Life at Next

Hosted by Life at Next

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Episodes

144

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

The Life at NEXT podcast bringing you all the inside knowledge and people focused stories about working at NEXT, one of the biggest retailers in the World. Get ready to look behind the curtain and hear from the people who are constantly evolving a brand that has traditionally been a high street retailer but is now a Ecomm and Distribution powerhose. Real people with real stories all with their Life at NEXT.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 19, 2026Episode 14525 min

E145: Behind the NEXT Photo Studio with a Studio Manager

What does it take to manage a photo studio operation handling an average of 1,300 fashion samples every single week? In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, we sit down with Head Office Studio Manager Zoe to discuss her 15 year career journey within NEXT. Marking the 10 year anniversary of our dedicated studio building, Zoe reflects on how our creative spaces have grown from a two person team into a multi site network housing seven distinct studios. Zoe shares how our leadership team responded directly to internal employee survey feedback, transforming warehouse style spaces into welcoming hubs featuring breakout lofts, improved storage and dedicated wellbeing rooms. She also breaks down her approach to talent development, from seeking wild card candidates with incredible work ethic to mentoring 10 entry level assistants into permanent promotions. The conversation also covers how our creative teams test artificial intelligence tools responsibly, using technology to enhance human creativity while protecting real products and customer trust. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/TrtShFollow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

August 12, 2026Episode 23033 min

E144: Proactive Security, Cross Department Collaboration, and Career Longevity at NEXT

How do you build a long term career from a four hour store contract into leading regional operations? In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, we sit down with our Regional Loss Prevention Manager Laura to discuss her 12 year career journey at NEXT. Starting on the store floor before transitioning through local and regional security leadership, she shares how our loss prevention infrastructure operates across store, warehouse, and online channels. Discover the role of our Crime Center, a central facility that connects and reviews nationwide data to protect our stores from organised retail crime. Learn why modern loss prevention focuses on proactive prevention, collaborating with property teams during store builds to integrate security solutions, target hardening, and remote camera technology. The discussion also explores leadership philosophy, highlighting the distinction between management processes and leadership skills, and why so many colleagues choose to build multi year careers at NEXT. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/XyZ8RFollow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

August 5, 2026Episode 14337 min

E143: AI and Search in Modern Retail

Discover how taking ownership of your career and adopting an adaptive mindset can unlock huge opportunities within NEXT online technology. In this episode of our Life At NEXT podcast, Ben shares his journey over his first year in NEXT online technology. We explore the balance between personal discipline and professional growth, how search and AI are evolving within retail, and why taking ownership is key to making a genuine impact. At NEXT, we empower our teams to test ideas, take calculated risks and shape the future of our digital experience. From moving past comparison mindsets to adopting modern tools, learn what it takes to thrive in a fast-paced retail ecosystem. 00:00 - Focus on your own lane 00:54 - Community and run club culture 02:41 - Health, running and discipline 05:39 - How fitness fuels work performance 08:33 - First year working at NEXT 10:40 - Accountability and scale in retail 16:22 - Leading NEXT online technology 17:52 - Evolving search and customer behavior 22:01 - Practical AI in software engineering 33:17 - Making an impact at NEXT Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣 Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/rCuyB Follow us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnext TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnext Facebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnext LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext #LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

July 29, 2026Episode 14233 min

E142: What They Don’t Tell You About Creative Management

What does it take to run a large scale creative studio within a major retail brand? In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, we sit down with Sarah, Studio Production Manager, and Imran, Studio Creative Manager. Together, they manage a wide group of photographers, stylists, art directors, and logistics specialists across our studio network. Sarah and Imran reflect on their career journeys from starting in temp and graphic design roles to leading large teams at our Enderby campus. They share insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, trusting your team to drive change, and creating a supportive, diverse environment where ideas can come to life. Whether you are curious about creative careers, production logistics, or how we collaborate across departments, this conversation offers a honest look behind the scenes at NEXT. 0:00 - What makes a good manager? 0:48 - Welcome to the NEXT Studio 1:23 - Roles in studio production vs creative management 2:42 - Breaking down the studio team structure 4:00 - Operations, sample management, and logistics 5:25 - The importance of clear communication 7:14 - Cultivating a supportive studio culture 8:21 - What is the output of the studio? 10:06 - Career journeys: From temp worker to manager 11:39 - From magazine design to corporate creative management 13:22 - Learning to trust your team and delegate 15:44 - Encouraging bravery and new ideas 18:50 - Building a diverse and inclusive community 21:25 - What makes working in the studio special? 23:40 - Advice for joining the NEXT creative team 26:25 - Perks of working at the Enderby campus 28:19 - Different photography skill sets in retail 30:50 - Supporting early talent and university partnerships 32:41 - Balancing long term planning with reactivity Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣 Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/rCuyB Follow us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnext TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnext Facebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnext LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext #LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

July 22, 2026Episode 13931 min

Building a 17 Year Career Without a Degree

Discover why there is no single path to a successful and fulfilling career. In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, we explore the power of continuous learning, professional growth, and breaking through imposter syndrome. Hear from Tom, who built a thriving 17-year career without a university degree, demonstrating how taking internal opportunities and strategic side steps can lead to long term success.We dive into how foundational retail experience builds essential skills in teamwork and handling high pressure situations. We also look at how modern Learning and Development (L&D) teams use accessible tools like digital learning and infographics to ensure real knowledge retention.Plus, discover how a supportive culture where everyone can be their authentic self drives our business forward, and why treating AI as an efficiency tool gives our teams more time to focus on high level expertise. Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://shorturl.at/DrQD2Follow us!Instagram: / lifeatnext TikTok: / lifeatnext Facebook: / lifeatnext LinkedIn: / lifeatnext

