PeopleFirst: The Young Careers Podcast

Hosted by Brook Street

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Dec 2025

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About the show

Entering the world of work can be scary; from facing imposter syndrome, to struggling with work life balance; it can feel like we’re the only ones who don’t have it all figured out. But the PeopleFirst podcast is here to tell you something different. Brought to you by Brook Street, we digest the common issues that young people are facing in the world of work. From balancing remote work with wellbeing, to asking for a pay rise, to navigating painful career gaps, to neurodivergence at work - this is a space for open and honest conversations helping you to make positive changes. In each episode, host Jordan Spry will chat to incredible guests to break down the issue at hand and make you feel less alone. www.brookstreet.co.uk

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25 recent

December 1, 2025Episode 1139 min

Hustle culture and the productivity obsession

Is the internet’s obsession with productivity about to burst? Whilst hustle culture content continues to motivate some, many of us are ready to swap the romanticised morning routines for realistic chats about work-life balance. To unpack changing attitudes to productivity and work, Jordan is joined by Jillian Reilly, speaker, consultant and author of The Ten Permissions, and Jessica Tagg, Client Relationship Manager at ManpowerGroup. They discuss: What do we actually mean by productivity?Changing attitudes to workHow to consume content mindfullyGetting clarity on your goalsThe power of saying no. You can find more from Jillian on her website, and Jessica on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

November 3, 2025Episode 1037 min

Getting honest about your finances: How to reach your money goals

Do you want to get in control of your finances but struggle with where to start? In this episode, we break down common areas of money management, from the best savings accounts, to investing for beginners, the pros and cons of renting and buying, and how to get honest about your money habits. Jordan is joined once again by Kia Commodore, founder of financial literacy platform Pennies to Pounds and author of How To Handle Money. They dive into: The growth mindsetCommon money mistakesBest accounts for savingsStocks & Shares ISAs and investing for beginnersRenting vs buyingIncome protection. You can follow Kia and Pennies to Pounds on Instagram and YouTube. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

October 20, 2025Episode 931 min

Level Up: Practical steps to accelerate your career

Sometimes staying within our comfort zone can be the thing holding us back. So how can we get clear about what we truly want out of our careers and take that next step? In this episode, Jordan discusses practical steps to accelerate your career with Oliver Haddock, founder of the Careers Edit, and Chloe Davidson, Branch Manager at Brook Street. They discuss: Setting short- and long-term goalsLearning the skills for your future role nowClimbing the corporate ladder vs. climbing your own ladderInternal and external networking techniquesHow to chase goals without burning out. You can follow the Careers Edit on Instagram and TikTok, and connect with Oliver Haddock and Chloe Davidson on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

October 6, 2025Episode 837 min

Destigmatising mental health in the workplace

There’s been much progress made in how we talk about mental health as a society. And yet, there’s still a stigma surrounding the ‘unsexy’ side of mental illness. When it comes to the workplace, how can we open up about our mental health in a way that makes us feel protected, authentic and empowered? To unpack this topic, Jordan is joined by Happiness Consultant, Zoe Mallett, and Zack Tucker, content creator @ocdestigmatize and Accounts Consultant. They discuss: The ‘unsexy’ side of mental illness, including OCDUnderstanding mental health beyond depression and anxietyMeaningful, practical ways employers and colleagues can create supportive cultures. You can follow Zoe on Instagram and check out her website, and Zack on Instagram or TikTok. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you! Trigger warning: Please note this conversation contains discussion of mental illness, including anxiety, depression and other potentially distressing experiences.

September 22, 2025Episode 734 min

How to build a personal brand

What does it mean to have a personal brand? Why should we have one, and how can we cultivate it? A personal brand is being known for something you're good at. It can mean standing out in crowded online spaces, but it’s also how people remember their interactions with you. To discuss meaningful personal brands in person and online, Jordan is joined by Hannah Power, a Personal Brand Coach and founder of Amplify, and Tiarni Goodall-Perry, Operations Manager (Public Sector) at Brook Street. They discuss: The power of combining your authenticity with a strategy Crafting an elevator pitch and leveraging online profiles The importance of relationship-building and networking You can connect with Hannah on LinkedIn or Instagram, and Tiarni on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

September 8, 2025Episode 632 min

The return to the office: Navigating today’s hybrid world

What’s the truth behind back-to-office mandates? And what do you need to consider if you’re starting a career in today’s hybrid working world? To tackle this heated topic, Jordan is joined by Shiyu Yuan, Research Assistant at King's Global Institute for Women's Leadership, and Clair Dartnell, Head of People & Culture at Brook Street. They discuss: The current landscape of office mandates and working models in the UKStrategies for younger workers to thrive in a hybrid work environmentHow to create your own benefits from office daysImportance of networking in person and online You can connect with Shiyu and Clair on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

August 26, 2025Episode 536 min

“AI took my job”: How to future-proof your career

Using AI at work shouldn’t be a secret. As the world adapts to AI, what does ethical use of AI at work look like? And is it going to replace our jobs? In this episode, we take a realistic look at how workers can use AI at work to improve efficiency, whilst highlighting the importance of maintaining our human edge. To shed light on the topic, Jordan is joined by AI and automation specialist Martyn Redstone, and Victoria Allwright, IT Services Director at Experis UK. You’ll learn: The dos and don’ts when it comes to using AI at workTips on improving efficiency and productivity with AIThe tasks that AI is likely to replace – and the human skills that are more important than ever. You can connect with Victoria and Martyn on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings – there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

August 11, 2025Episode 440 min

Finding your ‘why’: Exploring impact-driven careers

Is the concept of a ‘dream job’ a motivation, or can it sometimes be a hindrance to success and happiness? What does it mean to have an impact-driven career, and more importantly, how can we find one? In this episode, we’re exploring impact-driven careers and how to find your ‘why’ in your work. Host Jordan is joined by Career Coach Caroline Hickey, and Mike Bernhardt, Business Centre Manager at Brook Street Social Care, to share their own career journeys and how they’ve found meaningful work. You’ll learn: How your 'why' can change over timeThe importance of recognising and leveraging individual strengthsHow to align your careers with personal values and goals. You can find Caroline on TikTok and on her website, and you can connect with Mike on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

July 28, 2025Episode 335 min

Overcoming imposter syndrome: Mindset shifts and mentorship

In today’s episode, we dive into imposter syndrome - what is it, how it holds people back and practical ways to overcome it. Host Jordan is joined by career change and growth coach Sarah Burrows, and Megan Corless, Head of People and Culture at Manpower, to explore how labelling yourself with imposter syndrome might be limiting your potential. You’ll learn: How to reframe your mindset and build confidenceThe role of mentors in overcoming self-doubtWhy stepping outside your comfort zone is key to personal and professional growth. Whether you're navigating a career transition, aiming for a promotion or simply feeling stuck, this episode offers actionable insights to help you break free from imposter syndrome and thrive. You can find Sarah Burrows on Instagram and LinkedIn, and Megan Corless on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

July 14, 2025Episode 230 min

Office Unfiltered: From toxic bosses to quiet quitting

Our relationship to the workplace is evolving - fast. From post-pandemic burnout, to seeing the possibilities of flexible or hybrid working on social media, we’re reshaping how we think about careers and are expecting more from the employee-employer relationship than ever before. In this episode, Jordan is joined by HR Consultant Kelly Smallcombe to unpack the reality of the modern workplace - from toxic bosses to the growing ‘quiet quitting’ trend, how do we navigate office politics in 2025? You can find Kelly Smallcombe on TikTok. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

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