Favourite Positions
Favourite Positions is a platform dedicated to helping people find what they love to do.
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Alex, the founder of Favourite Positions, launched the platform driven by her own frustrating experiences with career advice early in her journey. Like so many, she was hindered by ageism and gender biases (she was told that being younger than the people she was meant to manage would make them feel uncomfortable so she couldn't be promoted and so often, she faced sexism and harassment in her places of work). Alex didn't want to be constrained by outdated 'norms' and have her potential stifled.
Determined to break free from these limitations, she sought advice from individuals who were created inclusive workplaces and championing diversity. She was inspired by their commitment to building businesses that not only thrived but also contributed positively to society and the environment, all while prioritising the well-being of their teams.
Their stories proved that there were new possibilities and inspired Alex to find work that she loved but also to share these insights with others as she knew she wasn't the only one who had been left to feel so disillusioned at work.
Favourite Positions became a platform where Alex could amplify these voices, offering guidance and inspiration to those who, like her, want to love what they do and make a meaningful impact in their careers.
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Favourite Positions has a community of over 10,000 people which continues to grow organically since the platform launched in 2022. Alex's work has been recognised by top media outlets such as the BBC, Channel 4, Cosmopolitan, Metro and Start Up Magazine, and she has been awarded The Excellence Scholarship at Imperial College London where she plans to develop the platform further whilst studying at the Business School.
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Join us for an exploration of the new world of work through interviews with individuals dedicated to redefining it for the better. Discover their unique journeys, gain valuable insights from their experiences and be inspired to pursue your own passions and dreams.
Favourite Positions
Episode 09: Career Unlocked - Dean Connell
Episode description:
In this thought-provoking episode of Career Unlocked, Alex sits down with Dean Connell, a creative director with over two decades of experience in the interior design industry and the founder of the innovative design consultancy, I-AM.D.C. Dean shares his journey from growing up in inner-city London to becoming a leading voice in sustainable and circular design. He discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his transition from working at Phones4U to studying interior design at Kingston University and eventually launching his own design consultancy. Dean opens up about his unique philosophy that takes cues from nature to transform traditional workspaces and hospitality environments into sustainable, circular spaces. He also shares his passion for moving beyond 'tick box' sustainability and creating lasting, desirable pieces that transcend functionality. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of design, sustainability and the evolving nature of work.
Key points discussed:
- Dean’s early life in inner-city London and his transition from working at Phones4U to studying interior design
- The importance of focusing on specific skills and developing discipline in one’s career
- Dean’s experiences working as a junior designer and the evolution of his career in the interior design industry
- Founding I-AM.D.C and the inspiration behind challenging the 'take, make, waste' mentality in design
- The integration of circular principles into his work and the importance of creating lasting, repairable and adaptable furniture
- Dean’s approach to moving beyond 'tick box' sustainability and fostering a community committed to circular design
- The impact of technology and innovation on the future of workspace design and how AI and VR may influence the industry
- Dean’s views on the importance of community and user-centered design in creating sustainable and functional workspaces
- Insights into Dean’s most rewarding career moments, including working in Japan and developing the Sessions project
- Upcoming projects and initiatives at I-AM.D.C, including collaborations with Patch co-working spaces
Resources and links:
- Connect with Dean Connell: LinkedIn
- I-AM.D.C: Website
- Patch Co-Working Spaces: Website
- Living With Buildings: The Sessions House Project: Website
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As always, please reach out and let us know how you’re finding the series and feel free to send us any suggestions for topics you’d like us to explore in future episodes! Thank you for listening and supporting the platform. We're so grateful that you're here.
