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Driven By Us
Driven By Us
32 episodes
3 weeks ago

Welcome to the Driven By Us podcast! We are here to showcase talents from under represented & ethnic minority backgrounds working in Automotive & Motorsport, particularly across STEM and Media. We have been, and will be, speaking to some of the biggest names across the industry - driving change! Each week we'll be hearing from a new guest, as we're here to share their stories, and hopefully along the way inspire the next generation.


Season 1 hosted by Cayana Freeman, Debbie Nakakande, Amber Jones & Savannah Thomas.


Season 2 hosted by Debbie Nakakande, Nina-Jade Paul, Savannah Thomas & Shanna Raj

Real stories from real role models!


Keep up to date on LinkedIn & Instagram and make sure you hit the subscribe, leave a review and don't miss a single episode!


YouTube: @DrivenByUs

Instagram: @Driven.By.Us

Twitter: @DrivenByUs

Tiktok: @DrivenByUs


Produced By Driven By Us

Season 1 - Editor - Maddie Rome

Season 2 - Editor - Eddie Melbourne , UX/ Design - Theo Tagualo , Photography - Jordan Chapman


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

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Welcome to the Driven By Us podcast! We are here to showcase talents from under represented & ethnic minority backgrounds working in Automotive & Motorsport, particularly across STEM and Media. We have been, and will be, speaking to some of the biggest names across the industry - driving change! Each week we'll be hearing from a new guest, as we're here to share their stories, and hopefully along the way inspire the next generation.


Season 1 hosted by Cayana Freeman, Debbie Nakakande, Amber Jones & Savannah Thomas.


Season 2 hosted by Debbie Nakakande, Nina-Jade Paul, Savannah Thomas & Shanna Raj

Real stories from real role models!


Keep up to date on LinkedIn & Instagram and make sure you hit the subscribe, leave a review and don't miss a single episode!


YouTube: @DrivenByUs

Instagram: @Driven.By.Us

Twitter: @DrivenByUs

Tiktok: @DrivenByUs


Produced By Driven By Us

Season 1 - Editor - Maddie Rome

Season 2 - Editor - Eddie Melbourne , UX/ Design - Theo Tagualo , Photography - Jordan Chapman


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

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Sports
Business,
Careers,
Leisure,
Automotive
Episodes (20/32)
Driven By Us
Denzel Manyande | Hosted By Savannah Thomas | S2 E15

Denzel Manyande, an accomplished freelance consultant who specializes in operations and logistics. Denzel has built a reputation for transforming ideas into reality with precision whether it’s through event management, project delivery, or supply chain execution. His hands-on, detail-oriented approach makes him a trusted partner for organizations looking to deliver flawlessly from design all the way through to execution.


Denzel’s expertise covers three key areas


Operational Strategy and Management—he develops KPI-driven frameworks, coordinates suppliers and venues, plans delivery routes, and ensures seamless security and communication throughout.


Project and Event Delivery—he guides full project lifecycles, from concept design and budgeting to tracking deliverables and managing change.


Workforce and Volunteer Coordination—he recruits, schedules, and deploys staff and volunteers, while also designing recognition schemes to keep teams motivated and high-performing.


What makes Denzel’s approach unique is his personal involvement from start to finish. He brings passion, precision, and adaptability to every engagement. Whether it’s a fast-paced environment or a complex operational challenge, Denzel has the flexibility to bring in specialist support when needed, all while maintaining close attention to detail and a collaborative working style.


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

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3 weeks ago
44 minutes

Driven By Us
Raphaella Gordon-Saker | Hosted By Savannah Thomas & Debbie Nakakande | S2 E14

This week we're reflecting with Formula E - Live from The London E-Prix with Raphaella Gordon‑Saker is a Senior Sustainability & Social Impact Manager on the sustainability team at Formula E, the world’s premier all-electric racing series Formula E, Raffy leads strategic initiatives that empower communities, champion diversity and inclusion, and ensure sustainable legacies in host cities through sport.

 

Raphaella plays a pivotal role in adapting the FIA’s global Girls on Track programme for Formula E races. She coordinates immersive workshops, behind‑the‑scenes race experiences, mentoring sessions, and partnerships with schools and charities to engage young women worldwide and showcase motorsport career paths like engineering, journalism, and broadcasting

 

Her work spans every Formula E market. She tailors delivery to reflect local cultural and educational contexts, ensuring relevance and inclusivity while aligning with the programme’s global mission.

