In this conversation, Marisa shares her journey growing up in foster care in Essex, shaped by instability, addiction and the justice system. She reflects on how receiving funding to attend a convent boarding school exposed her to a world far removed from her roots, forcing her to adapt, blend in, and develop confidence in formal environments, while quietly carrying the stigma of being in care.

Marisa talks candidly about the pressure to attend university, the belief that it was the only route to success, and the reality of dropping out with debt and no degree. She opens up about how these experiences, alongside caring responsibilities for her mother, led her into mental health work before eventually stepping away to protect herself.

Her career in recruitment became a turning point. Drawing on empathy shaped by lived experience, Marisa championed people from working-class and disadvantaged backgrounds, sometimes taking risks others wouldn’t. From helping someone sleeping rough into employment, to later working with charities and leading DEI initiatives, she found purpose in creating access and opportunity for others.

Marisa reflects on how organisations are beginning to take social mobility more seriously, while still often failing to understand the complexity behind people’s backgrounds. She also shares what it meant to finally hear her experiences reflected in conversations around class and why she wouldn’t change her roots, seeing them as central to who she is and how she supports others today.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like if you enjoyed Marisa's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Marisa!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Marisa:

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-lloyd-certrp-46677069/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess

#Trauma

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.