Wit + Grit

PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson
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We’re PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson - two dads, two mates, who’ve spent our lives working across business, law, education, charity, and media. Between us, we've made a lot of mistakes, asked a lot of questions, and raised kids who are about to walk into a world of work that’s nothing like the one we grew up in. That’s why we started Wit + Grit - a space for real, human conversations about what it takes to thrive in a world full of AI, constant pressure, and curated perfection. This podcast is about the skills you can’t Google. Things like confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, how to fail well, how to bounce back, how to speak up, and how to listen. We’re not here to give perfect advice. We’re here to ask better questions. How do we prepare our kids for jobs that don’t exist yet? How do we connect generations in a divided, digital world? What makes someone truly employable in 2025 and beyond? Each episode, we’ll chat with educators, grads, parents, leaders, misfits, mentors, and all-round brilliant people who’ve lived through the stuff that doesn’t come with a textbook. If you’re a parent, a young person starting out, an old-head or experienced leader, or just someone trying to figure out how to be more human in a world full of noise - this one’s for you. Follow us, subscribe, and let’s have the conversations that matter - with a bit of humour, a lot of honesty, and absolutely no corporate jargon. You can connect with us at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107731497/ LinkedIn: PJ Ellis & Andy Dawson Let’s get into it.

  1. 3d ago

    Why Nobody Cares About Your Content & How To Change That | Ep 47 | Wit + Grit

    Why does one person's content stop you mid-scroll while someone else posts the exact same thing and nobody blinks? Welcome back to Wit and Grit with hosts PJ and Andy! Each month on Wit+Grit, we explore a different theme as part of our growing curriculum of human skills. Skills that help us communicate, connect, build confidence and navigate whatever life throws at us. And this month's theme is STORYTELLING. Because the thing that makes a piece of content land is almost never the subject. It is the person behind it. So joining PJ and Andy today is Laura, the creator behind Bite Your Brum, who has spent nearly ten years telling Birmingham's food stories to her ever growing audience. Laura started Bite Your Brum after a night at a food festival, slightly tipsy and wondering why nobody was talking about the places she loved. Ten years on she has gone from agency copywriter to full-time freelance, backing herself with a year of savings and no safety net. Together, Andy, PJ and Laura explore why most content gets ignored, what actually makes people care, how hospitality and pub work teach you more about communication than any course, and the unglamorous side of going freelance: saying no, picking your clients and learning to talk about money. Tune in for honest advice on building an audience, a crash course in food storytelling, and the five crisps that are apparently the key to Laura's heart. 🎧 Listen to the FULL EPISODE & follow us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/66UlqMvfgoP5rrcOVlHZvy Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/wit-grit/id1823013285 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@witandgritpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/witandgritpodcast Connect with Laura Below: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/biteyourbrum

    Why Nobody Cares About Your Content & How To Change That | Ep 47 | Wit + Grit

  2. Oct 25

    How to Speak Without Freaking. Dave James on Storytelling & Public Speaking | Ep 46 | Wit + Grit

    Why does speaking in front of a crowd sometimes feel like a life-or-death situation? Welcome to the debut episode of the new and improved Wit and Grit podcast with hosts PJ and Andy! We're kicking off our new-look podcast with a brilliant guest, plenty of laughs and one of the most important human skills of all: STORYTELLING. Each month on Wit+Grit, we explore a different theme as part of our growing curriculum of human skills. Skills that help us communicate, connect, build confidence and navigate whatever life throws at us. And this month's theme is STORYTELLING. Because whether you're presenting to hundreds of people, speaking up in a meeting or simply trying to get your point across, how you tell your story matters. Joining PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson is Dave James, speaker coach, stand-up comedian and founder of Speaking Without Freaking. Together, we explore why public speaking can feel so terrifying, how to manage those nerves and what it really takes to connect with an audience. Tune in for laugh-out-loud improv, practical stage hacks, and raw advice on owning your voice! 🎧 Listen to the FULL EPISODE & follow us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/66UlqMvfgoP5rrcOVlHZvy?si=1f1ac64638d64364 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/wit-grit/id1823013285 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dan_the_pik Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/witandgritpodcast/ Connect with Dave James Below: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamdavejames/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamdavejames/

