In this episode of Behind the Future, Amber, founder of She Bytes Back, shares her journey as a woman in tech. From studying economics and working in finance to discovering coding during the pandemic, Amber reveals how she navigated a male-dominated industry and built a supportive community for ambitious women in tech.

Amber talks about the challenges of breaking into tech without a traditional background, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the importance of psychological safety and peer support. She explains how teaching others and creating resources helped her grow her skills and confidence while also empowering other women to thrive in tech.

This episode is perfect for students and aspiring coders curious about how to find their place in tech, build confidence, and make meaningful connections in STEM. Amber shares practical tips for learning new skills, leveraging mentorship, and navigating the challenges of remote work and onboarding in technical roles.

Whether you’re exploring coding for the first time or looking for inspiration to thrive in a competitive environment, Amber’s story offers actionable advice and insights into how women can take charge, break barriers, and shape the future of tech. Tune in to discover the power of community, perseverance, and curiosity in building a successful career as a woman in tech.

Behind the Future is a podcast for the next generation of digital talent, offering weekly interviews, real-world insights and career advice. Subscribe for more conversations like this, and follow us on TikTok and Instagram @aspirationdigital.

Hosts: Becky Simms & Alice Pennington

Guest: Amber Shand

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In this episode, we chat with Bram, Head of Brand and Digital for a major law firm, to explore the dynamic world of digital marketing and how students can navigate their path into this exciting field. Bram shares his unique journey, from studying communications and launching his own small business, to specializing in digital communications during the early days of social media for law firms.

Throughout the conversation, Bram dives into the three most important things for career success. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of balancing legal precision with creative content, the power of data in proving marketing strategies, and the ever-evolving landscape of video content. Bram also offers insights into how AI is transforming the industry, emphasizing its role as an assistant for efficiency and a catalyst for new creative avenues, while cautioning against complacency and the importance of human authenticity.

If you’re a student or young professional curious about digital careers, marketing, or simply how to flex your creative muscle in a corporate world, this episode is packed with actionable insights, relatable stories, and inspiration. Bram also shares his personal hacks for staying creative and the importance of having a "North Star" to guide your career journey.

Tune in to hear how he embraced unexpected opportunities, the value of continuous learning and practice, and how you too can find what you love in the fast-paced digital sector. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode will leave you motivated to make your next jump!

Behind the Future is a podcast for the next generation of digital talent, offering weekly interviews, real-world insights and career advice. Subscribe for more conversations like this, and follow us on TikTok and Instagram @aspirationdigital.

Hosts: Becky Simms & Ray Hayne

Guest: Bram Vanoirbeek

Would you like to see an Aspiration Digital event near you? Let us know by registering your interest here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV9Rg8QzZdtsauF5B7YURVFpK48wWrKZCIE6uCaeiEBFUZEA/viewform

In this episode, we sit down with Lorna Blaydon, the Chief Marketing Officer at Enterprise Nation, to explore how young people can access incredible opportunities and grow their own businesses. Lorna shares her unique journey—from university days discovering her passion for people and business psychology, to navigating internships, early career challenges, and eventually becoming CMO of a dynamic, fast-moving company.

Throughout the conversation, Lorna dives into the importance of building your network, using your connections strategically, and standing out when opportunities aren’t always advertised. She reflects on the lessons she’s learned over 15 years in marketing, the value of practical experience over purely academic knowledge, and why work-life balance is key to thriving creatively and professionally.

If you’re a student or young professional curious about entrepreneurship, marketing, or simply how to navigate your first steps in business, this episode is packed with actionable insights, relatable stories, and inspiration. Lorna also discusses how Enterprise Nation supports early-stage founders through innovative campaigns and partnerships with companies like Vodafone and TikTok Shop, giving young people a real platform to shine.

Tune in to hear how she turned challenges into opportunities, why being proactive can make all the difference, and how you too can take control of your career journey. Whether you’re interested in startups, marketing, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode will leave you motivated and ready to take the next step.

Behind the Future is a podcast for the next generation of digital talent, offering weekly interviews, real-world insights and career advice. Subscribe for more conversations like this, and follow us on TikTok and Instagram @aspirationdigital.

Hosts: Becky Simms & Alice Pennington

Guest: Lorna Bladen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lornabladen/

Would you like to see an Aspiration Digital event near you? Let us know by registering your interest here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV9Rg8QzZdtsauF5B7YURVFpK48wWrKZCIE6uCaeiEBFUZEA/viewform