PeopleFirst: The Young Careers Podcast
Brook Street 27 episodes Nov 2, 2026
Entering the world of work can be scary; from facing imposter syndrome to struggling with work life balance. The PeopleFirst podcast, brought to you by Brook Street, addresses common issues young people face in the workplace. Host Jordan Spry chats with guests about topics like remote work, pay raises, career gaps, and neurodivergence. It's a space for open and honest conversations to help you make positive changes.
Episodes
Human First, Digital Always: Future-Proofing Your Career for Tomorrow
Are we heading toward a future where AI takes every job, or will human connection and soft skills become our most valuable professional assets?
In this episode, Jordan is joined by Tara Moore, Interim Head of Workforce Intelligence at ManpowerGroup, and Lisa Protano, Employer Lead at Prospects.ac.uk. While celebrating Brook Street's 80th year in business, Jordan, Tara, and Lisa unpack the ev
AI vs Real World Work: Are Office Jobs Losing Their Shine?
Are traditional office jobs losing their shine in the age of AI? Or are young people finally realising the massive potential and security of a hands-on career?
In this episode, Jordan is joined by Anna Moynihan, co-founder of TaskHer, and Mat Woolford, Head of Region at Brook Street. Jordan, Anna and Mat unpack the reality of moving into the skilled trades. From the impact of artificial inte
A Career in Social Care: The New Story
Are social care careers misunderstood as just care homes and removing children from their families? Or is the sector an overlooked opportunity filled with diverse roles, true purpose, and career progression?
In this episode, Jordan is joined by Nana Yabbey-Hagan, a social worker and host of 'The Social Worker and The Mentor Podcast', alongside Teresa Wilson, Social Care Director at Brook Str
The best apprenticeships you’ve never heard of
Are apprenticeships facing an identity crisis? Or are young people missing out on the ultimate career launchpad?
In this episode, Jordan is joined by Hugo Helms, carpenter by trade and founder of Toolkit Conduct.
Jordan and Hugo unpack the reality of modern apprenticeships. From traditional trades to cutting-edge corporate schemes, they reflect on work ethic, handling workplace culture, and
Why your pension matters in your 20s
Are pensions just confusing, distant concepts that we can ignore until retirement? Or should we be taking active control of our financial futures right now?
In this episode, Jordan is joined by Rotimi Merriman-Johnson to break down pensions in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you've never paid attention to your pension or just aren't sure where to start, this episode is packed with
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
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 o
Your guide to an exceptional job search in 2026
How do you cut through the noise and stand out in the job market today? Are unedited AI applications and generic CVs holding you back from landing your dream role?
In this episode, Jordan and his guests discuss what it takes to execute an effective job search in 2026. From mastering how to tell your story to understanding what employers are really looking for behind the scenes, they discuss
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 M
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
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, C
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 Pou
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 go
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
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 a
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 mandat
“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
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 Manag
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
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
“Squiggly careers”: Navigating non-linear career paths
Season 2 of PeopleFirst kicks off with a deep dive into navigating non-linear career paths.
A CV with gaps and radical changes may have been off-putting to employers in the past, but more and more those with a squiggly career are often the most coveted by businesses.
To discuss all, host Jordan Spry is joined by Janine Esbrand, a Leadership Development Coach and host of The Career Change Ma
Navigating workplace conflict: Why emotional intelligence is key
What’s really going on when we experience conflict at work? Can we ever get over a personality clash? Are there unavoidable tensions between different generations? And how can we navigate these tricky situations professionally without letting them derail our careers or impact our wellbeing?
In this episode, Jordan speaks with Vince Sanderson, a management consultant and workplace mediation e
The art of the job interview
Nothing is dreaded quite like the job interview. But do they need to be so anxiety-inducing? Can we get better at interviews with time? And what exactly are employers looking for?
Join Jordan in today’s episode as he dives into the art of the job interview with Sinead Randall, Operations Lead at Brook Street, who has interviewed thousands of people across her career.
From underselling vs. o
What it’s really like returning to work after parental leave
Do you ever worry that starting a family will make you lose your edge? Do you wonder how you can balance raising a family with achieving your professional goals?
