The Work Experience Problem: The Future Needs a First Chance

The Work Experience Problem: The Future Needs a First Chance

In this episode, PJ and Andy reflect on Jess Dunn’s week of work experience with Wit + Grit, what it revealed about young people, confidence, opportunity and the future of work. From students struggling to secure placements, to AI anxiety, skills shortages, third sector pressure and the need for businesses to “press go”, this is a conversation about moving beyond roundtables and into action. Let's do this. Key takeaways * Young people are more anxious about the future than many adults realise. * Work experience expectations are often far too low. * Businesses can make a huge impact by simply opening the door. * AI is creating both opportunity and fear for the next generation. * Human skills like critical thinking will matter more than ever. * The third sector is already doing vital work but often lacks resource. * We need better infrastructure connecting young people, schools, charities and businesses. Keywords Wit + Grit, work experience, young people, future of work, AI, Microsoft Work Trends, Birmingham, skills shortage, employability, third sector, social mobility, opportunity, critical thinking, youth employment, business leadership, placements. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Mentorship and Youth Empowerment 02:15 Challenges in Youth Employment and Future Anxiety 05:20 The Role of AI in Shaping Future Careers 06:35 Creating Opportunities Through Collaboration 08:48 The Importance of Human Skills in the AI Era 11:57 Navigating the New Normal in a Changing World 21:41 The Power of Reading and Inspiration 22:24 Daily Habits and Small Efforts 24:17 Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation 25:52 Addressing the Skills Shortage Debate 30:03 Engaging the Community for Change 31:18 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations 36:30 outro1.mp3

Jessica Dunn: Give Young People a Chance

At 17, Jessica Dunn was trying to find work experience in media, marketing, journalism and radio. After around 10 rejections, she was almost left spending the week in the school canteen. In this episode, Jess shares how young people are really feeling about work, careers, AI, grades, rejection and opportunity. It’s an honest conversation about confidence, the gap between generations, and why businesses need to do more to open doors for the next generation. Key takeaways * Young people are anxious about future careers. * Rejection damages confidence earlier than we realise. * Many students need opportunity before they have experience. * Businesses can help through tasters, open days and placements. * AI is both exciting and unsettling for young people. * Grades matter, but they should not define someone’s future. * Investing in young people benefits everyone. Keywords Jessica Dunn, work experience, young people, next generation, careers, employability, AI, education, confidence, Birmingham, Wit + Grit, opportunity, youth voice, placements, business responsibility, future of work, social mobility. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Work Experience 00:55 Young People's Perspectives on Careers 02:18 Challenges Faced by Young People in the Job Market 04:25 The Role of Schools and Businesses 06:25 Future Aspirations and Advice for Peers 08:44 The Impact of Social Media on Young People 10:31 Parental Influence and Support 12:11 Conclusion and Reflections on Opportunities 13:47 Navigating Parental Relationships and Social Media 14:36 The Overwhelming Nature of Current Events 15:19 The Impact of AI on Education and Careers 17:57 Balancing AI Use and Critical Thinking in Youth 24:09 The Job Market and AI's Role in Youth Employment 27:21 Parenting in the Age of AI and Education 31:38 The Importance of Grades vs. Personal Growth

Ameesha Green: Everybody Should Name Their Teddies After Philosophers

Ameesha Green is the founder of The Book Shelf, a book shepherd, philosophy thinker, mentor and proudly neurodivergent entrepreneur. In this episode, we explore ADHD, business, creativity, AI, education, philosophy, children’s futures, writing, and why one-size-fits-all thinking simply does not work. From naming her childhood teddies after philosophers to building a publishing business, Ameesha shares a refreshingly honest view on how different minds work, why books still matter, and whether AI is helping us think better — or helping us avoid thinking altogether. Key takeaways * ADHD can be both a creative advantage and a practical challenge. * Self-awareness matters more than forcing yourself into broken systems. * One-size-fits-all education does not serve every child. * AI can be a sparring partner, not a replacement for thinking. * Books still have the power to pass wisdom between generations. * Entrepreneurship is rarely linear — sometimes you build by saying yes. * Writing can help turn ideas into impact. Keywords Ameesha Green, ADHD, neurodivergence, AI, creativity, philosophy, books, publishing, entrepreneurship, The Book Shelf, book shepherd, education, children’s future, critical thinking, Stoicism, business ownership, self-awareness, Wit + Grit. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Neurodivergence in Business 02:46 The Role of Stoicism in Entrepreneurship 05:03 Philosophy and Its Impact on Decision Making 07:35 The Importance of Open Conversations with Kids 10:33 Political Engagement and Community Involvement 13:18 The Power of Books to Change Lives 16:17 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Children's Books 25:33 A Meandering Journey to Business 28:56 Transitioning to Hybrid Publishing 30:49 Learning from Authors and Their Stories 33:03 Navigating Challenges as a Business Owner 36:03 The Importance of Side Hustles 38:10 Crafting Your Elevator Pitch 39:31 The Role of AI in Publishing 42:00 The Benefits of Writing 45:05 Reflections on Personal Growth 46:21 Wit and Grit in Business

