The christinethomasz's Podcast

Ben Straughan | Haines Watts Graduate Programme

Ben is a great example of someone who has worked really hard to get exactly where he would like to be. Having completed his degree, he has recently started on a graduate programme at the accountancy firm Haines Watts. He gives young people a great insight into the attitude and the approach needed to be successful in both their studies and in getting the very best placements after they graduate. It was a pleasure to interview Ben his positive attitude is a real inspiration.

Andrew Needham | VAT Partner, Haines Watts

As an English Literature graduate, Andrew describes how having an arts background can be a huge help in the world of finance. He also describes how studying law became a route into his career in finance. Andrew tell us about his very different experiences working at one of the 'big four' finance companies in compared with his latest role as VAT partner at the Haines Watts. Young people will gain a great insight into how their experience of work can hugely vary depending on the firm. Andrew gives us a great insight into how he ventured onto his career path, and his successes within the profession. 

Claire Dellar | NHS Digital Project Manager

Our Trustee, Claire Dellar, tells us all about the importance of project management. She also describes how her degree and her studies abroad led to the implementation of new educational policies in Vietnam. Plus, how these experiences inspired her to become project manager so she could put her planning and management skills into creating innovative and useful projects, that through the NHS, we will all benefit from.

Andrea McGuigan | Business Durham Young Entrepreneurs

Our trustee, Andrea McGuigan describes her wealth of experience in marketing and the business world as an advisor for Business Durham. She also explains how many options there are for young people with an entrepreneurial spirit who have an idea for starting up their own business.

Gary Jones | Surveyor and Project Manager

Gary Jones, our trustee, tells us all about how his love of technical drawing led to his career as a surveyor. He explains how he made the move from Bradford to study in London and how he stayed in London to pursue his career. His organisational skills have earned him a role in parliament as a project manager, where he is currently in charge of developing an Academy of Skills for the workplace, that will be implemented across the country. Take a listen for yourself and learn all about Gary's career in parliament and be inspired to take your own chances in life.

Keith Newman | PR

Keith Newman always loved English and took pride in how well he could express himself, only to fail his English GCSE! His career took him to the gas board, where they soon realised that his true skills lay in their marketing Department. Eventually, Keith decided that it was time to fully invest in his love of words and writing and he established his own public relations company Highlights, which thrives to this day. This podcast will give you a great insight into the various roles and skills needed to be successful in public relations.

Adam Hardy | Personal Tax Adviser

Adam Hardy tells us about how his ambition to be a History Teacher was thwarted and how a twist of fate led him into a successful career as a personal tax adviser. He describes how the world of finance is changing and how it is interpersonal skills that are as important as being good with numbers.

Karl Seaward | Employment Coach, Chef and Sportsman

Karl Seaward describes his current role as an employment coach in Melbourne, Australia. He includes his journey from Stanley, Co Durham, to university in York studying Sport and Coaching. He describes his travels abroad and how he had to adapt his skills and work to get his VISA to stay and live in Australia. He is an inspirational example of living life to the full and taking and embracing every opportunity.

Ben Clarke | Footballer and Coach

Ben Clarke describes the highs and lows of his professional football career - including his debut at 17 years old for Sunderland when they were in the Premier League. He also tells us about how his love of football evolved into his current coaching role at Gateshead football club and as far as he is concerned, how lucky he is to have had such an amazing career in sport.

Johnny Woods | Graphic Designer and Boxing Coach

Johnny Woods has two passions in life-graphic design and boxing. He describes how his lifelong love of drawing and design has evolved into a career creating his own art company. He tells us how the world of design has changed with the development of new technology. He also describes how alongside his former career he inspires young people as their boxing coach.