In this powerful episode, autistic filmmaker John Clark opens up about his remarkable journey, from growing up working class in Essex to making impactful films and championing neurodivergent voices in the industry. John shares the real challenges of breaking into film as a neurodivergent person, the weight of masking, and why perseverance and community are everything in a creative career.

We also dive into the Oliver McGowan Training Program and its vital role in improving understanding and practice around autism, disability and why representation both on and off screen matters more than ever.

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#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #autism #neurodiversity

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From homelessness to founding a theatre company. Emma shares the journey that shaped her, and why she believes access, authenticity, and owning your story are the most powerful tools in the industry.

In this episode I'm joined by Emma, actor, founder, and theatre programme director of Bthechange Theatre CIC. An organisation dedicated to breaking down barriers to the acting industry by partnering with charities and supporting people from underrepresented and working-class backgrounds.

Emma opens up about growing up in a single-parent household, experiencing homelessness, and finding her way into acting later in life. Rather than hiding her background, she's built a career and a company on it. We talk about what it really means to use lived experience as strength, and why staying connected to your roots can be the difference between surviving and thriving.

We cover:

→ Class and access in the acting industry

→ Regional bias and how it shapes who gets in the room

→ Why authenticity is a competitive advantage, not a liability

→ The power of creating your own work

→ How Bthechange Theatre CIC is changing the landscape

If you've ever felt like the industry wasn't built for you — this one's for you.

🔗 Find out more about Bthechange Theatre CIC: https://www.instagram.com/bthechange_theatre_cic/

Photo credit - Jacqui McSweeney

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If you found this valuable, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it.

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#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #actor #bthechangetheatre

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In this conversation, Susanna shares her journey from a working-class background to becoming the Head of Marketing at a charity focused on social mobility. She reflects on the impact of her upbringing, education, and the encouragement she received from a teacher that changed her trajectory. Susanna discusses the challenges of navigating class perceptions in professional spaces, the importance of self-funding her university education, and her experiences working in historic houses. She also addresses her parenting choices and the perceptions of sending her child to an independent school, highlighting the complexities of class and identity.

We explore the nuances of class in the workplace, particularly in marketing and PR. They discuss the perceptions of class, the divide between marketing and PR professionals, and the challenges faced by those from working-class backgrounds. The conversation also touches on the importance of cultural capital, social mobility, and the impact of unpaid internships. Susanna shares her experiences and insights on how confidence plays a crucial role in overcoming class barriers and encourages young people to pursue their ambitions without being limited by their background.

Key Takeaways:

- Susanna identifies as working class despite her current status.

- Education played a crucial role in her journey.

- Encouragement from a teacher was pivotal in her life.

- Self-funding university was a conscious decision to avoid burdening her parents.

- Navigating middle-class spaces can be challenging for those from working-class backgrounds.

- Her experiences in historic houses shaped her understanding of class.

- Parenting choices reflect her desire to provide better opportunities for her child.

- Class perceptions influence how individuals are treated in professional settings.

- Marketing became a passion after being encouraged to explore it as a career.

- Susanna's story highlights the importance of social mobility and access to opportunities. PR and communications is often seen as a middle-class domain.

- Marketing professionals tend to have a more gritty approach compared to PR.

- Experiences of humiliation can arise from class differences in professional settings.

- Unpaid internships perpetuate class disparities in the workplace.

- Social mobility is influenced by cultural capital and access to opportunities.

- Confidence is a key differentiator in overcoming class barriers.

- Awareness of class structures can help navigate professional environments.

- Working-class individuals often face additional challenges in securing internships.

- Cultural capital can vary significantly based on geographic location.

- Everyone's voice matters in discussions about class and opportunity.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Susanna's journey!

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- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Susanna

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanna-plummer/

- Working Options - https://workingoptions.org.uk/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #capital #socialcapital #economiccapital #culturalcapital #socialmobility

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