    How to Speak Without Freaking. Dave James on Storytelling & Public Speaking | Ep 46 | Wit + Grit

  3. Sep 29

    The Rebel in a Suit | Joel Blake OBE

    What does it really mean to be a rebel in a suit? In this episode of Wit + Grit, PJ and Andy sit down with Birmingham entrepreneur and business leader Joel Blake OBE for a powerful conversation about resilience, courage, authenticity and challenging the status quo. Joel shares the extraordinary story of the moment, aged 15, that changed the direction of his life, and how the lessons from those early years have shaped the entrepreneur, father and leader he is today. From being unexpectedly pushed out of a business he helped build, to creating a category-defining fintech platform from Birmingham, Joel talks candidly about what resilience actually looks like when you're deep in the trenches - not the polished version we often hear about. The conversation explores why the people who speak least can sometimes have the most to offer, why inclusion is a genuine competitive advantage, the danger of thinking you're in control when everything is going well, and why entrepreneurs need the courage to find their micro-niche. Joel also opens up about fatherhood, vulnerability, masculinity and the difficult art of allowing your children to face challenges without immediately stepping in to rescue them. And, of course, we discover the guilty pleasure behind one of Birmingham's sharpest business minds: Skittles. An honest conversation about success, setbacks, identity, family and having the courage to be the rebel in the suit. Key takeaways * Be the rebel in the suit. * Look beyond the loudest voice. * Know your core values - and stick to them. * Resilience isn’t a slogan. * Success doesn’t necessarily mean control. * Find your micro-niche. * Inclusion is a competitive advantage. * Authenticity matters more than titles. * Embrace vulnerability. * Sometimes parenting means stepping back. Keywords / tags Joel Blake OBE, Rebel in a Suit, Wit and Grit, Wit & Grit Podcast, PJ Ellis, Andy Dawson, entrepreneurship, entrepreneur podcast, business leadership, leadership, resilience, grit, courage, authenticity, vulnerability, emotional intelligence, soft skills, human skills, inclusion, diversity and inclusion, belonging, business growth, fintech, GFA Exchange, private credit, Birmingham business, Birmingham entrepreneur, West Midlands, business failure, overcoming adversity, challenging the status quo, disruptive thinking, micro niche, entrepreneurship UK, startup founder, fatherhood, masculinity, male role models, personal development, core values, business mindset, purpose, inclusive leadership Chapters List 00:01 Introduction to Resilience and Rebellion 00:24 Identifying Potential in Entrepreneurs 02:36 The Journey of Joel Blake, OBE 07:13 Turning Adversity into Fuel 12:17 Family Legacy and Personal Struggles 14:11 The Importance of Authenticity 21:24 Thinking Like a Rebel in a Suit 26:03 The Importance of Belonging vs Inclusion 28:43 Courage in Uncertain Times 30:17 Opportunities and Challenges in Business 34:22 The Weight of Recognition and Legacy 37:55 Navigating Parenthood and Vulnerability 46:09 Quickfire Insights and Reflections

    The Rebel in a Suit | Joel Blake OBE

  4. Aug 17

    What Happens When We Change the Way We See People?

