Ashleigh grew up in Leicester in a working-class, single-parent household, caring full-time for his disabled mother from his teens into his twenties. While his brothers moved on, Ashleigh took on the responsibility of assisted living care. A commitment that shaped his life, his opportunities, and his sense of purpose.

Despite limited options and financial struggles, he started volunteering remotely in the gaming industry. A move that opened the door to a professional career in hosting game services, onboarding influencers, and building brand partnerships. His journey from council estate to business development shows the resilience, guilt, and determination behind breaking class barriers.

In this episode, Ashleigh reflects on:

- Growing up in a tight-knit but changing council estate community

- Balancing care responsibilities with career ambitions

- Moving on from his working-class roots while staying grounded

- The lack of working-class representation in the gaming world

- How education and remote work shaped his opportunities

👉 This is more than a career story, it’s about navigating identity, class, and care while building a new future.

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👍 Like this if you enjoyed Ashleigh's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Ashleigh!

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

- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial

- 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 Ashleigh

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-laywood/

- Twitter / X - @bashtonnn

Thanks for listening!

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

#WorkingClassStories #GamingIndustry #SocialMobility #ClassAndCare

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In this episode, we meet Ryan, who grew up in the small town of Yeovil, Somerset, a traditionally working-class area hit hard by the 2008 crash. After his parents lost their business, they rebuilt their lives through hands-on work. His dad as a plumber and his mum as a cleaner, instilling in Ryan the value of resilience and humility.

Although strong academically, Ryan was drawn to creativity, inspired by his dad’s love of music. This passion led him to study the arts at university, a move that opened doors to opportunities far beyond his hometown. Through a university placement, Ryan landed his first teaching role in London, marking a major step away from small-town life and into the creative sector.

Despite his success, Ryan remains grounded in his working-class roots. He speaks openly about class divides, the challenges of navigating professional hierarchies, and the need for more support for students from similar backgrounds. Today, he uses his experience to mentor and guide young people, offering the advice he wishes he’d had.

🔹 Topics covered:

- Growing up working class in rural England

- How the 2008 crash shaped his family’s future

- Creativity as a route out of limitation

- Navigating seniority and workplace culture

- Giving back through mentoring and advice

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

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Ryan's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Ryan!

Follow Us:

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

- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial

- 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 Ryan

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

- Website - http://ryancallard.co.uk/

Grant Funds:

- https://www.ukgamesfund.com/

- https://tranzfuser.com/

Also here is an additional bonus clip in case you wanted to watch some of his grandads famous West Country Yap - https://youtu.be/WjTIFkWJctY?t=243

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #WorkingClassStories #SocialMobility #Education #CreativeJourney #InspiringStories #FromYeovilToLondon

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In this episode, we hear from Mert, Research and Engagement Lead at Urban Symbiotics. Mert’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and finding purpose through community.

Growing up in a council estate in Walthamstow to immigrant parents, Mert faced challenges from an early age, from overcrowded housing to being homeless at 16 after coming out as gay. Despite these struggles, he juggled multiple jobs, leaned on the support of friends, and secured a bursary that opened the doors to higher education.

His passion for giving back and improving communities eventually led him to Urban Symbiotics, where his final year project caught the company’s attention and landed him his role. Now, he works to bridge the gap between local communities and urban planning, bringing a fresh perspective rooted in lived experience.

Mert reflects on:

- Navigating working-class identity and social mobility

- Overcoming family struggles and homelessness

- How education and opportunity shaped his path

- The pros and cons of living in London

- Why he defines working class as perseverance and community

Mert’s journey shows how determination and community can open doors, even in the face of systemic barriers.

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

👍 Like if you enjoyed Mert's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Mert!

Follow Us:

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

- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial

- 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 Mert:

- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mert-yildiz-5578b91a8

- Urban Symbiotics - https://urbansymbiotics.com/

- Urban Symbiotics LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/company/urban-symbiotics

Thanks for Listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #homelessness #urbanplanning #researchandengagement

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.