Shows
After Aston I...After Aston I... project managed a new Cadbury chocolate barIn this season finale of the After Aston I… podcast, hosts Katrina and Geoff are joined by Rachel Krol, a Project Engineering Manager at Mondelēz International. Rachel, an Aston University alumna with a degree in mechanical engineering, shares insights about her exciting role with the snack giant. She discusses her involvement in various projects, including the production of well-loved snacks like Cadbury chocolate bars and Creme Eggs. Rachel also talks about the challenges and pride in working for a top global company, the use of collaborative robots, and her passion for supporting early careers in engineering. 2024-08-0725 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... lived and worked in 8 countriesIn this episode of the After Aston I... podcast, co-hosts Abby, who is filling in for Katrina, and Geoff, engage in a captivating conversation with Aston alumnus James Henderson. Graduating from Aston University in 1990 with a degree in Management and Administrative Studies, James has built an illustrious career in the luxury goods industry, including prestigious roles in Formula One yachts and private aviation. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Exclusive Resorts, a leading private travel and hospitality membership club in North America. Throughout his career, James has lived and worked in diverse locations s...2024-07-0326 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... oversaw £6 billion of assetsIn this episode, Katrina and Geoff speak to Sue Noffke, an Aston University alumna who has built a successful career in the finance sector. Graduating in 1989 with a degree in business and biochemistry, Sue gained early experience in investment during her placement year at Schroders, a global asset management company. She returned to Schroders post-graduation and has risen to head its UK equities division, managing a portfolio worth 6 billion pounds. Sue shares insights into her role, detailing the responsibilities of overseeing investments and the importance of equities in the market. She discusses the rarity of spending an entire career...2024-06-0529 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... became a BBC Breakfast PresenterIn this episode of the ‘After Aston I…’ podcast, Katrina and Geoff interview Grace Smith, an Aston University alumna with an exciting career in the media industry. With a background in public policy and social studies, Grace initially ventured into roles unrelated to her current profession, including working as a corporate tax inspector. However, following a lockdown project, an unexpected opportunity led her to make a career shift, embracing roles as a BBC radio presenter, voiceover artist, live events host, and reporter for major events like the Commonwealth Games and music festivals.2024-04-0225 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... moved my career to NorwayIn this episode of ‘After Aston I…’, Katrina and Geoff chat to Gabriella Bossman, a 2015 Politics and International Relations graduate who’s moved her career to Norway. They chat about Gabriella’s experience working and running a business in a different culture, her observations about the importance of language, the approach to work-life balance in Norway, the differences in business ecosystems, cultural adaptability, and more. Gabriella also talks about her work in the green tech space and her desire to build something with a mission behind it, how the country’s strong social security can sometimes lead to less entrepreneur...2024-03-0527 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... went on The ApprenticeIn this episode of the After Aston I... podcast, hosts Katrina and Geoff welcome Simba Rwambiwa, the co-founder and managing director of Palm Love Care Services. Simba shares how his personal experience of looking after his late mother inspired him to start his own healthcare company focused on providing in-home care. He explains the positive impact of in-home care on the quality of life for patients and shares his passion for helping others. Simba also talks about his experience as a contestant on the BBC's 'The Apprentice' and how it has influenced his approach to business. 2024-02-0620 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... worked with Kylie MinogueIn this episode, Katrina and Geoff delve into the music industry with Sunjay Kohli, an Aston alumnus who has worked with major companies such as Ticketmaster International, Warner Music Group, and BMG. Sunjay shares valuable insights into the music industry and advises those aspiring to work at a record label. He discusses how he navigated the corporate and 'glitzy' sides of the business, working with iconic artists such as Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Louis Tomlinson, Alt J and KSI, and how he’s transitioned to running his own business, AAA Media.Co...2024-01-0722 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... became an award-winning cocktail entrepreneurIn this episode, Katrina and Geoff sit down with Aston alumna Grace Ubawuchi, Founder and CEO of the innovative frozen cocktail brand Xīn and Voltaire. Grace takes us through her journey from being a Business and International Relations student at Aston University to becoming a trailblazer in the drinks industry. Throughout the conversation, Grace emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and tenacity in entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges she faced in freezing alcohol and establishing a temperature-controlled logistical chain for product distribution. She also talks about winning this year’s KPMG Black Entrep...2023-12-0428 min
After Aston I...After Aston I... founded a global football franchiseIn this episode, Katrina and Geoff speak with Christine Kelly, an Aston University alumna and the founder of 'Little Kickers', the world’s biggest and most successful pre-school football academy and an international franchise program.Christine talks about her journey from graduating with a degree in International Business and Modern Languages to her career in finance, why she decided to start 'Little Kickers', and her experiences running the business and expanding it globally.Christine also touches on some challenges she faced and lessons she learned along the way, as well as what might be in st...2023-11-0321 min