Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast is the official podcast of the Future Faces Chambers of Commerce, a network helping young professionals across the West Midlands to network and develop. Hosted by Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell, this podcast is a platform to showcase the region’s young talent and discuss a range of topics that are important to this generation of future leaders.
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August 26, 202642 min
Ellie Simmonds on building a successful career through networking and the lessons swimming taught her
In the latest episode of Future Faces: The YoungProfessionals Podcast , listeners hear from Ellie Simmonds, British Paralympian swimmer and TV presenter. In this episode, Ellie speaks about her career as a swimmerand how to overcome barriers and achieve your goals. She highlights the importance of networking and reaching outto others and encourages people not to be afraid to make connections, attend events and ask for advice, reflecting on how much she learned from fellow athletes and coaches throughout her own career. In the latest episode of Future Faces: The YoungProfessionals Podcast , listeners hear from Ellie Simmonds, BritishParalympian swimmer and TV presenter. In this episode, Ellie speaks about her career as a swimmerand how to overcome barriers and achieve your goals. She highlights the importance of networking and reaching outto others and encourages people not to be afraid to make connections, attendevents and ask for advice, reflecting on how much she learned from fellowathletes and coaches throughout her own career.
July 15, 2026Episode 443 min
Paul Faulkner on how to be a confident and leader and why stepping out of your comfort zone will accelerate your career
In the latest episode of the Young Professionals Podcast,we’re joined by Paul Faulkner, Vice Chairman for the Midlands at Barclays and founder of Element45, an advisory business that helps current and aspiring leaders develop the skills and confidence to tackle strategic challenges andlead more effectively. Paul shares insights from his diverse career journey, from starting out at MBNA to relocating to the United States at just 22 to work at the company’s corporate headquarters for 18 months. Drawing on his experiences across banking and leadership, he reflects on the lessons that have shaped his career. In this episode, Paul explores what makes a great leader, whether leadership is an innate quality or a skill that can be developed, and why stepping outside your comfort zone is often the key to unlocking new opportunities and accelerating your career.
June 29, 2026Episode 446 min
How to be more confident in leadership, growth and self-belief
In the latest episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, listeners hear from Ana Amona confidence coach at Rainha Noir coaching. In this episode, Ana talks about how she helps women build confidence and overcome the inner and outer challenges holding them back. She gives her advice on how young professionals can go forward in their careers and be the best versions of themselves. At the end of the episode Ana and Sophie hold a live coaching session where you can get a snippet of some of the tips and advice Ana offers to her clients. If you want to get in touch with Ana, you can find her on LinkedIn or contact Sophie Poduval-Morrell at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction.
June 3, 202633 min
Blackberry Events managing director Georgie Butler on changing career paths
In the latest episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, we hear from Georgie Butler, managing director at Blackberry Events. Georgie talks about her career path and how she completed a degree in forensic science and a master’s in forensic toxicology - but ended up with a complete career change. She highlights how having a mentor with the Future Facesmentoring scheme helped her navigate her career path and distinguish between short-term interests and long-term goals. Georgie said: “Don’t feel like your career path has to beperfectly mapped out – some of the best opportunities come from when you are feeling completely lost. “Whatever your background, focus on being adaptable, building genuine relationships and learning as much as you can along the way – those skills matter far more than having a ‘perfect’ plan.” If you want to get in touch with Georgie, you canfind her on LinkedIn or contact Sophie at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction.
May 13, 202634 min
How Executive MBA learning shapes leadership in complex healthcare environments
In this episode, listeners hear from Sophia Raja managing partner, at Yardley Wood Health Centre. Sophia holds an executive MBA from Arden University and works as an employer advisory board member. She talks about how she navigated losing her dad, dropping out of university to studying for an executive MBA at ArdenUniversity. Listeners will be able to gain valuable insight into navigating personal challenges, building resilience in the workplace, and how education and professional development can help create new opportunities after setbacks Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @ffchamber for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride, and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.
March 25, 2026Episode 159 min
Molly Fellows - How to navigate grief in the workplace
In this episode of The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, listeners hear from Molly Fellows an employment associate at Mills and Reeve. In this episode, Molly takes us behind the scenes of how she has navigated the grief of losing her dad five years ago, and how this impacted her role as a trainee solicitor. She opens up about feeling the need to be resilient even in the darkest of times and revealed the mindset shifts that helped her navigate her loss. Whether you are a young person navigating grief or looking to support someone in your workplace, this episode is packed with raw insight and inspiration. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @ffchamber for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride, and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.
