Learning Without Limits

Geoff Cousins

Oxbridge founder Matt Jones speaks with business leader Geoff Cousins, best known for his roles as Managing Director at Jaguar UK (the UK’s largest car manufacturer) and Chief Financial Officer at Jaguar Land Rover North America. This episode is filled with career advice, overcoming setbacks, and an insight into the mindset of a great leader.

Geoff Cousins is a well-known business leader, who has held high-level positions at major companies such as Jaguar UK and Jaguar Landrover North America. In this episode of the Oxbridge podcast, Geoff gives advice to small business owners on how to overcome setbacks and have a successful career. Geoff also speaks about the importance of having a positive mindset, can-do attitude, and resilience, and how this can help you achieve success in your field.

Not only is this episode an inspiring listen for anyone who is looking to start or grow their own business. It also is a very worthwhile listen for anyone trying to climb the corporate ladder.

James White

In episode 6, we catch up with the wonderful 2017 BBC Apprentice Winner, James White. He spills the beans on what it’s really like to be a candidate in Lord Sugar’s show, giving details about the process, living in the house with the other candidates and how the experience compares to real life. He also talks about the importance of looking after your team and giving people opportunities based on drive and determination, not just academics. 

PJ Ellis

In Episode 5 we chat to PJ Ellis – Birmingham-Born Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Former Solicitor, now turned Director. PJ, (who is known for appearing in the Big Brother House!) recently received a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister, which recognises outstanding UK volunteers and those that are making a real difference in their community.

PJ’s story is an inspiring one – he overcame adversity to become a successful businessman and philanthropist. His work in the community is making a real difference, and we are honoured to have him on the show. PJ co-founded a charity called LoveBrum, which supports grass-roots Midlands-based charities. Oxbridge is proud to be a long-term supporter of the charity.

Tune in as we find out from PJ himself… “how did you get here?”

Ninder Johal

In this episode, Deputy Lieutenant and CEO of Nachural, Ninder Johal discusses his upbringing and education in a religious family, and how he broke through the traditions associated with this. He talks about how the education system needs to keep up with digital innovation. Ninder goes on to explain his journey into music and entrepreneurship.

He also produced a number-one record in the UK and beyond, that you would all recognise! and collaborated with Jay-Z. Wow!

He always had an interest in music, which led him to break through the traditions associated with his upbringing. Ninder started his own music production company called Nachural Records. He has also released several albums under his own label. In addition to music, Ninder is also a well-known entrepreneur. He has started several businesses, including a marketing firm and a software development company. Ninder is passionate about education and believes that the education system needs to keep up with digital innovation. In this episode, he shares his story and provides insights into how we can create change in the education system.

Jennifer Coughlin

In this podcast, we speak to the Paralympian swimmer, Jennifer Coughlin who has competed in three Paralympic Games, including Athens, Sydney and Beijing.

Jennifer Coughlin is a three-time Paralympic medalist in swimming. She competed in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Paralympics. In 2004, she won a bronze medal in the 100-metre breaststroke. In 2008, she won a silver medal in the 100-metre breaststroke. And in 2012, she won a gold medal in the 4×100

In this podcast, Jennifer talks about her journey to becoming a Paralympic swimmer, the pressure of competing at such high-level events, and her transition back to the “real world” afterwards. Jennifer is now a paramedic, which is something she also explains her passion for.

The Paralympics is an international multi-sport event for athletes with physical disabilities. They are organised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The Paralympics are held every four years, following the Olympic Games. The first Paralympics were held in Rome, Italy in 1960.

Jennifer’s story is truly inspiring and we hope it can inspire you too.

Matt Jones

In the latest episode of How did You Get Here?, we talk to our very own Matt Jones, Oxbridge founder and EdTech trailblazer. We covered it all, from how Matt launched one of the UK’s leading online colleges, to creating the right office culture, and how to become an effective leader. If you’ve ever wondered how to cultivate the mindset of an entrepreneur, you won’t want to miss this!

Matt has widely been described as a leading EdTech Entrepreneur, with several successful businesses under his belt, along with interests in other tech businesses. Matt discusses how it wasn’t until later in his career that he chose education. He also talks about his inspiration for this, and we go off on to a tangent about practical leadership and how that can apply to specific situations. All in all – a very useful insight into a dynamic and successful leader’s style and implementation.

In this podcast episode, we thought we’d turn the interview on its head and ask Lily and Rosie, who indirectly work with Matt, to do the interview and what a superb hosting debut they managed!

Tru Powell

In the opening episode of the Oxbridge’s How Did You Get Here? podcast, we spoke with multi-award-winning entrepreneur and brand strategist Tru Powell about his Birmingham roots, the inspiration behind his successful business ventures, and why we’ve still a long way to go in tackling racism here in the UK.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Tru is the founder of two successful businesses – truCOMPASS, a brand consultancy that helps businesses to connect with their consumers, and truTALENT, an online platform connecting businesses with creative freelancers. He’s also a Director at social enterprise Reapit, which connects people from disadvantaged backgrounds with employment opportunities, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

It’s a powerful and thought-provoking conversation, and we hope it will help to start some important conversations about race and racism here at Oxbridge.

You can listen to the full episode below, or subscribe to the How Did You Get Here? podcast.