 

Raphaella is vocal about the barriers women face in motorsport, especially the lack of visible female representation in leadership and driver roles. She advocates for systemic change through cultural shifts, resource allocation, development programmes, and transparent career pathways for underrepresented talent.


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

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1 month ago
19 minutes 54 seconds

Driven By Us
Jahee Campbell-Brennan | Hosted By Debbie Nakakande | S2 E13

Jahee Campbell-Brennan is a motorsport engineer and entrepreneur known for his innovative work in both motorsport and automotive engineering.


After graduating with a Master’s in Automotive Engineering, he began his career in high-volume vehicle development at Ford, before going on to found Wavey Dynamics, a consultancy specialising in vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, and engineering design for high-performance automotive and motorsport applications. Through the consultancy, he has delivered projects for leading manufacturers including McLaren Automotive, contributing to the design and development of next-generation hypercars.

 

Jahee is also part of the electric team at One Group Engineering, where he leads the development of a track-focused hypercar and engineers trackside at elite-level championships including the GT World Challenge and Nürburgring 24 Hours.

 

Beyond his engineering work, Jahee is committed to creating equality of opportunity in motorsport. 


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

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1 month ago
1 hour 59 seconds

Driven By Us
David Manuwa | Hosted By Shanna Raj | S2 E12

Today’s guest is David Manuwa, a rising talent in motorsport engineering, a race winning, Race Engineer in British F4 with Chris Dittmann Racing (CDR).


David’s journey into the world of motorsport began behind the wheel, where he made his mark as the 2013 Bayford Meadows Cadet Champion and later became the 2022 British University Karting Champion while studying Motorsport Engineering at Coventry University, from which he graduated in 2023.

Alongside his studies, David was mentored through the AFBE-UK programme in collaboration with Mercedes AMG F1 Team by James Dornor, he also competed in the BUKC for Coventry University, and even took his passion digital by working with the Williams F1 Esport Team as a driver and data engineer. His engineering career accelerated quickly from working with Perpetuum Motorsport in F1000, to joining Hitech GP as a junior engineer and moving into race engineering in British and UAE F4 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

At Chris Dittmann Racing, David applies his expertise to develop young drivers, optimise car performance, and shape the next generation of racing success stories in British F4 and GB3.

Along the way, he’s had standout moments, including meeting Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes-AMG F1 in 2022, a reminder of how far his journey has taken him from grassroots karting to the professional paddock.

 

In this episode, we’ll dive into David’s path from karting champion to professional race engineer, his insights into working in junior formula racing, and his vision for the future of motorsport.


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

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1 month ago
50 minutes 32 seconds

Driven By Us
Yohanes Scarlett | Hosted By Shanna Raj | S2 E11

Yohanes Scarlett is a seasoned Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) expert, currently serving as the Policy and Research Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal Academy of Engineering. His passion for social justice was kindled early on, shaped by his volunteer work at youth clubs, where he listened to and supported young people facing systemic inequalities. This foundation has deeply influenced his commitment to building more inclusive engineering environments Royal Academy of Engineering

.

In his role at the Academy, Yohanes oversees a robust and action-oriented EDI research programme dedicated to exploring representation and structural barriers within the engineering profession. His analytical rigor and strategic insight have been central to driving tangible change Royal Academy of Engineering. Through his leadership, the Academy has advanced evidence-based strategies to dismantle systemic obstacles and foster more inclusive practices in engineering across the UK.


A particularly notable milestone in Yohanes’s career was his appointment, in 2020, as one of the principal researchers on The Hamilton Commission. This landmark initiative—co-chaired by Sir Lewis Hamilton and the Royal Academy of Engineering was established to investigate and address the underrepresentation of Black individuals within UK motorsport and STEM fields Royal Academy of Engineering.


Over a rigorous, ten-month period, the Commission conducted data analysis, stakeholder mapping, and qualitative research with youth and industry leaders. The result was a compelling report—Accelerating Change: Improving Representation of Black People in UK Motorsport—which delivered ten actionable recommendations to promote diversity and drive systemic change.


View Online- https://raeng.org.uk/policy-and-resources/diversity-and-inclusion-research-and-resources/hamilton-commission/


Interactive Report - https://report.hamiltoncommission.org/interactive-summary/index.html


Download Report - https://raeng.org.uk/media/s52drupu/accelerating-change-improving-representation-of-black-people-in-motorsport-a-hamilton-commission-report.pdf


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

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1 month ago
39 minutes 15 seconds

Driven By Us
Sorsha Elson | Hosted By Shanna Raj | S2 E10

Sorsha Elson is carving out her place in the fast-paced world of Formula 1 as the first female Mechanical Engineering Apprentice. Her story stands out because she didn’t follow the traditional path into motorsport. In fact, her first career was as a flight attendant, where conversations with pilots and engineers sparked her curiosity about how complex machines operate. That spark quickly grew into a passion, leading her to take the leap into engineering.


