The Diary of a Future CEO with Ben Parker: Inspiring stories to ignite the next generation
Meet Ben Parker, Director of Outdoor Education and Head of Climbing at The Perse School Cambridge. In this conversation, Ben reflects on his journey from a childhood passion for the outdoors to leading world class expeditions to places like Ladakh and Bolivia. Ben shares the profound impact outdoor education has had on his own life, as well as on the thousands of Perse students who have taken part in the many adventures he's led over the years. Ben and Claire Ziwa discuss a range of topics including:Personal growth through adventure.The wide range of lifelong skills and leadership qualities students gain from taking part in outdoor pursuits.Embracing failure.The importance of children 'unplugging' from the digital world.Developing self-worth in children.Preparing students for high risk expeditions.The longer term positive impact of taking part in Perse Outdoor Pursuits.The importance of giving children an adventure and learning by having fun.The experience young people need of making difficult decisions and accepting their consequences.Being brace enough to trust your gut.Perseverance as a crucial lifelong skill.A mentoring leadership style.Being brave and taking risks. So, if you've been one of the students who’ve taken part in PES, or if you're motivated by outdoor adventures – this podcast is for you. You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/v1vxAeHrkrM
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27:48
The Diary of a Future CEO with Dr James Bradley: Inspiring stories to ignite the next generation
Join us in this episode of The Diary of a Future CEO as we meet Dr James Bradley, (OP, 2008) a pioneering scientist whose research takes him from the frozen edges of the planet to the frontiers of science in search of answers to some of our world's biggest questions. At the Bradley Lab, microbiology, geochemistry, and climate science converge to explore how life survives, and even thrives, in the harshest environments on Earth. Watch to discover how zooming in on the microscopic helps us to better understand the planet’s past, present, and future. In this conversation James and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including:Microorganisms and how the earth shapes them and their evolution and activity.Working in remote and extreme environments.Climate change and its impact on the polar regions.Zombie microbes.Directing research programmes and supporting and mentoring colleagues on their journey as researchers in the field.Discovering new knowledge about how the world works.Advice for young people interested in following a path into scientific research.Sailing to Antarctica and working on the Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough.The personal qualities needed to work in remote environments. Dr. James Bradley is CNRS Chaire de Professeur Juniorat the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography in Marseille, France.Find out more - https://www.jbradleylab.com/ Instagram @DrBradBrad You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/bbQJzXSrxCE
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28:08
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28:08
The Diary of a Future CEO with Beatrice Rogers: Inspiring stories to ignite the next generation
Beatrice Rogers (OP, 2024) is making a name for herself in the world of women’s football. Known for her sharp footballing mind, natural talent, and relentless drive, she’s become one to watch as she climbs the ranks of the game. Her journey hasn't been without challenges – but through hard work, determination and an unshakeable belief in herself, Beatrice has continued to grow, inspire, and impress on and off the pitch. Listen now to discover more about the footballer lighting up the pitch and inspiring the next generation. In this podcast Beatrice and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including:Falling in love with football in the school playground.Being scouted.The challenges of being a girl playing football growing up, when lots of your friends aren't playing.Playing in defence.Playing with the FA Advanced Coaching Centre.Joining a boys' football team.Taking on the role of team Captain.Transitioning to adults' football.Longer term dreams as a footballer.Being an Arsenal fan.The lack of female role models when Beatrice was growing up.Inspiring role models like Laurent Koscielny.Advice for girls playing football today.Coping with injury and staying positive.Future plans and interests in social media creation and sports presenting. You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YSeAVbyvq_A?si=sA6gfJkWtENav397 Production Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Claire ZiwaFilm Editor: Adam Crossland
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16:25
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16:25
The Diary of a Future CEO with Mark Emerton: Inspiring stories to ignite the next generation
Mark Emerton, an Old Persean (1979), has led an extraordinary career spanning the Royal Navy, the legal profession, and the judiciary. After studying Geography at Oxford while on a Naval Cadetship, Mark went on to qualify as a barrister and serve in a range of legal and operational roles within the Navy, including establishing the Summary Appeal Court. After leaving the Navy in 2002, he joined the Criminal Cases Review Commission, investigating miscarriages of justice. In 2009, he became a full-time Employment Judge, specialising in equality and human rights law. Mark’s commitment to justice has extended beyond the courtroom. He's trained judges across Europe, served on the Judicial College Board, and championed diversity and inclusion within the judiciary. Now 'retired' Mark remains deeply involved in public service through roles including being a Judicial Member of the Senior Salaries Review Body, Governor at the University of Lincoln, and Master of the Bench at Gray’s Inn. Listen to hear Mark reflect on his journey, from The Perse School to public life, and the lessons he's learned along the way. If you're interested in a career in law this podcast is for you! In this conversation Mark and Claire Ziwa discuss the following topics. Joining the Royal Navy.Reading Geography at Oxford University.Drama in the courtroom.Making a difference.The intellectual challenge.A passion for the rule of law and justice.Working in immigration law.The Criminal Cases Review Commission.Being Freeman of the City of London.Setting up the Summary Appeal Court.Becoming a Judge. Being a Dad.Receiving a late ADHD diagnosis.Understanding your strengths.Guiding new entrants to a career at the Bar.Working out if a legal career is the right choice for you.The Senior Salaries Review Body. Artificial Intelligence.Advice for life. You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/M5R4Xq_mA7k?si=74sba1G-DfEU3ylq Production Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Claire ZiwaFilm Editor: Adam Crossland
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31:09
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31:09
The Diary of a Future CEO with Smera Sachin: Inspiring stories to ignite the next generation
Smera, a talented student from The Perse, (OP, 2025) is heading to Harvard to pursue her passion for engineering and STEM. A gifted musician and dedicated all-rounder, Smera balances academic ambition with a vibrant and fulfilling life beyond the classroom. Listen to discover more about her inspiring journey. In this podcast Smera and Claire Ziwa discuss the following topics.The journey to Harvard.Studying the Liberal Arts Programme.A passion for engineering.Making a wind powered generator.Being awarded an Arkwright Scholarship.Training at the Royal College of Music.Playing the piano and bassoon.Playing in the National Youth Orchestra.Performing at the Royal Albert Hall and the BBC Proms.Gaining an amateur radio licence.The importance of parental support.Being organised! You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/QYd8DgVn8ec?si=ZqLoa08eT02ZCKpl Production Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Claire ZiwaFilm Editor: Adam Crossland
The Diary of a Future CEO is a podcast full of inspiring stories, honest insights and unforgettable journeys.Hosted and produced by Claire Ziwa, this series brings you conversations with Perse alumni who’ve carved out extraordinary paths, from chart-topping musicians and elite athletes, to pioneering lawyers and bold explorers.We’ll hear from people who’ve overcome hurdles, stayed true to their goals, and turned ambition into action. Whether you're after a fresh perspective, a dose of motivation, or just a great story well told, this podcast is for you. Follow us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePerseSchoolCambridgeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theperseschoolcambridgeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theperseschoolLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-perse-school-cambridgeWebsite: https://www.perse.co.uk
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