The Diary of a Future CEO

Meet Ben Parker, Director of Outdoor Education and Head of Climbing at The Perse School Cambridge.  In this conversation, Ben reflects on his journey from a childhood passion for the outdoors to leading world class expeditions to places like Ladakh and Bolivia. Ben shares the profound impact outdoor education has had on his own life, as well as on the thousands of Perse students who have taken par...

Join us in this episode of The Diary of a Future CEO as we meet Dr James Bradley, (OP, 2008) a pioneering scientist whose research takes him from the frozen edges of the planet to the frontiers of science in search of answers to some of our world's biggest questions. At the Bradley Lab, microbiology, geochemistry, and climate science converge to explore how life survives, and even thrives, in...

Mark Emerton, an Old Persean (1979), has led an extraordinary career spanning the Royal Navy, the legal profession, and the judiciary. After studying Geography at Oxford while on a Naval Cadetship, Mark went on to qualify as a barrister and serve in a range of legal and operational roles within the Navy, including establishing the Summary Appeal Court.   After leaving the Navy in 2002, he joined t...

Smera, a talented student from The Perse, (OP, 2025)  is heading to Harvard to pursue her passion for engineering and STEM. A gifted musician and dedicated all-rounder, Smera balances academic ambition with a vibrant and fulfilling life beyond the classroom. Listen to discover more about her inspiring journey.   In this podcast Smera and Claire Ziwa discuss the following topics. The journey to Har...

Beatrice Rogers (OP, 2024) is making a name for herself in the world of women’s football. Known for her sharp footballing mind, natural talent, and relentless drive, she’s become one to watch as she climbs the ranks of the game. Her journey hasn't been without challenges – but through hard work, determination and an unshakeable belief in herself, Beatrice has continued to grow, inspire, and i...

Busy student Versha shares her passion for making a difference in the world, with her research into anti-malaria interventions and her role with the Children and Young People's Board at Addenbrooke's Hospital.  This Perse student and Head of School is embracing life.  In this podcast Versha and Claire Ziwa discuss:  Research into anti-malaria interventions with Cambridge University Depar...

Head of School Marcus Wentzell shares his experience of being a student at The Perse, reflecting on his exciting Rouse research into the effectiveness of muometric positioning systems in underground navigation, as well as his passion for playing the saxophone and his important role as an anti-bullying ambassador.  In this podcast Marcus and Claire Ziwa discuss:  Marcus's experience as Head of...

Do you dream of becoming a doctor and making a difference to the lives of patients? In this podcast we meet Dr Amelia Peak, working at the heart of patient care within the NHS.  In this podcast Amelia and Claire Ziwa discuss the following areas:  Working as a resident doctor in Oxfordshire. What a typical day looks like working with patients and preparing their treatment plans. The difference betw...

Are you considering a career in sport? In this podcast we meet Tess Howard MBE, a GB Olympian, athlete, changemaker, trailblazer and academic.  Tess is an elite hockey player, representing her country at the highest level, including the Paris Olympics in 2024 and the Commonwealth Games in 2022, where she was part of the winning team, earning a gold medal. Tess established the Inclusive Sportswear...

Ever wanted to work in lighting design?  In this podcast we meet Senior Lighting Designer George Lawton who completed his A level studies at The Perse School in 2016 before going to Rose Bruford College. In this conversation George and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including: A childhood fascination with lighting. Drama and technical theatre at The Perse. Doing a Lighting Design degree at Rose Brufor...

Are you thinking about a career in medicine? In this podcast we meet Neil, a third year medical student at the University of Cambridge who chose to intercalate medicine with engineering. This combination gave Neil the opportunity to combine his love for engineering and data science with his passion for medicine. As a busy student at Emmanuel College, Neil also fills his time with being a choral sc...

Are you a fan of TikTok? In our podcast with student Ioanna MacKenna she shares her research about TikTok and its influence on young people and politics. Ioanna is a passionate advocate for modernising politics and earlier this year was selected to deliver a prestigious TEDx talk on the subject. In this conversation Ioanna and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including: Politicians as digital influencer...

Are you creative and full of ideas? Do you love building things? Are you fascinated with how things work? In this podcast Fabian Dodds talks to Claire Ziwa and inspires the next generation of engineers with his journey so far, giving us an insight into life on the very competitive Degree Apprenticeship Programme with the Dyson Institute. If you want to follow a career path in engineering, this pod...

Do you love sport? In this podcast we meet Bella Howarth who completed her A level studies at The Perse School in 2023 before going to University. Not only did Bella represent the school in cricket, netball and hockey but she also started playing cricket at county level at just 15 years old when she joined Essex Women 1st XI. Having previously played in the Sunrisers Academy, Bella is currently in...

Ever wanted to get into the music industry? In our podcast with beatboxer Midé Naike, he shares his life journey so far with Claire Ziwa, with inspiring stories of how he overcame rejection on Britain's Got Talent to ultimately winning The Naked Choir with his acapella group The Sons of Pitches. On top of this he also found time to graduate with a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Bir...