The Welsh Dream

Join host Kim Mamhende and special guest Louisa Huxtable-Thomas in discussing the future of entrepreneurship in Wales and beyond. As Lead for Enterprise, Partnerships and Innovation for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Swansea University, Louisa is passionate about sparking inspiration and self confidence in aspiring entrepreneurs and young people. Louisa asserts that the drive behind entrepreneurs is often rooted within a deep determination to make improvements to the wider community, and that a substantial number of students share this commitment. Meanwhile, Louisa emphasises that it is paramount that people lift each other up, in order to motivate one another.  About our guest: Dr Louisa Huxtable-Thomas: Professor, and Lead for Enterprise, Partnerships and Innovation at Swansea University Louisa’s role in encouraging student and staff entrepreneurship is predominant in generating ideas and innovation not only for people within the university, but also for Wales more broadly. She emphasises that entrepreneurship involves a vast range of projects, including services that could be fundamental in tackling some of the acute social challenges existing today.  She contends that a fundamental part of her work involves building confidence in students, to enable them to realise their potential. Being the first in her generation to attend university, Louisa recognises how crucial it is to have supportive and encouraging people at one’s informative ages, and the role educators have in shaping young minds. At the beginning of the episode, Louisa discusses the ways in which it is important to inspire student entrepreneurs in Swansea. She argues that there is a lot of room for student entrepreneurs to take their learning outside of the university.  Meanwhile when students are asked to consider what is important to them in their surrounding community, they can be enabled to realise their entrepreneurial spirit. Crucially, she emphasises the importance of building each other up as a crucial means to enabling everyone to reach their full potential.  Following on, Louisa discusses the ways in which entrepreneurs, leaders and anyone can stay motivated. Here, she argues that it is important for everyone to frequently reflect upon their sense of purpose and direction. Equally as important, she stresses that people should reward themselves for all of the small accomplishments that they make. More broadly, Louisa argues that successful entrepreneurs are driven by values and commitments that extend beyond themselves, such as a concern for the wider community.  Subsequently, Louisa discusses the ways by which entrepreneurs can become more inclusive. For instance, she argues that it is important that everyone is given an equal voice, and that everyone within a team has opportunities to take lead. Finally, Lousia briefly talks about the ways in which artificial intelligence may have an impact on the future, before finishing with her own Welsh Dream. Time stamps:  00:00: Start 1:54: Introduction 14:44: How to stop the brain drain in Wales  24:54: Purpose being at the heart of entrepreneurship 32:16: How to inspire self-confidence and motivation 45:20: Importance of supporting each other 59:40: How to overcome indecisiveness  1:05:56: Importance of communication (as a leader) 1:21:14: Inspiring new leaders 1:30:32: How artificial intelligence impacts the future of business 1:42:09: Louisa’s Welsh Dream

