What does “working class” really mean, and why does money carry so much shame?

In this episode, Mary Hemingway shares her journey from a working-class background to becoming a financial advisor. We talk about class perceptions in finance, financial literacy, the impact of social media influencers, and why relatable advice and honest conversations about money matter.

In this episode:

- Class perceptions in finance

- Mary’s journey from working class to financial advisor

- The impact of social media influencers on financial literacy

- Why relatable financial advice matters

- Shame and stigma around money in low-income communities

- The role of regulation in financial advice

- The influence of corporations on economic policy

- Potential reforms for a more equitable society

Key moments:

“We’re all much closer to that point of needing benefits than we think”

“Tax the top 5%, not the working class”

“Talking about money is a personal and emotional act”

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed Mary's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Mary!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Mary

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-hemingway-13a962103/

- Leet Financial - https://www.leetfinancial.co.uk

Useful Links:

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): https://www.fca.org.uk

Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Pension Wise: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-and-pensions/pensions/pension-wise

MoneyHelper: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for general discussion and information only. It is not financial advice and should not be relied on when making financial decisions. Views expressed by guests are their own. Please seek advice from a qualified, FCA-regulated adviser about your personal circumstances.

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #financialeducation #financialplanning

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Gabrielle Foulsham takes us through her journey from child actor to casting professional and educator, unpacking the real challenges working class creatives face in the industry. From financial barriers to social mobility and industry bias, Gabrielle shares what it actually takes to break in and stay in. The creative world when you don't come from money or connections.

We talk about:

- The hidden costs of pursuing a creative career

- How networking shapes who gets opportunities (and who doesn't)

- Why drama schools and training can be geographically and financially out of reach

- What real industry change could look like

- The power of community and mentorship for newcomers

"Being working class in a creative industry is not having doors open for you."

If you're navigating class barriers in your own career, this one's for you.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Gabrielle's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Gabrielle!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Gabrielle

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cre8percent/

Thanks for watching!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #cre8percent

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In this episode of Initial Step, we sit down with Curtis James. Media creator, community activist, and co-founder of Class Divide. We trace his journey from growing up on a council estate in Brighton to building a platform that's tackling systemic inequality head-on.

Curtis opens up about the barriers he faced early on, the moments that shaped his resilience, and how those experiences pushed him toward using media as a tool for change. We dig into his work with Class Divide, exploring how the organisation is challenging entrenched inequalities in education. Why access, representation, and community support matter so much for people from working-class backgrounds.

This conversation is about more than one person's story. It's a look at how lived experience can become the foundation for real, lasting change and what it takes to keep pushing forward when the odds aren't stacked in your favour.

In this episode:

- Growing up on a Brighton council estate

- The path into media and community activism

- Founding and building Class Divide

- Tackling inequality in education and the arts

- The role of community support in personal resilience

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Curtis' journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Curtis

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Curtis James

- Instagram -

Curtis - @oswald808

Class Divide - @divideclass

- Website - https://www.wearefieldwork.com/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtisjames/

Image Credit - Alma Haser

https://almahaser.com/

https://www.instagram.com/almahaser/?hl=en

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #ClassDivide #WorkingClassVoices #CommunityActivism #Brighton

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