Trusting Your Gut and Being Authentic - Insights with Chinwe from The Student Guide

Join us in this episode of The Student Guide featuring Chinwe, a Partnerships Executive at a creative agency. From career advice to personal anecdotes, Chinwe shares her journey of working with culturally impactful brands like The North Face and Cloud X. Learn the importance of trusting your gut, authenticity in work, and community building. Discover how Chinwe's background in psychology influences her approach to mental health and creative work. Plus, get insightful music recommendations and find out what makes networking so crucial in the creative industry. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

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Chapters

• 0:00 Trust Your Gut: The Power of Intuition
• 0:53 Welcome to The Student Guide Podcast
• 1:25 Meet Chinwe: A Creative Journey
• 2:32 The Importance of Music and DJing
• 3:22 Navigating the Creative Industry
• 4:11 The Value of Community and Networking
• 6:02 Challenges and Opportunities in the Creative Field
• 8:23 The Role of Authenticity in Creative Success
• 11:59 Exploring Third Spaces for Creatives
• 17:05 The Power of Individual Creativity
• 31:27 Balancing Creativity and Wellbeing
• 32:51 Setting Boundaries and Mental Health
• 33:44 Introversion and Social Battery
• 34:34 Community Building and Networking
• 35:53 Personal Reflections and Business Challenges
• 37:33 Celebrating Achievements and Support Systems
• 45:58 Importance of Being a Good Person
• 50:31 Advice for Non-Linear Career Paths
• 52:58 Music Preferences and Influences
• 1:01:54 Rediscovering Music and Anime
• 1:02:19 Nostalgia and Childhood Fears
• 1:03:19 Concerts and Live Performances
• 1:05:06 Instrumental and Gaming Music
• 1:13:35 The Power of Community Events
• 1:14:51 Personal Growth and Podcasting
• 1:23:41 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Transcript

chinwe: [00:00:00] I just think you should always trust your gut. I'm surprised I haven't even said this earlier in the podcast, 'cause I feel like I say it at least a couple times a week to my friends, to whoever, like, I just think whatever you want to do, if it feels authentic to yourself, if in your, because I think often your brain can be a bit too logical.

Mm. And your heart runs on emotion. Mm. So the thing you should really trust is your gut feeling. Mm. You know, it's even down to like, you know, sometimes like if you meet e personally, you get feeling in your gut where you're like, yeah, I'm not really quite vibing with this person. Trust that. 'cause chances are down the line, they'll show their hands.

And I think that same thing goes for like, career paths or just following your interest. Like, if you are interested in something, it feels right when you do it, you feel really, really good about it. Just like, explore whatever options there are in that.

Jeffrey: But yeah. Hello everyone. Hope you're doing well. Hope you're looking after yourselves. Welcome to another episode of The Student Guide. Uh, it has [00:01:00] been a great journey in season seven to, uh, I, I pray this is, if I've got this wrong, and it's actually season eight. I don't think it is, but let's see. Um, but yeah, it's been a great journey so far.

Uh, we we're on another amazing episode, uh, and we have another amazing guest speaker. Uh, as you know, I don't like doing introductions. I think it's best for us to hear from these cool and incredible, uh, people. Uh. From directly from them. So I'm gonna hand over to today's guest speaker, uh, Chinwe. Could we know a bit more about you and what you do?

Yes. 

chinwe: Uh, so I'm Chinwe who's trying to remember what she said on her speaker page. Um, 25-year-old from Southeast London. Um, I, um, well, my job role, which I don't think always has to like, speak to who you are as a person. I think it's actually a very small part of who you are, but I guess it's gonna be a focus of this conversation.

So, my job role, I work at a creative agency as a partnerships executive. Um, and I always say like in a nutshell, my job. Well, partnerships, the way that we do it [00:02:00] at the place I work at is very specific because of the client that we work with, which is the North Face. Um, but I always say that my job, bro, is about like, I don't know, connecting brands of like cool people.

Mm. Cool. Initiatives, people doing cool stuff, whether that's like your music or fashion or art. Um, yeah, a lot of, like a lot of cool things. Okay. So I love my job 'cause it's all about kind of leveraging my cultural knowledge and, and things that I'm already super interested in. Mm. Um, which I guess is also something which is a valid point to talk about, which is I love music.

I, I always say music is as important as like water or breathing to me. Like I, I just don't really know where I would be without it. It's been like a massive part of growing up and having like lots of different musical influences around me. It's a massive part of just like my life on the weekends and just like.

Going to work and listening to music. Um, yeah, I think it brings people together. Um, it's, yeah, it's super important. Um, I also DJ a little bit, um, taught [00:03:00] myself in 2023, had my first gig a couple weeks ago. Oh, congratulations. It was the most random thing. Um, but it was great. It was so much fun. Um, so it's something I wanna take a little bit more seriously.

Hopefully be able to like, make some money from it. But also just like, I love making people smile and dance, so like that's kind of, I feel like that's more of my purpose in life. Um, what else? What else is there? Um, my background's in, like my educational background is in psychology. Mm-hmm. Um, and I think even though it's not something I've taken to like my career, mm.

It is still like a massive interest of mine. I find people really, really fascinating. Um, I find human behavior really, really fascinating and mental health is incredibly important to me, and I think that's something that's definitely grown through the course that I did at uni. Um, I think that's pretty much it in a nutshell, top line of who I am.

Um, yeah. 

Jeffrey: Yeah. That's wonderful. Um. You said you were worried about. That was an amazing intro You did. Oh, thanks. 

chinwe: I always say I'm [00:04:00] a 

Jeffrey: professional wolf class. No, no, no. It was great. Good. Emphasized everything about you. Um, I was gonna say, I do have a list of questions. I also have a question for 44 words, but before we go into all of that, the gig, let's talk about that, because the gig Yes.

You mentioned it was like a random 

chinwe: encounter. It was super random. Yeah. Um, and I think I've recently been hearing a lot about how, um, a big part of DJing and getting gigs, it's less about your talent and more about who you know. And I think I'm in a really privileged position in the job that I do to get to speak to a lot of cool and creative, talented people.

Mm-hmm. Um. And one of those people, not necessarily through work. Mm-hmm. Kind of just like, you know, when you meet people out and you just click and you become great friends. Yeah. Um, and I've become pretty good friends with the person that manages this all women's kind of like Rave Collective called Sexy Lady.

Massive. Um, and [00:05:00] we've kind of just like met a few times, like we're friends with her and a couple of other friends from the, from the group. And, um, we were a pirate, which is kind of like a 24 hour like recording studio. You can hire booths and stuff like that. It must have been like 12:00 AM and we were all just mixing after this event that, um, we had been to.

And uh, she was kind of curating the lineup in room two. For venue moti, which is like one of my, it's like my favorite venue. It's in Biy, which is kind of the major honor 'cause I've been there so many times. It's just like a party goer. So to be able to actually open in in room two was, was crazy. Um, and it was for, uh, whammy, we all know Nia Archives and she recently released um, get Loose of Cheetah and so they were throwing this block party and then the after party was gonna be at venue MOT.