Break The Glass Ceiling: Mastering Yourself & Tackling Inequality. Delve into this inspiring conversation where our host Kim Mamhende features a special guest Prudencia Orridge MBE, discussing a topic that is both timely and timeless: tackling inequality.  From her Tanzanian roots to her MBE honour in the UK , Pru's journey encapsulates both the challenges and triumphs faced by many in the diaspora. Pru shares her impressive journey to success, rising to the top of the ladder at HMRC against all odds, as well as her unique perspective of how racism can be tackled both within workplaces and on a wider societal level.  When discussing how to stay motivated, Pru states that it is just as important to be surrounded by supportive people and to have access to good role models as it is to have self belief, whereby the former needs to be present in order to inspire and maintain the latter.  About our guest: Pru Orridge: MBE for ‘Service to Diversity’, Customs Fraud Lead at HMRC and Mentor   Pru rapidly climbed upwards at HMRC. Currently holding the position of Customs Fraud lead, Pru had also undertaken several different management positions across many departments. This includes the position of ‘Race Lead’, where Pru shared that she would organise groups where people could discuss their experiences in order to improve equality and diversity at HMRC. Very recently, Pru even received an MBE for service to diversity. Pru also mentors colleagues, helping them to improve their confidence in order for them to pursue their dreams.  Having had direct experience with challenges of racism within the world of work, Pru has an important insight into the extent to which racism prevails in workplaces as well as in broader society in the UK. Yet despite the challenges that she has faced, Pru’s journey proves that it is still possible to achieve success.  At the beginning of the episode, Pru shares her personal experiences with racism when she was first seeking work in the UK. Following on, she talks about how she managed to overcome this as well as other challenges that were in her way and rise to the point where she held important positions at HMRC. From here, she asserts the importance of having self-belief, however she also states that being surrounded by support and good role models is equally important. She additionally adds that she always tries to teach self belief in the people who she is mentoring, often ‘using herself as an example’, stating that a common challenge that people face is that they feel that they are unable to do the job because of their race and ethnicity.  Later on, Pru discusses some of the steps that HMRC have taken to tackle racism and to improve diversity. She claims that in recent years especially, HMRC have come a long way in doing so. In addition, she argues that problems with racism and a lack of diversity tend to prevail in a lot of workplaces, and it is therefore important that employers listen to the concerns of ethnically diverse people as a fundamental means towards tackling racism. Finally, Pru talks about how racism can be challenged on a broader societal level, emphasising that often black people tend to be ‘invisible’. Pru therefore suggests that black people should be represented more in British media and in British education, and that it is important that everyone has an equal platform to voice their opinions.  Time Stamps:  0:00: Start 2:18: Introduction 8:14: Pru’s journey to success 22:41: Importance of Self motivation, resilience and strong support networks 37:59: How employers can tackle racism 49:00: How society can become more inclusive  1:04:44: What is Pru’s Welsh Dream?

Dive into this meaningful conversation where our host Kim Mamhende features a special guest Corinne Cariad, who brings her unique insight on neurodiversity, both within the world of work and beyond! Drawing from her lived experience as a woman navigating ADHD and autism, Corinne delves into the often unseen barriers that neurodiverse individuals face, emphasising the need for self-care and compassion to prevent burnout. Her multifaceted role as a Neurodivergent Coach, Food Enthusiast, and Third Sector Consultant allows her to mentor others like her, guiding them toward understanding themselves and achieving their aspirations. About our guest: Corinne: Food Enthusiast, Neurodivergent Coach and Third Sector Consultant Running a three-fold business, Corinne specialises in coaching to neurodiverse adults, cookery classes as well as consultancy work for organisations. Her coaching involves helping neurodiverse adults to get a better understanding of themselves in order to empower them to achieve their dreams, such as setting up their business. Meanwhile, ‘my epicurious life’ offers cookery courses, 1-1 coaching as well as free recipes. Corrine’s Website: corinnecariad.co.uk Corrine’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinne-cariad/ ‘My Epicurious Life’: myepicuriouslife.co.uk Instagram: @myepicuriouslife Episode Overview: Having grown up being neurodivergent before having had a diagnosis, Corinne has personal experiences of the challenges that present a lot of neurodiverse people. These include struggling to fit in, and the negative impacts that masking have on mental health. Moreover, she is aware of the importance of breaking down societal barriers for neurodivergent people, as well as the importance of self-care. At the beginning, Corinne talks about her personal journey to self employment. Here, she discusses why she chose to quit her 9-5 job as well as about the ways that being an entrepreneur suited her. Following on, she discusses the importance of self-care, as well as the challenges that many neurodivergent people face, such as feeling the need to ‘mask’ and the impacts of burnout. And finally, she discusses how society and employers can become more inclusive, also bringing in the importance of recognising intersectionality in her discussions, which is particularly pertinent during this October’s ADHD Awareness and Black History Month. References and useful links: ADHD Babes: ‘A support group for Black Women and Black Non-binary folk of African-Caribbean descent with ADHD: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-babes/ Access to Work: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work The Squarepeg Podcast: https://squarepeg.community/podcast/ Article on neurodiversity and entrepreneurship: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/entrepreneurship-neurodiversity-sme-partnership-2021-kirby/ Timestamps: 2:40: Introduction 13:36: Corrine’s background 22:44: Importance of considering neurodiversity and intersectionality with entrepreneurship 32:44: How Corrine achieved self actualisation 41:44: How to avoid setbacks 49:59: Societal perceptions of neurodiversity, stigma and intersectionality 1:00:14 How employers can be more inclusive 1:17:05: Understanding and coming to terms with being neurodiverse 1:25:35: What is Corinne’s Welsh Dream?

