How To Become A...

Grace Stevens

‘How To Become A…’ gives insights into everyday success stories. You don’t have to be rich or famous to be successful and we’re here to prove it. There are so many amazing careers out there that don’t get the spotlight they deserve… so we’re giving them one. Each episode, we chat to real people about how they actually got to where they are, from their first steps and “what am I doing?” moments, to big decisions and what’s next. It’s honest, a bit unfiltered, and (hopefully) makes figuring out your own path feel a little less overwhelming. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @howtobecomea__ for more good stories 🎙️ Guest submissions welcomed via email hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    How To Become A... Policy Advisor to the Civil Service

    What does a policy advisor actually do and how do you get into the civil service? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Adam about building a career as a policy advisor in the UK civil service. From working on Brexit to shaping tech regulation, Adam breaks down what policy work really looks like behind the scenes and why it’s one of the most impactful (and misunderstood) career paths out there. He explains: What the civil service is (and how it differs from politicians) What policy advisors actually do day-to-day How policies are researched, designed, and turned into law Why policy can take years to develop and implement He also shares: His journey from a sports degree → economics → civil service The Fast Stream application process (and how competitive it is) What assessment centres are really like How to break into government roles without a traditional path Plus, we get into: Working on Brexit and major national decisions Balancing personal opinions with apolitical work Why curiosity about politics and society really matters How to build a meaningful career that impacts real lives If you’re interested in: Civil service careers Government jobs UK Policy, politics, or economics Grad schemes and Fast Stream Meaningful, purpose-driven work This episode is a fascinating look at how decisions that shape the country actually get made and the people behind them. 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min

  2. 12 MAY

    How To Become A... Working Woman in the World of Football

    What does it take to build a career in football as a woman? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Priyanka about working in football, from her role at Sky Sports to her powerful work tackling sexism in the game. Priyanka shares how she combined a corporate marketing career with her passion for football, and how that passion led her into advocacy, public speaking, and real change within the sport. She talks about: Breaking into Sky Sports through marketing Turning a love of football into real opportunities Building networks and getting your foot in the door Balancing a full-time job with passion projectsShe also opens up about:Experiencing sexism and racism in football Why representation matters, especially for women of colour The importance of speaking up and creating safer spaces Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome If you’re interested in: Working in sport or football Marketing & media careers Side hustles with purpose Women in male-dominated industries Building confidence and visibility This episode is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come from simply putting yourself out there. Resources: @priyankajasraj @villa.bellas @hergametoo 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

  3. 5 MAY

    How To Become A... Somatic Coach

    What is a somatic coach and how do you actually become one? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Hannah to explore the world of somatic coaching, a fast-growing field focused on healing the nervous system and creating real, lasting change. From studying criminology to travelling the world, discovering Pilates, and eventually finding somatic work, Hannah’s journey shows how following curiosity can lead to a completely unexpected career. Hannah shares: How travel and personal healing led her to this workThe connection between the body, stress and the nervous systemWhy traditional methods don’t always create lasting changeTraining as a somatic coach and what it really involvesBuilding a coaching business from scratch She also opens up about: Doing the deep personal work required to help othersThe emotional challenges of working in this spaceNavigating self-employment and social mediaIf you’re interested in:Wellness careersCoaching or therapyNervous system healingPersonal developmentStarting your own business This episode is for you. Where to find her: @hannahblackburncoach 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min

  4. 28 APR

    How To Become A... DJ

    In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Nikki, a DJ, producer, music director and founder of Mums That Rave, to unpack what a career in DJing actually looks like behind the scenes. From playing illegal raves as a teenager to touring the world and working with global artists, Nikki shares the reality of building a long-term career in music, and why being a DJ today is more about entrepreneurship than ever before. Nikki shares: Starting DJing at 15 and breaking into clubs early Why DJs need multiple income streams (radio, production, content, events) The reality of money, streaming and the modern music industry How working in advertising helped her build business skills Balancing creativity with motherhood and building Mums That Rave Why nightlife, culture and community matter more than everShe also opens up about:Misogyny in the music industry The pressure of social media and content creation Burnout, resilience and staying relevant over decades If you’re interested in: Becoming a DJ Music industry careers Creative entrepreneurship Nightlife & culture Balancing creativity with real life This episode is for you. Resources: @djnikkibeatnik @mumsthatrave 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min

  5. 21 APR

    How To Become A... Graphic Designer

    What does a graphic designer actually do? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Darren, Head of Design at digital brand experience agency Odd Common, to unpack what really goes into building powerful brands in the digital space. From typography and visual storytelling to managing creative teams and pitching to global brands, Darren shares how he turned a childhood love of art into a career designing immersive digital experiences for companies like Nike and BMW. We discuss: • Wanting to be an artist (and why graphic design felt “safer”) • Studying art and design at university • Building a portfolio with no industry connections • Sending cold emails and facing rejection • Landing his first junior design role • Working on global campaigns for major brands • Why design is about problem-solving, not just visuals • The impact of AI on the creative industry • How to stand out as a junior designer • The importance of curiosity and creative hunger Darren also opens up about: • Being dyslexic and finding confidence through creativity • Feeling stuck early in his career • Why recruiters can be powerful allies • Staying outside your comfort zone • Supporting underrepresented talent in the creative industries If you’ve ever wondered how brands create unforgettable digital experiences, or how to turn creativity into a career, this episode is for you. 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min