    What if the biggest barrier isn't disability - but perception? In this deeply moving episode of Wit + Grit, PJ and Andy sit down with Taylor Mackenzie, Special Olympics GB swimmer, gold medallist and athlete leader, alongside Laura Baxter MBE, CEO of Special Olympics Great Britain. Taylor shares her remarkable journey - from a young girl who struggled to speak, to becoming a double gold medallist in Berlin and now preparing to attempt a Guinness World Record just months after major spinal surgery. Laura explains why Special Olympics is about far more than medals. It's about confidence, belonging, opportunity and challenging society's assumptions about people with intellectual disabilities. Together they explore leadership, resilience, inclusion and why success should sometimes be measured by friendship, courage and joy rather than trophies. This isn't simply a conversation about sport. It's a conversation about seeing people for who they are - and what becomes possible when we do. Key Takeaways People before labels Special Olympics focuses on the person - not the disability. Success looks different Winning isn't always measured by medals. Sometimes it's confidence, friendship and simply showing up. Courage changes everything Taylor's comeback after spinal surgery shows resilience in its purest form. Inclusion starts with conversation The biggest thing we can do is simply engage with people. Challenge assumptions Ability should always come before disability. Different thinking is a strength People with intellectual disabilities often bring unique perspectives that organisations desperately need. Self-belief begins with someone believing in you For Taylor, that started with her parents. Legacy isn't built after an event It's created years before through education, opportunity and changing perceptions. Chapters List 00:00 Finding a Voice Through Special Olympics 01:03 Taylor’s Journey Into Swimming 04:21 Why Sport Creates Opportunity 06:46 National Games in Birmingham 09:38 The Origins of Special Olympics 10:44 The Athlete Oath: Be Brave in the Attempt 11:50 Community, Confidence and Friendship 13:34 Changing Perceptions Beyond Sport 19:05 Family Support and Taylor’s Berlin Golds 29:05 Recovery, Resilience and a World-Record Goal 32:30 What Athletes Teach Us About Success 34:56 Building a More Inclusive Future 40:08 Athlete Leadership and Advocacy 42:46 A Future World Games in Great Britain 45:48 Partnerships That Create Change 48:18 The Lasting Impact of the National Games 50:21 How to Support the National Games

    What Happens When We Change the Way We See People?

  5. Jul 29

    Natalie King asks: Who Do We Think We Are, Birmingham?

    What kind of Birmingham do we want to be living in 20 years from now - and are we backing ourselves strongly enough to create it? In Episode 43 of Wit + Grit we are joined by Natalie King for a wide-ranging conversation about Birmingham’s identity, investment, talent and future. Natalie explains why successful city-building cannot be measured only by attracting major businesses. The strongest cities also protect their culture, character and sense of place - creating somewhere people genuinely want to live, work and spend time. She reflects on beginning her career with Marketing Birmingham, turning an internship into a permanent role within two weeks, and the energy, curiosity and willingness to get involved that helped shape her career. The conversation also explores personal branding, confidence, vulnerability, coaching and the importance of bringing young people into rooms where decisions are made. Natalie argues that listening is not enough: young people need access, ownership and genuine opportunities to influence what happens next. From AI and psychological safety to civic pride and the future of Birmingham, this is a hopeful conversation about backing talent, asking better questions and creating a city that is ambitious without losing its heart and soul. Key takeaways Birmingham has the track record to win major investment, but the type of investment matters as much as the amount. Culture, talent, hospitality and quality of life are central to attracting people and businesses. Cities should be designed around the lives people want to lead - not simply around buildings and corporate investment. Confidence grows when people repeatedly prove to themselves that they can do difficult things. Personal branding is really about understanding what opportunities people should immediately associate with you. Young people often underestimate the value of their perspective and the power of asking good questions. Bringing emerging talent into important rooms creates learning, confidence and better decision-making. Inclusion means giving younger colleagues ownership - not inviting them merely to observe or take notes. Vulnerability and honest conversations help create psychological safety at work. AI is most effective when it supports, rather than replaces, human judgement, empathy and connection. Birmingham needs to stop retreating into self-deprecation and become more confident in telling its own story. Mentors and coaches help people identify possibilities they cannot see while immersed in day-to-day work. The Birmingham of 2035 should be better connected, less car-dependent and full of meaningful opportunities for local talent. If we want young people to shape the future, we must give them access, platforms and the power to influence real decisions. Chapters List 00:00 Birmingham's Investment Potential 01:48 Natalie's Journey into the Workforce 08:11 The Importance of Personal Branding 11:01 Encouraging Young Voices 14:04 Navigating Challenges in a New Role 16:59 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Young People 19:11 Empowering Others Through Sponsorship 20:11 The Role of AI in Business 21:27 Youth Perspectives on Urban Development 22:53 Bridging the Gap Between Generations 24:16 Birmingham's Brand and Identity 26:08 The Importance of Mentoring and Coaching 27:32 Envisioning Birmingham in 2035 29:09 Reflections on Leadership and Community

    Natalie King asks: Who Do We Think We Are, Birmingham?

