Behind The Future

In this episode, Joe Seddon reveals how he gets students into Oxford and Cambridge, helping talented young people overcome the barriers that often hold them back. Growing up in a small town in Yorkshire, Joe didn’t have access to the networks, guidance, or resources that many students take for granted. Despite this, he secured a place at Oxford University and immediately knew he wanted to create opportunities for others to do the same.Joe is the founder and CEO of Zero Gravity, a tech platform designed to identify and support students from low-income backgrounds, giving them the tools and mentorship they need to reach the country’s top universities and careers. From starting Zero Gravity straight out of university in his bedroom to building a thriving network of mentors and students, Joe shares the real story behind turning ambition into impact.Throughout the episode, Joe talks about the obstacles he faced, from teaching himself to code to launching a startup without a big budget, and the social barriers of pursuing an unconventional path. He also shares inspiring stories of students who, through Zero Gravity, gained the confidence, guidance, and support to secure places at Oxford and Cambridge.Whether you’re a student dreaming big, a parent supporting your child, or simply curious about how talent can be recognised and nurtured, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice. Joe’s journey shows how determination, creativity, and the right support can help get students into Oxford and Cambridge, proving that top-tier education is achievable—no matter your background.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 & NIna FindlayGuest: Joe Seddonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joeseddon/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

This week on Behind the Future, we sat down with Indy Bhogal, Associate Director of Digital at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, to hear how a university student placement turned into an 18-year career at one of the world's biggest brands.Indy didn’t get where he is today by following a rigid plan. In fact, he admits he never set out to work in digital communications at all. Starting out as a multimedia design technology student at Brunel University, he applied for a year-long placement with his friends and landed a role at Coca-Cola. On paper, the job sounded uninspiring, but Indy turned it into something much more. He proactively knocked on doors, started conversations, and offered his skills in design, animations and websites. By making himself visible, having conversations with people in the office, and keeping in touch with colleagues even after his placement ended, Indy created opportunities for himself. That proactive mindset, combined with a willingness to take every chance he could get, transformed his career - eventually leading him from placement student to digital director.In this episode, Indy shares why talking to people is the most underrated skill you can build, and how being proactive can open doors in any workplace. He talks about the importance of relationships in a company of 40,000 employees, why "just being around" can matter more than you think, and what it's really like working at Coca-Cola.If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a big company, make the most out of a work placement, or why conversations can transform your career, Indy’s story will leave you motivated to get out there and start talking.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 & Ruhaan QudratiyaarGuest: Indy Bhogalhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyshall/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

Lucy Hall’s story is one you don’t want to miss. In this episode of Behind the Future, Lucy Hall, founder of Digital Women and SocialDay, shares how she went from teaching herself digital marketing as a teenager with no computer at home to becoming one of the UK’s leading voices in digital skills and community building. Lucy didn’t take the traditional route. She wasn’t a straight-A student, didn’t leave school with perfect grades, and often felt like she didn’t fit in academically. But when her mum bought the family’s first computer at 17, Lucy saw an opportunity. She started selling products on eBay, taught herself HTML, built websites, and even became one of the first sellers to make eBay listings look professional with custom designs. That spark turned into a passion that grew into multiple businesses and eventually Digital Women, a thriving community helping thousands of women upskill for the future of work. Her mission to help the next generation feel confident with digital skills. Lucy Hall’s journey proves you don’t need perfect grades or the “right” background to build something incredible. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, this episode is packed with motivation, honesty, and real advice to help you take your first step. 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 & Ruhaan Qudratiyaar Guest: Lucy Hall https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyshall/ 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

