Wit + Grit

Gabriel Imevbore joins us to share his journey from growing up in Erdington, Birmingham, experiencing family breakdown and homelessness at 19, to becoming the youngest trustee in YMCA Heart of England’s 180-year history. In this good-old-heart-to-heart conversation, Gabriel talks about ambition, faith, entrepreneurship, Birmingham, fatherhood, opportunity, social mobility and why your circumstance...

As our government moves towards restricting social media access for young people, the debate has shifted from whether there is a problem to what we do about it. In this episode, we sit down with Abi Edmunds, founder of Social Media Resilience, to explore the realities of growing up online and the skills young people need to navigate an increasingly complex digital world. From social media bans and...

In this episode, we sit down with workplace futurist Stuart Evans to explore AI, robotics, the future of work and what it all means for young people. From agentic AI and humanoid robots to university debt, entry-level jobs, adaptability and the future of human skills, this is a conversation about what happens when work changes faster than our old systems can keep up. Stuart challenges the idea tha...

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...

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 busin...

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 sh...

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...

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 “en...

Lewis Matthews has pushed himself to extremes - from international water polo to Ironmans, ultramarathons and rowing the Atlantic for 38 days. But this conversation isn’t just about endurance. It’s about what happens when life pushes back. Lewis opens up about losing his brother and his mom, how grief reshaped his perspective, and why success now looks very different. From “purposeful discomfort”...

In Episode 32 of Wit + Grit, we are joined by Marcus Dimbleby - former Royal Air Force aerospace battle manager turned leadership and critical thinking specialist. From the military to major corporate transformation, Marcus shares what he’s learned about leadership, human behaviour and why so many organisations are still getting it wrong. This is a wide-ranging conversation covering disengaged wor...

In Episode 31 of Wit + Grit, we are joined by BBC comedy writer James Cary - the man behind episodes of Miranda, Citizen Khan, My Family and Bluestone 42 . But this conversation goes well beyond sitcoms. James opens up about the constant rejection that comes with writing, even when you’re “successful”, what working in comedy has taught him about teams, why authenticity matters more than trying to...

What happens when you’re trying to perform at work while also being a present, patient and emotionally available parent at home? In Episode 30, we sit down with Natalie Costa to explore emotional fitness in families, schools and workplaces. Natalie shares her mission to help raise a generation of connected humans by supporting the adults around them - parents, teachers and leaders alike. From chil...

After 28 episodes, a live event, and a growing Wit + Grit community, we sit down for a proper catch-up. This one is honest, reflective and full of the stuff that sits behind the scenes - what we’ve learned, what’s surprised us, what we’re building, and why Wit + Grit is starting to feel like something much bigger than a podcast. We talk about opportunity, identity, grief, ambition, structure, star...

Hannah Tyers is one of the world’s youngest female chartered surveyors - but her real story sits under the surface. At 21 years of age, Hannah lost her mum to alcoholism. Her journey has forced Hannah to grow up fast, build resilience early, and learn emotional skills most of us were never taught. In this episode, Hannah shares what grief taught her about life moving on, why “success” can feel com...

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Daniel Wilsher shares what he calls his “iOS update” - a shedding of identity. After years of building his public platform around the suicide of his father and his own mental health journey, Daniel realised something profound: The story that built him, no longer fits him. From losing his dad at 9, battling addiction, therapy, public speaking, Channe...

Joel Blake is a private client solicitor at Wilkes, a Future Faces ambassador, and a Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year winner - but his story starts in Dudley, navigating limited role models and plenty of “you’ll never make it” moments. In this episode, Joel shares how rejection shaped his resilience, why confidence is built over time, and the mantra that changed everything: it’s n...

In this conversation, Lisa Butler shares her inspiring journey from an 18-year military career to becoming a coach and advocate for courage and leadership. She discusses overcoming early challenges, the importance of resilience, and how her military experience shaped her understanding of courage. Lisa emphasises the need for individuals to be brave in their personal and professional lives, the sig...

Summary: In this episode Chris Meah, an AI expert and founder of Meah Labs and the School of Code, discusses the transformative power of AI, the importance of lifelong learning, and the future of education and work. He shares insights on how AI is reshaping industries and the skills needed to thrive in a tech-driven world. The question is, will AI be the end of us all? ----- Takeaways: AI is resha...

Summary In this episode, former England international rugby player Luther Burrell shares his journey from professional sports to philanthropy, discussing identity, race, and mental wellbeing. He reflects on his transition from elite sports, the challenges of finding purpose post-retirement, and the importance of networking and community impact. Luther emphasises the power of honesty, resilience, a...

In this reflective episode, PJ and Andy pause to mark a milestone: 21 episodes down. What started in June 2025 with a simple decision - “let’s just press go” - has become a powerful lesson in momentum, confidence, and learning through action. They explore why perfection is often the enemy of progress, how confidence is built through doing (not thinking), and why most people underestimate the value...

Summary In this episode, siblings Peggy and Will Crawford discuss their unique career paths and shared experiences. Peggy, a data analyst and semi-pro poker player, shares insights into the poker world and her journey in content creation. Will, founder of Quiet Note, talks about integrating mindfulness and music to improve mental wellbeing. They explore the challenges and rewards of their respecti...

In this episode of Wit + Grit, we are joined by Doug Wright MBE DL - a man whose life reads like a masterclass in resilience and service. Doug shares how he went from failing his exams and disappointing his parents to finding purpose on 93p an hour at McDonald’s, becoming the youngest restaurant manager, and then having his world turned upside down after a devastating car accident that left him te...

Summary In this uplifting and deeply honest conversation, Becca Horley shares the journey behind her award-winning legal career and the personal transformation that shaped it. From feeling “stuck” and disconnected to redefining her identity through fitness, fashion, boundaries and self-respect, Becca opens up about what it really takes to build a happier, more confident life. She talks vision boar...

In this episode, two young entrepreneurs, Rhiannon Fry and Abbi Evans, share their journeys of building businesses in their teens. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the role of education in preparing for real-world experiences. The conversation also touches on the influence of family and mentors, the significance of social media in mode...

Summary In this episode, Iain McCallister, CEO of Man Commercial Protection, shares his journey of building a successful security business. He emphasises the importance of focusing on one thing and doing it well, as encapsulated in his mantra, 'Dig one hole, dig it deep.' Iain discusses the challenges and triumphs of leading a company through acquisitions, maintaining a strong company culture, and...