Episode Guest

Sam Walley

Sam is a Commercial Graduate at Compare the Market, currently rotating through teams as part of the company’s graduate scheme. He’s passionate about taking opportunities outside his comfort zone and building a successful career in the commercial world.

Kelly Howes

Kelly is a Software Engineer Apprentice at Compare the Market, having transitioned into tech through coding bootcamps and hands-on learning. She’s passionate about inclusive workplaces, lifelong learning, and building software that makes a real impact.

George Owens

George is a Risk and Compliance Apprentice at Compare the Market, where he works across the business supporting governance, risk, and regulatory understanding. He enjoys the variety of the role and developing confidence by getting involved from day one.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Meet the apprentices and graduates at Compare the Market

0:28 First impressions of the interview process

1:27 Advice for young people applying for apprenticeships and grad roles

1:53 Welcome to My Duvet Flip with Sam, Kelly and George

2:06 Sam’s background and education journey

2:48 Stepping outside your comfort zone at university

3:38 Growing up on a dairy farm and learning hard work

4:29 Discovering commercial work and internships

5:43 Finding the Compare the Market graduate scheme

6:26 What the commercial graduate scheme looks like

6:38 Life two months into the grad role

7:23 Preparing properly for interviews

7:33 Skills learned so far and financial confidence

8:15 Sam’s first week at Compare the Market

8:52 Company-wide events and culture

11:42 Kelly’s non-traditional career journey

13:12 Running a dance school and learning leadership

14:47 Discovering coding during the pandemic

15:53 Applying for the software engineering apprenticeship

16:56 Feeling welcomed during the interview process

17:26 What a software engineer apprenticeship involves

18:46 Learning while working in a real tech team

19:23 Why apprenticeships are a powerful route into tech

19:39 Supportive and inclusive culture at Compare the Market

20:18 Kelly’s advice for future apprentices

21:04 George’s university experience and career thinking

22:14 Adapting to change during COVID

22:36 Finding the risk and compliance apprenticeship

23:16 What risk and compliance work really looks like

24:16 Surprises in the workplace and flat hierarchy

25:26 Learning by being trusted early

26:19 Personal development and the Talent Academy

26:44 Advice for anyone applying to Compare the Market

27:36 What gets Sam, Kelly and George out of bed each morning

28:34 Final thanks and closing thoughts

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

Niamh Savill is a Senior Solutions Architect at Halo CRM, where she works across consultancy, product development, and customer solutions. With a background in languages, she brings a people-first, curious approach to solving complex technical challenges.

Episode Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

0:33 Meet Niamh and Why She Said Yes to My Duvet Flip

1:31 Niamh’s First Jobs and Early Lessons About Work

2:42 What Early Roles Teach You About Communication

3:10 How to Communicate Better at Work

3:52 Finding Halo Through Indeed

4:33 From Language Degree to a Tech Career

5:01 Niamh’s Journey at Halo CRM

6:49 Building Confidence and Putting Your Hand Up

7:47 Learning on the Job and Asking Questions

8:02 Niamh’s Best Day at Halo and Travelling for Work

8:58 What Halo Taught Niamh About Being Yourself

9:42 How Niamh Describes Halo’s Culture

10:34 Being a Woman in Tech

11:22 Advice to Young Women Applying for Tech Roles

12:08 Do You Need a Tech Background to Work in Tech?

12:58 A Day in the Life of a Senior Solutions Architect

13:51 Why Relationships Matter at Work

14:31 Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

15:36 Finding Best Friends at Work

16:27 Paul’s Leadership Style at Halo

17:44 Can Ambition and Drive Be Trained?

18:53 Niamh’s Advice to Anyone Applying to Halo

19:12 What Gets Niamh Out of Bed in the Morning

Episode Partners

Check out the latest from Halo:

https://halograduates.com and https://www.instagram.com/halonextgen/

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

Sam Schlimper is Managing Director at Randstad Enterprise, where she works with global organisations to redesign work, unlock human potential, and build future-ready talent strategies. With deep experience across recruitment, financial services, and advisory, Sam is passionate about creating meaningful work that energises people and organisations.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:23 What gives you energy and what drains it at work

1:17 Sam’s duvet flip and why self-reflection matters

2:09 First job lessons and learning what you don’t want to do

3:04 Why trying things is essential early in your career

3:39 How Sam fell into recruitment and talent without a plan

4:12 Confidence, training, and learning on the job

4:46 Building confidence in a hybrid and remote world

5:47 Why job descriptions don’t reflect how work really happens

6:33 Do remote workers really miss out on promotions?

