Wit + Grit

We’re PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson - two dads, two mates, who’ve spent our lives working across business, law, education, charity, and media. Between us, we've made a lot of mistakes, asked a lot of questions, and raised kids who are about to walk into a world of work that’s nothing like the one we grew up in. That’s why we started Wit + Grit - a space for real, human conversations about what it takes to thrive in a world full of AI, constant pressure, and curated perfection. This podcast is about the skills you can’t Google. Things like confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, how to fail well, how to bounce back, how to speak up, and how to listen. We’re not here to give perfect advice. We’re here to ask better questions. How do we prepare our kids for jobs that don’t exist yet? How do we connect generations in a divided, digital world? What makes someone truly employable in 2025 and beyond? Each episode, we’ll chat with educators, grads, parents, leaders, misfits, mentors, and all-round brilliant people who’ve lived through the stuff that doesn’t come with a textbook. If you’re a parent, a young person starting out, an old-head or experienced leader, or just someone trying to figure out how to be more human in a world full of noise - this one’s for you. Follow us, subscribe, and let’s have the conversations that matter - with a bit of humour, a lot of honesty, and absolutely no corporate jargon. You can connect with us at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107731497/ LinkedIn: PJ Ellis & Andy Dawson Let’s get into it.

Wit + Grit is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 81. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Wit + Grit, a business show with 0 episodes published.

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  Episode #44

  What Happens When We Change the Way We See People?

  Aug 17, 202652 min

  What if the biggest barrier isn't disability - but perception? In this deeply moving episode of Wit + Grit , PJ and Andy sit down with Taylor Mackenzie , Special Olympics GB swimmer, gold medallist and athlete leader, alongside Laura Baxter MBE , CEO of Special Olympics Great Britain. Taylor shares her remarkable journey - from a young girl who struggled to speak, to becoming a double gold medallist in Berlin and now preparing to attempt a Guinness World Record just months after major spinal surgery. Laura explains why Special Olympics is about far more than medals. It's about confidence, belonging, opportunity and challenging society's assumptions about people with intellectual disabilities. Together they explore leadership, resilience, inclusion and why success should sometimes be measured by friendship, courage and joy rather than trophies. This isn't simply a conversation about sport. It's a conversation about seeing people for who they are - and what becomes possible when we do. Key Takeaways People before labels Special Olympics focuses on the person - not the disability. Success looks different Winning isn't always measured by medals. Sometimes it's confidence, friendship and simply showing up. Courage changes everything Taylor's comeback after spinal surgery shows resilience in its purest form. Inclusion starts with conversation The biggest thing we can do is simply engage with people. Challenge assumptions Ability should always come before disability. Different thinking is a strength People with intellectual disabilities often bring unique perspectives that organisations desperately need. Self-belief begins with someone believing in you For Taylor, that started with her parents. Legacy isn't built after an event It's created years before through education, opportunity and changing perceptions. Chapters List 00:00 Finding a Voice Through Special Olympics 01:03 Taylor’s Journey Into Swimming 04:21 Why Sport Creates Opportunity 06:46 National Games in Birmingham 09:38 The Origins of Special Olympics 10:44 The Athlete Oath: Be Brave in the Attempt 11:50 Community, Confidence and Friendship 13:34 Changing Perceptions Beyond Sport 19:05 Family Support and Taylor’s Berlin Golds 29:05 Recovery, Resilience and a World-Record Goal 32:30 What Athletes Teach Us About Success 34:56 Building a More Inclusive Future 40:08 Athlete Leadership and Advocacy 42:46 A Future World Games in Great Britain 45:48 Partnerships That Create Change 48:18 The Lasting Impact of the National Games 50:21 How to Support the National Games

