Welcome to Initial Step!
On this channel, we bring you short, engaging conversational interviews where we talk with talented individuals from the creative sector, focusing especially on those who have risen from low socioeconomic or working-class backgrounds.
Our aim? To shine a light on the barriers that often exist when trying to break into creative roles. But more importantly, to showcase inspiring stories of how these challenges can be overcome. Join us as we explore the journeys of remarkable people, learn about their struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Because no matter where you start, breaking into the creative sector is possible, and we’re here to prove it.
Make sure to subscribe to avoid missing any episode!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Initial Step!
On this channel, we bring you short, engaging conversational interviews where we talk with talented individuals from the creative sector, focusing especially on those who have risen from low socioeconomic or working-class backgrounds.
Our aim? To shine a light on the barriers that often exist when trying to break into creative roles. But more importantly, to showcase inspiring stories of how these challenges can be overcome. Join us as we explore the journeys of remarkable people, learn about their struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Because no matter where you start, breaking into the creative sector is possible, and we’re here to prove it.
Make sure to subscribe to avoid missing any episode!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we hear from Mert, Research and Engagement Lead at Urban Symbiotics. Mert’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and finding purpose through community.
Growing up in a council estate in Walthamstow to immigrant parents, Mert faced challenges from an early age, from overcrowded housing to being homeless at 16 after coming out as gay. Despite these struggles, he juggled multiple jobs, leaned on the support of friends, and secured a bursary that opened the doors to higher education.
His passion for giving back and improving communities eventually led him to Urban Symbiotics, where his final year project caught the company’s attention and landed him his role. Now, he works to bridge the gap between local communities and urban planning, bringing a fresh perspective rooted in lived experience.
Mert reflects on:
- Navigating working-class identity and social mobility
- Overcoming family struggles and homelessness
- How education and opportunity shaped his path
- The pros and cons of living in London
- Why he defines working class as perseverance and community
Mert’s journey shows how determination and community can open doors, even in the face of systemic barriers.
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Follow Mert:
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mert-yildiz-5578b91a8
- Urban Symbiotics - https://urbansymbiotics.com/
- Urban Symbiotics LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/company/urban-symbiotics
Thanks for Listening!
#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #homelessness #urbanplanning #researchandengagement
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.