The Student Sessions

Today Tonia is talking to the inspirational Shafeen Mahmood. In this episode Shafeen talks to Tonia about his experiences as an international student in the UK.  Shafeen shares how relocating led to feelings of isolation and mental health challenges, and the importance of showing vulnerabilities and seeking out the support available.   

Today Tonia is talking to the inspirational Jason Piper. Jason is an Associate Professor in Dance and was formerly Head of Dance. He is currently an interim Head of the School of Arts, Culture and Communication at a London University.   He is a motion capture artist and creatures expert for the Harry Potter franchise and plays Bane in Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix.   He is halfway thro...

Today Tonia is talking to the inspirational Ryan Makuku. Ryan currently works as a Treasury Analyst in the Banking industry, where he has spent the past 2 years on a graduate scheme.  He is a passionate speaker on social mobility and youth employment.  In this episode, Ryan tells Tonia about his upbringing and the impact this had on him and he also shares how despite turning things around for hims...

Today Tonia is talking to Dr Leroy Logan MBE  Described by The Voice newspaper as ‘one of the Black officers who helped change the Met’, Leroy is one of the founder members of the Black Police Association.   In 1982, He was preparing for a career in science and medicine when he felt a strong call to join the police. he knew he would face opposition from family and friends yet the call was too stro...

In this episode Tonia is joined by Zeph Chukwudum from Microsoft.  Zeph talks about growing up in south London, experiencing racism at university, the importance of role models, and how it is important for us all to feel that we can be our own authentic selves.  Zeph also talks about his career at Microsoft and some of the important work the organisation is continuing to develop to ensure a divers...

Today Tonia is talking to Jeannine McMillan.    Jeanine holds a Bachelors of Arts in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University. In her career she has worked in the communications, industrial, software, and aerospace industries.  Currently, Jeannine is the Small Business Liaison Officer (SBLO) at Rolls-Royce North America, where she ensures that the company utilises small businesses to...

Today Tonia is chatting with the inspirational Roberta Johnstone. Roberta  was an alcoholic, addict, anorexic, and bulimic. Self-harm and self-deprecation became a place of comfortability in a world she felt she wasn't a part of. During her "rock bottom" she was given the opportunity to go to rehab where the journey towards learning to love herself began. Now, in a time of her life...

In today’s episode, Tonia is joined by the inspirational Patrick Hutchinson.  Patrick is Co founder of UTCAI, Personal Trainer, Athletics Coach & Author’  Coventry born, London bred Patrick has been motivating people through personal training and martial arts and uplifting his community long before he became a national hero.  Patrick is a loyal friend, uncle and grandfather. He is as resilient...

Tonia Galati is talking to the inspirational Shanique Clarke. Shanique is a First Class Business and Sociology Graduate from Aston University and current MSc Management Student at Manchester Metropolitan University. Here she talks to Tonia about over coming feelings of being isolated and imposter syndrome.     

Today Tonia is talking to Felix Wong Felix  from Allianz talks about some of the challenges and barriers he has overcome over the years, as well as his career within Allianz and the diversity of opportunity within the organisation for all.

Today your host  Tonia Galatia is chatting with the inspirational Faustina Edward Faustina is from Saint Lucia and moved to the UK in 2017 to pursue a law degree.   Before that, she revamped and managed an after-school programme in her community. In 2018, she was named a Highly Commended Runner Up Queen's Young Leader, alongside outstanding young leaders across the Commonwealth for her work i...

In this episode Tonia Galati is talking to the inspirational Amy Roberts Amy is a Psychology graduate who developed a disability during her studies and has used this to support other students within higher education with disabilities.  She exceeded expectations, not only finishing her degree, but achieving a First.   Her career goal is to continue to provide a high level of support and guidance to...

In this episode Tonia is chatting with the inspirational comedian Raul Kohli As a stand up comedian, Raul has fast become one of the most captivating acts on the circuit.  His Edinburgh Fringe debut show Newcastle Brown Male was one of BBC Radio 4, The Huffington Post & the Skinny’s top picks of the Fringe 2016.   As well as several radio & TV appearances, Raul is about to release his own...