Join host Kim Mamhende and special guest Mike Day on The Welsh Dream Podcast, as we talk about 'Empowering Entrepreneurs', where we ignite the entrepreneurial spark within you! Mike Day served as the Lord Mayor of Swansea from 2022 to 2023, representing the Sketty constituency as a Councillor since 1999. With a rich history in public service, he previously held the position of Cabinet member for education and has been an active contributor to Swansea's local community, notably within the charity sector. Mike's passion lies in fostering entrepreneurship, especially among the youth, driven by his extensive background in business and education, including his role as the former Dean of UWTSD Business School. 0:00 intro 2:20 Mike's Background 7:45 Youth Entrepreneurship, education, creativity and innovation. 22:40 Tackling the brain drain in Wales 35:40 What can we all do to encourage entrepreneurship? 39:49 What can the government do to support entrepreneurship? 42:03 Risks and Rewards in business 45:00 Opportunities for Swansea 47:12 What opportunities can AI bring in business? 49:00 Wales as a global player 51:39 Mike’s Welsh Dream Discover the secrets to unlocking your inner entrepreneur as we dive into a world of possibility. In this episode, we explore how changing our mindset, embracing failure, and supercharging our work ethic can lead to unstoppable success. From essential networking strategies to practical tips for launching your own business, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on the key factors to consider when embarking on your entrepreneurial journey, and learn how to stay grounded while reaching for the stars. Join us as we delve into the realms of creativity, the art of delegation, and the importance of trusted peers. Get ready to transform your dreams into reality with insights from Mike Day, our inspiring guest! Subscribe now to The Welsh Dream, and let's embark on a journey of empowerment, growth, and limitless possibilities together! #TheWelshDream #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs #SuccessUnleashed

Join us in Episode 8 of The Welsh Dream Podcast as we dive deep into the heart of Swansea and its political landscape with Sam Bennett. Sam is the Swansea Council Councillor for Waterfront and has been an instrumental voice, bringing the concerns and aspirations of his community to the forefront of political discussions. Join us as we discuss the essence of political literacy, the true meaning of democracy, and the role each one of us plays in shaping the Wales of tomorrow. Feeling disconnected or disempowered from politics? You're not alone. This episode unravels why many feel distant from the political process and offers insight into how we can bridge that gap, emphasising that change begins with our individual and collective actions. We also take a candid look at the pressing challenges Swansea faces, exploring how economic growth can pave the way for a brighter, inclusive future. It's not just about voting; it's about understanding, engaging, and acting upon our dreams for Wales. Tune in and find your place in the Welsh Dream.

In Episode 6 of The Welsh Dream podcast, we have the privilege of hosting the remarkable Bethan Sayed, a Campaign Coordinator at Climate Cymru and Former Plaid Cymru MS for South West Wales. This episode passionately explores the crucial intersection of climate and social justice, human rights, and democracy, while underscoring the transformative potential of individual voices in driving positive change. Bethan candidly shares how her political career has shaped her approach to activism, motivating her to continue her advocacy journey even after stepping away from politics. Delving deep, we discuss the importance of using one's platform to amplify passions and issues, and the significance of inclusive representation in shaping decisions. Our conversation focuses on addressing underrepresentation in politics, particularly of women and ethnically diverse communities, and outlines essential steps towards redressing this imbalance. Central to our discussion is Bethan's vision of a better Wales - her own Welsh Dream - centred on harnessing the nation's strengths and resources to cultivate a society founded on social justice. Throughout the episode, Bethan's fervour for creating meaningful change shines brightly, inspiring listeners to become active participants in forging a brighter future. Join us for this empowering and thought-provoking episode, leaving you motivated to take action within your community and beyond. Together, let's work towards making Wales a world player, with social justice enshrined at the heart of every decision. Hosted by Ryan Lewis & Kim Mamhende #TheWelshDream

