What does it take to build a successful design, build, and facilities management company from scratch?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Matt about creating MWA, a company that designs, builds, and maintains commercial spaces for major global brands including Nike, Converse, Jimmy Choo, Net-a-Porter, and more.

Matt shares the reality of building a business over 24 years in one of the toughest industries out there, including surviving recessions, COVID, rising costs, and the constant pressure of winning work.

He explains:

• What a design, build & facilities management company actually does
• How commercial office and retail fit-outs work
• Why facilities management became a huge part of the business
• What it’s really like working with global brands

He also shares:

• Dropping out of university after 6 weeks
• Finding his career path almost by accident
• Starting his business through redundancy negotiations
• How referrals and relationships built the company organically

Plus, we get into:

• Winning huge projects for Net-a-Porter, Nike & Jimmy Choo
• Why construction is such a high-risk industry
• Hiring the right people and building strong teams
• Writing his book Made With Ambition and opening up about personal struggles

If you’re interested in:

• Entrepreneurship
• Construction and design careers
• Commercial interiors
• Starting a business
• Facilities management
• Business growth and resilience
• 
  

This episode is an honest look at the highs, lows, risks, and ambition behind building a company that lasts.

https://www.mwaprojects.com/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Made-Ambition-Build-Legacy-Honesty/dp/B0G26N2WVW

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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

What does it really take to become a Nike Coach?

In this episode of How To Become A..., I sit down with Harriet Wright, Nike Coach, women's health advocate, marathon runner, founder of the Like A Girl community, and full-time market researcher.

Harriet shares her unconventional career journey, from studying Business & Management and building a successful corporate career, to becoming a qualified running coach, personal trainer, and one of the faces helping women feel stronger, more confident, and better supported in sport.

We talk about:

🏃 How Harriet became a Nike Coach

💪 Women's health, fitness and the gender research gap

🧠 Living and working with ADHD

👟 Building a running community from scratch

📈 Balancing a full-time job with multiple side projects

🌎 Marathon running, Nike campaigns, and unforgettable running experiences

✨ Why you don't need to have your entire career figured out

This episode is packed with practical advice, honest reflections, and inspiration for anyone looking to create a career that combines passion, purpose, and impact.

Follow Harriet's journey and discover why sometimes the best opportunities come from simply doing what you love.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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

What does it really take to become a plastic surgeon and what actually happens behind the scenes?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Shan Shan about building a career in plastic surgery, from trauma reconstruction to cosmetic work, and the years of training, discipline, and resilience it takes to get there.

Shan Shan breaks down:

• What plastic surgery actually involves beyond the TV stereotype
• The difference between reconstructive and cosmetic work
• Why so much of her role is about service, precision, and patient care
• How plastic surgery can improve both function and confidence
• She also shares:
• Growing up in a family of doctors and academics
• How her creativity showed up early through art and doodling
• Why she chose to explore charity missions in Africa
• The long and demanding training pathway to becoming a plastic surgeon

Plus, we get into:

• Working across the NHS and private cosmetic care
• Why some procedures once funded by the NHS now end up in cosmetic practice
• How she approaches surgery with empathy and careful planning
• Why honesty, trust, and patient education matter so much
• If you’re interested in:
• Medicine and surgical careers
• Plastic surgery and reconstruction
• Cosmetic surgery explained
• Medical training in the UK
• Female doctors and career journeys

This episode is a fascinating look at one of the most demanding and rewarding careers in medicine and the human stories behind it.

@drshanshanjing

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path

📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__

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