And they were supposed the sexy lady, massive was supposed to have a, um, competition for like a beginner DJ to open the first 30 minutes. And she was just kind of like, you know what? So that I don't wanna do that. That's long. You are great. We like [00:06:00] you so you know, do it. Yeah. Um, and there was a lot of hesitation at first 'cause I feel like I often like approach things very carefully.

I think. I dunno, I think a lot of that comes from like, when you've been someone that's always been quite good at school, you don't want to do anything unless it's going to be perfect. And I, I feel like I've always doubted myself a lot when it comes to mixing. Like technically, like I know that my ear has always been on point, like there's a couple things I'm a hundred percent sure about and my music selection is, it's phenomenal If you guys ever come and see me.

Um, but I think I've always really doubted myself technically and like, you know, am I good enough to mix and dah, dah, dah? Um, and so for someone that barely really knows me and we've only kind of just become like friends recently, to see that in me I think meant quite a lot. Hmm. Um, and so yeah, I just kind of, I guess took the challenge on my USB was completely screwed.

I had just started like deleting songs from it, so I was kind of a bit like, oh, I dunno if I'm gonna be ready on time, but you know what, I have to say Yes. 'cause when people give you [00:07:00] opportunities like that, like near archives, huge name someone I've like respected and admired for years. Um, favorite venue, great.

Like collective to be opening for. I was like, I can't say no. Um, and it went really, really well. Okay. It went really, really well. There were a couple mistakes, but you know what? After that night I realized that like there's so much purpose in just throwing yourself into things Makes sense, even if it's not gonna be perfect.

Mm-hmm. Um, because you're gonna learn from those mistakes and the next time you won't make them. Um, and I think that's what I learned from that night, that as well as. Like that was so much fun. Mm. Like I can't describe the feeling of like playing to people and them just enjoying your selections. Like it means so much.

Um, so yeah, it was a great gig and I'm, I've just got the bug to do it again. I may or may not be performing somewhere. Okay. Soon. I won't speak on it 'cause nothing's confirmed. Yeah. But, um, yeah, off the back of that, I guess just having more opportunities, I think, I think that's how it's probably gonna end up being.

The more I put myself out there, the more the universe is gonna like, you know, give me [00:08:00] something for that. Yeah. But 

Jeffrey: essentially like what you said, like I think. A lot of people forget that. Like, like you said, like sometimes just putting yourself out there. Yeah. And like trying for like new opportunities.

Whether it's DJing even, it's like, like you said, like, I don't know if there's like a comedy night, you might be like, oh, I dunno if I wanna do standup comedy, but like Oh, funny. Yeah, exactly. But like, going out for these things or trying it. Um, and I think like one thing, like we emphasize Yeah. Through this podcast, but I'll tell you through all the stuff we do for that night, um, like the importance of like authenticity and it's literally like what you said.

Yes. 'cause you were authentically yourself. That's what led to like, ah, scrap the competition. Like, we're just gonna come to you. Yeah. We like you. No, and it's just like, you know, people will like you for you. Yeah. Um, and it sometimes it might not feel like that all the time, but sometimes you just have to find like, people that you click with.

Yeah. And then, yeah. You never know. Like you could end up doing a gig again. Who knows. Yeah. Who knows. Um, yeah. We're gonna go on to, uh, the next segment, which is, uh, 44 questions. Yes. Uh, which we have a question for you provided by the founder of 44 words. [00:09:00] Um, and this question. Is a two-parter. I think this might be the first two-parter we've ever had for this question.

Yikes. Um, so I'll ask the first one, which is, what's your vision for the future of the creative community? Ooh, uh, 

chinwe: ooh. I might need a couple seconds to think about this one. Um, future of the creative community. I think more, God this sounds a bit ridiculous, but more community. Mm mm Um, I went to this workshop, God probably maybe in 2023 now.

Um, and it was the two, I dunno if you know the Silhouettes projects, um, but they were the two founders of the Silhouettes Project who are basically kind of this initiative that essentially give super professional like music. Production creation services and stuff to people who might not have access to them, but they also produce albums, um, with a bunch of like really, really cool underground artists.

And the [00:10:00] two founders had this like workshop. It was somewhere in like Hackney or, I dunno, somewhere eastern gentrified like that. And, uh, um, no, but they were great. It was a great workshop and they were speaking a lot about the power of community, um, and of building like, I guess little families within. So whether it's based around music or you know, art or whatever it is that you are into, um, and fostering like real friendships and kind of relying on one another.

Um, and kind of like, I always say this, I've been talking about this a lot recently, but like networking on your level has, I think, has so much. Power. Mm-hmm. I don't think we always need to strive to like, have meetings with the head of da da da da dah. I think sometimes just like looking at the people next to you who are like working their way up with you 

Jeffrey: mm-hmm.

chinwe: Um, and building communities through that. So I don't know if more communities the exact way, but I think kind of just more collectiveness. Mm-hmm. Um, helping each other out, leaning on one another and doing it through like friendship. Mm. You know? Yeah. And [00:11:00] actually building kind of authentic relationships.

I think we need more of that. I think the creative community can sometimes has a rep that might be a bit accurate of like people, um, who schmooze a lot. Mm. And can be a bit inauthentic. Yeah. And so maybe authenticity is the key. Okay. Authenticity and friendship I think. And I think that will get you far.

'cause I think wherever you end up through that will probably be where you're supposed to be. A 

Jeffrey: hundred percent. Uh, I mean, you. I feel like you kind of answered the second part. The second part was, what initiatives or changes would you like to be to see implemented? Yeah. And how do you envision, actually no, you haven't actually.

Okay. So what changes or initiatives would you like to see implemented? And how do you envision, um, you, yourself contributing to that vision? So you've mentioned that, you know, authenticity and friendship. Yeah. What initiatives would you like to see implemented to essentially cause more of that? And then how do you envision yourself contributing towards that?

chinwe: Ooh. I mean, I feel [00:12:00] like we need, we all say this, I think we need more third spaces. Uh, it's not really good enough that the only places we can kind of hang out together as these communities is, you know, event spaces where you need to buy a ticket or like pubs or, you know. You wanna go and eat? Like, like I feel like whenever I organize something with my friends, it's always like, God, you've gotta spend money.

Unless it's summer, we're not really going to do picnics outside. So I think we need more spaces like that, but maybe a bit more at tuned to creatives and allowing them to have space. Do you know what spaces like this where like if you've got a really cool podcast idea, you should be able to have a space that's maybe very, very low cost where you can do that?

'cause right now we don't, I don't think we have enough of that. Um, I dunno if I see myself contributing to that exactly. Mm-hmm. I think I'm really interested at, like recently, maybe over the last couple of years, I'm really interested in potentially being able to throw my own event. Mm-hmm. Um, and maybe that ends up being something where the [00:13:00] ticket costs are super low or, you know, the lineup for the event is about platforming kind of underground artists.

Mm-hmm. I dunno how I'm gonna contribute to that. Um, but I do know we need more spaces where we can kind of come together and, and come up with these ideas and connect and I don't think we have enough of that. 

Jeffrey: A hundred percent. No, I definitely agree. I think it's, it's like, especially like you said, like third spaces, it seems like, especially I think like being, well, being a creative, but I would also say whether you are like a young person or you're looking to like, go into business almost seems like you either going to a networking event.

