Episode Guest:

Nick Bent is the CEO of upReach, a UK-based social mobility charity helping university students from less-advantaged backgrounds secure top graduate jobs. With a background spanning government, business, and the third sector, Nick co-founded upReach to level the playing field for talented young people.

German Bencci is the CEO and founder of CodeYourFuture, a volunteer-driven organisation training individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to launch successful careers in tech. Originally from Venezuela, German built CodeYourFuture into a global community offering accessible, flexible, and impactful tech education.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:41 Why mentoring and informal conversations matter

1:26 Meet Nick Bent and German Bencci

2:03 First jobs and early career lessons

4:00 Nick's pivot from law to public policy

5:00 German's journey from Venezuela to Europe

6:42 Taking leaps before you're ready

7:49 The power of asking for help

8:13 How mentors shaped Nick and German

9:32 Why in-person learning still matters

11:00 Role models and mindset shifts

12:02 Mentorship at CodeYourFuture and upReach

13:37 From volunteering to founding a charity

16:03 Turning passion into full-time purpose

17:31 Spotting a gap and launching CodeYourFuture

19:02 How young people can start volunteering

21:03 Volunteering as work experience

22:54 The real value of giving your time

24:04 What upReach does for young people

25:26 The graduate job gap and social mobility

27:36 How CodeYourFuture supports career changers

29:54 Removing barriers: childcare, laptops, and support

32:00 How the HG Foundation makes it possible

33:19 What is the Tech 500 programme?

35:12 VIP access to Google HQ

37:05 Restarting CodeYourFuture’s software programme

39:52 How corporate partners can get involved

42:31 Paid internships and practical pathways

44:59 Final question: What's your duvet flip?

Episode Partners:

Hg Foundation

Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.

https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest

Briya Campbell is the Senior Data Enablement Manager at Compare the Market, where she champions innovation and inclusion in the data space. With a dynamic background spanning retail and tech, Briya is passionate about mentorship, representation, and driving commercial impact through data.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:23 Meet the Guest: Senior Data Enablement Manager at Compare the Market

1:03 Bria’s Background: Growing Up in a Single-Parent Household

2:04 First Job Lessons: Patience and Pivoting

4:00 How a Career Academy Opened New Doors

5:57 The Power of Mentorship

7:32 Planning a Future Without a Blueprint

9:00 Being First in the Family to Go to Uni

10:48 The Grit from a Single-Parent Upbringing

12:02 Giving Back: Mentoring Four, Learning from Two

13:25 Breaking into Data After Redundancy

14:44 What Compare the Market Is Really Like

16:27 The Importance of Representation at Work

17:23 Money Tips: Pensions, Budgeting & Saving Early

19:02 Being a Role Model and Staying Authentic

20:47 Advice for Young Black Women in the Workplace

22:30 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

23:55 Why Data & AI Are Exciting Careers

25:29 Final Advice: Take the Risk, Be the Cultural Add

25:50 Bria’s Duvet Flip

Episode Partners

📊 Compare the Market

Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.

https://bit.ly/4i53Svj

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guests

James Turner is the CEO of the Hg Foundation, leading its mission to drive social mobility through technology and education.

Elona Mortimer-Zhika is a Board Trustee at the Hg Foundation and a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and access to tech careers.

Episode Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

0:49 Meet James and Elona from the HG Foundation

1:27 Why tech access is a social mobility issue

2:29 James’ journey from law to education leadership

3:42 Elona’s powerful story: from Albania to tech boardrooms

5:00 Why opportunity is everything — and not equally shared

6:07 What the HG Foundation actually does

8:01 Scaling impact: 100,000 tech opportunities

9:24 Behind the partnerships driving change

11:00 The diversity crisis in tech

12:27 Why inclusion powers better businesses

13:40 Data-backed impact and smarter giving

15:00 Why Elona believes “playing small does not serve the world”

16:26 Who backs the HG Foundation — and why it matters

17:58 The unique power of the HG network

19:46 Why tech careers are ideal for young people

21:26 Mira Murati, ChatGPT & tech role models

23:06 How to future-proof your career with tech

24:52 Real programs, real opportunities

26:07 Final message to the next generation

28:07 James' duvet flip moment

28:43 Elona’s reason for showing up — every single time

29:50 Closing thanks

Episode Partners

Hg Foundation

Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.

https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Tanuja Randery is the Managing Director for Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. A passionate advocate for digital skills and inclusive leadership, she has helped train over 31 million learners globally.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

1:20 From Early Jobs to Self‑Discovery

3:50 Breaking Into McKinsey: Network & Opportunity

6:15 Doing Excellent Work & Beyond the Ask

8:40 The Partnership Snub: Atlanta & Betrayal

11:10 Reflection: What Was Missing

13:00 Connecting What + How in Leadership

15:20 Resilience: Balance, Energy & the 40‑40‑20 Rule

17:45 Building Your “Board”: Sponsors, Mentors & Squad

20:10 Feedback Fear: Receiving, Unpacking, Acting

22:40 Skills, Tech & Digital Futures

25:10 Training 31M Learners & AWS Impact

27:30 What Gets Me Out of Bed: Her “Duvet Flip”