  6. 15 APR

    How To Become A... Strategic Partnerships Lead at Treatwell

    In this episode, Grace sits down with Daisy, a Strategic Partnerships Lead at Treatwell, to explore what it actually means to build powerful brand collaborations. From dreaming of a creative career to navigating sales, marketing, and eventually partnerships, Daisy shares her non-linear path, including working abroad in Madrid and building partnerships with major brands like John Lewis. Together, they break down: What a strategic partnerships role really involvesHow brands collaborate (and why some partnerships fail)Moving from sales → marketing → partnershipsBuilding relationships that drive real business growthWorking abroad and stepping outside your comfort zoneThe importance of saying yes and figuring it out later They also discuss the launch of Daisy's own podcast 'The Daisy Chain' and why this project is so personal to her, but with a mission to help other in the same 'lost feeling' in their thirties. ✨ “It’s all about finding businesses that help you grow — together.” Whether you're curious about partnerships, marketing, or working in fast-growing tech companies, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at a career that’s all about connection and creativity. 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

  7. 7 APR

    How To Become A... Charity Founder

    *Trigger warning for this episode: discussion of infertility and baby loss* What does it really take to start a charity from scratch? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Bex and Laura, founders of 'The Worst Girl Gang Ever Foundation', a charity supporting women and families through miscarriage, baby loss and infertility. What started as two strangers connecting over shared experiences during lockdown quickly grew into a powerful community, a podcast, a book, and eventually a registered charity helping thousands of people feel less alone. Bex and Laura share: How their personal experiences of miscarriage and baby loss led them to start something bigger Meeting through Instagram and instantly connecting over the lack of support Why they started a podcast with zero experience (and a “Podcasting for Dummies” book) How honest, raw storytelling helped break the taboo around baby loss Growing a community organically through Instagram Turning listener demand into courses, support groups and resources Why they initially charged for support, and why it didn’t sit right The process (and challenges) of applying for charitable status Why having the right board of trustees is crucial How fundraising actually works (grants, campaigns and community challenges) Building campaigns like “Run 10K to Raise 10K”, and raising £36K instead Creating safe spaces through both online and in-person communities The reality of running a charity alongside jobs, families and life If you’re interested in: Starting a charity Turning personal experience into purpose Community building Mental health & grief support Social impact work This episode is for you. Take a look at the charity here: https://theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/ @the_worstgirlgang_ever 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min

  8. 31 MAR

    How To Become A... Ethical Queer Brand Owner

    What does it really mean to be an ethical queer brand owner? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Adam, founder of Rainbow & Co, to talk about building an LGBTQIA+ apparel and accessories brand that puts community, representation and integrity first. From studying graphic design and advertising to running a business from his apartment, Adam shares how personal experience, creative instinct and a strong moral compass led him to create queer merch that actually reflects the full community, not just the parts that are most visible. Adam shares: Why he always wanted to do something creativeHow studying graphic design, media and advertising shaped his pathWhy university was harder than expected as an autistic personHow early side hustles on Etsy gave him his first taste of selling onlineWhat he learned from working for a luxury leather jacket brandWhy burnout pushed him to leave full-time employmentHow an autism diagnosis helped him understand his working styleWhy he started Rainbow & Co after noticing a gap in Pride merchHow he taught himself to build a website, design products and run the businessWhy trans, lesbian and bi-focused products became so important to customersHow he turned a pocket guide into one of the brand’s bestsellersWhy subtle queer design can matter just as much as bold statementsWhat “rainbow washing” means and why he refuses to do itHow Access to Work and support workers helped him build a sustainable businessWhat it means to grow slowly, ethically and on your own termsHe also opens up about:Masking, burnout and late diagnosisWorking from home while others do 9–5 jobsWhy he wants to hire based on values, not just experienceCreating a business culture that reflects the ethics of the brandWhy queer-owned businesses matter in Pride season and beyond If you’re interested in: Queer-owned businessesEthical brandingPride merchSmall business journeysAutistic entrepreneursCreative careersLGBTQIA+ representation This episode is for you. Visit his business here: https://rainbowandco.uk/ 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min
See All (40)

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

‘How To Become A…’ gives insights into everyday success stories. You don’t have to be rich or famous to be successful and we’re here to prove it. There are so many amazing careers out there that don’t get the spotlight they deserve… so we’re giving them one. Each episode, we chat to real people about how they actually got to where they are, from their first steps and “what am I doing?” moments, to big decisions and what’s next. It’s honest, a bit unfiltered, and (hopefully) makes figuring out your own path feel a little less overwhelming. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @howtobecomea__ for more good stories 🎙️ Guest submissions welcomed via email hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Grace Stevens
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Grace Stevens
  • Show Website
    How To Become A...

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