  6. Jul 14

    Damian Kirk: The Diagnosis That Changed My Life at 51

    What happens when you spend decades building a successful career before finally understanding how your mind really works? In this episode of Wit + Grit, leadership consultant and soon-to-be-published-author Damian Kirk shares the life-changing impact of receiving an ADHD and dyslexia diagnosis at the age of 51. What followed wasn’t limitation, it was liberation. Together, we explore why self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership, why we’re making work far more complicated than it needs to be, and what businesses can do to create environments where people genuinely thrive. From accountability over hierarchy, to AI, coaching, preparing young people for work and designing organisations for success, this is an honest conversation about leading with authenticity and building workplaces that bring out the best in people. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, a mentor or simply someone trying to understand yourself a little better, this episode is packed with practical insights you’ll take away long after the conversation ends. Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn’t changing your career. It’s finally understanding yourself. Key Takeaways * Self-awareness is one of the greatest leadership advantages you’ll ever develop. * A diagnosis doesn’t define you - it helps you understand your strengths. * Different thinking isn’t a weakness; it can become your greatest asset. * Great leaders create space for others to succeed rather than having all the answers. * Simplicity beats complexity in almost every organisation. * Accountability creates ownership; hierarchy often creates barriers. * AI won’t replace great leaders - but it may expose poor ones. * Coaching is one of the most valuable life skills anyone can learn. * Young people need more real-world experience, mentors and opportunities to explore. * Success rarely happens by accident - it is designed. Keywords Damian Kirk, ADHD, Dyslexia, ADHD diagnosis, neurodiversity, leadership podcast, leadership development, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, coaching, accountability, organisational culture, AI in business, future of work, workplace leadership, business transformation, leadership consultant, career development, mentoring, Wit and Grit podcast, young people, work experience, success by design, leadership mindset, authentic leadership, business growth, employee engagement, change management Chapters 00:00 Understanding Neurodiversity: A Personal Journey 07:16 Transforming Leadership Through Self-Awareness 13:12 Preparing the Next Generation for the Workforce 20:09 Harnessing AI for Future Opportunities 21:19 The Power of AI as a Capability 22:58 Understanding Energy Costs and Their Complexity 25:30 AI's Impact on Leadership and Management 28:53 The Pinnacle Moment: Self-Awareness in Leadership 31:13 Advice for Young Professionals and Future Aspirations

    Damian Kirk: The Diagnosis That Changed My Life at 51

  7. Jul 7

    Changing What This Name Represents. The Gabriel Imevbore Story

    Gabriel Imevbore joins us to share his journey from growing up in Erdington, Birmingham, experiencing family breakdown and homelessness at 19, to becoming the youngest trustee in YMCA Heart of England’s 180-year history. In this good-old-heart-to-heart conversation, Gabriel talks about ambition, faith, entrepreneurship, Birmingham, fatherhood, opportunity, social mobility and why your circumstances may shape your opening chapter - but they don’t have to write the ending. Key takeaways Your story is shaped by what you choose to do next. Young people need opportunity, not judgement. Birmingham has huge entrepreneurial talent that needs backing. Leaders must stay close to the ground level. Parents should respect the inspiration behind a child’s dreams. Unconventional thinkers need space to thrive. Success is health, family, purpose and giving back. Representation matters - but so does opening doors for others. KeywordsGabriel Imevbore, Wit and Grit, Birmingham, YMCA, homelessness, entrepreneurship, social mobility, young leaders, resilience, Birmingham business, opportunity, youth employment, leadership, community, personal story, Future Faces, National Grid, UpStride, AI, fatherhood, purpose, ambition. 00:00 Gabriel's Early Life and Ambitions 01:36 Challenges and Turning Points 03:57 The Role of Education and Mentorship 07:27 Finding Opportunities and Building a Network 10:14 Community Impact and Giving Back 11:51 Leadership and Ground-Level Engagement 14:49 Pathways to Progress and Social Mobility 16:09 Reflections on Talent Recognition and Future Aspirations 16:38 Bridging Generational Gaps 21:24 Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Impact 23:18 Personal Growth and Family Dynamics

    Changing What This Name Represents. The Gabriel Imevbore Story

  8. Jun 16

    Abi Edmunds: Your Child Isn't Just Scrolling.

