Growing up in a working-class town in northern England, Nicole was expected to follow the traditional route into engineering. But her passion pulled her in a different direction. After leaving university early, she took a leap of faith with an online animation course—and never looked back.

Through sheer determination, self-taught skills, and relentless networking, Nicole carved out her place in the creative industry. Now a BAFTA member and a local inspiration, she shares her incredible journey of breaking barriers and defying expectations.

🔥 Whether you're an aspiring creative or just need a dose of motivation, Nicole’s story proves that you don’t need to follow the usual path to achieve your dreams.

👇 Listen now and get inspired!

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Nicole's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Nicole!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Nicole

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-gregory-baa9271b2/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coley.animations/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #CreativeCareer #AnimationJourney #SelfTaughtSuccess #BAFTAMember #NicoleStory #Inspiration

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In this thought-provoking conversation, Andy Green, co-founder of Modern Cockney Festival, explores the rich and evolving identity of the Cockney community in modern Britain. From the roots of the accent to the resilience of working-class culture, Andy sheds light on the importance of reclaiming and celebrating Cockney heritage.

💬 Key Topics Covered:

• The true origins of the term Cockney

• How working-class cultures have been side-lined

• The power of celebrating identity for personal and collective empowerment

• The role of media in reinforcing harmful stereotypes

• Why Cockney heritage deserves a place in education

• Code-switching and class perception

• The vision behind the Modern Cockney Festival

• How community action can preserve and uplift culture

📣 This is more than just a chat—it's a call to stand up against prejudice and stereotypes, and to embrace the value of every cultural voice.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds

👍 Like this episode if you enjoyed the conversation with Andy

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Andy

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Andy Green, Modern Cockney Festival

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-green-frsa-565325/

- Website - https://moderncockneyfestival.co.uk/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #Cockney #ModernCockney #WorkingClassVoices #CulturalIdentity #AndyGreen #CockneyAccent #CommunityEmpowerment #ClassInBritain #SocialJustice #UKCulture

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In this insightful conversation, Paddy Moogan shares his unconventional journey from a working-class background in Birmingham to becoming a leader in the digital marketing industry. He reflects on his transition from studying law to discovering his passion for SEO, the financial and emotional challenges of moving to London, and the importance of creating opportunities for others from similar backgrounds.

Paddy discusses the evolving agency landscape, the impact of class and privilege on career opportunities, and the importance of hiring self-starters over formal qualifications. He also delves into the generational shift in work attitudes, the role of education in career preparation, and the overlooked mental health struggles of individuals from working-class backgrounds.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Transitioning from law to SEO: A mix of passion, luck, and opportunity

🔹 Defining working-class jobs and the barriers they present

🔹 The role of supportive parents in shaping ambition

🔹 Challenges of moving to London as a young professional

🔹 How remote work affects working-class individuals

🔹 Prioritizing self-starters over formal education in hiring

🔹 The evolving conversation around diversity in agencies

🔹 Mental health struggles in high-pressure work environments

🔹 The need for businesses to adapt to new workforce attitudes

Join us as Paddy shares personal insights, challenges outdated hiring norms, and emphasizes the importance of career-building over simply finding a job.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this episode if you enjoyed Paddy's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Paddy!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Paddy Moogan

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddymoogan/

- Personal Website - https://thenewleader.digital/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #DigitalMarketing #SEO #CareerGrowth #DiversityInTech #coach #thenewleader

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Meet Sonal, a London-born creative with Kenyan roots, who turned uncertainty into innovation. From studying knitwear at Nottingham Trent to pioneering roles in wearable tech, Sonal’s path has been anything but conventional. After a career pivot sparked by redundancy, she now empowers the next generation as a teacher and mentor. Discover how passion, perseverance, and giving back shaped her incredible journey. Don’t miss this story of resilience and creativity! 🎨✨

🔔 Subscribe for more stories of resilience from those with working-class backgrounds!

👍 Like this episode if Sonal’s story resonates with you!

🗣️ Share your thoughts or questions for Sonal in the comments!