7:39 How to know who you are (and why it’s a lifelong job)

8:16 Being good at something that slowly drains you

9:10 Why fun, energy, and people keep you in a job

10:05 What makes a great recruiter today

11:40 How people really get jobs beyond their CV

12:44 Understanding human potential at its core

14:13 Simple ways to identify your own potential

15:36 Are you stuck in the ‘frozen middle’?

16:29 What it feels like when work slowly erodes you

17:36 Mucky ducks and how bad culture spreads

18:57 What to do if you are the mucky duck

20:04 Knowing when it’s time to leave an environment

22:13 Why human connection matters more than ever

23:14 AI, young people, and the future of work

24:45 Why early careers need new, non-traditional routes

25:46 The beehive analogy and problem-solving talent

26:47 Why AI should be treated like a colleague, not a tool

28:37 The danger of cognitively offloading your thinking

30:08 How to work with AI without losing your edge

32:43 Psychological safety and AI adoption at work

35:40 Confidence, power, and who embraces AI first

38:38 Lessons from Sam’s time at Barclays

40:33 What Randstad Enterprise does and why Sam loves her work

43:49 The red folder quick-fire questions

48:24 Sam’s duvet flip and what really gets her out of bed

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

Pete Harris is the President at Pipedrive, with a career spanning from auditing at Deloitte to global leadership. Known for his grounded wisdom and purpose-driven mindset, Pete brings clarity and compassion to every room he walks into - or in Pete's case, runs into!

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:55 Meet Pete Harris – President at Pipedrive

3:00 The Flight That Changed Everything

6:20 Why Pete Turned Down Partnership at Deloitte

9:00 Discovering Your Purpose in Life and Work

12:15 Pete’s Hierarchy of Needs

15:10 From Corporate Climb to Courageous Quit

18:00 The Power of Support: Marriage, Mentors & Mindset

21:30 Resigning With Grace and Class

24:00 Pete’s Ironman: Testing Limits and Finding Clarity

28:00 What Endurance Taught Pete About Insecurity and Self

31:10 Talking Money: Value, Confidence & Childhood Habits

35:00 From Seven-Year-Old Saver to Global Leader

38:20 Why Your Job Title Isn’t Who You Are

41:00 What Real Wealth Looks Like (And It’s Not Money)

44:15 Time, Presence, and the 18 Christmas Rule

47:00 Leadership, Listening and Talking Last

50:00 The Power of Diversity and Integrity at Work

53:00 Pete on Taylor Swift, Energy Vampires & the A-Team

56:00 Final Reflections and Pete’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

Alex Glover is Managing Director of Programmatic at Brainlabs, where he leads global innovation in data-driven advertising. His passion for programmatic strategy and graduate development is helping shape the next generation of media talent.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:12 Meet Alex Glover, MD of Programmatic at Brainlabs

0:40 The job Alex nearly took (and why he didn’t)

1:48 Discovering advertising through curiosity

3:04 Early experiments with websites and Google Ads

4:16 The career-changing advice Alex got from his dad

5:06 Startup grind: no playbook, just problem solving

6:10 From tiny clients to Mediacom’s biggest accounts

7:33 Why Alex couldn’t stay away from programmatic

8:48 Taking a bet on himself at Brainlabs

10:00 The truth about programmatic advertising

12:05 Advertising’s future: Netflix, Spotify, and beyond

13:42 Inside the Brainlabs grad scheme in Buenos Aires

15:37 How moving to Argentina can kickstart your career

17:23 What makes someone thrive in programmatic?

19:08 Building confidence, then passion

21:07 Jack and Alex on being obsessed with your craft

22:45 Getting promoted: it’s not just about extra projects

24:10 How to stand out in your first job in media

26:04 Why reporting taught Alex the most about marketing

27:18 When Alex felt like a fraud (and what happened next)

29:12 What it’s really like working at Brainlabs

31:20 Why Brainlabs refuses to sell to a holding company

32:46 The culture of innovation and automation at Brainlabs

34:05 How AI is being used by grads at Brainlabs

35:24 “If you do it three times, automate it”

36:48 The one mindset shift every grad needs to hear

38:04 Chapter 1 of Alex’s career: “Working it out”

39:02 Most unexpected lesson from a ‘boring’ task

40:00 When Alex truly felt imposter syndrome

41:12 The job that led to Patagonia

42:00 Jack’s final question: What’s your duvet flip?

43:38 Why achievement, not titles, gets Alex up in the morning

44:30 Final reflections and thank yous

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

Donna Whitehead is the Vice Chancellor and CEO of the University of Brighton. A proud working-class leader from Hartlepool, Donna brings a bold, purpose-driven vision to higher education.

