Let’s chat.. the importance of Black role models in business - S2:E4

On the final episode of series three, Kate Beckwith and David Adair join Scott in the studio to discuss a topic that’s central to the work we do at PwC - giving back to the communities in which we live and work.Kate and David share their personal experiences of the community outreach they’ve been involved in at PwC, including volunteering and our annual panto show. You’ll also hear about the firm wide initiatives we offer to our people, and some advice on finding a purposeful career where you can make a difference to your local communities.

Carl Sizer, Partner and UK Head of Regions, joins Charlotte and Scott in this episode to discuss a topic that’s becoming increasingly important to many of you - careers with purpose.Carl shares his career journey to date, whilst talking about the challenges and opportunities that technological advances are presenting for today’s workforce. We also discuss the growth of our regions, plans for our offices, and top tips that listeners can take away to better understand and consider for the careers of the future. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Victoria Coe, Audit Partner and Chris Holloway, Digital Accessibility Manager and SPACE (Supporting, Parents, Carers, & Everyone) Co-chair. They speak to Charlotte about their roles as leaders - both in the workplace and at home as parents, and how they manage to balance the two. They share their top tips for any parents who are trying to maintain a similar balancing act, discuss the transferable skills between the two leadership roles and share some of their personal anecdotes.During the episode, we also explore the different support networks available, both internally and externally, that Victoria and Chris rely on to achieve the right balance between parenthood and progressing their careers, and the integral role our everyday flexibility plays.

In this episode of PwC UK's 'Let's chat careers advice' podcast, host Scott Keys is joined by Warren Tucker, Partner and Cloud & Digital Lead in the UK and Bonnie Adams, Director in the Cloud Transformation Consulting practise. They speak to Scott about what Cloud transformation means for businesses, how Cloud can open up innovation opportunities and what our Cloud Centre of Excellence is looking to achieve. Warren and Bonnie also discuss their top pieces of career advice for applicants, as well as the advice they’d give to their past selves.

Cathy Baxter, Head of Early Careers, joins our hosts Scott and Charlotte in the studio to discuss the removal of the 2.1 entry requirement from our graduate roles. Cathy talks us through the reasoning behind the removal of the 2.1, including how we’re levelling the playing field for students and how this change will benefit the firm. She also discusses her own career journey at PwC and gives some top tips for applicants looking to join PwC.

To kick- off Season 3, Lucy Stapleton, Head of Deals spoke to Scott and Charlotte on how to master a successful career in Deals (Lead Advisory, Value Creation & Realisation, Transactions, Restructuring & Forensics). Lucy discusses her inspiring journey; from starting her career in audit, relocating to PwC New York, to becoming the Head of Deals at the firm whilst raising a family of four. She also shares how passionate she feels about making workplaces more inclusive for everyone. 

To wrap up season 2, we are joined by PwC’s Technology Impact leader, Rob McCargow. Rob started out in recruitment and, after transitioning his career into technology, he led PwC’s Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence. He is now recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech.

How can we inspire and support ex armed forces personnel in their transition to a career in professional services? In this special episode, we spoke to Britain's first female fighter jet pilot, and now leader of PwC’s Center of Transformative Leadership, Jo Salter. Jo shares insights into her incredible journey in the Royal Air Force, how she came to join PwC, and her advice to anyone looking to join the world of professional services.

How important is it for us to inspire more black professionals and use role models to increase visibility or diversity of thought in the workplace? We learn about PwC’s first black Audit Partner, Charles Samuel’s career story, how we came to be where he is today, and gain insights into the importance of having Black role model visibility in the workplace in order to inspire Black professionals. He has also given insights into what makes a good role model, why representation is important as well as sharing practical advice on self-improvement through reflection. 

How do you manage to play sports part-time and volunteer for the ambulance service whilst working a full time job? We discover how both Matt and Sam have adapted their working hours to fulfill out of work commitments whilst also being able to complete a full work day. They also share practical advice for anyone thinking of approaching this subject with their manager in the future.