The Diary of a Future CEO

Meet Ben Parker, Director of Outdoor Education and Head of Climbing at The Perse School Cambridge. In this conversation, Ben reflects on his journey from a childhood passion for the outdoors to leading world class expeditions to places like Ladakh and Bolivia. Ben shares the profound impact outdoor education has had on his own life, as well as on the thousands of Perse students who have taken part in the many adventures he's led over the years. Ben and Claire Ziwa discuss a range of topics including:Personal growth through adventure.The wide range of lifelong skills and leadership qualities students gain from taking part in outdoor pursuits.Embracing failure.The importance of children 'unplugging' from the digital world.Developing self-worth in children.Preparing students for high risk expeditions.The longer term positive impact of taking part in Perse Outdoor Pursuits.The importance of giving children an adventure and learning by having fun.The experience young people need of making difficult decisions and accepting their consequences.Being brace enough to trust your gut.Perseverance as a crucial lifelong skill.A mentoring leadership style.Being brave and taking risks. So, if you've been one of the students who’ve taken part in PES,  or if you're motivated by outdoor adventures – this podcast is for you. You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/v1vxAeHrkrM

Join us in this episode of The Diary of a Future CEO as we meet Dr James Bradley, (OP, 2008) a pioneering scientist whose research takes him from the frozen edges of the planet to the frontiers of science in search of answers to some of our world's biggest questions. At the Bradley Lab, microbiology, geochemistry, and climate science converge to explore how life survives, and even thrives, in the harshest environments on Earth. Watch to discover how zooming in on the microscopic helps us to better understand the planet’s past, present, and future. In this conversation James and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including:Microorganisms and how the earth shapes them and their evolution and activity.Working in remote and extreme environments.Climate change and its impact on the polar regions.Zombie microbes.Directing research programmes and supporting and mentoring colleagues on their journey as researchers in the field.Discovering new knowledge about how the world works.Advice for young people interested in following a path into scientific research.Sailing to Antarctica and working on the Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough.The personal qualities needed to work in remote environments. Dr. James Bradley is CNRS Chaire de Professeur Junior​​at the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography in Marseille, France.Find out more - https://www.jbradleylab.com/ Instagram @DrBradBrad You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel  https://youtu.be/bbQJzXSrxCE

Beatrice Rogers (OP, 2024) is making a name for herself in the world of women’s football. Known for her sharp footballing mind, natural talent, and relentless drive, she’s become one to watch as she climbs the ranks of the game. Her journey hasn't been without challenges – but through hard work, determination and an unshakeable belief in herself, Beatrice has continued to grow, inspire, and impress on and off the pitch. Listen now to discover more about the footballer lighting up the pitch and inspiring the next generation. In this podcast Beatrice and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including:Falling in love with football in the school playground.Being scouted.The challenges of being a girl playing football growing up, when lots of your friends aren't playing.Playing in defence.Playing with the FA Advanced Coaching Centre.Joining a boys' football team.Taking on the role of team Captain.Transitioning to adults' football.Longer term dreams as a footballer.Being an Arsenal fan.The lack of female role models when Beatrice was growing up.Inspiring role models like Laurent Koscielny.Advice for girls playing football today.Coping with injury and staying positive.Future plans and interests in social media creation and sports presenting. You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YSeAVbyvq_A?si=sA6gfJkWtENav397 Production Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Claire ZiwaFilm Editor: Adam Crossland

Mark Emerton, an Old Persean (1979), has led an extraordinary career spanning the Royal Navy, the legal profession, and the judiciary. After studying Geography at Oxford while on a Naval Cadetship, Mark went on to qualify as a barrister and serve in a range of legal and operational roles within the Navy, including establishing the Summary Appeal Court. After leaving the Navy in 2002, he joined the Criminal Cases Review Commission, investigating miscarriages of justice. In 2009, he became a full-time Employment Judge, specialising in equality and human rights law. Mark’s commitment to justice has extended beyond the courtroom. He's trained judges across Europe, served on the Judicial College Board, and championed diversity and inclusion within the judiciary. Now 'retired' Mark remains deeply involved in public service through roles including being a Judicial Member of the Senior Salaries Review Body, Governor at the University of Lincoln, and Master of the Bench at Gray’s Inn. Listen to hear Mark reflect on his journey, from The Perse School to public life, and the lessons he's learned along the way. If you're interested in a career in law this podcast is for you! In this conversation Mark and Claire Ziwa discuss the following topics. Joining the Royal Navy.Reading Geography at Oxford University.Drama in the courtroom.Making a difference.The intellectual challenge.A passion for the rule of law and justice.Working in immigration law.The Criminal Cases Review Commission.Being Freeman of the City of London.Setting up the Summary Appeal Court.Becoming a Judge. Being a Dad.Receiving a late ADHD diagnosis.Understanding your strengths.Guiding new entrants to a career at the Bar.Working out if a legal career is the right choice for you.The Senior Salaries Review Body. Artificial Intelligence.Advice for life. You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/M5R4Xq_mA7k?si=74sba1G-DfEU3ylq Production Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Claire ZiwaFilm Editor: Adam Crossland