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @initialstep.co.uk
• Twitter: @step_initial
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Sonal:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonal-sohal-assoc-cipd-07723335/

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustries #GraphicDesign #FreelanceLife #WorkingClassSuccess #CreativeJourney #DesignCareer #InitialStepPod #Fashion #Fashionindustry #mentor #mentoring #mentee #mentorship

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In this episode of Initial Step, we dive into the inspiring journey of Danny, a freelance graphic designer from Wigan. Raised in a working-class family, Danny’s story is one of resilience and growth as he navigates the creative industry while staying true to his roots. From his early academic path in biology, business, and art to an internship in Berlin, and the challenges he faced after graduating, Danny's journey to freelance success in London is a testament to breaking industry norms. Tune in to hear how he balances his passion, overcomes hurdles, and carves his own path.

🔔 Subscribe for more stories of resilience from those with working-class backgrounds!

👍 Like this episode if Danny’s story resonates with you!

🗣️ Share your thoughts or questions for Danny in the comments!

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @initialstep.co.uk
• Twitter: @step_initial
• Apple Podcasts: [Link]
• Spotify: [Link]
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Danny:

• LinkedIn: Danny McGuinness
• Instagram: @dannymc_guinness
• Work Instagram: @playfunctionstudio

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustries #GraphicDesign #FreelanceLife #WorkingClassSuccess #CreativeJourney #DesignCareer #InitialStepPod

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In today’s episode, we sit down with an inspiring guest who grew up in a working-class family and turned their love for creativity into a successful career in advertising. They talk about how early inspiration from family and a passion for movies fuelled their journey into the media world, overcoming obstacles like imposter syndrome while staying true to their roots. Now based in the USA, they share how they've balanced their small-town upbringing with a thriving career working with top brands.

From juggling jobs during university to discovering a passion for advertising, their story is one of hard work, resilience, and staying grounded. Tune in as we dive into their unique path to success and explore how they've made a name for themselves in the creative industry!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

#initialstep #workingclass #creativeindustry #CreativeJourney #AdvertisingSuccess #ImposterSyndrome #HardWork #SmallTownToBigCity #CareerInspiration

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In this powerful episode, we chat with Kellie Hill, a resilient professional who turned a challenging upbringing in Northern England into a thriving career in experience design strategy. From battling toxic work environments in broadcast journalism to navigating the complexities of the working-class identity, Kellie's journey is one of true grit and adaptability.

Tune in as we explore:

• The influence of family and personal values in career decisions.
• The importance of teaching public speaking and persuasive skills to children.
• Kellie's experience as a neurodivergent individual and her strategies for effective communication.
• The impact of AI on the creative industry and the opportunities it brings for those from working-class backgrounds.
• 
  

This conversation is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and unique insights you won't want to miss!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

#Podcast #Inspiration #KellieHill #CareerJourney #BroadcastJournalism #DesignStrategy #Neurodiversity #PublicSpeaking #AIInCreativity #WorkingClass #SuccessStory #NewEpisode #SubscribeNow #neurodiversity

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In this episode, we sit down with Jai, a senior digital designer at Just Eat, who shares his inspiring journey from a working-class upbringing in Bolton to a thriving career in the design industry. Despite the pressure to follow a traditional academic path, Jai followed his passion for design, supported by his family and a pivotal work experience during university.

Over the past decade, Jai has worked with top companies like Playstation, Disney, and Just Eat, navigating the complexities of class and ethnicity in the creative world. He discusses how his working-class roots and diverse background give him a unique perspective, especially in environments where class divides are less stark.

Join us as Jai reflects on:

• The importance of practical experience over formal education.
• How his upbringing influenced his approach to design.
• Why shorter, focused courses might be more effective for aspiring designers.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in design, career development, and the intersection of class and ethnicity in creative fields.

🔔 Subscribe now and don’t miss out on this inspiring story of resilience and determination!

#DesignCareer #Podcast #Inspiration #WorkingClass #CreativeIndustries #SuccessStory #JaiMistry #JustEat #MediaIndustry #Resilience #NewEpisode

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