Send us a text

In this episode of Women in Tech, Holly sits down with Rachael Childs, Creative Technologist, AI Specialist, and Founder of Glow Lock Labs and Wallside Studios. Rachael’s journey is not the usual path into tech. She started as an artist who never saw herself as technical, yet she now builds AI tools, works with global tech companies, and helps creators bring new ideas to life.

Rachael talks about how electronic music first drew her into the world of logic and structure. What began as curiosity slowly became confidence, and that confidence carried her into machine learning and AI development. Her story shows that you do not need a traditional background to thrive in tech. You just need the courage to follow the things that spark your interest.

She also shares why prompt engineering is becoming a great way for women to enter the industry, and how AI is opening doors for creative talent who never imagined a future in tech. Her experience with Google and Meta came from positioning herself well on LinkedIn, not chasing roles, which makes her approach both realistic and encouraging.

Throughout the episode, Rachael’s advice is full of warmth and honesty. She reminds women to bring their real passions into their work, to stop trying to fit a stereotype, and to trust that everyone starts from zero.

The conversation ends with a brilliant quick fire round where she opens up about her role model, the best advice she’s ever been given, and the dream project she hopes to build next.

This episode is uplifting, creative and full of hope. It’s a great listen for any woman who wants to step into tech in a way that feels authentic.

🔗 Connect with Rachael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaelchilds/

Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!

Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/

Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity?

Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/

Send us a text

In this episode of The Route to Networking: Military Leavers Edition, host Rian Horsman sits down with James Jones, Network & Infrastructure Manager at ATM, to discuss his journey from the British Army to leading IT operations across multiple countries.

James opens up about the challenges of leaving the forces with little guidance, starting again from the bottom, and how determination and curiosity helped him climb the IT ladder. He shares how military skills like discipline, adaptability, and leadership gave him an edge in tech - and why mindset often matters more than certifications when breaking into the industry.

Listeners will hear how James turned setbacks into opportunities, what he looks for when hiring new talent, and his advice for military leavers looking to make the jump into IT. He also highlights the value of veteran networks like Tech Vets, offering support, training, and community for those transitioning to civilian life.

Packed with practical insights and motivation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a move from service to tech.

🔗 Connect with James: LinkedIn
🔗 Learn more about Tech Vets

Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!

Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/

Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity?

Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/

Send us a text

In this episode of The Route to Networking: Military Leavers Edition, host Jordan Dyer sits down with Dan Rawlings, Network Development Engineering Manager at WeWork, to explore his remarkable journey from the RAF Regiment to a career in IT and networking.

Dan shares how resilience, discipline, and adaptability shaped his transition from life on deployment to leading complex network projects for a global organisation. He opens up about the challenges of leaving the forces at a young age, from retraining with a CCNA while working full-time, to the realities of finding housing and building new support systems outside the military.

Together, they discuss the balance between certifications and real-world experience, why hands-on exposure matters, and how military traits like tenacity, critical thinking, and attention to detail provide a powerful edge in civilian careers.

Packed with advice for service leavers, Dan highlights the importance of persistence, starting small, leveraging networks, and never losing the mindset the military instils. His story is both inspiring and practical—a blueprint for anyone navigating the leap from uniform to tech.

🔗 Connect with Dan: LinkedIn

Want to stay up to date with new episodes? Follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest podcast updates!

Head to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-route-to-networking-podcast/

Interested in following a similar career path? Why don’t you take a look at our jobs page, where you can find your next job opportunity?

Head to: www.hamilton-barnes.com/jobs/