Episode Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

1:22 From Council Estate to CEO

2:59 Donna’s First Job: Paper Round Hustle

4:23 Learning Discipline and Drive

6:01 “Shy Bairns Get Nowt”: Grit as a Mindset

7:08 Pride in Her Hartlepool Roots

8:42 Imposter Syndrome and Black Tie Moments

10:53 Getting Sacked and Bouncing Back

12:08 The Life Event That Changed Everything

13:33 Failing College, Then Trying Again

14:59 Studying Law and Seeing a Bigger World

16:33 From No Map to Leading a University

17:44 Why Education Became Her Purpose

19:06 What a University CEO Really Does

20:45 Brighton’s 10-Year Vision: Equity & Enterprise

22:31 A Day in the Life of Donna Whitehead

24:35 What Brighton Has Taught Her About Life

26:02 Never Compromise Your Values

27:07 Deputy CEO vs CEO: The Real Difference

28:31 What Donna Would Study Today

29:40 Why Choose University of Brighton?

30:55 Careers in Education: Donna’s Call to Action

32:07 Quickfire Round: Mascots, Boss Phrases & Icons

34:10 Donna’s Message to Students, CEOs & the World

35:47 Donna’s Duvet Flip – What Gets Her Up

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

Andrew Lever is the Co-Founder and CEO of Brand Partnership Group, a leader in brand-focused sales and marketing services. With a career spanning Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Samsung, Andrew brings calm leadership and consistent growth to every organisation he touches.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:41 Why Andrew was one of the show’s first believers

2:03 The power of consistency in careers and partnerships

3:00 Andrew’s first job and how he became a CEO

5:00 From Unilever to Paris — learning fast abroad

7:40 Facing fears: new languages, new countries

10:00 Returning for a dream role at Coca-Cola

12:00 What Coke taught Andrew about human connection

14:00 Brand loyalty and leadership lessons

15:20 How to actually build consistency

17:00 Calm leadership through change and chaos

19:00 Navigating COVID and moving fast as a business

21:00 Transforming Brand Partnership Group from the inside

23:00 Learning from mistakes and knowing when to pivot

25:00 Real partnership vs. transactional relationships

27:00 Andrew’s rule if he was Minister of Partnerships

28:30 What Brand Partnership Group actually does

30:00 How Blue Square supports Samsung, HP & SharkNinja

32:30 Training, retail support, and in-home repair

34:00 Crew Live: From West End to global brand activations

36:00 Rise: Engineering growth with data and insight

37:45 A teaser for the next agency in the group

38:30 Why youth opportunity is at the heart of BPG

40:30 Supporting confidence, skills and mental resilience

42:30 Apprenticeships and building the next generation

44:00 Turning BPG into a talent pipeline for global brands

45:20 Living company values — not just posting them

46:50 The truth about culture and consistency

48:10 Quick-fire: Remarkable notebooks & lion mascots

49:20 The strangest pitch Andrew ever received

50:15 Dreaming up a youth-focused business with Jack

51:00 The motto Andrew would put on a Piccadilly billboard

52:00 The brand Andrew wishes would call tomorrow

53:00 Reflecting on friendship, support, and doing good

54:30 Andrew’s evolved duvet flip: From chasing to creating

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

Paula MacKenzie is the CEO of Pizza Express, with a career spanning leadership roles across the food, drink, and hospitality sectors. Known for her drive and authenticity, Paula brings a bold, values-led approach to business and team culture.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:24 Paula’s First Job – Paper Rounds and Earning Freedom

2:23 Young Paula Saves for a Stereo – The Power of Incentives

3:38 What Drives Paula’s Determination?

5:03 What Paula Would Tell Her Younger Self

6:00 Paula on Staying True to Who You Are

7:47 Paula on Boundaries, Values & Handling ‘Darling’ Moments

10:33 From Paper Round to Career Steps – Paula’s Journey Begins

12:04 Why Paula Left Accountancy for Industry

14:46 Paula on Feeling Like an Outsider in Finance

16:05 Lessons from Innocent – How Paula Learned to Break the Rules

18:24 The Show Must Go On – Paula on Doing It Anyway

19:25 Becoming CEO – Paula’s Cross-Functional Climb

22:57 Paula on Imposter Syndrome & Reframing Thoughts

24:56 What Paula’s First Day as CEO Really Felt Like

27:08 Paula’s 4 A’s Framework for Leading From Day One

30:00 The One Life Lesson Paula Swears By

31:41 Quickfire with Paula – Pizza Orders, McFly & Collabs

34:43 Strong Roots and Giving Back – Paula’s Perspective

36:00 Paula’s Duvet Flip – Doing What She Loves Every Day

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/