Schools and Businesses
06:25 Future Aspirations and Advice for Peers
08:44 The Impact of Social Media on Young People
10:31 Parental Influence and Support
Ameesha Green: Everybody Should Name Their Teddies After Philosophers
Episode 36
Monday, May 11, 2026 • Duration 49:26
Ameesha Green is the founder of The Book Shelf, a book shepherd, philosophy thinker, mentor and proudly neurodivergent entrepreneur.
In this episode, we explore ADHD, business, creativity, AI, education, philosophy, children’s futures, writing, and why one-size-fits-all thinking simply does not work. From naming her childhood teddies after philosophers to building a publishing business, Ameesha shares a refreshingly honest view on how different minds work, why books still matter, and whether AI is helping us think better — or helping us avoid thinking altogether.
Key takeaways
* ADHD can be both a creative advantage and a practical challenge.
* Self-awareness matters more than forcing yourself into broken systems.
* One-size-fits-all education does not serve every child.
* AI can be a sparring partner, not a replacement for thinking.
* Books still have the power to pass wisdom between generations.
* Entrepreneurship is rarely linear — sometimes you build by saying yes.
* Writing can help turn ideas into impact.
Keywords
Ameesha Green, ADHD, neurodivergence, AI, creativity, philosophy, books, publishing, entrepreneurship, The Book Shelf, book shepherd, education, children’s future, critical thinking, Stoicism, business ownership, self-awareness, Wit + Grit.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Neurodivergence in Business
02:46 The Role of Stoicism in Entrepreneurship
05:03 Philosophy and Its Impact on Decision Making
07:35 The Importance of Open Conversations with Kids
10:33 Political Engagement and Community Involvement
Hannah Bailey: The Cost of Always Saying “I’m Fine”
Episode 35
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • Duration 51:19
Former police officer Hannah Bailey spent years working in high-pressure frontline roles, telling everyone she was fine while quietly carrying trauma, stress and undiagnosed PTSD.
In this powerful episode, Hannah shares how a cancer diagnosis brought unexpected relief because it meant she no longer had to go back to work, why real resilience is not the same as silence, and how she rebuilt her life through treatment, therapy, humour and a completely new understanding of wellbeing.
This is a conversation about trauma, workplace culture, cancer, PTSD, leadership, laughter, and what it really means to be well long term.
Key takeaways
* Looking “fine” on paper can hide deep emotional and mental exhaustion.
* High-pressure cultures can train people to stay silent until they break.
* Real resilience is not invincibility; it is knowing when to ask for help.
* Leaders need to notice changes in people, not just performance.
* Humour and connection can help the brain feel safe again.
* Wellbeing support must be proactive, genuine and led from the top.
01:52 The Impact of Workplace Culture on Mental Health
04:21 The Struggles of a Police Officer
06:33 The Identity Crisis of a Police Officer
Potential and Power Skills with Kristie Brookes & Olivia Roden
Episode 34
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 • Duration 36:15
The graduate job market has never been more competitive, with up to 150 applicants per role, but that doesn’t mean opportunity has disappeared.
In this episode, we sit down with Kristie Brookes and Liv Roden from Aston University to unpack what it’s really like to be a student right now, and what employers might be getting wrong.
We explore the growing gap between education and employment, why “entry-level” roles now expect experience, and how students can stand out in a world of AI-generated CVs and identical applications.
From “power skills” and emotional intelligence to hiring for potential over perfection, this is a practical, honest conversation about the future of work - and how both students and employers need to adapt.
If you’ve got kids heading into the world of work, or you’re hiring the next generation, this one matters.