Yeah. Um, you're going to a social and they're so cr like I feel like that's, that's one of the things that like, I don't remember I was talking, but someone I was talking to about it literally said like it's, they don't like networking. Yeah. Because they feel like, literally, like we said, like sometimes it feels like doing a lot of schmoozing.

Yeah. And you're just like, on my days, like you are, I don't know, the, the um, like leader of this big company, like, oh my gosh, this and that. Mm-hmm. Um, and it can feel a bit like awkward, but then also [00:14:00] it's can sometimes be the flip side. And I know, like I, I've mentioned before, I've experienced this, I know other people who've experienced this.

Yeah. But you might, you might like, I dunno, go to try and talk to these people. Yeah. And then they'll just be like. Like, I dunno, they don't have time for you. It's almost like you. Yeah, exactly. Um, and I feel like, like you said, like more networking on like your level is when you'll see like people and like I've seen that myself.

Like a lot of the people that help out will pick out the mic. Yeah. Like they do it because they like what we do. I help 'em for the same reason. Um, but I think also, like you just said there, like it is like a third space and I think that's one of the things I'm trying to do more of. Mm. Um, is funnily enough, a friend of the podcast shout at Liz, um, if you see this, I love that.

But, uh, she runs a, it's rebranded. I won't say the name she has told me, but she's doing a whole marketing plan for it so I won't ruin it. But, uh, it's currently called the, uh, quarter Life Hub and she does this thing for like people in the twenties and thirties who like, dunno what they wanna do next.

Wanna have a space to like trial stuff and do new things. I love that. Yeah. She's done two events. Um, absolutely amazing. Uh, she did a sip and paint really fun. It was all about like just painting your like. What you envision for your future. So it could be like [00:15:00] a holiday or like, um, you know, you're starting business, maybe you are painting like your dream house.

Yeah. Um, and then she did a vision boarding session, which was really incredible. Um, I love that. That's cool. Manifestation. Exactly. Yeah. And like, she's like, she's amazing person. Um, but it was funny. So, uh, LA yeah, last week, um, we, so I went to her birthday party and like had a good time. It was great. Um, and then we were like talking back to artists and I was just, she was just like, yeah, I wanted to like, bring you along one.

'cause like, I love what you do and like you've been really supportive. But she was also just like, I feel like we only like meet in a work setting. And I literally told her like, yeah, no, it feels like every time we're like calling by each other, it's like we either, I'm talking about pick up the mic. You are talking about, um, your business.

Yeah. Or like, we're talking about how we could work together and it's never like, oh yeah, let's just like sit. Yeah. Um, and I, and I was just saying like, it feels like that's something that's almost like gone. It's almost like, unless like you Yeah. It just sometimes feels like you're very, like, everyone's very much just like.

I don't know, like maybe it's just like, you wanna grow your business because I don't know. You, you wanna be [00:16:00] financially secure. Yeah. So you are like, I need to just focus on that. But then it's almost like you're losing the personal touch and like the personal element of what comes with like friendships or like Yeah.

Um, even just like relationships in the sense of like rather platonic, romantic. Like sometimes they can just all be lost in the sense of like business stuff. Yeah. Um, so yeah. So I feel like, like you said, like third phase is where it's literally just like, just come and hang. Yeah. And chill. 

chinwe: Yeah. And do you know what, something may come of that.

Mm. But then the only thing that might come of that is a great conversation. Mm-hmm. And if you're lucky, a great friendship. Mm-hmm. And I feel like that's 'cause we can, I dunno, I don't wanna blame social media. 'cause social media can actually also foster spaces for us to be very social. Mm. I know I've connected with lots of random people just 'cause they've been like, I really like that song that you posted.

Mm. And suddenly we're talking. So of course not gonna blame that. But I do feel like. I dunno, there are more people that are slightly more lonely nowadays. Mm. Um, and maybe that is the lack of third spaces or whatever where you can meet these people. So yeah, I think it'd be really nice to have places where it's [00:17:00] like, yeah, who knows?

We might build a really cool business or we might just become friends. No, a hundred percent. 

Jeffrey: Yeah. Yeah. And I think one, one final thing we'll go into the questions is I think kind like you mentioned there, like. Almost. So one thing I'm trying to do more of is like, go to whether like one, go to events by yourself.

That's a whole thing. And like, yeah. Could be a whole, I wanna start doing more of that as well because it's, but it takes guts. It honestly, it really does. Yeah. You might have like, uh, I think the first, but also it's one of those things. So like, uh, I started in 2023. Yeah. And I went to this like anime event and I doing a boat party and I was like, cool.

I like anime. Like I'll go along and it was one of the ones 

chinwe: anime boat party. Yeah. Oh, 

Jeffrey: honestly, like sick anime district. They are gonna do one this year. Uh, I will be there with my team, so I hope to see some of you there. I love that. Um, but yeah, it was like really cool. So the first time I'd never been before and I rocked up and I was like, cool, I don't know if I'm gonna know anyone, da da da.

And it turns out like I knew someone that I, I was in the air cadet, so someone that was in Air Cadets as well, he was there as well. I had no idea he was there. So it's a great conversation. And I met a lot of people from that event. Yeah. Um, but yeah, literally that we said like it was stressful. Like I went to one the, a few weeks before and I was just [00:18:00] like, oh cool.

Like, I dunno anyone here. And then I spoke to someone, we got chatting and like, we're still actually funnily enough in touch now and like even That's so cool. He, um, he's got like a zero contract role here and like he only got that 'cause like. It, we, we kept in touch and I said, oh, if you're looking for a job, like they're literally hiring at the moment.

Yeah. Um, but yeah, literally it's just one of those ones where literally I was just like, yeah, no, this is stressful. This is, it's like being, and I'm not saying like me doing it now, I'm like an expert. No. Like yeah. There are times when I'm just like, oh yeah, this is like super awkward. Yeah. Um, but I think one of the things that's helped is like.

Telling myself there's no expectation of anything to come from this. Yeah. Um, so like the, so shout out to Aida and her sister Delara. So there are these two sisters, um, that they run this app called exhibits. So it's all about like exhibitions that take place across London and they post whether it's like three ones or like paid ones.

And then they do like these community trips. Yeah. So I went to that. Oh, so you can like go together? Yeah. Yeah. And it's actually almost like a school trip. Yeah. So like everyone may know each other when they might not. Yeah. Um, but they'll bring a group of people to go to an exhibition. 

chinwe: Oh, you go do some cool stuff.

Jeffrey: Yeah. Honestly, man, like this is why I [00:19:00] love this stuff. Yeah. People are 

chinwe: doing really cool stuff. Yeah. Yeah. 

Jeffrey: Um, but literally with the exhibits, like I went on their community trip and I didn't know it. Like I knew the sisters that organized it. Mm-hmm. But I was just like, I probably won't know anyone else.

And I think one of the things I liked about it was, yeah, I literally came in. Like spoke to the people that I knew, which was the two sisters. Um, and then yeah, afterwards I was just like, just randomly like chat chatted to some people and then I left and I was like, yeah, this is nice. Yeah. And I was just like, I don't necessarily like need to get anyone on social media if I don't need to.

