Behind The Future

Wondering if you need a university degree to launch successful digital careers? This Behind the Future episode shows you exactly how to do it.
Host Becky Simms and Year 11 student co-host Max sit down with James Smith, Principal Software Engineer at Red Ant. James shares his inspiring journey to prove that traditional university isn't the only way into tech. Instead, he built his skills through a vocational course, creating WordPress sites for friends, and hacking his MySpace profile with HTML.
James takes us through his fascinating path, starting as an Apple Store trainer, where he mastered customer service, to diving into a fast-paced tech startup. He also discusses his time working at an agency in Shoreditch building websites for major charities, showing how tech can create real-world impact. Today, James works on "Retail OS" at Red Ant, blending the digital and physical shopping experience.
We also explore the reality of modern digital careers and AI. James explains how using AI for basic coding syntax allows him to focus on creative problem-solving, freeing up his time so he essentially acts as a team leader for his AI tools! Finally, James shares his top advice for his 16-year-old self: take life less seriously, avoid burnout, and trust the process.
Behind the Future is a podcast for the next generation of digital talent, offering weekly interviews, real-world insights and career advice. Subscribe for more conversations like this, and follow us on TikTok and Instagram @aspirationdigital.
Hosts: Becky Simms & Max Phillips
Guest: James Smith
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In this episode of Behind the Future, we dive into the fast-paced world of global social media and content creation with our guest, Hannah. If you are a student currently in sixth form or university and wondering how to turn your passion for media into a full-time career, this video is for you. Hannah shares her journey from studying multimedia journalism at university to managing international content for Harlequin, the world leaders in performance flooring.
We explore the day-to-day reality of a career in global social media and content creation, which includes everything from filming testimonials at the Vienna Opera House to using AI to generate multi-lingual voiceovers. Hannah breaks down how she transitioned from PR and journalism into an in-house creative role, proving that your first job doesn't have to be your forever job.
Key Takeaways for Students:
- The Power of Transferable Skills: Learn how a broad degree can give you the technical skills (video production, editing, and presenting) needed for various industries.
- Navigating Career Piviots: Discover why your career path isn't set in stone and how to handle the pressure of making "the right" decision at 18.
- The Role of AI in Media: See how modern professionals are using tools like ChatGPT and AI voiceovers to speed up workflows without losing human creativity.
- Work Experience Matters: Why even a week of hands-on experience in a newsroom or retail can build the communication and teamwork skills employers crave.
Whether you're interested in travel, digital marketing, or filmmaking, this episode provides a roadmap for succeeding in global social media and content creation. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insights into the digital careers of the future!
Behind the Future is a podcast for the next generation of digital talent, offering weekly interviews, real-world insights and career advice. Subscribe for more conversations like this, and follow us on TikTok and Instagram @aspirationdigital.
Hosts: Becky Simms & Sophie-Kim Douglas
Guest: Hannah Watkins
Would you like to see an Aspiration Digital event near you? Let us know by registering your interest here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV9Rg8QzZdtsauF5B7YURVFpK48wWrKZCIE6uCaeiEBFUZEA/viewform

Welcome to another episode of Behind the Future, the podcast created to help you navigate the wild world of digital careers before you even leave school. In this episode, our host Becky and co-host Dylan, an A-level student currently smashing Politics, Computer Science, and Business, sit down with John Harvey, the Head of AI Operations at Capita. If you are sitting in class wondering if you actually need a degree to work in tech, or if you're worried a robot is going to take your future job, this is the conversation you need to hear.
John shares his 24-year journey within the same company, proving that you don't need to jump ship to level up. He started straight out of school doing "manual" work in a data centre, think printing payslips and moving physical backup tapes, and worked his way up to leading a team of developers exploring the cutting edge of AI Operations. He breaks down the "Iceberg Model" of technology: while everyone is obsessed with the "cool" AI tools on the surface, his team manages the massive infrastructure, security, and data governance that keeps the whole world running.
What You’ll Take Away From This Episode:
- The Truth About Degrees: Learn why John chose to work straight after his A-levels and why he believes a "growth mindset" is more valuable than starting with a degree.
- How to Build a "Wow" Portfolio: Discover how building your own "proof of concept" or a working demo can impress a CEO more than any CV.
- Mastering "Vibe Coding": Get the lowdown on how to use natural language to build app prototypes in a single day to test your best ideas.
- Why Soft Skills are Your Secret Weapon: Understand why being able to explain complex tech in "layman's terms" to a team of 35,000 people is a total superpower.
- How to Handle Failure: Hear why John actually embraces failing exams as a way to learn the material even better.
- Choosing the Right Company: Tips on how to spot if a company actually lives its values or if they’re just written on the wall.
Whether you're into Computer Science or just want to know how to manage your future "virtual team," this episode of Behind the Future is your ultimate guide to AI Operations.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a career deep dive
Behind the Future is a podcast for the next generation of digital talent, offering weekly interviews, real-world insights and career advice. Subscribe for more conversations like this, and follow us on TikTok and Instagram @aspirationdigital.
Hosts: Becky Simms & Dylan Johnson
Guest: Jon Harvey
Would you like to see an Aspiration Digital event near you? Let us know by registering your interest here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV9Rg8QzZdtsauF5B7YURVFpK48wWrKZCIE6uCaeiEBFUZEA/viewform

