Inspiring Working Lives
Inspiring Working Lives is the podcast that dives into the real stories behind the job titles. Each episode features honest conversations with inspiring leaders across the public and not-for-profit sectors — exploring how they got to where they are, the challenges they've faced, the advice they’d give to others, and their take on the future of work.
Whether you're climbing the ladder, changing direction or simply curious about the people shaping our workplaces, Inspiring Working Lives offers insight, inspiration and a reminder that no two career journeys are the same.
Inspiring Working Lives
S01 E06 | A Bricklayer in a Shirt and Tie: Jamie Purser’ Path to Authentic Leadership
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From leaving school at 16 with no qualifications to leading Newham College London, Jamie Purser’ journey is one of resilience, self-belief, and the power of encouragement. In this episode, Jamie shares how a bricklaying job set him on a path to leadership, why authentic identity matters in senior roles, and how further education can transform lives.
His story is a reminder that ambition and opportunity can come from unexpected places — and that anyone, with the right support, can achieve more than they imagined.