I was like, I don't need to like, I don't know, feel like, oh my gosh, yeah, I need to get like, I don't know, so many connections for like my business or whatever. I was literally just like, look like I, I'm interested in like, I'm supporting. I love what they do. Yeah. I wanna go to like this, this exhibit sounds interesting.

I love to come along. Um, so yeah, so I was just like, sometimes it's just that, it's like being like, okay, so if I go to like, let's say the boat party, it's like, okay, cool. Like I don't need to tell myself I need to like meet like minimum of three people. I can just be like, yeah man. I'll just see how it goes.

Like I could go here, vibe with a few people. Yeah. I could go here and it turns out like I'm not really enjoying it. [00:20:00] Yeah. Only difficulty. I'll just sleep. Yeah. And that's perfectly fine. Yeah. And I feel like it's just like. Yeah, no, it's not having an expectation of like you have to have an end result from it.

chinwe: Yeah. Yeah. I think that's the right way. 'cause then it doesn't come across as schmoozey and it comes across as authentic. 'cause you've just come there just for the experience. A hundred percent with no expectations. Yeah. No, I that. 

Jeffrey: Um, but yeah, I've also, uh, timing wise, this is gonna be so funny 'cause I've realized we have spent the first 20 minutes, and I haven't even asked you the first question.

I told you I was a young conversation and this is why I love it. This is why I love doing this. Um, but question number one is all it is looking about essentially your story. Okay. So your journey, um, you know, you've already mentioned it or well you mentioned it already. People will see it on your speaker page as well.

Yeah. When we used together fashion. You've got music, psychology and branding. And I would like to ask you, what key moments have shaped how you define cre? Uh, yeah. Creativity today. 

chinwe: Oh, [00:21:00] Jesus. That is really difficult. Um.

I don't know if I have a straight answer to that. That's okay. What key moments? Um, do you know what? I think I've always been quite creative. Hmm. I remember as a child, like loving to draw. I think I, there was a part of my life where I really liked photography. I did it for GCSE and I was like doing it outside of school and stuff as well.

I've always known I had a really good eye for what looks good. Mm. But I'm not a musician in the sense that I'm like, I'm not, I don't make beats. I don't sing. Um, I'm not an artist, you know, I'm not physically making things that people can be like, you are, you know, you are creative in the sense that you've created something.

Um, but I just know I thought creatively. Um, so I think probably through the roles that I've done in the creative industry, um. So maybe like through, the first [00:22:00] creative job that I had was at Cloud X. Mm-hmm. Which used to be a record label, and I think now it's just kind of like an events company. Mm-hmm.

Um, and that was the, what did I do there? It was like a cultural partnerships assistant, which is a fancy way of saying brand partnerships. Um, and realizing that there's like a lot of power in being in the background and kind of making things happen for other people that do create. And obviously that was all from a brand perspective, so it was all quite commercial.

Um, but I think that was the first time I was like, cool. So you can really like, be quite creative in the way that you think. So whether that's knowing how to connect certain people, they'd be a great fit for this brand. They'd be a great fit for this event, dah, dah, dah. Like that is creative. Or creativity, but reimagined it is not in the traditional sense that you are not actually creating something physical.

Um, so I can't say there was a key moment, but I just think after the first job I had in the creative industry, then going to work at a [00:23:00] major label, and now where I am now, it's realizing that there's like a lot of power in the way that you think in the background. Um, and you don't always necessarily need to be the one making it.

Yeah. Um, so yeah, no key moment, just like combination of experiences. Yeah. But I 

Jeffrey: really like that. Yeah. It's like, um, yeah. I feel like you said like sometimes people forget like the work that goes behind the scenes for like either brands or artists. Yeah. Um, so like you said, like it's not just, I don't know, you've got a sick like.

Beyonce is not the only one. Yeah. Is not the only reason why Beyonce is successful if she's today. I'm not even talking from like just family and friends. Yeah. Like someone's figured out how to market her. Yeah. How to style her. Yeah. Uh, you know, someone like she's not managing her social media page.

Someone else's. Yeah. Um, basically like we said, like there's, um, I feel like sometimes people feel like they, like you said, like they can't be a creative because they're not necessarily creating something new. Yeah. But it's also about this thinking that like, you, creativity doesn't mean like you have to create something new.

It can be like you support, like the way you think is different to like, [00:24:00] just Yeah. Avoid doing things traditionally. Yeah. Um, which is really nice. Um, I won't go into it to today 'cause I talk about it a lot, but I always recommend, uh, a book to read, uh, which was given to me by good friend Samuel of the podcast, uh, um, is, uh, Rick Rubin's creative actor way of being.

Okay. Um, which is all about, uh, so. Do you know? 

chinwe: No, but I've heard of that book title before 

Jeffrey: and 

chinwe: I think I should read it. I'll definitely recommend. 

Jeffrey: He is a, so he's a big, I can't, couldn't tell you the songs he's produced apparently. Really big music producer. Yeah. And he wrote this book all on, like, so one reason I also do recommend it to people is I know some people don't like long chapters in books.

Yeah. It has a lot of chapters, but all the chapters are like Sure, sure. Yeah. Um, but it's all about essentially like the first chapter is all Everyone's a creative. Yeah. And like he's, he basically was saying like, just by like existing, you have your own unique perspective on things. Yeah. So it breaks down like the creative journey of like, okay, so by just being a person who exists, you get influence.

And he said like, for some people that might be like, whether that's, uh, they say it's from God that some people, they might [00:25:00] say it's from the universe, but he describes it as being like the source. And he says the source is basically what like. Is your exp like you get inspiration from the source. Yeah.

And then through the source you, and like your experiences, you, that's how you then like think about like how things are creative. So he said like sometimes, um, like he said, like from his music background, he was talking about like, sometimes I work with artists and like, you know, they, they worry about like pivoting to a new music style.

Um, or like they figuring out how to like, really like make this song pop and like make it really catchy. And he was saying sometimes it's literally just like he'll tell them like, okay, go like. Perform on a, like if they're a musician, like play instruments, they might be like, okay, why don't you just play it in like a different key?

Or like, why don't you, you know, flip the song backwards. Yeah. So the beat instead of being one way is actually being played the other way. Yeah. Um, or like, why don't you just like, I don't, like he was saying like thinking creatively of like how to get 'em outta their heads. 

chinwe: Yeah. 

Jeffrey: Um, but yeah, I say it's a really cool book because it helps you to like, think about like people Yeah.

It's all about like any, essentially the book ends with him talking about like, experimentation and like trying new things with your, like creativity is like what's really key. Yeah. [00:26:00] Um, so yeah. So it's really great to see like from literally you, what you've just shared. Um, you've mentioned that. Yeah. Um, I'm gonna go onto the next question, which is all about, uh, you know, you've done incredible projects as you've just mentioned.

You know, you've worked on projects with culturally impactful brands like North Face and Cloud X. So how do you ensure that the work stays authentic and truly represents the communities that it speaks to? 

chinwe: Ooh, we are hitting some tough questions today. Um. Repeat that again. No, that's alright. 

Jeffrey: So, uh, you've worked on projects with culturally impactful brands like North Face and Cloud X.