July 15, 2026Episode 14029 min

Why the Best Retouching is Invisible

Discover the invisible art that shapes the digital storefront of a major fashion and lifestyle retailer. In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, we pull back the curtain on our studio team to explore the role of retoucher, Izzy. Learn how this dedicated team manages an enormous volume of product imagery, using technical precision to keep every photograph looking authentic, considered, and true to life. Izzy shares her unconventional career journey, the reality of handling colour accuracy using calibrated light boxes , and NEXT's philosophy of "stealthy" retouching, where the best edit is the one you never notice. We also dive into a balanced discussion on AI in the creative process, exploring how it acts as a supportive tool for manual tasks without replacing human oversight. Finally, discover how our vibrant workplace culture, internal well being initiatives, and Head Office social events bring our creative teams closer together Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/rCuyBFollow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

July 8, 2026Episode 13936 min

From Primary School Teacher to NEXT Data Analyst

Discover how the massive scale of data operations moves behind the scenes at NEXT. In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, we sit down with a data analyst who successfully transitioned from a four-year primary school teaching career into our Business Intelligence Systems (BIS) team. Learn how the BIS department acts as a central hub, managing millions to billions of rows of data daily to provide a single source of truth for the entire business. We also explore the practical use of AI as an efficiency tool in data development, the reality of building technical skills like SQL and Python in the corporate world, and how soft skills like stakeholder management apply across completely different industries. Plus, find out how the NEXT Sports and Social club helps teams build strong relationships and support mental wellbeing outside of the office!Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/LnyGWFollow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

July 1, 2026Episode 13828 min

E138: Plastic vs Paper?

Discover how we are moving sustainability forward at NEXT through data-driven packaging choices and international legislative compliance.Go behind the scenes with our Sustainability team at Head Office as we explore the vital role packaging plays across our entire global supply chain. In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, Sustainability Manager Josh breaks down the nuances of material selection and the data required to eliminate recycling disruptors. Discover why swapping from plastic to paper isn't always a simple choice, how different European territories approach resource recyclability, and the ways our team collaborates with every area of the business to learn and evolve together.0:00 Introduction to Sustainability0:39 Putting in the Work Outside the Office2:46 Packaging Sustainability and Legislation4:11 Managing Supply Chain Materials5:16 Balancing Plastic vs Paper Choices6:45 Navigating Global Recycling Infrastructure8:10 Projecting Data: Red to Green Mapping11:49 Shifting Careers Into Retail18:10 Speed and Pace of Change at NEXT20:54 Working at the Head Office Campus24:09 Upcoming Environmental Legislation27:04 Championing Collaboration Across TeamsDon't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/EDfw9Follow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

June 24, 2026Episode 13733 min

E137: Growing Our Digital Future at NEXT

Discover how the NEXT technology team grew from 300 to over 1,800 experts driving our global retail and website innovation. In this episode, we sit down with two members of our specialist technology team to explore the incredible evolution of their roles and the company culture that powers our digital growth. From our roots in traditional retail to managing a massive, sophisticated e-commerce platform, our teams are structured into dedicated technology groups. These groups support everything from warehouse logistics and product development to store technology and HR. We dive deep into our current initiatives, including how a centralised "ways of working" role is driving efficiency across departments. You will also learn how we use innovation days to rapidly prototype ideas, collaborate in person to solve complex problems and integrate AI as an enabler to automate administrative tasks. At NEXT, we champion an "attitude of taking it on" which fosters internal mobility, career progression and continuous learning. If you are looking to join a team that values your ideas, remember to always say "yes" to challenges and never be afraid to ask questions. 0:00 The NEXT Tech Evolution 1:15 Scaling From 300 to 1,800 Experts 3:40 How Our Specialist Technology Groups Structure Innovation 6:10 Collaboration and Shared Ways of Working 8:45 Using AI as an Enabler to Automate Tasks 11:20 Career Growth and Taking It On at NEXT Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣 Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/EDfw9 Follow us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnext TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnext Facebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnext LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext #LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

June 17, 2026Episode 12426 min

E136: Coding, AI and Tech Placements at NEXT

Discover what it is really like to take on a tech placement at NEXT. From university applications to building real features, here is Hasham’s story.What does it take to stand out in a competitive tech industry?In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, we sit down with Hasham Shakir, a placement developer working within our e-commerce department. Hasham shares his journey of moving 4,000 miles to join us, his initial experiences with imposter syndrome, and how our collaborative culture helped him thrive.We explore how NEXT embraces AI as a tool to remove redundant tasks, the rapid pace of native app development, and why having an appetite to learn matters far more than knowing everything on day one.Whether you are preparing for university placement applications or curious about a career in technology, Hasham provides practical advice on taking on new opportunities and building confidence.0:00 The mindset needed for a tech placement1:03 Why choose a placement at NEXT?2:26 Introducing Hasham Shakir: Placement Developer3:20 Navigating a competitive job market4:42 An unbelievable interview coincidence5:42 How NEXT tests problem solving7:14 Overcoming imposter syndrome with team support9:07 Moving between iOS and e-commerce teams10:41 The campus culture at Enderby11:39 Winning the internal AI bake-off13:18 Discovering a passion for coding14:25 How NEXT uses AI to save time19:50 Adapting to a fast-paced retail industry22:37 Taking industry skills back to university24:00 Advice for future placement applicants25:25 Overturning perceptions of a retail brandDon't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/EDfw9Follow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn