How To Become A...

How To Become A... Ethical Queer Brand Owner

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:01:00 GMT

What does it really mean to be an ethical queer brand owner?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Adam, founder of Rainbow & Co, to talk about building an LGBTQIA+ apparel and accessories brand that puts community, representation and integrity first.

From studying graphic design and advertising to running a business from his apartment, Adam shares how personal experience, creative instinct and a strong moral compass led him to create queer merch that actually reflects the full community, not just the parts that are most visible.

Adam shares:

Why he always wanted to do something creative
How studying graphic design, media and advertising shaped his path
Why university was harder than expected as an autistic person
How early side hustles on Etsy gave him his first taste of selling online
What he learned from working for a luxury leather jacket brand
Why burnout pushed him to leave full-time employment
How an autism diagnosis helped him understand his working style
Why he started Rainbow & Co after noticing a gap in Pride merch
How he taught himself to build a website, design products and run the business
Why trans, lesbian and bi-focused products became so important to customers
How he turned a pocket guide into one of the brand’s bestsellers
Why subtle queer design can matter just as much as bold statements
What “rainbow washing” means and why he refuses to do it
How Access to Work and support workers helped him build a sustainable business
What it means to grow slowly, ethically and on your own terms
He also opens up about:
Masking, burnout and late diagnosis
Working from home while others do 9–5 jobs
Why he wants to hire based on values, not just experience
Creating a business culture that reflects the ethics of the brand
Why queer-owned businesses matter in Pride season and beyond

If you’re interested in:

Queer-owned businesses
Ethical branding
Pride merch
Small business journeys
Autistic entrepreneurs
Creative careers
LGBTQIA+ representation

This episode is for you.

Visit his business here: https://rainbowandco.uk/

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To Become A... Founder of a Plant Based Food Company

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Grace sits down with Paul, founder of BOL Foods, a leading plant-based, nutrition-focused food brand.

Paul’s journey is anything but traditional. From dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, to working on a game reserve in South Africa, to breaking bones as a snowboard instructor… his path zig-zagged before leading him into the world of food.

After 14 years helping scale Innocent Drinks, Paul took a leap into entrepreneurship, building BOL into a brand focused on making healthy, convenient food accessible to everyone.

We talk about:

Taking unconventional career paths (and why they matter)
What working at Innocent Drinks taught him about business
How BOL Foods was born from a real gap in the market
The realities of launching and scaling food products
Why most ideas don’t work, and why that’s okay
Building a strong team and company culture
The importance of passion in business

✨ “If you don’t truly care about what you’re building, it’s very hard to get through the tough times.”

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in startups, food & drink, or building a purpose-driven brand.

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How To Become A... Gifts and Homeware Brand

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Grace sits down with Nina, the creative behind Nina Bombina, a colourful gifts and homeware brand known for its joyful, dopamine-filled designs.

From always wanting to be an artist, to navigating photography, marketing jobs, and eventually building a thriving product-based business. Nina shares the honest, winding journey behind her brand.

We talk about:

Starting a creative business during lockdown
Turning designs into real, sellable products
Selling at markets vs online (and why markets win for her)
Getting stocked, featured, and discovered
Balancing creativity with making a living
The reality of running a physical product business

This episode is packed with insight for anyone dreaming of building a creative brand or wondering if there’s space for them in a competitive industry (spoiler: there is).

✨ “I thought it wouldn’t go anywhere… but I proved myself wrong.”

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To Become A... Glastonbury Stage Programmer

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT

What does a Glastonbury stage manager actually do?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Dan, the programmer and venue manager behind the Rum Shack at Glastonbury, to unpack what it really means to run a late-night festival stage, scout emerging talent, and build community-focused programmes that change lives.

From MCing and MySpace hustle, to founding Lyrix Organix and being invited to run the Rum Shack stage at Glastonbury (first asked in 2013), Dan’s path is full of detours, practical hustle and intentional values.

Dan shares:

Why he fell into the music scene at university
How temp jobs (Transport for London) helped him develop real-world admin & people skills
Starting Lyrix Organix and early nights that helped launch artists (Ed Sheeran among them)
How he programs 60+ artists across five days and maps the arc of a festival night
Why he programs outside the mainstream agent-driven model
Scouting talent before they’re “hot”: the Koji Radical example
The logistics puzzle of limited Glastonbury tickets and sharing bands across stages
Building, rotating and mentoring a backstage team (many are former students)
Creating Levelling the Field: a trainee programme for deaf & disabled festival workers
Turning festival accessibility into paid, transferable work across other events
Practical advice: “Start anywhere, follow it everywhere”

He also opens up about:

Imposter syndrome (and why it doesn’t stop him)
Balancing values with the practical workload of running a stage
Why rotating crews and artists matters for inclusion and freshness
How youth development and long-term scouting create career pipelines
The emotional side of programming, visualising how a night will flow

If you’re interested in:

Festival production & stage management
Live music programming & artist scouting
Careers in events, youth development or accessibility
How to launch creative initiatives that scale across festivals

This episode is for you.

Resources:

https://lyrixorganix.co.uk/

https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/areas/the-common/levelling-the-field/

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How To Become A... DJ + Photographer

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:01:00 GMT

In this episode of How To Become A, Grace sits down with multi-hyphen creative Timi to uncover how he built a career as both a film photographer and DJ, without following a traditional path.

From shooting campaigns and newspaper features to DJing in front of 80,000 people at Twickenham Stadium, Timi shares how networking, authenticity, and genuinely loving what you do can open unexpected doors.

We dive into:

How he turned a disposable camera into paid photography work
Shooting England rugby captain Maro Itoje for The Times
Photographing Emma Raducanu for Vodafone
Becoming a resident DJ for Saracens and performing at major stadiums
Why having a unique style matters more than formal training
How to price yourself as a creative
The power of putting your work out there

Timmy’s journey proves you don’t need one fixed dream, just passion, consistency, and the courage to ask.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn creativity into a career, this episode is for you.

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How To Become A... Post Production Co-ordinator

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

What actually happens after filming wraps?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Holly to explore the world of post production, the part of film and television that shapes the final story you see on screen.

From editing and sound design to ADR (Additional Dialogue Recording), grading, music, and delivering shows to Netflix, Amazon and Apple TV. Holly shares what it really means to be a Post Production Coordinator.

We talk about:

• Growing up wanting to be an actor

• Musical theatre and auditioning for drama school

• Rejection and losing her agent

• Working in restaurants while chasing creative dreams

• Hitting rock bottom in 2019

• Therapy and rebuilding confidence

• Falling into post production unexpectedly

• Working in Soho — the UK’s post production hub

• What ADR actually is

• How editing changes a storyline

• The magic of music and score

• Freelance life in film and TV

• Long contracts vs downtime between projects

Holly also shares:

• Why being organised is everything

• How to break into the industry without connections

• The reality of working on Apple TV, Amazon & Netflix productions

• Why post is where the magic really happens

If you’ve ever wondered how a script becomes the show you binge, this episode reveals the hidden world behind the edit.

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How To Become A... Head Chef

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

What does it really take to become a head chef?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Andy — Head Chef at ROVI (part of the Ottolenghi group), to unpack the real journey behind running a high-performing kitchen.

From growing up in a hospitality family (with a dad who owned nightclubs and restaurants) to working his way up through kitchens in Australia and London, Andy shares the truth about the industry — the highs, the burnout, the pirate-ship energy of kitchen culture, and the leadership skills no one talks about.

We cover:

Starting out in a family restaurant
Culinary school vs on-the-job training
Moving from Australia to London without a job lined up
Working your way from chef de partie to sous chef to head chef
What being a head chef actually involves (hint: it’s not just cooking)
Managing big teams under pressure
Menu development, seasonal produce & working with a kitchen garden
Cooking for 200+ guests in Sicily & Ibiza
The harsh realities of the hospitality industry
Why supporting independent restaurants matters

Andy also shares the mindset you need to survive in kitchens:

✔️ Work ethic

✔️ Resilience

✔️ Thick skin

✔️ Passion for food

✔️ Leadership under pressure

If you’ve ever dreamed of running a kitchen, opening a restaurant, or just want to understand what happens behind the pass, this episode is for you.

Resources:

https://ottolenghi.co.uk/pages/locations/rovi

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How To Become A... Entrepreneur in the Education Sector

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

How do you turn years in the classroom into a business that actually helps kids?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace talks with Ramita, a former middle-years teacher who founded Elevate, a curriculum and mentoring platform that supports pre-teens (especially girls) with resilience, confidence and social skills.

Ramita walks us through:

Her original path (pre-med → genetics → a life-changing volunteer teaching stint)
Why she loved teaching and why teacher burnout is real
The moment she decided to build something outside school: designing an 8-week curriculum for tweens
How Elevate launched in Singapore, then pivoted online during COVID to reach kids worldwide
What the Elevate workshops and school programmes actually cover (resilience, social skills, transition support, online wellbeing)
How she built the Elevate Festival, turning curriculum pillars into hands-on experiences for girls
Business realities: juggling teaching + entrepreneurship, finding funding/customers, and dealing with feedback
Practical advice for educators who want to start a venture: test ideas, lean on your network, iterate, and accept that “failure” teaches you the next move

Resources:

https://www.elevate-ra.com/

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How To Become A... Fashion Designer

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:01:00 GMT

What does it really take to become a fashion designer?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Alethea, a designer at Next, to break down the reality of working in fashion, from high street accessories to predicting next year’s trends.

From growing up on a council estate with dreams of becoming a designer, to working for Vivienne Westwood, to designing pieces you’ve probably seen on the high street, Alethea’s journey proves there’s no single route into fashion.

Alethea shares:

Always knowing she wanted to be a fashion designer
The teacher who helped map out her path
Studying fashion at university and foundation year
Working for Vivienne Westwood and Lulu Guinness
Why she moved from designer brands to the high street
How fashion really makes money
The difference between designer labels and commercial fashion
What it’s like seeing your designs out in the real world
The pressure of development trips to factories
How trends are actually predicted
Why macro trends (like politics and economics) shape what we wear
Navigating feedback and rejection in creative roles
The realities of working in fashion production

She also opens up about:

Why you don’t need to be “fashion crazy” to work in fashion
How to break into the industry without connections
Why you should make your mistakes working for someone else
The importance of developing thick skin
Why creativity and commercial awareness must work together

If you’re interested in:

Becoming a fashion designer
Working in high street fashion
Trend forecasting
Creative careers
How to get into the fashion industry
Commercial design roles

This episode is for you.

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How To Become A... Brand Manager of the Marriott Hotels

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

What does a Brand Manager at Marriott actually do?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Kel to unpack what it really means to shape, launch and scale hotel brands across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

From moving countries as a teenager, to working front-of-house in a five-star London hotel, to landing a graduate role at Marriott, Kel’s journey proves that brand leadership isn’t about advertising alone. It’s about building the full guest experience.

Kel shares:

Why he originally wanted to work in social services
Moving to the UK at 15 and navigating cultural change
Studying Business & Hospitality at university
Why working in hotel operations was essential
The importance of emotional intelligence in hospitality
How he discovered brand management through a VP coffee chat
Completing a Master’s in Advertising & Marketing
Landing Marriott’s graduate programme
Navigating redundancy during COVID
Rebuilding her career internationally
Moving back to London for a second chance
Launching new hotel brands across EMEA
What brand management actually means (and how it differs from marketing)

She also opens up about:

Cultural differences between working in Asia and Europe
The hierarchy of hotel operations
Influencing stakeholders in corporate environments
Balancing ambition and personal life
Taking leaps of faith in your career

If you’re interested in:

Hospitality careers
Working for Marriott
Brand management roles
Corporate marketing
International careers
Travel and tourism jobs

This episode is for you.

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How To Become A... Founder of a Cinematic Dining Experience

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:01:00 GMT

What happens when your two obsessions, movies and food, become a business?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace talks to Amy, the founder of Taste Film, about building a cinematic dining concept that pairs full film screenings with menus inspired by the movies. From the seed idea in 2017 to pop-ups, COVID pivots, viral growth, and expansion into new cities. Amy walks us through the messy, thrilling reality of turning nostalgia into a scalable hospitality experience.

They discuss:

• The moment the idea came to life (Goodfellas + garlic = epiphany).

• Moving from TV runner → college teacher → entrepreneur.

• Prototyping: pop-ups, borrowing friends, borrowing kitchens, and buying a projector.

• Keeping the brand alive during COVID (Taste Film at Home, cook-alongs, delivery boxes).

• Operational lessons: menu development, working with venue chefs, and protecting the guest experience.

• Growth pains: viral moments, hiring too fast, learning finance, and building a team.

• Expansion strategy: Manchester, Edinburgh, B2B / studio premieres, and international options.

• Practical tradeoffs: safety nets, part-time vs all-in, funding risk, and the emotional cost of scaling.

Amy also shares honest entrepreneurial advice: start small, learn event ops, know your numbers, protect the product, and lean on people who believe in you.

Resources:

Taste Film: https://tastefilm.co.uk/

The book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/entrepreneur-revolution/daniel-priestley/9780857089731

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How To Become A... Sports Agent & Agency Owner

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:01:00 GMT

What does it really take to become a sports agent and eventually run your own agency?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Stefan, sports agent to Chris Eubank Jr. and co-founder of YRDS, to break down the real path into athlete representation and sports business.

From internships and Olympic volunteering to the Premier League and launching a boutique sport & entertainment agency — this is a conversation about hustle, relationships, and long-term strategy.

Stefan shares:

• Growing up internationally and how that shaped his career

• Getting his break through the London 2012 Olympics

• Working at the Premier League for 10 years

• How he started representing Chris Eubank Jr.

• What a sports agent actually does day-to-day

• Negotiating brand partnerships & sponsorship deals

• Why relationship-building is everything

• Co-founding YRDS and building a boutique agency

• Working with premium fashion brands

• Representing talent beyond sport — including an astronaut

He also talks about:

• The pressure behind major fights and global events

• The long process behind landing big brand deals

• Why boutique agencies can outperform big corporations

• Expanding internationally (Middle East & LA)

• The importance of internships and real-world experience

If you’ve ever wondered what happens outside the ring or how athletes secure life-changing opportunities, this episode reveals the reality behind the headlines.

Resources:

YRDS: https://yrds.com/

Co-founders: @jonoyatess @danieljamesunderwood @stefanwesson

LOCOG: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Organising_Committee_of_the_Olympic_and_Paralympic_Games

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How To Become A... Freelance Photographer

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:01:00 GMT

What does it actually take to become a freelance photographer?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Grace to unpack the honest, behind-the-scenes reality of turning photography from a hobby into a career.

From unpaid internships and temp jobs to shooting for major brands and launching her own agency, this is a transparent conversation about the creative highs and the financial realities of freelance life.

Grace shares:

• Starting with GCSE photography and finding her creative spark

• Why internships matter in creative industries

• Working corporate and knowing when it’s not for you

• Taking the leap into freelance (and saving before you do)

• The reality of inconsistent income

• Why pricing conversations in photography are so important

• Building two brands: personal fashion work vs. event photography

• Securing sponsorships and flying abroad for shoots

• The importance of community in creative industries

She also opens up about:

• Being diagnosed with autism and how that shaped her work style

• Stress in corporate environments

• Why routine matters, even as a freelancer

• Picking up part-time work during quieter seasons

• Setting realistic goals instead of rigid five-year plans

If you’ve ever wondered how photographers actually make money, this episode is for you.

Please note: I had to silence the amount paid for the Converse job as this is under NDA - apologies for the tease!

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How To Become A... Music Creative

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:01:00 GMT

What does it actually mean to be a “music creative”?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Toby to unpack the unconventional, multi-layered path of building a career in music — without fitting into one box.

From performing and writing his own music to running a studio, directing visuals, programming festival stages, and founding Sounds Queer to platform emerging queer artists, Toby shares how music has been the thread running through everything he does.

In this episode, we cover:

Wanting to be a performer from childhood
Studying Media & Cultural Studies
Why grad schemes didn’t feel right
Working retail while building music
The moment that changed everything
Taking the leap into freelance life
Building State Is Flow studio
Starting Sounds Queer
Programming stages at Mighty Hoopla
Performing at Glastonbury
Creating safe spaces for emerging queer artists
Why community matters more than contacts

We also talk about:

The myth of “overnight success”
Pivoting when something stops working
Building resilience in creative careers
Imposter syndrome in music
Following gut instinct
Making space for joy in your work

If you’re dreaming of working in music, as an artist, programmer, producer, curator, or creative, this episode is an honest look at how nonlinear, messy and beautiful that journey can be.

@tobycortonmusic

@soundsqueerhq

@stateisflow

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How To Become A... CEO of a Global Interior Design Business

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:01:00 GMT

What does it actually take to become the CEO of a global interior design business?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Penny, founder and CEO of Siren, about her 20-year journey from young interior design graduate in Sydney to leading studios across Australia, Singapore and London.

This is not just about beautiful spaces.

It’s about building a business from scratch, scaling internationally, taking risks, managing teams, and balancing motherhood with leadership.

In this episode, we cover:

Knowing from a young age she wanted to be an interior designer
Getting into university by one exact mark
Hustling for her first internship
Launching Siren and winning Yahoo7 as an early breakthrough project
What “design and build” actually means
The five key stages of a commercial interior design project
Growing a studio organically
Moving to Singapore and starting again from scratch
Building trusted leadership teams across continents
Launching Siren London
The realities of running a global creative business

We also talk about:

Networking in competitive industries
Starting a business in your twenties
Not paying yourself in the early years
Having children while scaling internationally
Leading with confidence and resilience
Why there’s never a “right time” to take a leap

If you’re interested in interior design, creative entrepreneurship, or building a global business from nothing, this episode is full of practical insight and honest reflection.

@sloane_penny

@sirendesign

Business: https://sirendesign.co.uk/

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How To Become A... Social Media Supervisor

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:01:00 GMT

What does a Social Media Supervisor actually do?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Sammie to unpack what it really takes to manage major entertainment brand accounts, from internships and unpaid placements to working on Spider-Man campaigns and running social for Disney+.

This is the honest, behind-the-scenes reality of working in digital entertainment.

We cover:

Wanting to be a presenter (Big Cats in South Africa!)
Studying English & Drama
Breaking into media through internships
Working at Penguin Random House
PR internships and discovering what wasn’t right
Starting in university digital marketing
Breaking into Universal Pictures
Moving through Sky, Sony, and Disney
What a Social Media Supervisor actually does day-to-day
Organic vs paid social
Building brand voice online
Working on Spider-Man: No Way Home
Managing fan communities
Navigating fast-paced digital teams
Career progression in entertainment

We also talk about:

Imposter syndrome
Moving companies strategically
Fixed-term contracts vs permanent roles
Women in media
Balancing ambition with future family plans
When to take risks in your career

If you’re curious about working in social media, entertainment marketing, or digital brand strategy, this episode gives you a real-world look at how to get in, grow, and thrive.

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

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How To Become A... Breathwork Coach

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What if the most powerful tool for managing stress, performance, and emotional resilience was something you’re already doing 23,000 times a day?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Danny about his journey from corporate finance and semi-professional football to becoming a breathwork coach.

This isn’t just about wellness trends. It’s about resilience, identity shifts, and discovering how something as simple as breathing can change the way you handle pressure, anxiety, and performance.

In this episode, we cover:

Danny’s early ambition to become a professional footballer
Studying chemical engineering and moving into finance
Corporate life in financial markets
Career crossroads and losing a sporting identity
Taking a year out to travel
Discovering breathwork in South Africa
The moment breathwork changed everything
What breathwork actually is (and what it isn’t)
The science behind breathing and the nervous system
Transitioning from corporate to coaching
Building confidence in a “woo-woo” wellness space
Making breathwork accessible and relatable

We also talk about:

Imposter syndrome
Resilience through injury and career change
The mind-body connection
Using breath to regulate stress
How breathwork can improve performance and mental clarity

If you’re curious about breathwork, personal growth, nervous system regulation, or building a purpose-driven career, this episode is for you.

@thebreathworkbreddah

Breathwork song:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5MPosF8tzkEwgDGgcr83ZN?si=Sl3i3fGGRxi7cKKc8M_nRA

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How To Become A... Industry Lead in Digital

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What does an Industry Lead in Digital actually do?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Doulla, a former Industry Lead at Reddit, about building a career in digital from non-linear beginnings, leading sales & industry teams, and finding purpose beyond titles.

Doulla shares:

Her zig-zag career path: mature student → Nielsen → London 2012 Olympics → Facebook → Reddit
How she turned lived challenges (dyslexia, single parenthood) into career fuel
What an industry lead actually owns: vertical strategy, team coaching, and client outcomes
Stories from building audience & advertiser trust on new platforms
Practical hiring & mentorship tips for early- and mid-career digital professionals
How to move from client-service to platform strategy

They also open up about:

Reclaiming purpose after serious illness and career crossroads
Why theatre, community and curiosity matter to digital leadership
The emotional labour of leading teams through fast change

If you want a career that combines commercial impact with human connection, press play.

👇 Who do you want to reach with your digital work?

@doullacroft

Referenced in the ep:

FMCG: fast moving consumer goods

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How To Become A... Sustainability Entrepreneur

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 23:00:00 GMT

What does a sustainability entrepreneur actually do?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace talks to James, co-founder of waste design studio Are You Mad, about turning waste into paychecks, pop-ups and products. James shares how he moved from the fashion/music world into building a studio that makes acoustic panels, shop fittings and funky shoe-risers out of local waste, runs community workshops, and gets brands to pay for creative reuse.

James shares:

How he went from warehouse kid to founder of a waste design studio
Why creativity (not guilt) is the key to changing behaviour
How to prototype: shredders, small presses, molds and quick pop-ups
The real business model: brands pay for narrative, not just impact
Practical ways to start: waste audits, local partners, and pilot projects
Hiring makers & paying London Living Wage for collection/sorting roles
The tricky bits: factory risk, contamination, and scaling real products

He also opens up about:

Starting Are You Mad during / after COVID and why timing mattered
Using industry relationships to get pilots and partners
Why “selling rubbish” can actually pay the bills (if you package it right)
The limits of scaling and why local loops matter

If you want to launch an impact business that actually pays, this episode gives you design-led tactics, fundraising realities, and the messy creativity you’ll need to survive.

Resources:

Are You Mad website: https://www.areyoumad.co/

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How To Become A... Associate Project Director for a Construction Group

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What does an Associate Project Director actually do on a huge London build?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks with Tom, an Associate Project Director at Mace, about the day-to-day reality of delivering multi-year, multi-million-pound projects in the city. Expect cranes, late-night problem solving, and the tiny decisions that keep thousands of people safe.

Tom shares:

How he got into construction (from childhood diggers to a Mace grad scheme)
Why on-site experience matters more than you think
What an Associate Project Director actually does vs. site manager / project manager
The crazy logistics behind crane lifts, road closures and working over live railways
Managing hundreds of workers and dozens of subcontractors
Dealing with late materials, contractual headaches and keeping the program on track
The human side: keeping people safe, motivated and coming home each day
Career advice for anyone who wants to move from boots on site to the boardroom

If you like big challenges, hands-on problem solving, and seeing physical results from your work, this episode will make you look at building sites in a whole new way.

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How To Become A... Owner of a Mental Health Company

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT

How do you build a mental health service that actually reaches children and young people and survives as a business?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace talks to Ami, founder of London Young Counselling, about creating a school-based mental health company from scratch. Ami explains how she turned temp admin jobs and a single idea into a service that places trained counsellors on school sites, making help easier to access for pupils.

Ami shares:

How she discovered the need while temping in schools
Why putting counselling in schools changes access and outcomes
The first practical steps she took: research, a name, a website and one school
How she recruited, vetted and trained counsellors for work with children
Clinical safeguards: therapy experience, supervision and limits on face-to-face hours
Funding & early costs (small start-up spend, family support, slow growth)
Growing from one placement to multiple schools — and the moment she realised she needed to hire staff
Crisis moments (COVID, rising demand) and how the service scaled post-pandemic
The emotional toll of working with vulnerable young people — and why self-care and supervision matter
Practical advice for anyone wanting to start a youth mental health service

If you care about access, safety and building a values-led business, this episode gives a grounded, compassionate road-map for getting started.

We cover:

starting small and testing demand
clinical and safeguarding necessities for school work
how to hire and trust the right counsellors
balancing founder life, finances and emotional load

Resources:

https://www.londonyoungcounselling.com/

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How To Become A... Leader in Recruitment

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:47:17 GMT

What does it really mean to lead in recruitment?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Joe to unpack the journey from trainee consultant to billing leader, managing a high-performing team while still generating revenue yourself.

Joe explains what a “billing leader” actually is, why recruitment gets a bad reputation, and what it takes to build a sustainable career in one of the most competitive industries out there.

We cover:

What a billing leader does day-to-day
The difference between hands-on and hands-off leadership
Starting out as a trainee consultant
Facing seven rejections before landing the right role
Cold calling, KPIs, and the grind of early recruitment life
Building your first client base from scratch
The reality of commission and targets
Why mindset matters more than market conditions
Managing performance dips and rejection
Transitioning from biller to team leader

Joe also opens up about:

The culture shift between UK and US recruitment
Why recruitment has a “bad rep” — and what’s changing
Supporting junior consultants through tough months
The importance of flexibility and work-life balance
How AI is reshaping the future of recruitment

If you’re curious about recruitment, or wondering how to step up into leadership, this episode is a transparent look at the pressure, progression, and potential in the industry.

@jwoodlowe

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How To Become A... Large Format Illustrator

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What does it take to turn a hand-drawn sketch into a 50-foot mural?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Chanel Dehond, large-format illustrator, trained architect, and global creative director, to explore how art can scale from personal projects to public landmarks.

From illustrating children’s books at nine years old to designing massive Manhattan maps for Metropolis and ArchDaily, Chanel shares how saying “yes” to one opportunity launched an international mural career.

Chanel shares:

How she transitioned from architecture into large-format illustration
The difference between illustration and fine art
Why she prefers hand-drawn raster work over clean vector graphics
How she landed her first major commission
The reality of pricing and fabricating large-scale murals
Working with corporate brands and translating identity into space
Balancing a full-time creative leadership role with freelance illustration
How motherhood reshaped her creative lens

She also opens up about:

Imposter syndrome in creative industries
The importance of community and collaboration
The power of networking moments
Why “meeting people is my peanut butter and collaboration is my jelly”
How greeting cards can be your first step into a creative career

If you’ve ever wanted your art to live beyond the page, on walls, in offices, or in cities, this episode shows you how to start thinking bigger.

Because illustration isn’t just about drawing.

It’s about storytelling, scale, and the courage to put your work out into the world.

@chaneldehond

Resources:

Chanel's Website

https://chaneldehond.com/

brandx

https://hlwbrandx.com/

Metropolis Magazine:

https://metropolismag.com/

Arch Daily:

https://www.archdaily.com/

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How To Become A... Personal Trainer & Online Coach

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What does it really take to become a personal trainer and turn it into a thriving online coaching business?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Mark to explore how he transitioned from corporate sales into fitness and built a career training clients in London and across the world.

From qualifying as a tennis coach at 16, to becoming a scuba dive master in Australia, to grinding through early morning gym classes before heading into the office, this episode is a masterclass in taking the leap strategically.

We cover:

How to become a qualified personal trainer
Making the shift from corporate to fitness
Building clients through word of mouth
Growing from gym classes to freelance PT
The difference between in-person and online coaching
Pricing your services and scaling sustainably
Managing burnout and long hours
The mindset required to coach others
Why coaching is about people, not just fitness

This is an honest look at what it takes to build a career in fitness and why it’s about empathy, discipline, and consistency far more than six-packs.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your love of training into a career, this episode will show you what it really involves.

Mark Thomson

@markwthomson

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How To Become A... Film Producer

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What does a film producer actually do?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Ollie to unpack the true role of a producer, the “glue” of a film production and the person who is first in and last out of every project.

From raising finance and optioning rights, to hiring directors and cast, solving crises on set, navigating contracts, and fighting to get films distributed, this is a brutally honest look at what it takes to survive in independent filmmaking.

Ollie shares:

How he broke into the film industry
Starting at the bottom (making tea & coffee on set)
Why producing isn’t glamorous
The reality of unpaid development work
Raising finance & working with investors
Building a production company
Producing BAFTA-nominated films
The emotional highs of film festivals
The harsh economics of indie film

He also opens up about:

Career crossroads
Walking away from “safe” jobs
The pressure of supporting a family
Why resilience matters more than talent

If you’ve ever dreamed of making movies — this episode reveals the truth behind the curtain.

Oliver Roskill

@oliverroskill

Resources:

Producers Anonymous

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How To Become A... Chief Officer of a Super Yacht

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What does it really take to become Chief Officer on a super yacht?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Theo to uncover what life is truly like working in the luxury yachting industry, beyond the glamour.

From knocking on yacht doors with a stack of CVs (“dockwalking”) to navigating storms, managing crew, handling onboard emergencies, and preparing to step into his first Chief Officer role. Theo shares the full, unfiltered journey.

We cover:

What a Chief Officer actually does
The path from deckhand to officer
Maritime qualifications & sea time required
Life onboard super yachts
Working with ultra-high-net-worth clients
Crew dynamics & hierarchy at sea
Handling emergencies offshore
The realities of 18-hour days
Rotation life (2 months on / 2 months off)
The truth about “Wolf of Wall Street” yacht storms

This episode breaks the illusion that yachting is just luxury travel and champagne. It’s responsibility, resilience, leadership and serious hard work.

If you’ve ever wondered how someone ends up running a multi-million-pound vessel at sea, this episode is your inside look.

Theo

@brontie10

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How To Become A... Fashion Entrepreneur (Without Quitting the Day Job)

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What if your wardrobe could fund your future?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Jess, founder of Jess With Dresses, to explore how you can build a fashion business without quitting your 9–5.

Jess works full-time in marketing for a global spirits company, but alongside it she’s built a sustainable fashion rental and resale business that empowers women to turn their wardrobes into income-generating assets.

But this episode is about more than fashion.

Jess shares how surviving stage 3 cervical cancer during lockdown reshaped her perspective, how fashion became her armour during treatment, and how she built a business rooted in sustainability, community and financial empowerment.

We cover:

Starting a fashion rental business with zero upfront investment
Turning clothes into income-generating assets
Sustainable fashion & circular wardrobes
Applying corporate marketing skills to a side hustle
Building community around style
Balancing a full-time career with entrepreneurship
Why you don’t always need to quit your job
Financial confidence & closing the women’s investment gap
Creating legacy through business

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, identity, and redefining what entrepreneurship looks like.

Jess Templeton

@jesswithdresses

Resources

Hurr Collection

https://www.hurrcollective.com/

By Rotation

https://byrotation.com/

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How To Become A... Tailor

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What does it really take to become a tailor and can you turn a centuries-old craft into a modern global business?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Robin to unpack the world of tailoring - from Savile Row to scaling a tech-enabled tailoring platform across 10 countries.

Born into a family tailoring business in Belgium, Robin didn’t always plan to follow in his father’s footsteps. But after moving to London, working at Gieves & Hawkes on Savile Row, and eventually launching his own company, he’s now redefining what tailoring looks like for a new generation.

We cover:

What a tailor actually does (it’s more than sewing)
The difference between alterations, made-to-measure & bespoke
Working on Savile Row
Traveling the world as a private tailor
Launching a tailoring tech platform (BTI)
Scaling to 85+ tailors across 10 countries
Building a business as a young father
Setting boundaries while running your own company
Why tailoring shouldn’t only be “luxury”

This episode is about craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and building something with your hands and your heart.

Robin Vindevogel

@robinhoen

@wearebti

@1956fdb

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How To Become A... Culinary and Marketing Director

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What happens when you combine chef training, startup marketing, nutrition, wine, and a little bit of chaos?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Clem, Culinary and Marketing Director of The Salad Project, to unpack one of the most unexpected (and inspiring) career journeys yet.

From almost becoming an endocrinologist, to studying Art History at Oxford, to passing out in a consulting maths test, to working in high-pressure agency life, to quitting it all and retraining as a chef in Ireland - Clem’s path is anything but linear.

Now leading both product and brand for one of London’s fastest-growing food businesses (8 sites and counting), she shares how creativity, strategy, and resilience collided to create her dream role.

We cover:

What a Culinary & Marketing Director actually does
Building a food brand from day one
Designing menus, supply chains & kitchen operations
Growing a startup from 1 site to 8
Surviving agency burnout
Quitting a “safe” career to retrain as a chef
Launching a wine club to empower women
Writing a cookbook while working full-time
Turning imposter syndrome into momentum

This is a conversation about big pivots, betting on yourself, and building your luck.

If you’ve ever felt like your career makes no sense, this episode proves that sometimes the messiest paths make the most exciting destinations.

Clem Haxby

@clementines_kitchen

Resources:

The Salad Project

https://www.saladproject.co.uk/

Ballymaloe Cooking School

https://www.ballymaloe.com/

Vinomenal Wine Club

@vinomenal_wineclub

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How To Become A... Script Editor

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What does a script editor actually do and how do you break into one of the most competitive industries in the world?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Liz to unpack the real role of a script editor, from being a writer’s biggest hype person to managing story crises on set.

Liz shares her journey from studying Religious Studies at university to landing a traineeship at EastEnders, becoming a permanent script editor, and later stepping into freelance life working on major productions like Grantchester and SAS: Rogue Heroes.

We cover:

What a script editor actually does day-to-day
Supporting writers while protecting story integrity
Breaking into TV without a creative degree
The power of networking (especially during COVID)
Moving from staff to freelance
The realities of working in a competitive industry
Balancing ambition with humility
The emotional resilience needed in creative roles
Why being “nice” is a serious career strategy

This is an honest conversation about graft, vulnerability, storytelling, and waiting for your moment, while building the skills in the meantime.

If you’ve ever dreamed of working in television but didn’t know where you’d fit, this episode is your inside look.

Resources:

Elizabeth Kwenortey
BBC Writers Room: https://www.bbc.co.uk/writers
BBC Studio Talent Works: https://www.bbcstudios.com/talentworks/drama-and-soaps#:~:text=The%20Trainee%20Script%20Editor%20is,months%20in%20the%20story%20office.

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How To Become A... Mayor in London

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What does it actually take to become a Mayor in London, at just 27 years old?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with John-Paul Ennis, the youngest Mayor in London and the youngest ever Mayor of Lambeth, to unpack the real journey into civic leadership.

From selling sweets in the playground and dreaming of being a footballer, to dropping out of university to focus on grassroots campaigning, this is a story about purpose, resilience, and turning personal loss into public service.

John-Paul shares:

What a civic Mayor actually does day-to-day
Chairing full council and staying politically neutral
Supporting charities and leading borough-wide ceremonies
Becoming a councillor in your early twenties
Dropping out of university to pursue impact
Why young people feel disconnected from politics
The reality of being a part-time councillor
The emotional weight of representing your community
Balancing public office with personal life

This is a powerful conversation about legacy, leadership, and finding your “why.”

If you’ve ever wondered whether politics is for you, or felt like it wasn’t, this episode might change your mind.

@jp_sw9

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How To Become A... Talent Agency Business Owner

Tue, 27 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT

What does it really take to build a talent agency from your parents’ conservatory at 25 and grow it into a thriving, multi-service management company?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with the founder of Season 25 Talent Management, Jessica Joseph, to unpack the real journey behind building a modern talent agency in the fast-moving world of digital creators, influencers, and entertainment.

From secretly wanting to be a singer, to working at one of the UK’s biggest influencer agencies, to spotting industry disparities and launching her own business during COVID, this is a story of ambition, instinct, and backing yourself before you feel ready.

We cover:

What a talent agent actually does day-to-day
Managing influencers, podcasters & digital creators
Negotiating brand deals and protecting IP rights
Starting a business at 25 with no investment
Hiring your first employee (and the reality of payroll pressure)
Growing a team from 1 to 6, soon to be 8
Building a values-led agency in a competitive industry
Collaboration vs competition in entertainment
Balancing business growth with personal life

This is an honest conversation about leadership, pressure, growth, and learning to let go of control.

Jessica Joseph

@jessicaejoseph

@season25

https://www.season25.com/

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How To Become A... Restaurant Founder

Mon, 19 May 2025 09:48:53 GMT

What does it really take to build a restaurant from scratch; with just £10,000, no business plan, and a lot of belief?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Tas and Alex, founders of Brother Marcus, to unpack their journey from actors, photographers, and street food workers to multi-site restaurant founders.

They share the full story - the scrappy beginnings in Balham, building furniture in a garden, forgetting birthdays, learning cash flow the hard way, surviving COVID with a fried chicken dark kitchen, scaling too fast, nearly losing control, and rebuilding stronger.

This conversation covers:

Starting a restaurant with limited capital
Moving from creative careers into entrepreneurship
Scaling from 1 site to 6
Hospitality vs growth (and why they can be enemies)
Hiring, retention, and building a team culture
Cash flow realities in hospitality
Surviving COVID as a restaurant brand
When to bring in advisors
The mindset of a founder

If you’ve ever wondered, “How did they even begin?” - this is the episode.

Because behind every successful restaurant is a story of risk, resilience, and relentless belief.

Tas Gaitanos & Alex Large

@brothermarcus_

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