In this episode, PJ and Andy reflect on Jess Dunn’s week of work experience with Wit + Grit, what it revealed about young people, confidence, opportunity and the future of work.

From students struggling to secure placements, to AI anxiety, skills shortages, third sector pressure and the need for businesses to “press go”, this is a conversation about moving beyond roundtables and into action.

Let's do this.

Key takeaways

* Young people are more anxious about the future than many adults realise.

* Work experience expectations are often far too low.

* Businesses can make a huge impact by simply opening the door.

* AI is creating both opportunity and fear for the next generation.

* Human skills like critical thinking will matter more than ever.

* The third sector is already doing vital work but often lacks resource.

* We need better infrastructure connecting young people, schools, charities and businesses.

Keywords

Wit + Grit, work experience, young people, future of work, AI, Microsoft Work Trends, Birmingham, skills shortage, employability, third sector, social mobility, opportunity, critical thinking, youth employment, business leadership, placements.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Mentorship and Youth Empowerment

02:15 Challenges in Youth Employment and Future Anxiety

05:20 The Role of AI in Shaping Future Careers

06:35 Creating Opportunities Through Collaboration

08:48 The Importance of Human Skills in the AI Era

11:57 Navigating the New Normal in a Changing World

21:41 The Power of Reading and Inspiration

22:24 Daily Habits and Small Efforts

24:17 Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation

25:52 Addressing the Skills Shortage Debate

30:03 Engaging the Community for Change

31:18 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

36:30 outro1.mp3

At 17, Jessica Dunn was trying to find work experience in media, marketing, journalism and radio. After around 10 rejections, she was almost left spending the week in the school canteen.

In this episode, Jess shares how young people are really feeling about work, careers, AI, grades, rejection and opportunity.

It’s an honest conversation about confidence, the gap between generations, and why businesses need to do more to open doors for the next generation.

Key takeaways

* Young people are anxious about future careers.

* Rejection damages confidence earlier than we realise.

* Many students need opportunity before they have experience.

* Businesses can help through tasters, open days and placements.

* AI is both exciting and unsettling for young people.

* Grades matter, but they should not define someone’s future.

* Investing in young people benefits everyone.

Keywords

Jessica Dunn, work experience, young people, next generation, careers, employability, AI, education, confidence, Birmingham, Wit + Grit, opportunity, youth voice, placements, business responsibility, future of work, social mobility.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Work Experience

00:55 Young People's Perspectives on Careers

02:18 Challenges Faced by Young People in the Job Market

04:25 The Role of Schools and Businesses

06:25 Future Aspirations and Advice for Peers

08:44 The Impact of Social Media on Young People

10:31 Parental Influence and Support

12:11 Conclusion and Reflections on Opportunities

13:47 Navigating Parental Relationships and Social Media

14:36 The Overwhelming Nature of Current Events

15:19 The Impact of AI on Education and Careers

17:57 Balancing AI Use and Critical Thinking in Youth

24:09 The Job Market and AI's Role in Youth Employment

27:21 Parenting in the Age of AI and Education

31:38 The Importance of Grades vs. Personal Growth

Ameesha Green is the founder of The Book Shelf, a book shepherd, philosophy thinker, mentor and proudly neurodivergent entrepreneur.

In this episode, we explore ADHD, business, creativity, AI, education, philosophy, children’s futures, writing, and why one-size-fits-all thinking simply does not work. From naming her childhood teddies after philosophers to building a publishing business, Ameesha shares a refreshingly honest view on how different minds work, why books still matter, and whether AI is helping us think better — or helping us avoid thinking altogether.

Key takeaways

* ADHD can be both a creative advantage and a practical challenge.

* Self-awareness matters more than forcing yourself into broken systems.

* One-size-fits-all education does not serve every child.

* AI can be a sparring partner, not a replacement for thinking.

* Books still have the power to pass wisdom between generations.

* Entrepreneurship is rarely linear — sometimes you build by saying yes.

* Writing can help turn ideas into impact.

Keywords

Ameesha Green, ADHD, neurodivergence, AI, creativity, philosophy, books, publishing, entrepreneurship, The Book Shelf, book shepherd, education, children’s future, critical thinking, Stoicism, business ownership, self-awareness, Wit + Grit.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Neurodivergence in Business

02:46 The Role of Stoicism in Entrepreneurship

05:03 Philosophy and Its Impact on Decision Making

07:35 The Importance of Open Conversations with Kids

10:33 Political Engagement and Community Involvement

13:18 The Power of Books to Change Lives

16:17 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Children's Books

25:33 A Meandering Journey to Business

28:56 Transitioning to Hybrid Publishing

30:49 Learning from Authors and Their Stories

33:03 Navigating Challenges as a Business Owner

36:03 The Importance of Side Hustles

38:10 Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

39:31 The Role of AI in Publishing

42:00 The Benefits of Writing

45:05 Reflections on Personal Growth

46:21 Wit and Grit in Business