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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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 setbacksFollow 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 viaLinkedIn, 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.
September 16, 2025Episode 5538 min
Dilshad Sheikh and Dee Kanco Hammond | Arden University's vision for tomorrow
In the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, we focus on the upcoming 25th anniversary of the BYPY awards and their significance for young professionals in the Greater Birmingham area. Sophie is joined by Professor Dilshad Sheikh, Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Arden University, and Dee Kanco-Hammond, head of Risk, Governance and Reporting at St Mungo's and executive MBA student at Arden University. They delve into the history and offerings of Arden University, emphasizing its focus on practical, employer-driven education and support systems tailored for mature and diverse students. Dee shares her personal journey of returning to education to pursue an executive MBA, of which the lucky winner of the upcoming GBYPY Awards will win as well alongside the accolade of Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year. Dee talks about the transformative impact of her executive MBA on her career and personal growth, and how Arden really was the place for her to be.Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership.You can get in touch with Dilshad via LinkedIn, and Dee via LinkedIn.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.
August 19, 2025Episode 5428 min
Karl George | The impact of BYPY on boards and beyond
Welcome to the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, the official podcast celebrating the energy, ambition, and achievements of young professionals across Greater Birmingham and the West Midlands.Host Sophie Poduval-Morrell dives into the stories behind the region’s rising stars — with a special focus on 25 years of the BYPY (Birmingham Young Professional of the Year) Awards. In this episode, Sophie sits down with Karl George, the overall winner of the 2002 BYPY Awards. Corporate governance expert Karl George was just the second Birmingham Young Professional of the Year back in 2002. Marking 25 years of the prestigious award – now the GreaterBirmingham Young Professional of the Year - Karl joins us to reflect on how the achievement helped establish his reputation in West Midlands business circles. As a rising star in his own small accountancy firm, Karlemerged as the winner in the finance category ahead of young professionals from a number of the bigger firms, before going on to win the overall award. Now a leader in corporate governance, Karl also discusses how young professionals can benefit from joining boards. Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership.You can get in touch with Karl via LinkedIn.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.
August 5, 2025Episode 5337 min
Nicola Fleet-Milne | Celebrating the BYPY effect
Welcome to the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, the official podcast celebrating the energy, ambition, and achievements of young professionals across Greater Birmingham and the West Midlands.Host Sophie Poduval-Morrell dives into the stories behind the region’s rising stars — with a special focus on 25 years of the BYPY (Birmingham Young Professional of the Year) Awards. Alongside her is Nicola Fleet-Milne, a prominent advocate for BYPY and a long-time business figure in Birmingham. Nicola shares her journey, including setting up her residential property agency, FleetMilne, and her involvement with various business improvement initiatives in Birmingham. Nicola talks about her initial experience with BYPY, her achievements, and the impact the awards had on her career. The duo also discuss the importance of networking, the evolving nature of the BYPY awards, and advice for young professionals. Nicola emphasizes the value of community, self-awareness, and leaning into one’s strengths for career growth.Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership.You can get in touch with Nicola via LinkedIn.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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