In this episode we dive deep into what it’s like returning to work after parental leave.
Jordan is joined by Clara Wilcox, Career Coach for parents and owner of The Balance Collective, and Claire Morgan, Head of Business Performanc
How to Ask for a Pay Rise
Do you want to progress at work, but unsure of how to broach the subject with your manager? Are you getting paid what you’re worth in today’s market?
In this episode, we’ll guide you through how to ask for a pay rise: when to bring it up and how to approach the conversation effectively.
It can often seem daunting and impossible to move up a pay grade, and talking about money is still seen a
Bridging the gap: Building a stronger CV after setbacks
In this episode, Jordan sits down with Chance and James from Bridge of Hope to explore practical strategies for addressing gaps in your CV. Whether you’ve been a caregiver, navigated life after the prison system or have taken time off for mental health reasons, this conversation offers valuable guidance.
Wondering how to frame a career break without it feeling like a disadvantage? Or how to
From Klarna to Lifetime ISAs: Here’s how to manage your finances
In this episode, Jordan and finance expert Kia Commodore guide you through the essential steps you should be taking in your 20s and 30s to get on top of your finances.
Do you ever wonder if all those Klarna payments affect your credit score? Is there such a thing as good debt? And just what is a Lifetime ISA?
It can feel daunting to assess your finances, but knowledge really is power. This
Achieving work-life balance: From hustle culture to learning to say “no”
What exactly is work-life balance? How can we measure it? And is it possible to have a good work-life balance and still thrive in our career?
These are the questions explored by Jordan and guest Freeha Ahmad, Life Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Owner of the Freeha Coaching Academy.
They discuss the importance of establishing boundaries within work and in our personal lives, the power in
Wired different: How to embrace your neurodivergence at work
Is neurodivergence really a superpower? Will I ever feel safe to ‘unmask’ at work? And how can I learn to thrive in the workplace?
These are the questions Jordan and our guests tackle in this lovely conversation in honour of National Inclusion Week.
Jordan is joined by Amie Barlow, ADHD wellness coach and owner of AMIEBFIT Coaching, and Molly Reid, Advisory Consultant at ManpowerGroup Talen
Beyond stereotypes: Building a career in social care
In today’s episode, we’re exploring how you can build a flourishing career in social care that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
Everybody’s life will be touched by social care at some point, and the sector is only going to become more important in the future. It deserves to have ambitious, caring individuals leading the way in its transformation, and maybe you’re one of them.
Jord
Fast-paced and people-focused: Working in recruitment
Recruitment is a dynamic and rewarding career path, but it’s an often misunderstood industry.
In this episode, Jordan and guest Darren Lynch dispel common myths about recruitment, share their motivations for working in the industry and explore the benefits and growth opportunities available through working in this sector.
Recruitment is inherently people-focused and at the end of the day, y
‘Do I really need to go to uni?’ Post-school options and what’s right for you
With A Level results out this week and GCSEs just around the corner, we hope you get the results you’re looking for.
But we also know this is a time where you can feel overwhelmed, disappointed, and not sure what to do next. Maybe you’re at a crossroads and want to hear more about the options open to you when you leave school.
In this episode, Jordan talks with Conor Cotton from Not Going T
The email can wait: How to be mindful throughout your working life
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘mindfulness’? Hippy-dippy woo-woo stuff, or an exclusive club you’re not a part of?
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be a complicated thing, and in our busy modern lives it’s more important than ever to prioritise your wellbeing.
Join host Jordan Spry as he talks with happiness expert, psychologist and presenter Zoe Mallett, and Megan Corless, Head of
Welcome to PeopleFirst!
Coming soon and dropping fortnightly….
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 People First 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
PeopleFirst Season 2 coming soon!
PeopleFirst is back with a brand new season and brand new conversations.
Join Jordan Spry as he speaks to incredible guests about the ever-evolving world of work.
From personal branding and imposter syndrome, to the future of AI and work, we cover it all.
Make sure you’re subscribed to PeopleFirst: the young careers podcast, wherever you get yours.
Dropping fortnightly from 30th June.
