Shows
After Aston I...After Aston I... forged partnerships to give young people life-changing adventuresAimee and Geoff kick off the New Year on the After Aston I… podcast with Dylan Carroll, Aston alumnus and Head of Partnerships at the Outward Bound Trust. Dylan reflects on his journey from Aston graduate to charity leader, and shares how the Outward Bound Trust helps young people build confidence, resilience and self-belief through life-changing outdoor adventures. The episode explores the power of fundraising, the long-term impact of these experiences, and the personal stories that drive Dylan’s passion for making a real difference. For more information about the work of the Outward Bound Trust, please visi...
2026-01-1434 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... discovered the good and the bad of corporate boardsGeoff and Aimee are joined by alumnus Stephen Billingham, who discusses his journey through various leadership roles, including being an executive at multiple high-profile organizations and a chair in both corporate and charitable boards. He talks candidly about the good and the bad of corporate boards, including what makes a good one, and why sometimes personality clashes are inevitable. Stephen also reflects on the crucial role of the chair, and the evolving responsibilities of boards, especially in terms of sustainability and social responsibility. View the digital Aston for Life magazine: https://aflmagazine.aston.ac.uk/
2025-12-0330 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... explored the world of tech in the Big AppleIn this episode of 'After Aston I...' hosts Aimee Postle and Geoff Savage sit down with Dr. Krystle Burnett-Dunkley, a triple alumna who has carved an impressive path in the tech industry. Krystle discusses her journey from Birmingham to New York, her work at Hewlett Packard in leading strategic marketing campaigns, and her PhD research on sustainable leadership in the US tech industry. She delves into the fast-paced nature of the New York tech scene, the importance of staying informed in an ever-evolving field, and the potential of AI in marketing. Krystle also shares insights on her role...
2025-11-1231 min
After Aston I...After Aston I…produced a hit TV series for Netflix and YouTubeIn this episode of the After Aston I... podcast, hosted by Aimee and Geoff, the spotlight is on Arese Ugwu, an Aston University alumna and renowned financial educator, author, and filmmaker. Arese shares her journey from studying Business Management at Aston to becoming a key figure empowering African millennial women with smart financial decisions. She talks about her struggles with personal finances and how they inspired her to create educational content, including articles, the bestselling book 'The Smart Money Woman,' and a hit Netflix series of the same name.Arese also discusses the...
2025-06-1134 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... empowered thousands of South Asian women to lead with confidenceIn this episode of After Aston I…, co-hosts Aimee and Geoff are joined by Rupinder Kaur, founder of Asian Women Mean Business. Rupinder shares her inspiring journey from navigating the corporate world as a South Asian woman to leading a platform that empowers South Asian women to overcome self-doubt and step into leadership roles. She discusses the cultural challenges faced by South Asian women in the corporate world and the importance of community support, culturally relevant mentorship, and confidence-building. Rupinder also talks about her inspiring climb up Mount Kilimanjaro with the first all South Asian female group and the im...
2025-05-1435 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... covered the 2024 US election for The EconomistIn this episode of After Aston I…, co-hosts Aimee and Geoff sit down with Daniel Franklin, an Aston alumnus and the executive editor of The Economist. The conversation spans Daniel's illustrious 41-year career, during which he covered significant global events such as the collapse of communism, the global economic crisis, and recent US elections. Daniel discusses the evolution of The Economist into a global media brand and shares his experiences editing 'The World In' annual edition. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on journalism, the importance of news literacy, and major glo...
2025-04-1633 min
After Aston I...After Aston I… helped hundreds of bereaved employees feel supported at workIn this episode of After Aston I…, Aimee and guest co-host Abby welcome Harley Cunningham, Senior Strategy and Performance Manager at Virgin Media O2. The episode delves into Harley’s personal journey of transforming workplace bereavement support following the heartbreaking loss of her son, James. Harley shares the development and implementation of an innovative bereavement strategy, including 'Hug in a Box,' and offers valuable insights on how companies can better support grieving employees. The conversation highlights the importance of open communication, proactive support measures, and creating a compassionate workplace culture.Follow Harley on Link...
2025-03-0536 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... built a business to accelerate racial equityIn this episode of After Aston I.., hosts Aimee and Geoff welcome Lorraine Copes, a successful entrepreneur and advocate for racial equity in the hospitality sector. Lorraine shares her journey from graduating from Aston University in 2001 with a BSc in Logistics to building a two-decade-long career in hospitality, working with renowned companies like TGI Fridays, Shake Shack, and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants. Lorraine discusses her experience launching Be Inclusive Hospitality, a not-for-profit organization aimed at accelerating racial equity in the industry.She elaborates on the organization's data-led approach, mentorship programs, and collaborations with major brands...
2025-02-0534 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... competed in the 2024 Paris OlympicsGeoff and Aimee kick off series 2 with a conversation with Aston graduate and Olympic boxer, Delicious Orie, also known as DJ.DJ transitioned into the world of boxing at 18 and since then has represented Team GB in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, won Gold at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Gold at the European Championships, and more.In this episode, DJ shares the inspiration behind his switch to boxing, his rigorous training regime, the significance of competing at his home Games, his future plans of turning professional, how the challenges he...
2025-01-1533 min
After Aston I...Series 2 Trailer - After Aston I...Geoff introduces Aimee as the new co-host of the After Aston I… podcast! The two tell us what to expect from the upcoming series, due to land on the airwaves very soon! Series 2 will bring you more candid conversations with Aston University alumni – some of the UK’s most employable graduates – as we hear the remarkable stories of where their careers have taken them. If you’ve not yet subscribed, go ahead and hit that little bell. You’ll be the first to know when a new episode drops, and you’ll make us...
2024-12-1102 min