Key Takeaways
The graduate market is tougher than ever — but opportunity still exists
Differentiation is everything (and it’s not just about grades)
Employers should hire for potential, not just experience
AI is changing entry-level work, but human skills matter more than ever
“Power skills” (leadership, AI, innovation, emotional intelligence) are the real advantage
Students aren’t lazy - they’re navigating a completely different world
Your personality, passion, and story are what set you apart
Themes
• Future of work
• Early careers / graduate market
• AI & employability
• Emotional intelligence
• Identity & confidence
• Social mobility
Lewis Matthews: Happiness Is a Choice (Even in Atlantic Storms)
Episode 33
Monday, April 20, 2026 • Duration 49:31
Lewis Matthews has pushed himself to extremes - from international water polo to Ironmans, ultramarathons and rowing the Atlantic for 38 days.
But this conversation isn’t just about endurance.
It’s about what happens when life pushes back.
Lewis opens up about losing his brother and his mom, how grief reshaped his perspective, and why success now looks very different. From “purposeful discomfort” to fatherhood, identity and resilience, this is a raw, honest conversation about what really matters, and how we carry life when it gets heavy.
Key Takeaways
• Happiness is a choice - even when life isn’t easy
• Have a “why” - it gets you through the hardest moments
• Purposeful discomfort builds resilience
• Endurance teaches control - focus on what you can influence
• Grief doesn’t go away - but it changes
• Empathy often comes from pain
• Have a “thing” - something that grounds you outside work and life stress
• Success changes - especially when you become a parent
• You don’t need to be the best - just keep learning and growing
• Remember tomorrow - most things pass
Keywords
Lewis Matthews, rowing the Atlantic, endurance mindset, resilience, grief, loss, fatherhood, mental strength, stoicism, ultramarathon, Ironman, water polo, personal growth, emotional resilience, mindset, discipline, adversity, purpose, mental health, perspective, Wit and Grit podcast
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Lewis Matthews' Background
00:55 20 Days into the Atlantic Row: Challenges and Mindset
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16:09 Reflections on Talent Recognition and Future Aspirations
16:38 Bridging Generational Gaps
21:24 Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Impact
23:18 Personal Growth and Family Dynamics
Keywords
Social Media Resilience, Abi Edmunds, Online Safety, Digital Wellbeing, Critical Thinking, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Misinformation, Disinformation, Social Media Ban, Online Harm, Parenting, Education, Future Skills, Mental Health, Emotional Resilience, Young People, Schools, Technology, Digital Literacy, Media Literacy, Social Media, TikTok, Instagram, Algorithms, Wit + Grit Podcast
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and episode overview
00:36 Social media restrictions for youth: insights and challenges
01:34 Australian social media trial: what worked and what didn't
02:54 Introducing Social Media Resilience: mission and impact
04:46 Parents' concerns and the importance of resilience education
05:42 The evolving online landscape and youth behavior
07:18 Classroom conversations and engaging young learners
09:29 Building critical thinking skills and online literacy
10:18 The influence of tech companies and behavioral design
11:55 Society, democracy, and the power of algorithms
12:24 Misconceptions about social media among parents
13:38 Hope and opportunities in social media use
14:39 Curriculum design for online critical thinking
17:02 Role of schools and teachers in online safety education
18:31 Success stories and classroom breakthroughs
19:30 Practical tips for parents: grayscale and digital habits
20:14 Teaching critical thinking in a world of AI and deepfakes
21:05 Spotting AI-generated content: challenges and techniques
21:45 The future of media and AI in society
22:28 Personal social media habits and professional boundaries
23:17 Advice for young adults on social media awareness
24:04 Encouraging offline communities and healthy social habits
25:00 The upcoming Screen Smart Parents newsletter