    As our government moves towards restricting social media access for young people, the debate has shifted from whether there is a problem to what we do about it. In this episode, we sit down with Abi Edmunds, founder of Social Media Resilience, to explore the realities of growing up online and the skills young people need to navigate an increasingly complex digital world. From social media bans and online safety to AI-generated content, misinformation and emotional resilience, Abi shares what she’s learning from thousands of conversations in classrooms across the UK. Most importantly, she explains why banning technology alone won’t solve the problem. and why critical thinking, community and open conversations may be our best defence. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer or simply trying to make sense of modern life online, this is a conversation that matters. Key takeaways The social media ban is the start of a solution, not the solution itself. Young people don’t need more lectures. They need more conversations. Social media isn’t just scrolling. It’s community, identity, friendship and belonging. The most important digital skill may be critical thinking. We’re about as good at spotting AI content as flipping a coin. Online resilience starts with one simple habit: pause. Children often understand the technology better than adults. Adults need to understand the environment better than children. If we remove one platform, young people will find another. The underlying need for connection remains. Parents don’t need all the answers. They need better conversations. The future belongs to people who can question what they see, not just consume it. Keywords Social Media Resilience, Abi Edmunds, Online Safety, Digital Wellbeing, Critical Thinking, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Misinformation, Disinformation, Social Media Ban, Online Harm, Parenting, Education, Future Skills, Mental Health, Emotional Resilience, Young People, Schools, Technology, Digital Literacy, Media Literacy, Social Media, TikTok, Instagram, Algorithms, Wit + Grit Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:36 Social media restrictions for youth: insights and challenges 01:34 Australian social media trial: what worked and what didn't 02:54 Introducing Social Media Resilience: mission and impact 04:46 Parents' concerns and the importance of resilience education 05:42 The evolving online landscape and youth behavior 07:18 Classroom conversations and engaging young learners 09:29 Building critical thinking skills and online literacy 10:18 The influence of tech companies and behavioral design 11:55 Society, democracy, and the power of algorithms 12:24 Misconceptions about social media among parents 13:38 Hope and opportunities in social media use 14:39 Curriculum design for online critical thinking 17:02 Role of schools and teachers in online safety education 18:31 Success stories and classroom breakthroughs 19:30 Practical tips for parents: grayscale and digital habits 20:14 Teaching critical thinking in a world of AI and deepfakes 21:05 Spotting AI-generated content: challenges and techniques 21:45 The future of media and AI in society 22:28 Personal social media habits and professional boundaries 23:17 Advice for young adults on social media awareness 24:04 Encouraging offline communities and healthy social habits 25:00 The upcoming Screen Smart Parents newsletter 26:27 Closing remarks and key takeaways

    Abi Edmunds: Your Child Isn't Just Scrolling.
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About

We’re PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson - two dads, two mates, who’ve spent our lives working across business, law, education, charity, and media. Between us, we've made a lot of mistakes, asked a lot of questions, and raised kids who are about to walk into a world of work that’s nothing like the one we grew up in. That’s why we started Wit + Grit - a space for real, human conversations about what it takes to thrive in a world full of AI, constant pressure, and curated perfection. This podcast is about the skills you can’t Google. Things like confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, how to fail well, how to bounce back, how to speak up, and how to listen. We’re not here to give perfect advice. We’re here to ask better questions. How do we prepare our kids for jobs that don’t exist yet? How do we connect generations in a divided, digital world? What makes someone truly employable in 2025 and beyond? Each episode, we’ll chat with educators, grads, parents, leaders, misfits, mentors, and all-round brilliant people who’ve lived through the stuff that doesn’t come with a textbook. If you’re a parent, a young person starting out, an old-head or experienced leader, or just someone trying to figure out how to be more human in a world full of noise - this one’s for you. Follow us, subscribe, and let’s have the conversations that matter - with a bit of humour, a lot of honesty, and absolutely no corporate jargon. You can connect with us at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107731497/ LinkedIn: PJ Ellis & Andy Dawson Let’s get into it.

Information

  • Creator
    PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson
  • Show Website
    Wit + Grit