Sorsha gained the confidence and opportunities she needed to pursue her ambitions. Now, with Formula 1, she works on the Event Technical Centre, playing a vital role in maintaining and repairing the equipment that keeps the championship running smoothly. It’s a demanding role that combines hands-on skills like TIG welding with rigorous theoretical training, often condensed into intense study schedules.


Sorsha is also a passionate advocate for representation in engineering. She points to Beyoncé as a personal source of empowerment, and to Sir Lewis Hamilton as a role model for breaking barriers and redefining what success looks like in F1. For Sorsha, being a visible presence in a male-dominated field is about more than her own career—it’s about inspiring the next generation of girls to believe they belong in STEM, too.


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

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1 month ago
36 minutes 39 seconds

Driven By Us
James Sherwood-Smith | Hosted By Savannah Thomas | S2 E9

James Sherwood-Smith is a seasoned British presenter and producer with a dynamic career spanning television, live events, and digital media. His work encompasses sectors such as motorsport, technology, and youth engagement


James began his television career in 2007 as a film reporter, where he interviewed celebrities like Will Smith and Idris Elba. His engaging presence led to a nomination for the 2008 Channel 4 New Talent Award. In 2010, he created and produced the entertainment segment "AFROBUZZ," covering major events such as the Wireless Festival and the MOBO Tour, and conducting interviews with artists like Alicia Keys and Kevin Hart.


James has a strong passion for motorsports, particularly Formula 1 and Formula E. He has hosted various events and content in these areas, including the "Live Fans Forum," which delves into Formula One discussions and engages fans worldwide. His work often highlights diversity and representation within motorsports


Beyond entertainment, James has collaborated with major brands such as Vodafone, Puma, and Goal, producing high-quality content. He has also hosted internal series like "Techbusters" for Vodafone and "Dell Drive Club" for Dell Technologies. His versatility extends to youth engagement initiatives, including work with Disney Junior and National Geographic through ITN Productions




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

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2 months ago
41 minutes 27 seconds

Driven By Us
Bianca Bustamante Season 2 Special | Interview By Debbie Nakakande |

We're joined by Bianca Bustamante one of the most exciting young talents in international motorsport, blazing a trail and doing it her own way!


At just 19 years old, Bianca has already made history as a trailblazing Filipino racing driver, competing at the highest levels of junior single-seaters. She rose to prominence in the inaugural F1 Academy, where she showcased her speed, resilience, and determination, and this year she’s taken on a new challenge in the GB3 Championship – proving herself against some of the most competitive young drivers in Europe.


On top of that, Bianca recently joined Formula E’s Cupra Kiro team as a development driver, expanding her racing portfolio into the world of electric motorsport.


Beyond the track, she has become a role model for women and underrepresented communities in racing, inspiring a new generation of drivers across Southeast Asia and around the world. Today, she opens up about her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and her vision for the future of motorsport.


#BiancaBustamante #F1Academy #GB3 #FormulaE #Formula1


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

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2 months ago
9 minutes 38 seconds

Driven By Us
British GP 25' Special @ Silverstone | Hosted By Debbie & Thandie

British GP Special! - Driven By Us Community kicked off the Silverstone GP in full force at the Drivers Inn Stage, highlighting the power of community, connection, and inclusion in motorsport 💜


We were thrilled to welcome so many passionate fans, allies, and changemakers to our Community Hub from all walks of life to a vibrant space created for conversation, collaboration, and celebration of inspiring voices in racing. 🏁✨


From inspiring panel discussions to heartfelt meet-and-greets, it was incredible to see so many attendees both familiar faces and new supporters come together to share stories, ideas, and a vision for a more inclusive future in motorsport.


Fun Fact - Our Panel featured across all TV screens around the circuit reaching around 75,000 attendees 


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

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2 months ago
19 minutes 46 seconds

Driven By Us
2 Years Special @ F1 Arcade with Ariana Bravo, Calum Nicholas, Steph Alexander & James Dornor | Hosted By Cayana Freeman

The 2nd anniversary celebration of F1 Arcade brought together a distinguished panel of voices from across the motorsport industry for a special live podcast-style event. Hosted by Cayana Freeman, the discussion cantered on journeys, diversity, community engagement, and the evolving fan culture within Formula 1. The event served not only as a milestone for F1 Arcade but also as a platform for thought-provoking conversation and inspiration.


