The Hub: Articles, Events & Podcasts on Careers and Recruitment

In this episode, we talk to double Paralympic gold medalist and nine-time world champion Emma Wiggs MBE.

After a mystery virus impaired her leg mobility, Emma excelled in two sports—starting in sitting volleyball before switching to paracanoe, where she continues to dominate.

Emma won gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, and gold and silver at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, becoming the most decorated female paracanoeist in history. She’s also a trailblazer, recognized with an MBE in 2017 for her services to canoeing.

We hope you enjoy this inspiring episode!

In this episode, we talk to Lauren Duncan, an account director at LinkedIn.

Originally from Scotland, Lauren studied Political Science at Glasgow University while working full-time. Her career started at Michael Page, followed by senior roles at UCAS and QAA, leading to her dream job at LinkedIn in 2019.

Lauren lives in Cheltenham with her husband and daughter. They enjoy exploring the Cotswolds, cooking, and watching Formula One. She also loves drawing and Netflix documentaries.

We discuss Lauren’s journey, LinkedIn's supportive culture, and tips for optimizing your LinkedIn profile. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode, we talk to Commodore Mel Robinson CBE, Commander of the Maritime Reserves. Starting as a warfare officer in 1993, Mel made history as the first woman to command a warship. After transitioning to Full Time Reserve Service, she led personnel projects and drove significant reforms in the Royal Navy.

A graduate of Cardiff University and a certified Master Coach, Mel has pioneered key initiatives in modernizing the Maritime Reserves.

She balances her career with family life, enjoys fitness, rugby, and hillwalking. We hope you enjoy this episode!

On this episode we talk to Alix, Kate and Boo from Forces Wives Challenge... Alix is currently based in Glasgow where she runs her own marketing consultancy and training business in the field of life sciences.  Boo is based in Wiltshire and runs her own business focused on Sports and Physical Rehabilitation. Kate is currently based in Buckinghamshire where she is working as a GP.

They along with 9 other ladies are set to become the world’s first all-female team to retrace the steps of one of the most important missions in World War II history. We can hear about the selection process, the training and how they’re feeling. We hope you enjoy the episode!

In this episode we’re joined by Pip and Jools from Edge NLP!At Edge NLP their aim is to not only teach, but to guide, inspire, motivate and help people change their lives.

We talk about how they do that and how important it is to take a step back and evaluate the way you do things and present yourself.Everyone at Edge has a real passion for NLP, they combine passion with a zest for life and take great pleasure in creating extraordinary training experiences.

Whether you’re at a cross roads in your life and in need of some inspiration, you’re keen to become a coach or you’re interested in how NLP can benefit your business, you should check them out. Visit their website

This week we’re joined by Steve Leach who has served as a member of Alexander Mann Solutions’ Executive Team since 2005. Having joined the business in 1999, he's has held a variety of operational, management and executive roles and is currently Managing Director, UK & Ireland.  Passionate about enabling the AMS team to be the best they can be, Steve’s focus is working with our clients to develop relationships and solutions to enable success through the delivery of innovative, value creating Talent Acquisition and Management solutions. A recognised thought leader, Steve is a regular contributor to news articles and fundamentally believes that people are the foundation of success.

The number 13 is unlucky for some... Not for us though because this week we're talking to Jo Salter, the UK's very first female fighter jet pilot! Jo Salter flew the Tornado ground attack aircraft with 617 Squadron in the Royal Air Force. She later became an inspirational speaker and in November 2016 she joined PwC as a director and Chief of Staff, responsible for digital capabilities within the People and Organisation practice. Jo has first hand experience of challenge and change, requiring tenacity, determination, flexibility and an excellent sense of humour. She's backed by a degree in Electronic Systems Engineering and an MBA. Her inspirational speeches have introduced her to a vast range of businesses and, whether it be 25 at a breakfast briefing in The Ivy or 3000 at an international conference centre, Jo entertains, challenges and inspires. She is also the author of two books focusing on using personal energy for high achievement.

This week, as part of Diversity Month, we’re thrilled to welcome Penny Mansfield CBE, Director of One Plus One. One Plus One is a UK charity dedicated to strengthening relationships through online resources and support. Penny’s insights cover the complexities and diversity of relationships—whether romantic, platonic, or professional—offering timeless advice in today’s world.

Her team empowers couples and parents, and equips frontline workers with tools for face-to-face relationship support, promoting early action based on evidence-driven research.

We hope you enjoy this insightful episode!