On today’s episode of Behind the Future, we chat with Tom Shaw, a Software Developer and Content Creator, who turned his love for gaming into coding, freelancing, and building real skills that can shape your future. If you’ve ever wondered how to take your gaming hobby and turn it into something more, this episode is packed with tips, inspiration, and practical advice for teens who want to level up in life.Tom shares his journey from spending hours on YouTube gaming videos to learning how to code, taking on freelance projects, and discovering ways to make money online while following his passions. Along the way, he talks about the challenges he faced, the mistakes he learned from, and how posting on YouTube actually helped him develop skills that matter in the real world.Whether you’re interested in coding, gaming, or just figuring out what you want to do next, this episode will give you ideas and motivation to start exploring. You’ll hear how starting as a YouTube gamer taught Tom creativity, problem-solving, and persistence, skills that helped him open doors to new opportunities.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: Tom Shawhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/imtomshaw/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, Ellen Bundy shares her journey from studying Geography to finding her passion in marketing, building communities, and just going for it. 💡 She talks about how starting small side projects, hosting meetups, and saying “yes” to opportunities helped her gain confidence, learn new skills, and grow her career. Ellen also shares her top networking tips, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and why building your online presence early can open doors you never expected. Whether you’re figuring out your next step after uni or just want practical advice on taking action, this episode is full of inspiration and real-life lessons. 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 & Alice Pennington Guest: Ellen Bundey https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-bundey-981338160/ YES Meet Up: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-yes-meet-up/posts/?feedView=all 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 inspiring episode, we sit down with Carlo Weaver, who shares his incredible journey from being homeless as a teenager to managing an £83 million portfolio. Carlo’s story is about resilience, determination, and never letting life’s challenges define you. He opens up about leaving school without his GCSEs, being diagnosed with autism, and facing extreme hardships.Carlo Weaver shows that even in the toughest situations, it’s possible to turn your life around. From working multiple jobs and caring for family members to discovering a degree apprenticeship with NatWest, Carlo proves that opportunities can appear when you least expect them. He also talks about how autism has been both a challenge and a strength, helping him think differently and overcome barriers that many thought were impossible.Join us to hear Carlo Weaver talk about resilience, ambition, and turning obstacles into opportunities. This episode is packed with motivation, real-life lessons, and advice for teens who want to break the cycle, explore new paths, and achieve big things.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 & Oben GoodierGuest: Carlo Weaverhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carlo-alexander-roy-weaver/

In this episode, Sophie Miller shares her journey from being a student with an idea to becoming the founder of Pretty Little Marketers, a marketing community with an audience of over 600,000 people. Sophie talks about what inspired her to start, how she grew such a huge platform, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you’re curious about marketing, dream of starting your own business, or just want to hear from someone who turned a passion into a career, Sophie’s story will leave you feeling motivated and ready to take your next step.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: Sophie Miller https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiealicemiller/https://www.linkedin.com/company/prettylittlemarketer/posts/?feedView=all

In this bonus episode, student co-host Ruhaan takes us through the emotions and expectations of GCSE results day, from the build-up to the big moment. He opens up about how it felt, what he learned from the experience, and shares his thoughts on what’s next as he looks ahead to the future. Whether you’re hoping, stressing or somewhere in between, Ruhaan’s real talk is here to help.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 SimmsGuests: Ruhaan Qudratiyaar

This week on Behind the Future, we're joined by Holly Hobbs, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Your Future, to share her incredible journey into the digital world.From making viral TikToks about cookies while working at Tesco's, to landing a degree apprenticeship at Microsoft and then fearlessly launching her own business at just 18, Holly's story is a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship.Ever wondered how to turn a hobby into a thriving career? Or how a 'side hustle' can lead to merging with a major company by age 22? Holly breaks it all down, revealing how she navigated challenges, learned essential business skills on the fly, and why trusting your gut (even against your parents' advice!) is crucial for success.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 & Oben GoodierGuest: Holly Hobbshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyhobbss/https://www.tiktok.com/@howtogetanapprenticeshipWould you like to see an Aspiration Digital event near you? Let us know by registering your interest here!

In this bonus episode, student co-host Alice shares her honest reflections on A-Level results day, the nerves, the surprises, and what she wishes she’d known. She also talks through her journey to university, including navigating Clearing, adapting to uni life, and the lessons she’s picked up along the way. If you’re feeling uncertain about your next steps, Alice’s advice and experience might be just what you need.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 SimmsGuests: Alice Pennington