Ariana Bravo, a respected F1 presenter and broadcaster, shared her experiences navigating the fast-paced world of Formula 1 media. She spoke about the growing role of inclusion within the paddock and how platforms in transforming how fans access the sport and the importance of relatable, inclusive storytelling.


Calum Nicholas, a seasoned F1 mechanic, offered valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes world of a Formula 1 team. His perspective highlighted the technical precision and teamwork required in high-pressure environments and encouraged aspiring engineers to remain persistent and curious in their pursuit of motorsport careers.


Steph Alexander, a UK and international marshal and Calibration Engineer at Bosch, reflected on her unique dual role in motorsport. She emphasised the significance of volunteering and technical expertise, sharing how marshalling opened doors and gave her a deeper connection to racing at both grassroots and elite levels.


James Dornor, founder of Driven By Us, spoke passionately about the need for continued progress in diversity and inclusion within motorsport. He underscored the importance of representation across all areas of the industry from the paddock to boardroom and the power of community-driven initiatives to effect lasting change.


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

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2 months ago
42 minutes 47 seconds

Driven By Us
Bella James | Hosted By Savannah Thomas | S2 E8

Bella James is a British motorsport content creator and presenter known for her sharp wit and engaging interviews. With a background in Business and a dissertation focused on the barriers women face in Formula 1, she brings both academic insight and a fresh perspective to the sport.


Bella has collaborated with platforms like WTF1, conducted interviews with drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo and Oliver Bearman, and engaged with team principals like Christian Horner on the F1 Red Carpet!


Her content spans TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses from events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Monaco E-Prix.


In 2025, Bella joined Sky Sports F1, marking a significant step in her career. Additionally, Bella has appeared on The Fast and the Curious, a podcast hosted by Driven By Us friends Greg James, Betty Glover, and Christian Hewgill.


In these episodes, she provides race debriefs and insights, contributing to the podcast’s engaging discussions on Formula 1.



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

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3 months ago
38 minutes 5 seconds

Driven By Us
Emma Walsh | Hosted By Shanna Raj | S2 E7

With a dynamic career that spans the worlds of entertainment and elite motorsport, Emma Walsh brings a truly unique voice to the industry.


Originally from Cape Town and now based in London, Emma began her journey as a professional dancer, singer, and stunt performer — including a role in the West End production of Grease The Musical.


Never one to sit on the sidelines, she holds a race licence and has competed in the Mini Challenge UK. Her on-track experience, love for cars, and stunt background led to hosting the Autosport Live Action Arena Show for the past five years, alongside motorsport legends like Johnny Herbert, Shmee150, and David Croft.


One of the UK’s first female car content creators on YouTube, Emma made history by interviewing Sebastian Vettel in collaboration with Shell V-Power. She’s also appeared on F1TV, creating engaging, personality-led content that reflects her deep passion for the sport — and has collaborated with a range of F1 and Formula E teams, sponsors, and drivers.


Her global brand partnerships include Ferrari, McLaren, Audi, BMW, Maserati, Bentley, PUMA, Lego, IWC, Cartier, Petronas, and more. Emma is known for her energetic storytelling and authentic connection to the fast-paced world of motorsport — both on and off the track.


About Shanna:

Shanna Raj is an Australian motorsport content creator and presenter based in London, known for her engaging presence in the world of motorsports. 


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

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3 months ago
39 minutes 37 seconds

Driven By Us
Isi Browning | Hosted By Nina-Jade Paul | S2 E6

Isi Browning is a dynamic motorsport presenter and commentator, the lead commentator for F1 Kids, Formula 1’s youth-focused broadcast initiative.


She made her F1 debut at the Monaco Grand Prix, leading the broadcast for F1 Kids and bringing energy and clarity to motorsport coverage for younger audiences.


Isi has presented and reported across various motorsport events, including pitlane reporting and commentary roles. She has also worked with ITV and other sports broadcasters, showcasing her versatility across different sporting disciplines.


Represented by Loudspeaker Talent Agency, Isi continues to expand her presence in sports media, combining her passion for motorsport with a commitment to engaging diverse audiences.


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

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3 months ago
35 minutes 51 seconds

Driven By Us
Katrina Ee | Hosted By Debbie Nakakande | S2 E5

Katrina Ee is a 15-year-old Malaysian-Hong Kong racing driver making her car racing debut in the 2025 Ginetta Junior Championship with Tim Gray Motorsport.