How do you ensure that the work stays authentic and truly represents the communities that it speaks to? Hmm. 

chinwe: Um, I think where I come from in my current role from a talent perspective, most of what I do day in, day out is making sure I'm [00:27:00] picking the correct talent for the correct campaign. Mm-hmm. Or just even when it, the most simplest things like seeding slash gifting, like making sure that, you know, like you said, the North Face is an incredibly culturally relevant brand, especially in the uk.

Like I didn't even realize that the North Face was an outdoor brand. I just saw road men around my area wearing it and I just thought it was like street culture. It was street wear. Um. So I think it's all about picking the right person. Mm-hmm. Um, and then it, it, it can be culturally relevant. Mm-hmm. Um, not everyone's the best fit for the, for the North face.

Not everyone's the perfect fit for any brand. 

Jeffrey: Mm-hmm. 

chinwe: Um, it's all about kind of like their story and I guess kind of where they come from and the communities that they represent. Um, and if those communities are the ones that sort of align with the brand too, it sounds a very convoluted way of just saying pick the right person.

But yeah, 

Jeffrey: that's, that's 

chinwe: my 

Jeffrey: answer. Yeah. I definitely agree. And like, literally, like you said, um, you know, if you look at brands [00:28:00] like Nike, you know. Yeah. Uh, I've always said I love a Nike advert. 'cause the way they just, um, like it's very, like each brand knows essentially like what a specialize in. So Night G is always very much like inspirational.

Um, maybe it's talking about like, there was. Yeah, it was, was it the LeBron one? They did one with, I think with LeBron where it was like he was playing basketball with a younger version of himself. Um, I think when, like, when the Air Jordan's released, they did one with Jordan talking about like, oh, like making a joke about his jump.

And literally, like I, I have watched it, I've heard, 

chinwe: I've heard so many good things about that documentary. Yeah. So many people have said that if you work in partnerships, you need to watch that. 'cause it's like, it's basically our entire job. Mm. Um, yeah. That's, that's on my list to watch that Definitely that reminding, 

Jeffrey: because I, the, the, like I know they also did the film with like Ben Affleck.

Yeah. Um, I don't remember Ben Affleck's in it. I think it's called Air, but literally like that film. Um, yeah, like if I've seen clips and like how they found out about like one, they like found him and then when they were just like, oh yeah, we're gonna pitch this idea of like Air Jordan [00:29:00] and like expand it.

Um. Yeah. It's just like, you see how much of like a gamble it was. Yeah. Um, and they were just how well it's going. You're look at song and I think like that's literally like what you said, like it's about finding people who are like authentic to their community. Yeah. And like know how to like, represent them well.

chinwe: Yeah, for sure. 

Jeffrey: Um, and I think that's why like even when you look like, um, like I think sometimes people feel like you can't be like a small business or small creative or like a small influencer. Yeah. And get like these big deals or stuff. Yeah. Or like invited to these like big events. Well, you totally can, but a hundred percent it's literally like you should know what you said before or being authentic to yourself and like being that like, I'm not saying like you have to be like friendly all the time.

Like no one really is. Yeah. But like, it's about like being open and like you'll be surprised, like, I don't know, you might be, I dunno, posting on YouTube and then someone like reaches out and says, oh hey, like I've been a founder of YouTube channel randomly. Oh my 

chinwe: God. A hundred percent. Like as being the person that is literally doing the research, trying to find influencers, creative creators, um.[00:30:00]

The North Face. And I think a lot of brands are now skewing to this sort of strategy of like, let's work with smaller people and grow together. Mm. Um, because I think it's really easy to work with really big artists, right? Like it's super Yeah. Like we could work with a God who's a really big artist. Yes.

We could work with the skeptic. He's great. He's amazing. Um. But I think there's a lot of value in like, working with like maybe a slightly smaller underground artist. 

Jeffrey: Mm-hmm. 

chinwe: Um, whose community tends to maybe be a little bit more tapped in. Mm-hmm. They will probably have more influence over said community because it's slightly smaller and they're slightly smaller.

There's more trust there. And then when you pick someone that's on the precipice of like, about to blow, you get to grow with them. And they tend to keep you in mind and be a little bit more loyal. And I think a lot that way. But the north face definitely is like, understands how important that is. And like, we've worked with creators that only have like 2000 followers.

Like you never know if you just put yourself out there, do your thing, stay [00:31:00] authentic to yourself, and you do it with, you know, some creative flair and, and you are actually talented. People will resonate with whatever you're doing and they might wanna put you on a campaign or pay you whatever to make a real, like, you know, you never know.

Um. Yeah, it's a lot of people like me trying to find random inputs. 

Jeffrey: Well, I think it's slightly better, but like, just, it's just like by being yourself. Yeah. You like find like these opportunities come. Yeah. And like people find you. Um, but yeah, we're going to go on to the next question, which I will, uh, proceed to proceed the question with our mic check, which is a fact figure or story relevant to the conversation that we're having.

And today's one is from the, is from a report by the Creative Industry Policy and Evidence Center. Uh, and they release report in 2023, which said that over 36 of, uh, sorry, over 36% of UK creatives. Workers are freelance and it's really highlights, I guess that creativity is one of the, like what's what percentage?

36? 36? Yeah. That's quite high. Yeah, it's quite high. [00:32:00] Um, and you know, like you said, like it shows like how uh, creativity is one of the most like self-directed like career paths, you know? Mm-hmm. Um, however, uh, within this report they found out that like mental health concerns were three times more prevalent in this sector than others.

Um, and essentially with your background, uh, with your psychology background and interest in wellbeing, how has this influenced how you approach creative work and community building? Ooh, 

chinwe: um, creative work community, I'll take them as separate. So I'd say creative work being kind of, I guess my. Job in a sense.

Mm-hmm. 'cause that's largely quite creative as much as there's like a whole admin element to it. Um, but also any kind of like projects or things I want to dip my toes into outside of work. Um, I'm really big on like personal boundaries. Mm-hmm. Um, it's something I've had to learn the tough way through working, um, at different jobs and not being able to say no to certain things and then realizing, oh my God, it's [00:33:00] like 12:00 AM and I just like really should not be doing work right now.

Um, so yeah, I am really big on my boundaries. If I am, if, uh, like capacity, I'll say that. I'm just not about trying to do a million different things at once just to show people that oh my God, like I can do it all. 'cause I just, I don't really care about that. My mental health means a lot more to me because I've learn through being quite depressed at times.

That that's like if you do not have. Good mental health, everything else suffers. Your physical health suffer, everything suffers. Your relationship suffer. It's just not the vibe. Um, so yeah, be creative, do your thing. But like, I am so big on rest and so big on taking time for myself. Like I am, you know, I think a lot of people, I don't know, I've been like such a random tangent, but I've been thinking a lot about recently, like how people kind of perceive me and if sometimes my own perceptions of myself affect how I think other people see me.

Mm. And I think I've always considered [00:34:00] myself to be quite introverted. Mm. Um, and I grew up an only child, even though I have like half siblings, like, like it's pretty much raised on my own. 

Jeffrey: Mm-hmm. 

chinwe: Um, so I'm used to spending a lot of time on my own. Um, and I like a lot of time on my own. Um. But that also means I'm quite a short, like, small social battery.