29:00 Final Reflections & Close

Episode Partners

Hg Foundation

Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.

https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Matt Madrigal is the Chief Technology Officer at Pinterest, where he leads product management, engineering, and infrastructure for the platform. With a career spanning eBay, Google, and Fanatics, Matt is a seasoned e-commerce and tech leader passionate about building positive, high-impact user experiences.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

1:23 From Chico to Pizza Shop: Matt’s First Job

3:45 Lessons in Work Ethic from Immigrant Parents

5:32 What Hard Work Really Means

8:01 The Cheers and Chores Philosophy

10:46 Breaking into Tech & Early Career Moves

13:30 Surviving the Dot-Com Boom

15:58 Joining eBay and Learning at Scale

19:15 Why Shopping & E-Commerce Hooked Matt

21:40 Choosing Managers vs. Missions

24:01 The Truth About AI & Early Career Jobs

27:18 What Makes a Great Software Engineer

30:12 The Red Flags in Tech Talent

32:14 Key Lessons from Google

35:17 Undoing Old Habits to Grow

37:20 Why Matt Said Yes to Pinterest

39:34 What Sets Pinterest Apart

42:01 Using Pinterest to Inspire Youth Spaces

44:00 Why Pinterest Is a Great Place to Work

46:19 Matt’s Biggest Life Lessons

48:35 Matt’s Duvet Flip: Solving Hard Problems with Great People

Episode Partners

Hg Foundation

Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.

https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Graham Rogers

Graham Rogers is the Co-CEO of Homes for Students, bringing a decade of leadership experience in student accommodation and a passion for a people-first culture.

Kate Forester

Kate Forester is the Managing Director at Homes for Students, known for her straight-talking leadership style, focus on team development, and deep commitment to delivering on promises.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:41 Meet Kate & Graham — Double Trouble

1:46 First Jobs: Paper Rounds & Waitressing

4:00 Early Money Lessons & Family Motivation

5:30 Advice for Young People Starting Out

8:00 How to Know When a Job Isn’t for You

10:35 From Waitressing to Banking to Leadership

13:20 Presence, Imposter Syndrome & Tangible Feedback

16:45 Independence & Grit in the Workplace

20:15 Climbing the Career Ladder the Right Way

23:05 Resilience: Why Young People Need More of It

26:15 Giving Feedback Without Fear

29:05 The Story Behind Homes for Students

32:00 How You Leave a Job Matters

35:15 Starting a Business: The Risks & Real Talk

38:00 Leadership Lessons from the Early Days

41:00 Building a People-First Culture

43:00 Dealing with Mucky Ducks in Business

45:00 Learning the Hard Way — Personal Reflections

47:30 What's Next for Homes for Students

49:00 Kate & Graham’s Duvet Flip

Episode Partners

📊 Compare the Market

Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.

https://bit.ly/4i53Svj

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Llorayah Timbou Faucher is a Degree Apprentice at Marks & Spencer who started as a quiet Christmas temp and is now inspiring future leaders. Her story is one of confidence, curiosity, and creating memorable moments for customers and colleagues alike.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:47 Starting as a Christmas Temp at 18

2:05 Nervous Beginnings & Not Knowing the Ropes

3:12 Learning the Power of “Just Ask”

4:30 From Quiet to Confident: Finding Her Voice

6:10 Falling in Love with Retail

7:45 When M&S Went from Job to Dream

9:10 Speaking Up as a Young Leader

10:35 Managing Dyslexia & Team Briefs

12:00 What Retail Teaches You About Life

13:30 Building Real Relationships at Work

14:55 The Role of Mentors in Her Journey

16:10 “You Can Do Anything, But Not Everything”

17:30 Learning to Prioritise & Focus

18:50 From Learner to Leader: Coaching Others

20:10 Inside the Degree Apprentice Programme

21:35 Advice for Future Christmas Temps

23:00 Llorayah’s Duvet Flip — Making People’s Day

Episode Partners

M&S

M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.

https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Kayte Houghton is the Payroll Lead at Marks & Spencer, where she’s risen from admin assistant to leading payroll for 65,000+ colleagues. A champion of resilience, Kayte’s journey from council house to career leadership shows what’s possible when passion meets opportunity.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:49 Kayte’s Early Life as a Teen Mum

2:15 Living on Benefits & Hitting Rock Bottom

3:40 The Courage to Visit the Job Centre

4:50 Discovering the Marks & Start Programme

6:10 Finding a Buzz in Admin Work

7:30 Gaining Confidence from Small Wins

8:45 Getting the Life-Changing Phone Call

10:10 Starting Her First Role at M&S

11:40 Learning the Power of Supportive Managers

13:00 Climbing from Admin to Team Leader

14:35 Reclaiming the Word “Ambitious”

16:00 How M&S Feels Like Family

17:20 Seeking Mentors & Giving Back

18:45 Imposter Syndrome & Belonging

20:00 Falling into Payroll — and Loving It

21:15 Why Empathy Matters When Handling Pay

23:10 From Post Room to Payroll Lead

24:30 Kayte’s Duvet Flip — Personal Pride & Identity

Episode Partners

M&S

M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.

https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/