PeopleFirst: The Young Careers Podcast

Hosted by Brook Street

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Aug 2026

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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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29 recent

August 10, 2026Episode 332 min

Is the Junior Job Market Dead?

Is the entry-level job market truly collapsing? Or are we just looking at the early career landscape all wrong? In this episode, Jordan and his guests examine the current state of the graduate and early career job market. From the surge of AI-generated applications to the power of stepping-stone roles, they reflect on what it takes for junior candidates to stand out today. Jordan is joined by Paul Porter from Bright Network, and Dionne Jackson, Intelligence Consultant at ManpowerGroup. They discuss: The reality of early career hiring vs media doom and gloom The broken social contract between job seekers and employers Why hospitality, retail, and temporary work build crucial soft skills Disconnects between university curriculums and future workplace needs Re-engaging the UK's 1 million NEET population Navigating potential barriers like proposed social media bans You can sign up for Bright Network − an early careers platform helping students and graduates launch their careers − for free online and follow Paul Porter 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 27, 2026Episode 233 min

Should a job match your personality?

Should we choose a career based on our personality? Or do we risk putting ourselves into a box? In this episode, Jordan and his guests discuss the concept of matching personality types with careers. From the traits that naturally suit certain roles, to work personas, they reflect on the importance of knowing yourself deeply to help you thrive at work. Jordan is joined by Tom Keighley, CEO of the job-matching platform, Urfuture, and Toni-Marie Birtle, Talent Acquisition Executive at ManpowerGroup. They discuss: Do our jobs reflect our personality types? Introversion v.s. extroversion and the danger of labels Having a work persona The importance of knowing yourself Self-selecting yourself out of opportunities Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone You can follow Urfuture on TikTok and download the app on IOS and Android. And you can do the same personality test we did here. 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 13, 2026Episode 129 min

Thriving in Corporate When You’re Not A Corporate Person

Ever worry you don’t quite fit into the corporate world? How can you thrive in corporate settings, whilst staying true to yourself? In this episode, Jordan tackles the idea of being a corporate person, what it takes to succeed in these settings, and dispel some myths about working in large corporations. He is joined by Shola West, Brand & Cultural Strategist, and Grace Foulkes, Team Manager in Associate Care Public Sector at Brook Street. They discuss: What does it mean to be a ‘corporate person’ The hidden rules in corporate culture Having a ‘work self’ Building a name for yourself when you don’t fit the typical mould How corporate culture has changed for the better Advice to their younger self You can find Shola on TikTok, LinkedIn and Instagram.

July 6, 20260 min

Season 3 Coming Soon

PeopleFirst is back in your ears this Summer. Join Jordan Spry as he speaks to exceptional guests about the hottest topics from the modern workplace. We’re covering it all this season; from graduate jobs and apprenticeships, to thriving in corporate settings, and looking at what skills you’ll need for the jobs of the future. Make sure you’re subscribed to PeopleFirst: The Young Careers Podcast, wherever you get yours.

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 work How to consume content mindfully Getting clarity on your goals The 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 mindset Common money mistakes Best accounts for savings Stocks & Shares ISAs and investing for beginners Renting vs buying Income 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 goals Learning the skills for your future role now Climbing the corporate ladder vs. climbing your own ladder Internal and external networking techniques How 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 OCD Understanding mental health beyond depression and anxiety Meaningful, 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 UK Strategies for younger workers to thrive in a hybrid work environment How to create your own benefits from office days Importance 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!

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