Growing up on a council estate in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, Matt left school with no GCSEs, apart from an A* in PE. Never seen as a high achiever, just one of the kids that got lost in the middle, his journey took a dramatic turn after witnessing the loss of his father. That moment became the catalyst for change. From night school to earning a PhD, while cleaning to fund his studies, Matt carved a path into academia, becoming a research scientist focused on aging. Rooted in working-class values, he’s now helping the next generation of students see what’s possible when you back yourself.

In this conversation, we cover:

- Growing up working-class in Chelmsley Wood and being “lost in the middle” at school

- How grief and personal experience shaped his research interests

- Going from no GCSEs to earning a PhD through night school and self-belief

- Navigating academia as a working-class individual

- The challenges of class bias and microaggressions in professional spaces

- Why resilience, community, and risk-taking were key to his journey

- How he now mentors students from similar backgrounds

- His thoughts on systemic change in education and the role of universities in DEI

- Staying grounded and instilling working-class values in his own children

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- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

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Follow Matt

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-hill-3870701a1/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #workingclassculture

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In this episode, Michael J. Diamond, freelance producer and director at WEIGHT. Films, shares his journey from a single-parent home in East London to carving out a space for himself in the UK’s creative industry. Drawing on his working-class roots, Michael reflects on how upbringing, location, and access shaped his path. He opens up about the challenges of breaking into film without privilege, the limits of university education, and the power of community and lived experience.

Michael also talks about forming WEIGHT. Films to tell stories often overlooked by mainstream media, and why embracing your background can be a creative superpower. From advice on building a network to the importance of being "easy to help," this conversation is packed with insight for anyone navigating the creative world, especially those coming from outside the usual pipelines.

Topics Covered:

- Defining working-class identity

- The role of geography in creative access

- Challenges of breaking into film without privilege

- The importance of mentorship and self-belief

- Founding WEIGHT. Films to tell diverse stories

- Advice for emerging creatives

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👍 Like this if you enjoyed Michaels journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Michael!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Michael J. Diamond

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjdiamond/

- Personal Portfolio Site - https://www.mjdiamond.com/

- WEIGHT. Films - https://www.weightfilms.com/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michaeljdiamond/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess

#WorkingClassVoices #CreativeIndustry #Filmmaking #MichaelJDiamond #WEIGHTFilms #Mentorship #Storytelling #LondonFilmScene

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Growing up in a working-class town in northern England, Nicole was expected to follow the traditional route into engineering. But her passion pulled her in a different direction. After leaving university early, she took a leap of faith with an online animation course—and never looked back.

Through sheer determination, self-taught skills, and relentless networking, Nicole carved out her place in the creative industry. Now a BAFTA member and a local inspiration, she shares her incredible journey of breaking barriers and defying expectations.

🔥 Whether you're an aspiring creative or just need a dose of motivation, Nicole’s story proves that you don’t need to follow the usual path to achieve your dreams.

👇 Listen now and get inspired!

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Nicole's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Nicole!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Nicole

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-gregory-baa9271b2/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coley.animations/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #CreativeCareer #AnimationJourney #SelfTaughtSuccess #BAFTAMember #NicoleStory #Inspiration

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