Smera, a talented student from The Perse, (OP, 2025)  is heading to Harvard to pursue her passion for engineering and STEM. A gifted musician and dedicated all-rounder, Smera balances academic ambition with a vibrant and fulfilling life beyond the classroom. Listen to discover more about her inspiring journey. In this podcast Smera and Claire Ziwa discuss the following topics.The journey to Harvard.Studying the Liberal Arts Programme.A passion for engineering.Making a wind powered generator.Being awarded an Arkwright Scholarship.Training at the Royal College of Music.Playing the piano and bassoon.Playing in the National Youth Orchestra.Performing at the Royal Albert Hall and the BBC Proms.Gaining an amateur radio licence.The importance of parental support.Being organised! You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/QYd8DgVn8ec?si=ZqLoa08eT02ZCKpl Production Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Claire ZiwaFilm Editor: Adam Crossland

Head of School Marcus Wentzell shares his experience of being a student at The Perse, reflecting on his exciting Rouse research into the effectiveness of muometric positioning systems in underground navigation, as well as his passion for playing the saxophone and his important role as an anti-bullying ambassador. In this podcast Marcus and Claire Ziwa discuss: Marcus's experience as Head of School.Looking back on the last 15 years as a student at The Perse School, Cambridge.The breadth of skills learned at the school.Playing the saxophone and taking part in music competitions.The balance of academic and extra-curricular work.The Rouse award and Marcus's physics research into positionings systems and how GPS doesn't work underground.Applying to university to read Physics.Having a curiosity for learning.Taking on a leadership role as an anti-bullying ambassador. You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/5bIVrOczbRM?si=QCrKUB29Xu55UvST

Do you dream of becoming a doctor and making a difference to the lives of patients? In this podcast we meet Dr Amelia Peak, working at the heart of patient care within the NHS. In this podcast Amelia and Claire Ziwa discuss the following areas: Working as a resident doctor in Oxfordshire.What a typical day looks like working with patients and preparing their treatment plans.The difference between working on the hospital wards compared to life at medical school.Balancing professional development and patient care.The rewarding nature of an empathetic and patient centred approach to care.The most important skills needed to become a doctor.Dealing with challenging situations and supporting patients throughout.Advice for students who are thinking about a career in medicine.Future aspirations and working with sick children. You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/sOhPWzAxcxA

Are you considering a career in sport? In this podcast we meet Tess Howard MBE, a GB Olympian, athlete, changemaker, trailblazer and academic. Tess is an elite hockey player, representing her country at the highest level, including the Paris Olympics in 2024 and the Commonwealth Games in 2022, where she was part of the winning team, earning a gold medal. Tess established the Inclusive Sportswear Foundation, to build a future where sportswear is not a barrier to participation, enjoyment and performance in sport, especially for women and girls. In 2023 Tess won the Changemaker Award at the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards, which recognised her campaign to amend international kit regulations allowing athletes freedom in their choice of clothing in competitions. Tess was awarded an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honours. In this conversation Tess and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including: Playing hockey for team GB at the Paris Olympics in 2024.Dealing with setbacks and an ACL injury that prevented Tess from going to the Olympics in Tokyo.Being part of the winning team at the Commonwealth Games.Reading Geography at University.The barriers to girls playing sport.The effects of gendered school sport uniform on girls’ participation in sport.Gender coding at schools.Getting more girls to play sport and to understand the benefits.Body image.The impact of the clothes that boys and girls wear and playing sport.Launching the Inclusive Sportswear Foundation.Campaigning for change.Future hopes and plans. Find out more about the Inclusive Sportswear https://www.inclusivesportswear.com/ You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/sun5e1g9N_k

Busy student Versha shares her passion for making a difference in the world, with her research into anti-malaria interventions and her role with the Children and Young People's Board at Addenbrooke's Hospital. This Perse student and Head of School is embracing life. In this podcast Versha and Claire Ziwa discuss: Research into anti-malaria interventions with Cambridge University Department of Pathology.Wanting to make a positive difference in the world.Research into the link between health and emotional intelligence.The role of AI and health in our everyday lives.Leading a group called 'Active' at Addenbrooke's Hospital working with the Children and Young People's Board.Versha's role as a Head of School and leading the student council.Working with the school's Inclusion, Equality and Diversity Team, ensuring there's a platform where all students feel heard.Attending the Wellington College conference to learn from other Heads of School.Reflecting on being a student at The Perse, both academically and with her holistic educational experience. You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/nqbyUSbWQWY?si=gobZapxbI0QishIf

Are you thinking about a career in medicine?In this podcast we meet Neil, a third year medical student at the University of Cambridge who chose to intercalate medicine with engineering.This combination gave Neil the opportunity to combine his love for engineering and data science with his passion for medicine.As a busy student at Emmanuel College, Neil also fills his time with being a choral scholar, being President of the Emmanuel Medical and Veterinary Society and playing badminton. As well as sharing insights into his Cambridge degree, Neil also talks about the Fellowship programme at Harvard University in Boston, USA, that he took part in last summer, where he worked on ground-breaking research to reduce inequalities in healthcare.In this conversation Neil and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including:Life as a student at Cambridge University.Life in a Cambridge College - Neil attends Emmanuel (Emma) College.Cambridge Science Festival inspiring Neil's passion for science as a child.Work experience at Addenbrookes and the Arthur Rank Hospice.The different aspects of the medical degree.Using AI to create avatars to train new doctors.Looking forward to the fourth year of Neil's medical degree and working in hospital.Achieving a healthy work-life balance to manage the stress of a demanding course.The reasons why Neil chose a medical degree.Harvard Medical School - using Artificial Intelligence to reduce inequalities in healthcare.Important role models.The changing perception of medicine throughout the degree.Advice for young people thinking about a career in medicine.The importance of getting work experience if you want to apply to do a medical degree.Time management.   You can also watch this film on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX3UBbDnRVQ