Mm-hmm. So when I'm on, I'm on and like I'm chatty. I can't stop yapping. Um, and when I'm off I just like, just wanna be on my own. And that can happen quite quickly. And that kind of, um, links to the whole com community. What was it, the other part of the, uh, 

Jeffrey: question? Community building. Community building, yes.

chinwe: Um, I love meeting new people. Um, like when you reached our LinkedIn, like, I just, like, you never know, like meet someone, speak to them. You never know where it's gonna come from. If anything, I'm gonna have a good time, like, you know, um, but I'm also very wary that if I am not in the mood. I don't wanna go to random networking things.

I don't wanna go out to an event and meet people. I'm just not interested. Yeah. So [00:35:00] I, and, and I know when I do try and force myself in those spaces, I do end up like, just feeling very, like, mentally drained and not with it. Um, so yeah, I think mental health is kind of at the forefront of everything that I do.

I just never wanna show up and not give my best to people, whether that's in my work, hobbies or just like building connections. If I'm not on top form or at least 80%, I just would rather not. Mm-hmm. Um, yeah. Just 'cause I think mental health is more important than hundred percent most things. Yeah. 

Jeffrey: Yeah. No, it definitely is.

And I feel like, like what you said there, like, um, yeah, mental health just like impacts, like everything. Um, and, but I think like, I, I know you said it was like, you felt like it was a rum, but I think it's actually an interesting point to touch on. 'cause I do think like sometimes how you perceive yourself Mm.

Or like how things go. Mm. Is completely different to like, I guess the like, overall experience. 

chinwe: Yeah. 

Jeffrey: Um, and yeah, I guess like if we're being personal, um, like I would say like in my own experience, like [00:36:00] sometimes it's like a mix of things. So I'll talk about like from business aspect and then as an individual.

So I'm a business aspect. Sometimes pick up the mic, I'm like, we are not where we should be. Yeah. Like maybe it's, 'cause you know, we're still like revenue generating. Yeah. And I'm like, oh, like I want to pick up the mic, the mic to be like at a stage where it's like constantly bringing in money. Yeah. Um, or maybe it's like, oh, you know, I don't know.

Like you get someone to like someone more senior, like someone like in an organization to like, you reach out to them to maybe like work with them and stuff. Yeah. And then you don't get a response and things like that. And so yeah, sometimes I'm like very like, critical of like where pick up the mic is.

Um, and I'm trying to now like. Remind myself what, uh, I shouted him out for. Shout again, Samuel, uh, my friends Samuel. Yeah. Great friend. Um, and funny off also someone who, uh, has a psychology background. Oh, no. Um, I tell people, like, even though he, so he's, no, so he was originally like one of the people that hosted this podcast with me.

Yeah. And then now, like, because of his work. Uh, so he works for a charity that, um, essentially supports like prisoners with like their alcohol and drug [00:37:00] addiction. I love that. Um, so he goes into prisons and like talks to them and like discuss his mental health and wellbeing with them. Um, but I tell people, like, he, like he, he finds it like very, like if he's watching this or hearing this, like, this will be funny.

But like, I know he says that he doesn't like me shouting out at him at events, but I always shout him out because like, he's very much like. In, shoot. I don't know. It's one of those people that like, I feel like he's very good at like knowing like how you're feeling and stuff. Yeah. Even if you don't necessarily say it.

And I think, like, I know, I know me, like most people say that when they see me, I've got a smile on my face. I'm not gonna lie. Sometimes super stressed. Um, and like I'm just thinking like I'm smile, I'm pain. I, um, but he's like, so when we did our full year event, um, so we, uh, last month we did our full year event and we celebrated four years with Mike.

And we was just like, this is great. Um, brought everyone together and then no one knew beforehand, but I was like, okay, cool. So this year, uh, you know, it's four years. It's been great. But I don't wanna talk about like, I. Pick up the mic and my journey and like the team, I was like, I wanna celebrate people who've been along our journey.

Yeah. Who haven't like, we haven't, we feel like deserve to be spotlighted. And we were just like, look, there's a lot of [00:38:00] people we've spotlighted over the last couple of years, but we want this to be like people that we feel like actually, you know, you've done incredible work. And basically I was like giving them all this awards, all of that stuff.

And then literally before Samuel went, he was just like, oh, like I just wanna tell you something. And I was like, yeah, what's up? And he was like, I just want you to know that, like, I know you mentioned when you're up there, like you're not at a stage where you're like generating loads of revenue or like bringing in loads of money.

Yeah. But you said like, but like look at all the people that turned up and like look at all the things that they're saying about like you pick up the mic. Yeah. Their experience with working with you. And he was just like. That you like, you might not think you're like wealthy in the sense of like money, but you said like, you've got such an incredible community 

chinwe: and that's wealth.

Jeffrey: And that's wealth. And he lit and I was just like, damn. I was just like, wow, man, thank you so much. So I always say like, he, like I, he didn't like, I didn't tell him like, oh my gosh, I'm like stressing about this event. Or I'm thinking now how can I like leverage, pick up the mic and like, get it to grow.

Yeah. And like do all this like forecasting and stuff. No, he was literally just like, yeah man, just think about that. Just like, yeah. Digest that. Um, so yeah, that was really great. Um, and I think even that links to like the personal thing. [00:39:00] 'cause sometimes I feel like you can be very much like with the like.

Overcritical about yourself. Sometimes you can be the same on like a personal level. Yeah. So like sometimes, you know, and I think it took me like time to learn it, but like sometimes it can be like with feedback, so someone might give you feedback. Yeah. And you might feel like, oh, what it is. Like, I thought this was really great, and they're like ripping it apart.

I now feel like, am I bad at my job? Am I bad at this? Am I bad at that? Um, but I think it's like very much like my parents like, to be honest, my whole family actually, to be fair, say it that like, when it comes to like giving people advice, like when they're, they're just like, sometimes you might be like strong on the advice or you might feel like the advice is like Yeah.

As family is usually yours. No, honestly. Um, I've always said it family, uh, your biggest supporters, sometimes your biggest critics. Yeah. Um, but they were saying like, um, you know, we're doing it 'cause we want, like we, we want like we care and support you and I love what you do. And for me it's just like a reminder that like, hey, like bear in mind that like.

You like my family could let me like go or like let, let's say like job applications I could apply for a job, get my mental health is really important to us to pick up the mic and we love to share [00:40:00] resources that can support your mental health and that's why we are so glad to have today's sponsor.

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And they might like rip it to Shred. Yeah. Or I might feel like, you know, I put so much time and F into this and they're not like appreciating this and all of that. But then like my sister was all like my family said, and like most recently my sister said it. They're like, Hey, look like. You also need to bear in mind that like, we're all doing this 'cause like we love you and we want you to like be a like yeah.

To get these opportunities and we're not necessarily giving you this advice 'cause we want to give you more work or we like don't want you to succeed or all this stuff. It was just like, no, like we want to support you and like help you grow. Yeah. So I think sometimes like that over [00:42:00] analytical, like being very critical about yourself can also like impact, like, like you said, that perception of self and how you see like the work you do.

Yeah, a 

chinwe: hundred percent. A hundred percent. Yeah. Yeah. No, I had so many thoughts when you were saying that. I've kind of lost all of them. Um, but yeah, it's really hard not to be critical of yourself. Um, I think also when you're quite self-aware. Mm-hmm. And am I correct in saying that you were quite good in school?

