Behind The Future

In this inspiring episode of Behind the Future, host Becky Sims is joined by co-host Daisy, a third-year Digital Marketing student, and special guest James, a seasoned marketing professional. Together, they explore what it takes for students to break into the world of marketing and start building a successful career.James shares his journey from early curiosity in creative and digital projects to navigating the evolving marketing landscape. He talks about the importance of taking initiative, experimenting with skills like photography, graphic design, and using AI tools, and how self-driven projects can make a student stand out. Becky and Daisy dig into James’ advice on networking, spotting opportunities, and staying aware of industry trends, practical tips that students can start applying today.From understanding how brands communicate, to experimenting with campaigns, to reflecting on what resonates personally, James’ story is packed with actionable insights. He also explains how showing curiosity, embracing small challenges, and building experience early can shape the path to a rewarding career in marketing.This episode is a must-listen for students exploring their first steps in marketing, educators supporting early talent, and anyone looking for inspiration on how to turn ambition into opportunity. James’ insights are a powerful reminder that learning by doing, being curious, and showing up can truly change the trajectory of a career.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 & Zachary TheobaldGuest: James BavingtonWould 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 inspiring episode of Behind the Future, host Becky Sims is joined once again by co-host Daisy, a third-year Digital Marketing student based in Leeds. Together, they welcome their youngest guest to date: Toby, a junior software developer whose journey into tech began at Aspiration Digital.Toby shares how attending the London Aspiration Digital event at just 17 became the catalyst for his entire career, from discovering where his skills fit, to learning the power of networking, to eventually meeting the person who would become his boss. Becky and Daisy dig into Toby’s story, exploring how he prepared for the event, how he built confidence as an introverted young person, and the small decisions that helped him stand out in the room.From early coding adventures to entering competitions, following his curiosity, and stepping bravely into networking events filled with experienced professionals, Toby’s story is a brilliant example of what happens when ambition meets opportunity.A must-listen for young people exploring their path, educators supporting early talent, and anyone who needs a reminder of why showing up, with a smile, really does change everything.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 & Daisy AllingstoneGuest: Toby Brown 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, recorded at Newcastle University during one of our Aspiration Digital events, host Becky Sims is joined by special co-host Lucia, a computer science student and Newcastle University intern, as they dive into the inspiring journey of Andrew and Pete, the founders of Atomic. From starting their first small ventures at university to creating one of the most successful communities for small business owners, Andrew and Pete share the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way.Listeners will hear how the duo turned early challenges, like motivational text messages and T-shirts, into a thriving marketing consultancy and eventually launched their signature community platform. They discuss the importance of perseverance in business, the power of building a loyal community, and how combining tech skills with social marketing strategies can create a lasting impact. Andrew and Pete also reveal how their Atomic conference grew from 350 attendees to over 1,200, even navigating the challenges of running events during a global pandemic.This episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, students, and anyone looking to scale their business. From learning how to price services confidently to understanding audience feedback and the critical role of fostering community engagement, Andrew and Pete demonstrate how focus, consistency, and listening to your audience are key to long-term success.Whether you’re curious about starting a business, building meaningful networks, or simply want to be inspired by the journey of two entrepreneurs who defied the odds, this episode of Behind the Future, recorded live at Newcastle University, offers actionable advice, storytelling, and motivation. Tune in to discover how communities drive growth, why perseverance matters, and the lessons you can apply to your own entrepreneurial journey.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 & Lucia Onofre CandelaGuest: Andrew Pickering & Pete GartlandWould 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 the “Future Unplugged: Come Behind the Scenes” bonus episode of Behind the Future, listeners get an insider look at what goes on behind the camera. With roles swapped, the hosts step back while Chris, Erin, and Lulu reveal the work that makes the podcast happen - covering camera setup, lighting, audio, editing, and scheduling. They explain how tools like Otter AI for live transcripts and AutoPod for editing streamline production and keep episodes smooth.Student co-host Daisy shares her experience as a guest, reflecting on the nerves and excitement of interviewing industry professionals and the confidence-building skills gained through networking and content creation. The team also discusses guest prep, social clip creation, and distributing episodes across platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram, highlighting how they make content engaging and accessible for students.Ultimately, the episode celebrates the crucial behind-the-scenes team, showcasing the effort, technology, and collaboration that bring Behind the Future to life.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 & Daisy AllingstoneGuests: Chris Male & Erin BaxterWould 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, we explore how students are already shaping the future of tech, with insights from Lella, Head of IBM’s Global Student Strategy. From coding at just eight years old to leading global projects that connect students with industry leaders, Lella’s journey proves that you don’t need decades of experience to make a real difference in technology.She shares how her early curiosity for coding, combined with entering hackathons and creating student-led projects, led her to work with IBM to bridge the gap between students and professionals worldwide. You’ll hear how she turned challenges like limited access to computer science into opportunities, including running a global hackathon with UNESCO and building a worldwide student community that continues to inspire innovation.Whether you’re a student curious about tech, creativity, or making an impact, this episode will leave you feeling motivated and empowered. Lella’s story shows that the future of tech isn’t just about coding, it’s about curiosity, courage, and using your voice to drive change, all with the support of IBM’s global initiatives.Tune in and discover how you, as a student, can start shaping the future of tech with IBM today.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 & Zachary TheobaldGuest: Lella HalloumWould 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