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  Episode #42

  Damian Kirk: The Diagnosis That Changed My Life at 51

  Jul 14, 202636 min

  What happens when you spend decades building a successful career before finally understanding how your mind really works? In this episode of Wit + Grit, leadership consultant and soon-to-be-published-author Damian Kirk shares the life-changing impact of receiving an ADHD and dyslexia diagnosis at the age of 51. What followed wasn’t limitation, it was liberation. Together, we explore why self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership, why we’re making work far more complicated than it needs to be, and what businesses can do to create environments where people genuinely thrive. From accountability over hierarchy, to AI, coaching, preparing young people for work and designing organisations for success, this is an honest conversation about leading with authenticity and building workplaces that bring out the best in people. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, a mentor or simply someone trying to understand yourself a little better, this episode is packed with practical insights you’ll take away long after the conversation ends. Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn’t changing your career. It’s finally understanding yourself. Key Takeaways * Self-awareness is one of the greatest leadership advantages you’ll ever develop. * A diagnosis doesn’t define you - it helps you understand your strengths. * Different thinking isn’t a weakness; it can become your greatest asset. * Great leaders create space for others to succeed rather than having all the answers. * Simplicity beats complexity in almost every organisation. * Accountability creates ownership; hierarchy often creates barriers. * AI won’t replace great leaders - but it may expose poor ones. * Coaching is one of the most valuable life skills anyone can learn. * Young people need more real-world experience, mentors and opportunities to explore. * Success rarely happens by accident - it is designed. Keywords Damian Kirk, ADHD, Dyslexia, ADHD diagnosis, neurodiversity, leadership podcast, leadership development, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, coaching, accountability, organisational culture, AI in business, future of work, workplace leadership, business transformation, leadership consultant, career development, mentoring, Wit and Grit podcast, young people, work experience, success by design, leadership mindset, authentic leadership, business growth, employee engagement, change management Chapters 00:00 Understanding Neurodiversity: A Personal Journey 07:16 Transforming Leadership Through Self-Awareness 13:12 Preparing the Next Generation for the Workforce 20:09 Harnessing AI for Future Opportunities 21:19 The Power of AI as a Capability 22:58 Understanding Energy Costs and Their Complexity 25:30 AI's Impact on Leadership and Management 28:53 The Pinnacle Moment: Self-Awareness in Leadership 31:13 Advice for Young Professionals and Future Aspirations

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  Episode #41

  Changing What This Name Represents. The Gabriel Imevbore Story

  Jul 7, 202632 min

  Gabriel Imevbore joins us to share his journey from growing up in Erdington, Birmingham, experiencing family breakdown and homelessness at 19, to becoming the youngest trustee in YMCA Heart of England’s 180-year history. In this good-old-heart-to-heart conversation, Gabriel talks about ambition, faith, entrepreneurship, Birmingham, fatherhood, opportunity, social mobility and why your circumstances may shape your opening chapter - but they don’t have to write the ending. Key takeaways Your story is shaped by what you choose to do next. Young people need opportunity, not judgement. Birmingham has huge entrepreneurial talent that needs backing. Leaders must stay close to the ground level. Parents should respect the inspiration behind a child’s dreams. Unconventional thinkers need space to thrive. Success is health, family, purpose and giving back. Representation matters - but so does opening doors for others. Keywords Gabriel Imevbore, Wit and Grit, Birmingham, YMCA, homelessness, entrepreneurship, social mobility, young leaders, resilience, Birmingham business, opportunity, youth employment, leadership, community, personal story, Future Faces, National Grid, UpStride, AI, fatherhood, purpose, ambition. 00:00 Gabriel's Early Life and Ambitions 01:36 Challenges and Turning Points 03:57 The Role of Education and Mentorship 07:27 Finding Opportunities and Building a Network 10:14 Community Impact and Giving Back 11:51 Leadership and Ground-Level Engagement 14:49 Pathways to Progress and Social Mobility 16:09 Reflections on Talent Recognition and Future Aspirations 16:38 Bridging Generational Gaps 21:24 Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Impact 23:18 Personal Growth and Family Dynamics

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  Episode #40

  Abi Edmunds: Your Child Isn't Just Scrolling.