Jeffrey: You know what, it's one of those ones that like when, when, when I ask that question, I'm not gonna lie. I could, I think yes. But like, I would say like grades to grades, grades to grades. Um, like people are sur surprised. Like for the longest time I was very embarra to say this. Now I don't really care. Uh, but like I got a, um, so A levels, I got, what was it?

I think it was C, CE and like I got a C in drama C in his, my A levels also very random. I got did history, drama and physics. And for my degree, my A 

chinwe: levels were super random as well. What did A levels? Um, I did psychology. History and media studies, which as we all know, in the UK media studies was the [00:43:00] subject they used to put all the rejects of the other subjects into.

Yeah, you had done it for a couple of weeks and they were like, no, get out, go to media studies. I picked it 'cause I genuinely was like really interested. Like I think that's kind of where the creative I kind of came from. Yeah. I just found it really interesting. Yeah. Like I loved it. There was a bunch of people in there, didn't wanna be there.

Um, and for the final project I was like, yeah, like it's write this really long essay talking about, I dunno, it was probably really long-winded what my essay was. Um, but I really enjoyed it. Um, super random, but yeah. No, no, I agree. No, no, 

Jeffrey: definitely. I agree. It's the same with drama. Like I, I loved like acting, I loved like the whole idea of like, not necessarily even like playing other characters, but I love, like, I've always loved comedy.

Yeah. So like, to me it was really cool to like just make people like laugh and smile and like, um, I've always said like, if money was an issue or like if I could go into any industry now, like I would love to just like. Do acting love that either theater, um, or like film. And you always can, and you always can.

You always can. Um, and I feel like that's what like, you know, like this is [00:44:00] my call out, so anyone watching who wants to put me in a film, uh, just hit me up. Um, but yeah, no, I feel like with the question on, so like, I got a e in physics and like physics was the one I needed for my degree. Yeah. Um, and like you were talking about like your degree not being necessarily linked to what you're doing now.

Like my background, my undergrad was in environmental science, my masters was in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and design. So there is like a huge disconnect between I guess what I studied and what I'm currently doing now. Um, so when I say like, and that's a long-winded way to say, like when I was saying like, I always wonder like, did I do good in school?

I was like, on this, who 

chinwe: cares? 

Jeffrey: Essentially? Yeah. Essentially. Yeah. Um, and I think it took me time, like I said about like that critical analysis. Like, I think for the longest time I was like, ah, you know, like I can't tell people my grades, this and that, this and that. Then my dad was like, look, he's just like, look.

You're at university. You got into university. We got there. He's like, why do you care if you got like two C's and E? Yeah. He was just like, who cares? Like you are at university. This is where you can change. Like if you want to change things, you can change things. And then he was oddly, it's the same way undergrad.

So I got a, I don't even [00:45:00] remember. I think I got two. One. Yeah, I think I got two. One. I don't remember. See, look. That's what I mean. I don't even remember what I got from undergrad. That's how 

chinwe: unimportant it is. Honestly. Like I really hope my sister watches, or at least listens to this snippet of the podcast because she's currently doing her A levels, her first one's on Monday.

And that she's bricking it because I, but I thing is I get it. Mm. Because when you're in school, that's your whole life. A hundred percent failing an exam, it's like death. Yeah. But realistically, has anyone asked me what I've got for my A level grade since I've left? No. Barely. Anyone even asked me for like, the only purpose going to uni has served is that people see it and they're like, cool.

Mm-hmm. You know, she's probably not dumb. She can like, you know, she's all right. Other than that, all they wanna know is what your experience. And one thing I've realized so much like through, because I've had a lot of different random jobs, which means I've also done so many interviews. There was one time earlier on last year where I think I had an interview every single day of the week.

And I had two on one day. It was long. Um, and one thing I've realized [00:46:00] through that process is that people wanna hire someone they like. Mm. Hundred percent. And one of the most important things in life is just like, I know be a good person. Mm. Be a people person. Like, be someone that can make people smile, make people laugh, be memorable.

And that was probably gonna hold a lot more weight in terms of getting yourself where you want to be. Mm. And a lot less about the grades. 

Jeffrey: No, a hundred percent No. It's so true. And literally like even, uh, like I talked to about this story, um, I've mentioned this story before, but like for my undergrad, uh, when I did so I was like doing, looking for a job I could do for my placement year.

Mm. And uh, I applied for one of my university and literally. The story like. Yeah. So the story goes, I went into the interview, uh, I had to do a presentation and then was asking questions, and then literally on the way home, f fastest I ever heard about back from a job way home, I get called, was offered the job, and I was like, oh, cool.

That happened to me. What great feeling, haven't you? I haven't gone home yet. And I was like, okay, cool, cool, cool. Thank you very much. Um, and then literally when I [00:47:00] started working for my manager, she was just like, oh, like I want tell you something about your interview. And I was like, oh yeah, so like, go ahead.

And she was just like, yeah. So essentially I'd been in interviews like for the whole day and she was just like, you were the last interview. And it was very tiring. She was just like, I feel like none of these candidates were the right people. And she said like, when she walked out, she wasn't expecting like anything different.

She was like, look, it's gonna be tough. I'm either gonna have to ask her to like re like, um, I've forgotten the word words. Put the job description back out. Yeah. Put, yeah, put the job out. Um, again, or she was just like. Or I'm just gonna have to be like, yeah, no, we can't hire anything this year. Yeah. And then she said, funnily enough, and I don't remember, like I said, this is what I mean by like, people say like, I smile a lot.

Yeah. I remember doing this, but she was just like, the first thing that I saw was when I saw you, you like, I looked over and I said, oh, you Jeffrey. And she said, you had the biggest smile and then you shook my hand and you were so friendly. And so what? She was just like, look, if I could have just offered you the job there, I would've done it you after these losers.

And I think, like we said about like just being like memorable and friendly and, and like just like, just be a good person. Be a good person. Yeah. 

chinwe: Just be nice smile at [00:48:00] people. Like, I dunno, all of it feels quite basic, doesn't it? But like, I feel like the more you move through a life as an adult, the older that you get, and I'm saying this as if like I'm 60 and mad wise, I'm actually only 25.

But like, it's still like you learn so much just through leaving school and like actually being in the real world that like some proper assholes. Mm-hmm. And like there's some people that just like the social skills aren't quite there like. So, yeah, it's not everyone can be like that. No. Hundred percent.

And so there's so much power in actually being that kind of person and people, those are the people that like, who wanna work with you. 

Jeffrey: Mm-hmm. A hundred percent. Yeah. And literally like the, and I guess for anyone watching, if you're doing interviews, this is big best advice I've ever heard. Um, they said.

Always assume Yeah. That the, like they said, don't assume the interview starts when you're in the room. They just, that interview starts like as soon as you get there. Yeah. Because they said sometimes organizations will ask the reception team like, oh, how was this person? I heard that as well. Yeah. And I was just like, oh no.

I never thought I was just like, I'm 

chinwe: just friendly. 

Jeffrey: Like, and if 

chinwe: you've come in all rude, huffing and puffing, they're gonna say something. 

