Beyond the Ward: Women’s Health, Healing & Entrepreneurship
In this episode of Work This Way, Adam sits down with Karolina Ahmed — a dedicated midwife who transformed her career to become a successful aesthetics entrepreneur. Karolina opens up about her journey from emigrating from Lithuania to London at just 15, navigating cultural and language barriers, and pursuing her long-held ambition to work in midwifery.She speaks candidly about her fertility struggles, a period that prompted her to step back from healthcare and eventually discover her passion for aesthetics. That path led her to create Face Up, a practice known for its professionalism, care, and personal touch.Karolina reflects on the emotional demands of midwifery, the challenges and triumphs of being a female entrepreneur, and the vital role community and personal support have played along the way. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and a commitment to providing care on her own terms.
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Blood, Sweat & Start-Ups: The Fight Night Entrepreneur
This week on Work This Way, Adam Walker interviews Callum Campbell, a dynamic young entrepreneur who has successfully launched a variety of business ventures, including student fight nights, drive-in cinemas during the pandemic, and TED Talk-style events in pubs across London. Originally from outside Glasgow and having studied in Edinburgh, Callum shares his story of moving to London for its vibrant energy and opportunities. His entrepreneurial journey began with promoting and organising club nights at university, leading to the creation of white-collar boxing events, which have now spread across multiple UK cities. The conversation delves into his successful pivot during COVID-19 to start a drive-in cinema and his new venture, 'Pints of Knowledge,' a public speaking event series in London pubs. Callum emphasises the importance of market testing, rapidly adapting to new opportunities, and not trying to reinvent the wheel. His story is an inspiring testament to resilience, creativity, and the constant pursuit of new ideas.
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Cape Town To Costco: Walking The Entrepreneurial Road
Sharon New, originally from Cape Town, South Africa, moved to the UK at the age of 12. After various roles in retail and recruitment, she brought a children's footwear brand named Toughies to the UK, and then created the successful brand Term Footwear. Despite facing challenges like a warehouse fire, Sharon navigated the company to success, culminating in a major partnership with Costco. Eventually, Sharon and her husband sold Term Footwear to a school uniform supplier. She now continues to work as the Term Footwear brand manager, integrating the brand into its new parent company. Sharon's story is marked by resilience, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
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Hard Hats & Handshakes with Her Majesty
In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, Adam Walker interviews Chris Kane, co-founder of Greendale Construction, recording at FOUNDRY Poole in the Dolphin Centre. Chris shares his journey from co-founding the company in 1990 during a recession to working on landmark projects for clients like JP Morgan and the Royal Household. He discusses the challenges and successes of running a construction business for over three decades, his dedication to fitness, and his commitment to community and mentorship. Chris also offers valuable advice for new startups and entrepreneurs, emphasising resilience, networking, and a structured lifestyle. The conversation highlights personal anecdotes, including memorable high points such as meeting the Queen and nurturing young talent within his company.
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Respond, Don’t React: Christel Cowdrey on Rebuilding with Dignity
In this episode of Work This Way, recorded in FOUNDRY Wandsworth, Christel Cowdrey shares her extraordinary life story. Originally from Sweden, Christel discusses her family's pioneering business in cash registers, her upbringing, and her education in both Sweden and the UK. She details her experience raising fraternal twin boys through IVF, and their involvement as ambassadors of the FOUNDRY. Christel also highlights her multifaceted career, including modelling, working for Bain & Company, writing books, and becoming a cross-cultural mediator. She talks about her transition into mediation following a challenging divorce and her involvement in charitable work, such as volunteering at young offenders prisons. Throughout the conversation, Christel emphasises the importance of authenticity, adapting to new roles, and maintaining a balance between professional and personal life. Her latest book, 'How to Fire Your Husband in Easy Steps,' reflects on her personal and professional journey, aiming to provide insights and support for others facing similar crises.
Welcome to Work This Way by FOUNDRY, a new business podcast speaking to real people. No wannabe influencers, no nonsense pseudo health advice, just real human stories across the UK. Our members, partners and ambassadors speak to us about their business stories, sharing the ups and downs, the ugly truth about work in the 21st century.Here's the pitch, 25 minutes of your life, once a week, to learn about an interesting person and business. They could be your future business partner, customer, lover or a friend. I'm Adam your host, and I cannot wait to share these awesome people and their stories with you.
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