In this Episode Tonia is talking to the inspirational Naomi Ngondi Naomi reflects on her journey from South Africa to the U.K. She talks about adjusting to cultural differences, racism, mental health and overcoming personal battles.  **Please note this episode carries a trigger warning**

Today Tonia is talking to the inspirational Chike Iroegbunam.  Chike is an accounting and finance postgraduate student with ambitions to enter high finance. This dream has at times felt, due to unforeseen setbacks, fanciful. However, he knows that there is no straight road to success so continues to construct his individual path whilst dealing with Dyspraxia. He treats each day as a personal battl...

Today Tonia is talking to the inspirational Nia Modley. Nia is a final year psychology undergraduate student with a passion and enthusiasm for destigmatizing mental health illnesses, and encouraging a conversation that we all too often silence. Having been in recovery for 5 years from Anorexia and Bulimia, she is determined to use her pain and learnings to help make something good out of an incred...

In this episode Tonia Galati is chatting with the inspirational Lauren Dennis. Lauren is from Sheffield and is a data analyst apprentice.  She describes herself as ambitious, resilient, and passionate.  She uses her voice to help raise awareness of sickle cell disease, an illness which affects her daily, but which she hasn’t let hold her back and instead uses her illness as fuel to motivate hersel...

In this first episode of Season 3 Tonia Galati is talking to the inspirational Reggie Nelson. Reggie is a role model to many and known for securing an internship after door knocking in one of London’s wealthiest areas.  Reggie grew up in East London, and has overcome many challenges and barriers, managing to turn his life around to achieve career and personal success.  Now working in the City of L...

In our final episode of Series Two, we have a very special episode of The Student Sessions! Today Tonia talks with our guests about the value of mentoring. We look at both sides, what is it like to be the mentee and what it takes to be a mentor. Join Tonia on this bonus two-parter episode with two students, Renaee and Carlos, and student mentor, John. If you enjoyed our Podcast, please recommend t...

Graduating from University is sometimes a challenge in itself. But how do you deal with the challenges and uncertainty provided by  a global pandemic? The current environment makes finding a job difficult. Tonia talks with Harriet and Aneesa about their experiences of graduating during these unprecedented times. Listen now for some great tips and advice. If you enjoyed our Podcast, please recommen...

Choosing a degree may feel like an easy choice if you know what you want, but what if it turns out it’s not quite what you imagined. Is it okay to suddenly change gear and take a different degree? Join us today on The Student Sessions where Tonia speaks with Pavanpreet about her experience with changing degree. We hope that her story will give you a little bit more insight and confidence so you ca...

Getting an internship is a great way to earn experience but what if find yourself doing a lot of work for no pay? Can experience be worth more than money? Well this session Tonia speaks with Miyoshi about what it was like to work for nothing and the best way you can communicate with your boss to get the most out of your internship. If you enjoyed our Podcast, please recommend to your friends, and...

On today’s session Tonia talks with Hal, Didi and Ashleigh about what’s it like to work for an independent business. We chat about what an independent is and some of the benefits that come from working with one. We also talk about the challenges you may face but how to overcome them and come out even stronger. If you enjoyed our Podcast, please recommend to your friends, and leave us a review! If...

In this Session we speak with Akunya and Verity about what it is like to be a Freelancer. Tonia finds out the process of becoming a freelancer, the pros and cons, and with the help of Akunya, Verity gives you some tips on how to get the most out of being your own boss. If you enjoyed our Podcast, please recommend to your friends, and leave us a review! If you want to catch up on any of our previou...

Moving away from home. Living in a big city. Going to University. Being independent. New beginnings can be a daunting thought. Join us on today’s sessions where Tonia talks with Katherine who shares their experience in dealing with change and new starts.  We talk about what it’s like to start University and how we have to be able to adapt to new surroundings and environments. If you enjoyed our Po...