In Episode 7 of our podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Robin Hill, an Export Academy Trade Adviser at the Department for Business and Trade, and an inspiring entrepreneur himself. Our conversation with Robin delved into the world of entrepreneurship and export, exploring valuable insights that can help Welsh businesses thrive on the global stage. Robin's role as a Welsh lead for the UK Export Academy involves supporting entrepreneurs in their early stages of export journey. Throughout the episode, he emphasised the importance of self-belief as entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of international trade. He highlighted the significance of having a supportive network, which the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) readily provides, acting as a "critical friend" to bridge the gap between businesses and international markets. Our discussion touched on several key success factors, including the need for entrepreneurs to streamline their services and become experts in their fields. Robin stressed the importance of being open to learning and adaptation when entering global markets, a mindset crucial for success. He also encouraged entrepreneurs to tap into their uniqueness, allowing them to stand out and achieve their business goals. Regarding Wales, Robin expressed great optimism, calling it a land of opportunities. He assured listeners that the support and conducive environment for startups exist in Wales. From the Export Academy to finance, insurance, and business support, the DBT and its partners provide comprehensive solutions to aid entrepreneurs on their export journey. Wales is a hub of interconnected support structures, ready to help businesses succeed and share their unique offerings with the world. Throughout the conversation, Robin emphasised that Wales has something special to give to the world, and the world is ready to receive it. He described Wales as the best of Britain, a place teeming with potential and opportunity. In conclusion, Episode 7 was an enriching conversation that revealed the pathway to unleashing the Welsh Dream. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to tap into the resources available to them, believe in their capabilities, and embrace the challenges and joys of international trade. The Welsh Dream is about fostering a culture of success, creating equal opportunities for all, and building an environment that supports upward mobility and economic growth in Wales. As we look ahead, the aspiration to support Welsh businesses in their international expansion efforts is at the forefront of Robin's vision. New initiatives and programs are on the horizon, promising exciting prospects for entrepreneurs aiming to make a global impact. Join us in this inspiring episode as we discover how Wales is ready to shine and share its gems with the world, and how the Welsh Dream is becoming a reality for entrepreneurs daring to dream big and achieve international success. Hosted by Ryan Lewis & Kim Mamhende

This episode we are joined by Hayley Wheeler - We discuss Hayley's journey of starting a family whilst working as an emotional empowerment coach. This episode has many great insights, alongside Hayley's top tips and insights for managing your mental wellbeing, especially in regards to your work life / balance and during the process of becoming an entrepreneur. Hosted by Ryan Lewis & Kim Mamhende #TheWelshDream

This episode we are joined by Simon J L Horsman - an academic and passionate speaker who provides us with a deep dive into what ‘Entrepreneurship’ is and how the definition is not as straightforward as we first thought. You will learn some interesting insights and begin to question what you really know about the entrepreneurial mindset. Hosted by Ryan Lewis & Kim Mamhende #TheWelshDream

The Welsh Dream podcast! Episode #3 This episode we are joined by Deb - Human Resources Specialist. The hour conversation is packed full of tips and tricks that if applied will make you more employable. Deb provides a great insight into how you can improve your chances of succeeding in applying for your next dream job. You can find Deb through Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deb-barrow-mcipd Hosted by Ryan Lewis & Kim Mamhende #TheWelshDream