Hannah Bailey: The Cost of Always Saying “I’m Fine”

Former police officer Hannah Bailey spent years working in high-pressure frontline roles, telling everyone she was fine while quietly carrying trauma, stress and undiagnosed PTSD. In this powerful episode, Hannah shares how a cancer diagnosis brought unexpected relief because it meant she no longer had to go back to work, why real resilience is not the same as silence, and how she rebuilt her life through treatment, therapy, humour and a completely new understanding of wellbeing. This is a conversation about trauma, workplace culture, cancer, PTSD, leadership, laughter, and what it really means to be well long term. Key takeaways * Looking “fine” on paper can hide deep emotional and mental exhaustion. * High-pressure cultures can train people to stay silent until they break. * Real resilience is not invincibility; it is knowing when to ask for help. * Leaders need to notice changes in people, not just performance. * Humour and connection can help the brain feel safe again. * Wellbeing support must be proactive, genuine and led from the top. Keywords Mental health, PTSD, trauma, policing, cancer survivor, resilience, workplace wellbeing, burnout, leadership, psychological safety, therapy, BWRT, Blue Light Wellbeing, stress, high-pressure work, police officer, emotional health, workplace culture. Chapters List 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Journey 00:20 The Relief of a Cancer Diagnosis 01:52 The Impact of Workplace Culture on Mental Health 04:21 The Struggles of a Police Officer 06:33 The Identity Crisis of a Police Officer 09:22 The Journey Through Cancer Treatment 11:47 The Role of Support Systems 14:06 Finding Hope in Alternative Treatments 16:51 The Power of Mindset and Resilience 19:00 The Importance of Long-term Wellbeing 24:39 Healing Through BWRT: A Personal Journey 29:14 Understanding Trauma: The Role of the Amygdala and Hippocampus 34:10 The State of Mental Health in Organisations 36:19 Recognising Symptoms of Mental Health Issues 42:12 Addressing Concerns: How to Approach Colleagues 45:23 Wit and Grit: The Power of Humour and Resilience

Potential and Power Skills with Kristie Brookes & Olivia Roden

The graduate job market has never been more competitive, with up to 150 applicants per role, but that doesn’t mean opportunity has disappeared. In this episode, we sit down with Kristie Brookes and Liv Roden from Aston University to unpack what it’s really like to be a student right now, and what employers might be getting wrong. We explore the growing gap between education and employment, why “entry-level” roles now expect experience, and how students can stand out in a world of AI-generated CVs and identical applications. From “power skills” and emotional intelligence to hiring for potential over perfection, this is a practical, honest conversation about the future of work - and how both students and employers need to adapt. If you’ve got kids heading into the world of work, or you’re hiring the next generation, this one matters. Key Takeaways The graduate market is tougher than ever — but opportunity still exists Differentiation is everything (and it’s not just about grades) Employers should hire for potential, not just experience AI is changing entry-level work, but human skills matter more than ever “Power skills” (leadership, AI, innovation, emotional intelligence) are the real advantage Students aren’t lazy - they’re navigating a completely different world Your personality, passion, and story are what set you apart Themes • Future of work • Early careers / graduate market • AI & employability • Emotional intelligence • Identity & confidence • Social mobility • Hiring & leadership Keywords graduate jobs, early careers, Aston University, employability, Gen Z workforce, hiring graduates, AI in recruitment, power skills, soft skills, student careers, internships UK, graduate market UK, career advice, emotional intelligence at work, leadership skills, entry level jobs UK Chapters 00:00 Meet the Employer Engagement Officers 01:40 Current Student Experience and Market Challenges 05:44 Understanding the Role of Employer Engagement Officers 08:56 Career Journeys of Kristie and Olivia 13:48 Aston University: Opportunities and Offerings 16:45 Power Skills and Student Preparedness 20:02 Perceptions of Young People in the Workforce 21:50 Emotional Intelligence in the Job Market 24:57 Demonstrating Passion and Personality 28:55 The Value of University Experience 33:10 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Career Paths