In this episode of Behind the Future, we sit down with Holly, the Head of Growth at a global agency, to discuss how she built a successful marketing career after originally feeling like school didn't suit her. If you are a student in Year 12 or 13 and aren't sure if university is the right path, or if you feel pressured by parents to choose a specific degree, Holly’s journey offers the perfect perspective on finding your own lane.
We dive deep into the world of performance marketing and PPC (Pay-Per-Click). Holly explains how she transitioned from studying Event Management to falling in love with the psychology behind data. She shares how she overcame a fear of maths to use data as a tool for understanding human behaviour, eventually leading her to manage global teams.
For students looking for their first breakthrough, Holly provides invaluable advice on:
- Acing your first interview: Why being authentic and admitting what you don't know can actually make you more likeable.
- The Power of AI: How to use tools like Gemini to research companies, practice interview questions, and tailor your CV.
- Agency vs. In-house: The benefits of starting in an agency to gain exposure to different industries, from B2B software to charities.
Transferable Skills: Why degrees in subjects like History or Geography are highly valued in a marketing career due to the research and attention to detail they require.
Whether you're interested in the creative side of messaging or the technical side of data analysis, this episode proves that there is no single "right" way to enter the digital industry. Join us as we explore how to turn curiosity into a professional future.
Behind the Future is a podcast for the next generation of digital talent, offering weekly interviews, real-world insights and career advice. Subscribe for more conversations like this, and follow us on TikTok and Instagram @aspirationdigital.
Hosts: Becky Simms & Dylan Johnson
Guest: Holly Young
Would you like to see an Aspiration Digital event near you? Let us know by registering your interest here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV9Rg8QzZdtsauF5B7YURVFpK48wWrKZCIE6uCaeiEBFUZEA/viewform

In this episode of Behind the Future, we’re hanging out with Thomas Redgrove, the founder of Thomas Cookie Co, to find out how he turned a massive sweet tooth into a legendary business. If you’re a student thinking about digital careers, Thomas’s story is the ultimate proof that you don’t need a boring office job to be successful. He shares how he went from the Navy to working "lost" in sales roles before finally taking the leap to bake the best cookies and cookie cups you’ve ever tasted.
Thomas breaks down how digital careers are actually built on being adaptable. When the world changed in 2020, he didn't quit; he pivoted, using Shopify and Facebook ads to move his business from 95% physical stalls to a massive online operation. For anyone interested in content creation, Thomas explains the logic behind his viral s’mores video that hit 1.2 million views. He reveals that "content is number one" and shows how a small-scale brand can reach a global audience with the right digital strategy.
This conversation is loaded with real-talk for the 16–17 age group. Thomas gets honest about "feeling the fear" when hiring staff or buying expensive gear, and why he views every mistake as a massive lesson. Whether you want to master e-commerce, run a viral social media account, or just turn what you love into a career, this episode is your blueprint for the future.
Behind the Future is a podcast for the next generation of digital talent, offering weekly interviews, real-world insights and career advice. Subscribe for more conversations like this, and follow us on TikTok and Instagram @aspirationdigital.
Hosts: Becky Simms & Sophie-Kim Douglas
Guest: Thomas Redgrove
Would you like to see an Aspiration Digital event near you? Let us know by registering your interest here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV9Rg8QzZdtsauF5B7YURVFpK48wWrKZCIE6uCaeiEBFUZEA/viewform