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.
Growing up on a council estate in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, Matt left school with no GCSEs, apart from an A* in PE. Never seen as a high achiever, just one of the kids that got lost in the middle, his journey took a dramatic turn after witnessing the loss of his father. That moment became the catalyst for change. From night school to earning a PhD, while cleaning to fund his studies, Matt carved a path into academia, becoming a research scientist focused on aging. Rooted in working-class values, he’s now helping the next generation of students see what’s possible when you back yourself.
In this conversation, we cover:
- Growing up working-class in Chelmsley Wood and being “lost in the middle” at school
- How grief and personal experience shaped his research interests
- Going from no GCSEs to earning a PhD through night school and self-belief
- Navigating academia as a working-class individual
- The challenges of class bias and microaggressions in professional spaces
- Why resilience, community, and risk-taking were key to his journey
- How he now mentors students from similar backgrounds
- His thoughts on systemic change in education and the role of universities in DEI
- Staying grounded and instilling working-class values in his own children
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- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198
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- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-hill-3870701a1/
Thanks for listening!
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.