A four-time Asian karting champion, she has competed across the IAME Asia Series, Rotax Max Challenge Asia, and ROK Cup Asia.  


In 2024, Katrina was selected as one of six drivers in the inaugural cohort of the More than Equal Driver Development Programme, founded by David Coulthard. This initiative provides comprehensive support including physical training, nutrition, psychology, and driver coaching to help talented female drivers reach elite levels of motorsport


Katrina made her car racing debut at Donington Park this year (2025), finishing P21 in her first race and showing consistent improvement throughout the weekend. She aims to progress to Formula 4 and aspires to become the first female Formula 1 driver from her region. 



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

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3 months ago
38 minutes 6 seconds

Driven By Us
Kyan Francis | Hosted By Debbie Nakakande | S2 E4

Kyan Francis is a content creator and presenter known for his engaging blend of humour and insightful analysis.


With over 120,000 followers on Instagram, he has captivated audiences by covering events like the British Grand Prix and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.


A graduate in sport science and coaching from Nottingham Trent University, Kyan has collaborated with brands such as F1 Arcade and Topps. He’s also interviewed prominent figures in motorsport, including Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari’s HQ, and attended his first Formula E race with DS Automobiles UK at the London E-Prix


Kyan continues to make waves in the motorsport community, bringing fresh perspectives to the racing world.



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

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4 months ago
37 minutes 8 seconds

Driven By Us
Billy Jeans | Hosted By Debbie Nakakande | S2 E3

Billy Jeans is a British motorsport engineer currently serving as a Trackside Power Unit Engineer at Red Bull Racing.


He joined the team in 2024, just after the summer shutdown, and quickly became an integral part of their championship-winning season. With only two days to prepare before his first race, Billy embraced the challenges of Formula 1, contributing to Red Bull’s success. 


Before his tenure at Red Bull, Billy gained valuable experience at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. He began with a 12-month placement in 2015, working on the Energy Recovery System (ERS) build, and later returned as an Electronics Engineering Graduate after completing his MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Brunel University. At Mercedes, he was involved in the development of control electronics for their Formula E program


Billy’s journey from student engineer to a key player in top-tier motorsport showcases his dedication and adaptability in the high-pressure world of Formula 1.



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

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4 months ago
41 minutes 2 seconds

Driven By Us
Amber Jones | Hosted by Nina-Jade Paul | S2 E2

Amber Jones is a motorsport presenter, media trainer, and diversity advocate, returning as a guest after co-hosting Season 1 of the Driven By Us podcast.


She’s presented for top motorsport platforms including WTF1, GT Cup Championship, Ferrari Challenge UK, and Daytona Motorsport, covering circuits like Silverstone and Brands Hatch.


In 2024, she was part of the presenting team for the Ferrari HP Esports Series Grand Final in Abu Dhabi.


Amber also leads media training workshops for young drivers, notably with the More than Equal program, helping female athletes build confidence and authentic self-representation in the paddock and beyond. Her mission: open the doors of motorsport to the next generation especially young women on and off the track.



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

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4 months ago
52 minutes 37 seconds

Driven By Us
George Imafidon MBE | Hosted by Nina-Jade Paul | S2 E1

George Imafidon MBE is a humanitarian engineer, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in STEM. Raised in Peckham, South London, George co-founded and leads Motivez, an award-winning organisation that has empowered over 9,000 underserved young people in the UK to access STEM opportunities. His commitment to social impact earned him the Diana Award in 2019.


In motorsport, George serves as a Race Engineer for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, the Extreme E team founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton. He also contributed to the Hamilton Commission, aiming to increase Black representation in UK motorsport. Recognised for his contributions, George was named the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Young Engineer of the Year in 2022 and received an MBE in 2023 for services to engineering, technology, and young people.


In 2023, George became the Non-Executive Director of Driven By Us, a community interest company co-founded with James Dornor. Driven By Us aims to empower aspiring leaders from ethnic minorities and underserved groups within the automotive and motorsport industries. Under their leadership, the organisation has established the first recognised ethnic minority-led motorsport community within the UK, providing a transformative platform for inclusivity and representation. 