November 25, 2025Episode 5934 min
United By 2022 | The legacy of the Commonwealth Games lives on
In this episode of The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, listeners hear from Jess McCallister, the Head of Communications and Partnerships for United By 2022 Charity. United By 2022 are this year's Future Faces charity of the year, as well as the newest Patron to join the ranks. Jess shares her fascinating career journey, from her early days in law and HR to playing a key role in delivering the Commonwealth Games and now helping to build a long-term social impact legacy for the West Midlands. Together, Sophie and Jess discuss everything from career changes and imposter syndrome to work–life balance, volunteering, and youth empowerment. Listeners will get an inside look at how United By 2022 is keeping the spirit of the Games alive, through social value initiatives, youth programmes like Gen22 and Ideas Made Real, and an ever-growing volunteer community supporting major events across Birmingham and beyond. Whether you’re a young professional finding your path, a business wanting to give back, or someone who simply loves seeing Birmingham thrive, this episode offers plenty of insight, inspiration, and practical ways to get involved. If you want to get in touch with Jess, you can find her on LinkedIn , or get in touch with Sophie at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @ffchamber for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride, and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.
November 11, 2025Episode 5828 min
Daniella Campbell | Thriving and surviving- achieving work life balance
In the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, host Sophie Poduval-Morrell sits down with Daniella Campbell, Financial Planner at Forvis Mazars and 2025 Future Faces Ambassador, to talk all things work-life balance. Daniella opens up about her career journey, how Future Faces has shaped her professional growth, and her top tips for maintaining balance. Together, Sophie and Daniella unpack the realities young professionals face, from hybrid working post-pandemic to the vital role of mentorship and supportive workplaces. Tune in to hear how Daniella’s involvement in the Future Faces mentoring scheme has fuelled her personal and professional development, and why balance might just be the key to success. If you want to get in touch with Daniella, you can find her on LinkedIn , or get in touch with Sophie at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @ffchamber for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride, and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.
October 28, 2025Episode 5742 min
Becca Horley | The bright side of the law- from vision boards to GBYPY
The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell,returns with an inspiring conversation featuring Becca Horley, the newly crowned Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (GBYPY) 2025. Becca isn’t your typical lawyer. As a multi-award-winningmedical negligence associate, she’s built a reputation not just for her legal expertise but for her authenticity, confidence, and vibrant approach to professional life. In this episode Becca takes us behind the scenes of her journey, from studying law in Birmingham to becoming a prominent figure within the city’s thriving business community. She opens up about her experiences with Future Faces and how being part of such a dynamic network helped her grow both personally and professionally. Becca shares how her vision board keeps her grounded andgoal-focused, revealing the practical habits and mindset shifts that helped her turn her aspirations into achievements. Becca gives honest reflections on building confidence,cultivating a personal brand, and embracing the power of platforms like LinkedIn to tell authentic stories that connect and inspire. Becca also talks about her mission to bring colour to the legal profession, a world often seen as traditional and reserved. Throughout the episode, Becca discusses the importance of mentorship, finding your community, and taking opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her mentors, colleagues, andnetwork who have supported her journey, and gives a glimpse into what’s next, including her aspirations to blend her passion for law with creative collaborations in fashion. Whether you’re an ambitious young professional, a studentfinding your path, or someone looking to reignite your sense of purpose, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-world wisdom. If you want to get in touch with Becca, you can find her on LinkedIn , or get in touch with Sophie at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @ffchamber for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride, and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.
October 14, 2025Episode 5653 min
Iveta Pudilova and Sophie Allen | Diverse brains and unified futures
In the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce, the focus is on neurodiversity and its integral role in human diversity. Sophie is joined by guests Sophie Allen of Serrano Media and Iveta Pudilova, founder of National Neurodiversity Training, to discuss the myths, truths, and strengths of neurodivergent individuals. They explore their personal experiences with ADHD and autism respectively, emphasizing the importance of flexible work environments, psychological safety, and the need for continual education about neurodiversity in workplaces. The trio dive into common misconceptions, highlight the strengths of neurodiverse individuals, and offer actionable advice for both neurodivergent individuals and their allies to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment.You can get in touch with Iveta via LinkedIn , and Sophie via LinkedIn , or get in touch with Sophie at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction. Follow us for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride — and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.
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