  Jun 16, 202628 min

  As our government moves towards restricting social media access for young people, the debate has shifted from whether there is a problem to what we do about it. In this episode, we sit down with Abi Edmunds, founder of Social Media Resilience, to explore the realities of growing up online and the skills young people need to navigate an increasingly complex digital world. From social media bans and online safety to AI-generated content, misinformation and emotional resilience, Abi shares what she’s learning from thousands of conversations in classrooms across the UK. Most importantly, she explains why banning technology alone won’t solve the problem. and why critical thinking, community and open conversations may be our best defence. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer or simply trying to make sense of modern life online, this is a conversation that matters. Key takeaways The social media ban is the start of a solution, not the solution itself. Young people don’t need more lectures. They need more conversations. Social media isn’t just scrolling. It’s community, identity, friendship and belonging. The most important digital skill may be critical thinking. We’re about as good at spotting AI content as flipping a coin. Online resilience starts with one simple habit: pause. Children often understand the technology better than adults. Adults need to understand the environment better than children. If we remove one platform, young people will find another. The underlying need for connection remains. Parents don’t need all the answers. They need better conversations. The future belongs to people who can question what they see, not just consume it. Keywords Social Media Resilience, Abi Edmunds, Online Safety, Digital Wellbeing, Critical Thinking, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Misinformation, Disinformation, Social Media Ban, Online Harm, Parenting, Education, Future Skills, Mental Health, Emotional Resilience, Young People, Schools, Technology, Digital Literacy, Media Literacy, Social Media, TikTok, Instagram, Algorithms, Wit + Grit Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:36 Social media restrictions for youth: insights and challenges 01:34 Australian social media trial: what worked and what didn't 02:54 Introducing Social Media Resilience: mission and impact 04:46 Parents' concerns and the importance of resilience education 05:42 The evolving online landscape and youth behavior 07:18 Classroom conversations and engaging young learners 09:29 Building critical thinking skills and online literacy 10:18 The influence of tech companies and behavioral design 11:55 Society, democracy, and the power of algorithms 12:24 Misconceptions about social media among parents 13:38 Hope and opportunities in social media use 14:39 Curriculum design for online critical thinking 17:02 Role of schools and teachers in online safety education 18:31 Success stories and classroom breakthroughs 19:30 Practical tips for parents: grayscale and digital habits 20:14 Teaching critical thinking in a world of AI and deepfakes 21:05 Spotting AI-generated content: challenges and techniques 21:45 The future of media and AI in society 22:28 Personal social media habits and professional boundaries 23:17 Advice for young adults on social media awareness 24:04 Encouraging offline communities and healthy social habits 25:00 The upcoming Screen Smart Parents newsletter 26:27 Closing remarks and key takeaways

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  Episode #39

  Reclaiming What It Means To Be Human with Workforce Futurist Stuart Evans

  Jun 10, 202647 min

  In this episode, we sit down with workplace futurist Stuart Evans to explore AI, robotics, the future of work and what it all means for young people. From agentic AI and humanoid robots to university debt, entry-level jobs, adaptability and the future of human skills, this is a conversation about what happens when work changes faster than our old systems can keep up. Stuart challenges the idea that young people should simply follow the same paths as previous generations and argues that the most valuable future skills may not be technical at all - but deeply human. Key takeaways * Work is shifting from a place you go to something you do. * AI assistants are only the start; agentic AI is the real shift. * Repeatable tasks will increasingly move away from humans. * Young people may be inheriting outdated career advice. * Degrees won’t always be the best route to meaningful work. * Adaptability may be the most important future skill. * Humans tolerate human failure more easily than tech failure. * Generation Alpha may redefine what work and success mean. * The future may need fewer traditional jobs, but more human value. * The big question is how humans and technology work together. Keywords AI, future of work, agentic AI, workplace futurist, Stuart Evans, human skills, adaptability, Generation Alpha, robotics, humanoid robots, young people, careers, education, university, employability, automation, leadership, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, technology, work culture, Wit + Grit. Chapters List 00:00 The Future of Work: A New Landscape 03:07 AI and Its Impact on Employment 05:42 Humanoid Robotics: The Next Frontier 08:21 The Changing Perception of AI 10:52 Education and the Skills Gap 13:21 The Role of Adaptability in the Future 16:01 Redefining Success for Future Generations 18:24 The Shift in Work Dynamics 20:50 Community and Career Identity 23:38 The Future of Work: A Choice, Not a Necessity 29:30 Understanding Generation Alpha: Digital Natives and Their World 32:48 Education in the Age of AI: Preparing for the Future 35:21 Navigating Career Paths: Embracing Adaptability 37:35 The Ethics of AI: Data Centers and Autonomous Weapons 39:40 Neuralink and the Future of Human Enhancement 41:01 The Metaverse: Reality vs. Virtual Experience 43:11 The Future of Work: A Blended Human-Digital Workforce

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