About Nina-Jade Paul:

Nina-Jade Paul is a dynamic sports presenter and broadcaster, specializing in motorsport with a particular focus on Formula 1. Represented by Loudspeaker Talent Agency, she is recognised for her assured and energetic on-screen presence, and is considered an emerging talent in the field. Her career has seen her work closely with Ferrari, including serving as a pit lane reporter for the Ferrari Challenge series in the United States. In addition to motorsport, she has a background in football broadcasting, showcasing her versatility and ability to engage audiences across different sports 


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

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4 months ago
57 minutes 37 seconds

Driven By Us
Driven By Us - Season 2 Podcast Trailer

Welcome to Season 2 of the Driven By Us Podcast, your backstage pass to the people powering motorsport and the stories that don’t make the headlines. Recorded in our brand new studio with an exciting new line-up of hosts, this season dives deeper into untold journeys, breakthrough moments and honest conversations from across the automotive and motorsport industries.


We’re back because there’s more to learn and more stories to share. Season 1 revealed just how many inspiring stories are out there. Season 2 is our chance to amplify even more of them: real, raw and often emotional experiences from people challenging stereotypes and changing the pace of motorsport.



What's New This Season?

This season, we’re turning up the volume, literally and figuratively. Season 2 of the Driven By Us Podcast arrives with a refreshed format, elevated production quality, and a powerful new line-up of voices from across the motorsport spectrum. We’ve listened to our community and doubled down on what matters most: real stories, real people, and real conversations. Whether you’re a returning listener or tuning in for the first time, get ready for bold perspectives, honest insights, and the kind of energy that only comes from a team driven by purpose.



🎥 New Studio, New Energy


We’ve moved into a brand-new studio space, bringing upgraded visuals and professional sound design into the mix. With 4K camera setups and improved audio, every episode now feels more cinematic, so you can not only hear the stories but experience them in full.



🎙️ New Hosts from the Community


Meet our new voices: Nina-Jade Paul and Shanna Raj. They join returning hosts Debbie Nakakande and Savannah Thomas to form a vibrant, rotating crew of four presenters. Each brings their own background, expertise and personality. From presenting and media to motorsport and community advocacy. Their chemistry, curiosity and fresh perspectives keep every episode dynamic and inclusive.



💬 Even More Authentic Voices


This season, we’ve widened the lens to feature an even broader range of guests, engineers, apprentices, drivers, presenters, media creators and people working in unexpected corners of motorsport. What they all have in common? Passion, perseverance and a story worth hearing. Our guests are not defined by status, but by substance and their journeys are as inspiring as they are real.


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

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4 months ago
20 seconds

Driven By Us
Ella Podmore MBE | Hosted By Savannah Thomas | S1 E12

Season Finale! Savannah Thomas, speaks to the phenomenal Ella Podmore MBE, a multi award winning engineer, a distinguished materials engineering manager and a passionate advocate for women in engineering. With over a decade of experience in the materials sector, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in managing complex projects and driving innovation in materials science. Her work has significantly contributed to advancing sustainable practices within the industry, ensuring that her team meets both operational excellence and environmental responsibility.


In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Ella was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), a testament to her dedication to her profession and her community. Beyond her managerial role, she is deeply committed to promoting diversity in engineering. Ella actively mentors young women entering the field and participates in various initiatives aimed at increasing female representation in STEM careers. Through workshops, conferences, and outreach programs, she inspires the next generation of engineers to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, in 2020 she won the IET's Young Woman Engineer of the Year!


Ella's efforts have not only advanced her career but have also fostered a more inclusive and equitable environment within the engineering sector, making her a respected leader and role model for aspiring engineers everywhere.


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

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9 months ago
48 minutes 14 seconds

Driven By Us

Welcome to the Driven By Us podcast! We are here to showcase talents from under represented & ethnic minority backgrounds working in Automotive & Motorsport, particularly across STEM and Media. We have been, and will be, speaking to some of the biggest names across the industry - driving change! Each week we'll be hearing from a new guest, as we're here to share their stories, and hopefully along the way inspire the next generation.


Season 1 hosted by Cayana Freeman, Debbie Nakakande, Amber Jones & Savannah Thomas.


Season 2 hosted by Debbie Nakakande, Nina-Jade Paul, Savannah Thomas & Shanna Raj

Real stories from real role models!


Keep up to date on LinkedIn & Instagram and make sure you hit the subscribe, leave a review and don't miss a single episode!


YouTube: @DrivenByUs

Instagram: @Driven.By.Us

Twitter: @DrivenByUs

Tiktok: @DrivenByUs


Produced By Driven By Us

Season 1 - Editor - Maddie Rome

Season 2 - Editor - Eddie Melbourne , UX/ Design - Theo Tagualo , Photography - Jordan Chapman


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