Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast

Future Faces Chamber of Commerce

Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast is the official podcast of the Future Faces Chambers of Commerce, a network helping young professionals across the West Midlands to network and develop. Hosted by Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell, this podcast is a platform to showcase the region’s young talent and discuss a range of topics that are important to this generation of future leaders.

  1. United By 2022 | The legacy of the Commonwealth Games lives on

    11/25/2025

    United By 2022 | The legacy of the Commonwealth Games lives on

    In this episode of The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, listeners hear from Jess McCallister, the Head of Communications and Partnerships for United By 2022 Charity. United By 2022 are this year's Future Faces charity of the year, as well as the newest Patron to join the ranks. Jess shares her fascinating career journey, from her early days in law and HR to playing a key role in delivering the Commonwealth Games and now helping to build a long-term social impact legacy for the West Midlands. Together, Sophie and Jess discuss everything from career changes and imposter syndrome to work–life balance, volunteering, and youth empowerment. Listeners will get an inside look at how United By 2022 is keeping the spirit of the Games alive, through social value initiatives, youth programmes like Gen22 and Ideas Made Real, and an ever-growing volunteer community supporting major events across Birmingham and beyond. Whether you’re a young professional finding your path, a business wanting to give back, or someone who simply loves seeing Birmingham thrive, this episode offers plenty of insight, inspiration, and practical ways to get involved. If you want to get in touch with Jess, you can find her on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠, or get in touch with Sophie at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @ffchamber for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride, and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

    34 min
  2. Becca Horley | The bright side of the law- from vision boards to GBYPY

    10/28/2025

    Becca Horley | The bright side of the law- from vision boards to GBYPY

    The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell,returns with an inspiring conversation featuring Becca Horley, the newly crowned Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (GBYPY) 2025. Becca isn’t your typical lawyer. As a multi-award-winningmedical negligence associate, she’s built a reputation not just for her legal expertise but for her authenticity, confidence, and vibrant approach to professional life. In this episode Becca takes us behind the scenes of her journey, from studying law in Birmingham to becoming a prominent figure within the city’s thriving business community. She opens up about her experiences with Future Faces and how being part of such a dynamic network helped her grow both personally and professionally. Becca shares how her vision board keeps her grounded andgoal-focused, revealing the practical habits and mindset shifts that helped her turn her aspirations into achievements. Becca gives honest reflections on building confidence,cultivating a personal brand, and embracing the power of platforms like LinkedIn to tell authentic stories that connect and inspire. Becca also talks about her mission to bring colour to the legal profession, a world often seen as traditional and reserved. Throughout the episode, Becca discusses the importance of mentorship, finding your community, and taking opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her mentors, colleagues, andnetwork who have supported her journey, and gives a glimpse into what’s next, including her aspirations to blend her passion for law with creative collaborations in fashion. Whether you’re an ambitious young professional, a studentfinding your path, or someone looking to reignite your sense of purpose, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-world wisdom. If you want to get in touch with Becca, you can find her on LinkedIn, or get in touch with Sophie at Future Faces Chamber of Commerce to make an introduction. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @ffchamber for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride, and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

    43 min
  3. Dilshad Sheikh and Dee Kanco Hammond | Arden University's vision for tomorrow

    09/16/2025

    Dilshad Sheikh and Dee Kanco Hammond | Arden University's vision for tomorrow

    In the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, we focus on the upcoming 25th anniversary of the BYPY awards and their significance for young professionals in the Greater Birmingham area. Sophie is joined by Professor Dilshad Sheikh, Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Arden University, and Dee Kanco-Hammond, head of Risk, Governance and Reporting at St Mungo's and executive MBA student at Arden University. They delve into the history and offerings of Arden University, emphasizing its focus on practical, employer-driven education and support systems tailored for mature and diverse students. Dee shares her personal journey of returning to education to pursue an executive MBA, of which the lucky winner of the upcoming GBYPY Awards will win as well alongside the accolade of Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year. Dee talks about the transformative impact of her executive MBA on her career and personal growth, and how Arden really was the place for her to be. Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership. You can get in touch with Dilshad via LinkedIn, and Dee via LinkedIn. Follow us for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride — and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

    38 min
  4. Karl George | The impact of BYPY on boards and beyond

    08/19/2025

    Karl George | The impact of BYPY on boards and beyond

    Welcome to the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, the official podcast celebrating the energy, ambition, and achievements of young professionals across Greater Birmingham and the West Midlands. Host Sophie Poduval-Morrell dives into the stories behind the region’s rising stars — with a special focus on 25 years of the BYPY (Birmingham Young Professional of the Year) Awards. In this episode, Sophie sits down with Karl George, the overall winner of the 2002 BYPY Awards. Corporate governance expert Karl George was just the second Birmingham Young Professional of the Year back in 2002. Marking 25 years of the prestigious award – now the GreaterBirmingham Young Professional of the Year - Karl joins us to reflect on how the achievement helped establish his reputation in West Midlands business circles. As a rising star in his own small accountancy firm, Karlemerged as the winner in the finance category ahead of young professionals from a number of the bigger firms, before going on to win the overall award. Now a leader in corporate governance, Karl also discusses how young professionals can benefit from joining boards. Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership. You can get in touch with Karl via ⁠LinkedIn. Follow us for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride — and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

    29 min
  5. Nicola Fleet-Milne | Celebrating the BYPY effect

    08/05/2025

    Nicola Fleet-Milne | Celebrating the BYPY effect

    Welcome to the latest episode of The Future Faces Podcast, the official podcast celebrating the energy, ambition, and achievements of young professionals across Greater Birmingham and the West Midlands. Host Sophie Poduval-Morrell dives into the stories behind the region’s rising stars — with a special focus on 25 years of the BYPY (Birmingham Young Professional of the Year) Awards. Alongside her is Nicola Fleet-Milne, a prominent advocate for BYPY and a long-time business figure in Birmingham. Nicola shares her journey, including setting up her residential property agency, FleetMilne, and her involvement with various business improvement initiatives in Birmingham. Nicola talks about her initial experience with BYPY, her achievements, and the impact the awards had on her career. The duo also discuss the importance of networking, the evolving nature of the BYPY awards, and advice for young professionals. Nicola emphasizes the value of community, self-awareness, and leaning into one’s strengths for career growth. Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow your career, or want to connect with Birmingham’s professional community, this podcast is here to celebrate your journey, spotlight real stories, and champion the next generation of leadership. You can get in touch with Nicola via LinkedIn. Follow us for insights, inspiration, and real talk about career development, networking, city pride — and what it really means to be a young professional in Birmingham.

    37 min

About

Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast is the official podcast of the Future Faces Chambers of Commerce, a network helping young professionals across the West Midlands to network and develop. Hosted by Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell, this podcast is a platform to showcase the region’s young talent and discuss a range of topics that are important to this generation of future leaders.