26:27 Closing remarks and key takeaways
03:07 AI and Its Impact on Employment
05:42 Humanoid Robotics: The Next Frontier
08:21 The Changing Perception of AI
10:52 Education and the Skills Gap
13:21 The Role of Adaptability in the Future
16:01 Redefining Success for Future Generations
18:24 The Shift in Work Dynamics
20:50 Community and Career Identity
23:38 The Future of Work: A Choice, Not a Necessity
29:30 Understanding Generation Alpha: Digital Natives and Their World
32:48 Education in the Age of AI: Preparing for the Future
35:21 Navigating Career Paths: Embracing Adaptability
37:35 The Ethics of AI: Data Centers and Autonomous Weapons
39:40 Neuralink and the Future of Human Enhancement
41:01 The Metaverse: Reality vs. Virtual Experience
43:11 The Future of Work: A Blended Human-Digital Workforce
21:41 The Power of Reading and Inspiration
22:24 Daily Habits and Small Efforts
24:17 Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
25:52 Addressing the Skills Shortage Debate
30:03 Engaging the Community for Change
31:18 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations
36:30 outro1.mp3
12:11 Conclusion and Reflections on Opportunities
13:47 Navigating Parental Relationships and Social Media
14:36 The Overwhelming Nature of Current Events
15:19 The Impact of AI on Education and Careers
17:57 Balancing AI Use and Critical Thinking in Youth
24:09 The Job Market and AI's Role in Youth Employment
27:21 Parenting in the Age of AI and Education
31:38 The Importance of Grades vs. Personal Growth
13:18 The Power of Books to Change Lives
16:17 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Children's Books
25:33 A Meandering Journey to Business
28:56 Transitioning to Hybrid Publishing
30:49 Learning from Authors and Their Stories
33:03 Navigating Challenges as a Business Owner
36:03 The Importance of Side Hustles
38:10 Crafting Your Elevator Pitch
39:31 The Role of AI in Publishing
42:00 The Benefits of Writing
45:05 Reflections on Personal Growth
46:21 Wit and Grit in Business
09:22 The Journey Through Cancer Treatment
11:47 The Role of Support Systems
14:06 Finding Hope in Alternative Treatments
16:51 The Power of Mindset and Resilience
19:00 The Importance of Long-term Wellbeing
24:39 Healing Through BWRT: A Personal Journey
29:14 Understanding Trauma: The Role of the Amygdala and Hippocampus
34:10 The State of Mental Health in Organisations
36:19 Recognising Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
42:12 Addressing Concerns: How to Approach Colleagues
45:23 Wit and Grit: The Power of Humour and Resilience
• Hiring & leadership
Keywords
graduate jobs, early careers, Aston University, employability, Gen Z workforce, hiring graduates, AI in recruitment, power skills, soft skills, student careers, internships UK, graduate market UK, career advice, emotional intelligence at work, leadership skills, entry level jobs UK
Chapters
00:00 Meet the Employer Engagement Officers
01:40 Current Student Experience and Market Challenges
05:44 Understanding the Role of Employer Engagement Officers
08:56 Career Journeys of Kristie and Olivia
13:48 Aston University: Opportunities and Offerings
16:45 Power Skills and Student Preparedness
20:02 Perceptions of Young People in the Workforce
21:50 Emotional Intelligence in the Job Market
24:57 Demonstrating Passion and Personality
28:55 The Value of University Experience
33:10 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Career Paths
02:09 Dealing with Storms and Ocean Conditions
03:49 Big Storms and Boat Spinning Crisis
06:01 Building Mental Fortitude and Stoic Principles
08:28 Lewis' Origin Story and Water Polo Journey
09:50 Transition from Water Polo to Endurance Sports
11:52 Lessons from Ultras and Ironmans
14:07 Why Endurance Challenges? The Mindset Behind the Why
20:26 Personal Losses and Grief: The Impact of Family Tragedy
24:56 Grief vs Physical Endurance: Comparing Challenges
30:40 Lessons from Grief and Moving Forward
32:37 Jiu Jitsu and Community as a Source of Resilience
36:36 Redefining Success and Priorities
38:09 Consciously Unlearning and Embracing New Identities
42:21 Rowing Record and Scenario Planning
44:38 Future Goals and Three-Year Vision
45:37 Wit and Grit: The Balance of Intelligence and Grit
47:14 Who Was Lewis Matthews? What Broke and What He Became
