The Student Sessions

In this episode, Ellen from BDO joins Tonia to challenge the stereotypes around accountancy and reveal the dynamic, opportunity-rich world behind the numbers. With a strong focus on inclusion and representation, Ellen shares how BDO is opening doors for diverse talent and creating pathways for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. We discuss what it means to step outside your comfort zone, n...

Ruqqaya talks with Tonia about her struggles with her background and mental health issues during university and offers some great advice on self-doubt and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Hear more from Ruqqaya on her episode of the Student Sessions podcast!

Health and Social care student, Sophie, joins us to chat about finding the strength through her difficulties and insecurities to get back into education and pursuing her goals. She offers advice on how important it is to have a ‘keep-going’ attitude and challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Listen to more of what Sophie has to say by listening to his episode!

Business Management student, Muhammad, joins to talk about the pressure of his degree and how a new start is sometimes the best option. He shares his inspiring ‘don’t give up’ mentality encouraging others to channel this mindset when confronted with setbacks. Listen to more of what Muhammad has to say by listening to his episode!

Michael joins The Student Sessions to discuss his experience from the Next Gen, discovering the importance of having a supportive network system, and the confidence he gained throughout it. Furthermore, we hear Michael discuss his vulnerability at university and tips for the feeling of imposter syndrome in the corporate workplace. Discover more from Michael from his episode on the Student Sessions...

Zainab joins Tonia to address her transition moving from India to the UK, becoming financially independent at 18 to fund her own education, and her journey of supporting herself alone in a new country. Hear more from Zainab by listening to her on the Student Sessions! 

Everyone has mental health needs, needs that require support which is what Donna and Rachel from Birmingham Mind are here to discuss. Most people have never received support and simply don't know how to address their individual mental health needs and cope with their stress. On this episode, Donna and Rachel join Tonia to talk about the importance of finding that support to build strengths, d...

This episode of The Student Sessions features Ruman who talks about her journey throughout university, demonstrating how her neurodivergence affected her and showing support for others who are unsure about their degree or current career path. Listen to Ruman talk more on the podcast!

In this episode, we chat with Kate from Ziggurat, a talent and media management company representing creators in factual entertainment. From studying TV and production at university to working her way up from assistant roles to second assistant director, Kate shares her refreshingly honest career journey one that’s anything but linear. We dive into her experiences breaking into the competitive TV...

Nakesha, a first year applied humanities student, joins us in this episode to talk about how her lived experiences have driven her at university and her journey to finding the Next Level Youth CIC. Her commitment to helping others with similar experiences recognise their potential and overcoming barriers is admirable. Listen to gain some great advice and support to enhance your own personal growth...

Halima from the University of Northampton talks about navigating university life when feeling disconnected and the importance of being proud of yourself and celebrating your triumphs. Listen to more of Halima on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzz Sprout!

In this episode, we sit down with Laura and Jack from Publicis Groupe to explore how they built an innovative emerging talent program entirely from scratch over the past few years. Designed to fully immerse new joiners in the world of advertising, PR, and media, the programme places participants in real-world scenarios—from creative briefs to client presentations—pushing them beyond their comfort...

Second year law student, Diego, talks about his lack of direction and guidance when first entering university and the importance of keeping a strong mindset to push yourself. He also talks about his personal progress with networking events and how this inspired him to help other law students attain their own work experience. Listen to more from Diego by clicking on the episode!

On this episode, Sandali from Aston University chats with Tonia about her journey navigating a new country when moving to the UK for university and how she managed to adjust to her new life and becoming independent. Listen to more of Sandali on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzz Sprout!

In this episode of the Student Sessions, Liverpool John Moores University student, Charlotte, talks with us about the emotional difficulty she faced when transitioning to university life, a struggle many others are experiencing, and advice on how she overcame the overwhelming feelings of it all. Hear more from Charlotte by listening to her episode on the Student Sessions!

Is it important to target people in their early career? In this episode, we sit down with Sharon, a seasoned professional with 32 years of experience at Coca-Cola across sales, finance, and HR. Sharon shares how her team works closely with psychologists to create safe, supportive environments where young employees can express their anxieties, grow with confidence, and thrive in their early careers...

Overcoming barriers and self-celebration, Jason Arday Professor Arday is Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge, Faculty of Education. He is a Trustee of the Runnymede Trust, the UK’s leading Race Equality Thinktank and the British Sociological Association (BSA). Jason sits on the Centre for Labour and Social Studies (CLASS) National Advisory Panel, the NHS Race and Hea...

Professor Seun Kolade, Head of Research at Sheffield Business School, is a seasoned academic with a focus on digital transformation, circular economy, and transformative entrepreneur Ing. A recognised agile leader and senior fellow of the Higher education Academy (SFHEA), Prof Kolade is the author of more than 80 academic outputs, and has led numerous funded projects and international collaboratio...

Imposter Syndrome, Wellbeing and Self-Care, Peter Olusoga Dr Peter Olusoga is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. His PhD thesis, completed in 2012, focused on stress and coping in elite sports coaching, and his current research focuses on burnout and well-being in high-performance environments. Dr Olusoga is a BPS Chartered Psychologist, an experienced consultant, and...

Building relationships and connections, Alberta Mason, L’Oreal Alberta Mason is a Senior Talent Acquisition Manager within L’Oréal UK and Ireland.  With 20 years of experience specialising in graduate and senior level recruitment, she is an innovative and passionate industry expert who, during the pandemic, amassed a tiktok audience of 10,000 through providing bite sized employability support onli...

Take Action: Get out of your comfort zone, Reggie Nelson Reggie Nelson is most recognised by the media as the young man who went ‘from East London to the City’, by knocking on people’s doors in wealthy areas for life advice.  Reggie is an Associate for a Private Equity firm in London, and a two-time published author. His latest book is a memoir called “Opening Doors”, which is available online and...

Comfort zones: Getting to know and embracing the real you, Adenike Abidoye Adenike Abidoye is a finance professional with 24 years of corporate work experience, mostly in the Oil & Gas sector.  She holds a master's degree in forensic accounting from Sheffield Hallam University, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and an Associate member of the Institute of Certi...

Navigating the Doctoral Application Process, Associate Professor Alisha Ali Alisha Ali is an interdisciplinary and internationally recognised social scientist researching sustainable development in service industries. She is an Associate Professor and Head of Research Degrees in the Social and Economic Research Institute at Sheffield Hallam University and Vice-Chair of the Council for Hospitality...

Tips for Effective Time Management, Lucy Ndlovu Lucy is a PR and Communication Specialist and Founder of Progressive Talent CCIC, an Organisation aimed at advocating for Black Professional Women in the workplaces. A Community Advocate and passionate about volunteering and making an impact in the community she lives in.  Lucy is a recipient of BAME scholarship award (ASPIRE) where she received the...

Positive thinking: Developing a winning mindset, Dr Charles Egbu What is a positive mindset and how do we develop one?  In this episode Professor Charles Egbu shares his thoughts and tips.  A British Academic who has over 30 years’ experience of the Higher Education Sector Dr Charles is Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University. His First Degree was in Quantity Surveying [First Class Honours, UK...