Riya sits down with Rich Tyrrell, CEO and Co-Founder of MYCOM Group, to explore how moving to Manchester at 22 without knowing anyone led him to build some of the city's most influential communities.

From launching Manchester Young Professionals and Manchester Run Club to creating opportunities for thousands of people to connect, Rich shares the story behind building communities that help people grow their careers, friendships and confidence in a new city.

The conversation explores the evolution of networking, the rise of wellbeing-focused events, and why meaningful relationships remain one of the most powerful drivers of career success. Rich also shares practical networking advice for MBA students, professionals and anyone starting a new chapter in Manchester.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - – Introduction to Rich Tyrrell and MYCOM Group
• (01:10) - – The origins of Manchester Young Professionals
• (02:14) - – The achievement Rich is most proud of
• (04:27) - – Identifying a gap in Manchester's networking scene
• (05:58) - – How MYP events evolved from networking drinks to diverse community experiences
• (07:40) - – The partnership with Alliance Manchester Business School and the three pillars of MYP
• (09:51) - – Growing MYP
• (11:53) - – The story behind Manchester Run Club
• (18:06) - – How networking events helped MBA students discover AMBS
• (19:32) - – Real stories of connections leading to MBA opportunities
• (22:50) - – Why networking matters during an MBA and throughout your career
• (24:05) - – Networking tips for shy students and professionals
• (27:36) - – Advice for international students and newcomers moving to Manchester
• (30:22) - – The Manchester Coffee Quiz: slang, rain and the iconic bee
• (33:16) - – Rich's final advice: how to build your best career and life in Manchester

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In this episode, Riya sits down with Armaan to explore his journey from Mumbai’s entertainment industry to studying at AMBS. From working on Sacred Games, Netflix India’s first original series, to helping scale IMDb’s brand partnerships, Armaan shares behind-the-scenes insights from the world of streaming, storytelling, and digital media.

The conversation also dives into imposter syndrome, navigating business school without a traditional background, the future of AI and creativity, and the lessons that transformed his perspective on strategy and leadership.

Plus: a chaotic coffee quiz, reflections on career pivots, and advice for anyone considering an MBA.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - - Introduction
• (00:44) - – Meet Armaan: from Mumbai to the entertainment industry
• (02:10) - – Working on Sacred Games, Netflix India’s first original series
• (07:17) - – Building Netflix’s YouTube presence and creating viral pop culture moments
• (08:23) - – Scaling IMDb’s brand presence and leading major entertainment partnerships
• (13:22) - – Starting the AMBS journey without a traditional business background
• (19:20) - – Honest conversation about imposter syndrome during the MBA
• (20:54) - – The AMBS professor who completely changed Armaan’s perspective on strategy
• (22:59) - – AI, creativity, and whether technology can replace human storytelling
• (27:56) - – The coffee quiz begins
• (31:50) - – Advice for anyone wondering whether an MBA is right for them

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In this episode, Riya Malik sit down with Max Dowling, Manchester MBA candidate, Student Council President, and founder of a public‑safety startup Vigil.

Max reflects on the real‑world experience that inspired his current venture – a moment that made him confront the scale of public safety challenges and ultimately pushed him to build a technology‑led solution with social impact at its core. He also opens up about the realities of founding a startup in stealth mode while juggling MBA projects, leadership responsibilities, and personal wellbeing.

⏱️ Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (00:35) - What led Max to pursue an MBA?
• (02:19) - Max's experience as Student Council President
• (08:46) - Vigil, Max's public safety technology venture
• (14:28) - How AMBS helped Max's entrepreneurship journey
• (18:18) - Challenges of entrepreneurship
• (22:20) - The Manchester Method
• (27:19) - Max's advice to his month one MBA self
• (35:34) - The Manchester Quiz
• (38:12) - How the MBA will help Max with his future

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Find out more about our MBA programmes: https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/study/mba/