The job market has never been tougher — but according to recruiter Emily Aldrich, it’s also never been richer in opportunity for those who know how to stand out.

In this episode of CreatED, artist and educator Rob Pepper talks with Emily Aldrich, founder of Aldrich & Co, a recruitment firm with over 30 years of experience placing people in some of London’s most competitive industries.

Emily didn’t go to university — but she built a thriving business from scratch, and now she’s sharing the truth about what employers really look for.

Together, Rob and Emily unpack the essentials of getting hired in 2025:

How to tell your story (and why most people can’t)

Why communication and confidence matter more than grades

The smart way to use AI in your job hunt — without losing your voice

How creative skills translate into commercial success

And why resilience, curiosity, and kindness are your real career superpowers

This isn’t a conversation about perfect CVs or quick fixes — it’s about understanding yourself, building confidence, and finding your place in a world that’s changing fast.

Whether you’re just starting out, switching paths, or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with practical advice — and a dose of hope.

Listen to the CreatED podcast here or on all major platforms— streaming now.

Like and subscribe for more insightful interviews on the rapidly changing world of work and how education needs to change to better prepare young people for the future.

What do artists and CEOs have in common? More than you might expect — and if you’re in the business world, you might just learn a thing or two from a sculptor’s mindset.
In this episode of CreatED, artist and Principal of The Art Academy, Rob Pepper, sits down with Matthew Brockman, Managing Partner of Hg Capital, one of Europe’s most successful private equity firms.
Matthew grew up in a family of master bookbinders — a world of precision, care, and deep craft. That creative heritage shaped how he leads today: with clarity, empathy, and long-term systems thinking.
Together, Rob and Matthew explore:
Why artists and CEOs both lead through vision and uncertainty
How creative processes mirror high-level strategic decision-making
What business leaders can learn from the adaptability and inventiveness of creatives
Why imagination is the overlooked leadership skill in both boardrooms and studios
And how embracing multiple career pathways is essential in today’s world
This is a conversation for the artist who wants to scale and the CEO who wants to think differently. A meeting of minds across sectors — with surprising lessons for both.

Christopher Duffy’s path into design blends fine craft with playful illusion — from a life-changing art foundation in Newham to cabinet-making with master artisans, market stalls in Camden, and eventually founding Duffy London. Known for the Swing Table, Shadow Chair and Balloon Table, Chris shares how he builds concept-first pieces to a “99.9% finished” standard, why he kept his studio intentionally small, and how CAD and AI now supercharge visualisation, marketing, and iteration without losing the human hand.
In this episode of CreatED, Chris and Rob discuss:
The leap from sensible furniture to bold, viral statement pieces
How digital tools — from CAD to AI — accelerate prototyping and storytelling
The trade-offs between exclusivity, scale, and creative freedom
What young designers need today: tool fluency, build awareness, and entrepreneurial grit
A candid conversation about resilience, risk, and the future of making — with Rob Pepper and Chris Duffy.

Nicole Anderson’s journey into animation was anything but linear — leaving school early, working a decade in pubs, and then pivoting back to her creative roots through 3D modelling and animation. She co-founded her own studio, learned business skills the hard way, and discovered her strength in production and team leadership.
In this episode of CreatED, Nicole and Rob explore:
The realities of running an animation studio and balancing creativity with business
Why communication, resilience, and sociability are as critical as technical skills
How AI and real-time rendering are reshaping animation pipelines
Barriers facing young people entering the industry — and how to break them
The importance of confidence, critique, and building community in creative careers
Nicole’s story is one of persistence, adaptability, and belief in the value of creativity as serious work. A must-listen for anyone navigating non-linear paths into Creative Tech.

From punk bands to IBM Consulting, Matt Gierhart has always lived at the edge of culture and code. In this episode of CreatED, he sits down with Rob Pepper to explore what happens when art, strategy, and AI collide — and why ambiguity might be our greatest asset.
They discuss the rise of “hybrid” creative-tech roles, why generalists are thriving, and how to stay grounded when everything’s changing. Matt also shares insights from the frontlines of AI deployment and why he still believes human instinct will shape the future of innovation.
If you’re curious about creativity, tech, or the skills that will still matter in 2030 — this one’s for you.

Gautam Rajani’s creative journey spans continents, industries, and mindsets. Now co-founder of luxury menswear label SMR Days, he joins Rob Pepper to unpack what it really takes to build a brand — and a career — in today’s fractured fashion landscape.
They talk digital-first design, AI in merchandising, and why London is losing its grip as a global creative capital.
If you care about fashion, global creativity, or making things that last — don’t miss this.

From free school meals to reshaping the future of work through Hundo, Esther O’Callaghan has spent her life creating opportunities for young people the system overlooks. In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper and Esther dive deep into the failures of traditional education and what needs to change — fast.
They explore the disappearing entry-level job, why CVs no longer serve talent or employers, and how we might design a fairer, more future-fit system for Gen Z. Esther also shares lessons from building careers platforms, working on Coldplay’s climate strategy, and disrupting from inside and out.
If you care about young people, equity, or the future of education — this one’s essential.

From art school to animation studios and freelance art direction, Jake Gumbleton has spent decades navigating the evolving edge of creative tech. In this episode of CreatED, Rob Pepper and Jake explore what it means to build a sustainable creative career in an industry facing rapid change.
They talk about breaking into games and animation, how AI is reshaping creative workflows, and why foundational skills like drawing, collaboration, and critical thinking still matter — maybe more than ever.
If you care about visual creativity, adapting to change, or helping the next generation thrive in uncertain times — this one’s for you.