Jeffrey: Yeah, a hundred percent. [00:49:00] They were just like, yeah, just be like kind. You dunno who you'll meet. Mm-hmm. Um, they'll just like be like, just be aware of your surroundings.

Yeah. Um, but essentially, like you said, like people even arguably like outside of just like jobs and interviews, like Yeah. Even with like brands and stuff, like people, um, won't wanna work with you if they like And also people Exactly. People think people around the industry like don't talk. People talk, people talk.

They like people. Industries are all small. People talk and you never know. Like someone might be like, oh, I heard that. Like, this person might be working with you. And they'll be like, oh yeah, like be worst. Like even I tell people like obviously like the podcast, like, well, I'm sure I hope you're having a good time, but like, yeah, this is great because yeah, like guests like, enjoy it.

And I say like, look like. You know, sometimes people just, I've heard about like, someone else's experience on the podcast or like, oh, I saw that. Like my friend, my cousin, my brother, whatever, was on the podcast. And I was like, yeah. Like, it's, it's chill. It should, people should enjoy this time coming on here.

Like, yeah. I don't see it as like, I should, like, I should make it awful for you or like, you, and, and vice versa. Like [00:50:00] sometimes if someone may be difficult to work with Yeah. I might like tell someone like, oh, heads up. Like, this person's really good. Yeah. Like, can do a really good job for you, but hey, I'm just giving you for warning.

Yeah. They might be difficult to work with. Yeah. Um, but yeah, it's like we said, like, just be yourself, be a good person. Literally. 

chinwe: It's so important. Literally that is the message. I love that. Be authentic, be a good person. Great messages from this podcast. 

Jeffrey: We keep it, we keep it nice and simple. Yeah. Nice and simple.

Um, you've come to the very last question before we go into passing the mic. Uh, and this is, what advice would you give to students who feel unsure about following a non-linear career path or questioning how to show up authentically in their work? Ooh.

chinwe: Oh. Um, I just think you should always trust your gut. I'm surprised I haven't even said this earlier in the podcast. 'cause if I feel like I say it at least a couple times a week, to my friends, to whoever, like, I just think whatever you want to [00:51:00] do. If it feels authentic to yourself, if in your 'cause I think often your brain can be a bit too logical.

Mm. And your heart runs on emotions. Mm. So the thing you should really trust is your gut feeling. Mm. Like, you know, it's even down to like, you know, sometimes like if you meet any personally gets feeling in your gut where you're like, yeah, I'm not really quite vibing with this person. Trust that. 'cause chances are down the line, they'll show their hands.

And I think that same thing goes for like career paths or just following your interest. Like if you are interested in something, it feels right. When you do it, you feel really, really good about it. Just like, explore whatever options there are in that. I think with the creative industry, it's so gate kept.

Like we don't, I mean, I dunno if you had a career like guidance counselor person in school. Yeah. We had kind of like one, you know, it's quite, we did have a lot of money. Um, I had probably like one session, um, and they tell you about, you know, you could be a lawyer, a editor, all the really traditional stuff.

No one talks about the creative industry. So I [00:52:00] feel like if it's a creative passion, if that's the route you want to go down, what is it? What is it that you like doing? Do you like music? Do you like painting? Like what is it? Do you like, you know, making YouTube videos, like interviewing people, Hey, maybe the podcasting things for you.

Maybe you should look at some internships, you know, in that field and, and see where it goes. Often it always starts with internships. Let's be honest, in this space, that's how it starts. And then you start learning, learning, learning, and you realize, oh my God, like this is how I, I get kind of like a, a, a big boy role.

Um, so yeah, just be authentic to yourself, follow your gut, and I'm pretty sure that will lead you to where you wanna be, but you on the right path. That sounds super basic and also quite vague. Mm-hmm. But if you know what it feels like to have that feeling in your stomach, then you, you know what to do.

Yeah, 

Jeffrey: a hundred percent. Um. That's it. Yeah. Uh, nice. Yeah. Thank you everyone. Sweet. The right question. Um, so yeah, now we're going on to passing the mic, uh, where we swap roles. So let me know question questions. So 

chinwe: I was thinking about this on the [00:53:00] way, and I think given the music head that I am, I would love to know what vibe you've been listening to recently.

So this can be a specific song, an artist, an album on replay, uh, a genre like what have you been into recently? Okay. 

Jeffrey: Okay. 

chinwe: I was not expecting 

Jeffrey: that. That's a good question. That's, I, 

chinwe: I thought I 

Jeffrey: thought out all the questions. That's no, this, this is, this is a good question. Um huh. Answers I've been listed, so, Hmm.

Hmm. Okay. A bit of context. Okay. This is a cop out answer that I say. Cool. Uh, everyone says like, their music choice is varied. I tell you. Say you listen to everything. No, I don't. I wouldn't say I listen to everything. Okay. Because I won't lie, I don't listen to everything, but I say like, my music choice is very random, so Yeah.

Same. Uh, I like anime, so like I have a lot of like, uh, anime theme song. Like literally I've got a playlist for like anime, theme songs. Cool. And like stuff like that Cool. That I really like. Um, my dad was, funnily enough, like, I don't think I've ever seen this on a podcast, [00:54:00] so listeners and viewers may know that.

Like my brother. So my brother, um, runs like an independent record label. So like, cool. My brother has a, like, work, what's the name? It's called EBI records. Is it 

chinwe: in London? Yeah. So 

Jeffrey: he's kind of like out the country, but he like, still like does stuff and he's worked with like artists in America and like, he's actually contributed to two games.

So I always just shout out like, like he has done incredible work. Yeah. But yeah, I don, I mention my dad is like, was. Used to DJ in Nigeria. Like, he, he, he rap. Rap. 

chinwe: That's crazy. 

Jeffrey: Yeah. He keeps his under wraps. Like, he was just like, oh yeah. Like, oh yeah, I DJ at pa like my mom, my mom jokes like, you used to DJ at parties.

He's like, oh. Like, he's just like, yeah. You know, it is like, music's just not the same as it used to be. They love that one. Uh, and I was just like, this is so, like I was What kind of music did he like he fella? Um, okay. He would do fella. Um, he loved, um, what the music. Oh, geez, man. I need to ask him this other, I know he loved, oh, geez.

It will come to me. It'll [00:55:00] come to me. We'll get back to that. We'll get back to that. But yeah, literally, so I think for me it's like, so like jazz and stuff, like through him I like, like as well. Um, there's this like Christian, I listen to a lot called Frost Frank. It's like really cool. I think for him. He's like nice because he is like, a lot of his songs like feel good.

So it's like really good, like upbeat stuff to listen to. Um, but I always shout him out. I was, I didn't meet him. I will put up, this is where the camera will pick this up. I dunno which one. Um, but I need to remember to put this up. Uh, one artist that I. I'm desperate to see. And the one time that he was doing like a small, intimate thing.

Yeah. Because he was completely free. I couldn't go. My sisters went. Um, it's Sam Henshaw. Okay. I dunno if you've listened to him before. Yeah, no, I 

chinwe: know who he is. I don't think I've listened. Not like consciously know. Sometimes music 

Jeffrey: might just be on the radio, 

chinwe: but Yeah, no, I know. I definitely recommend, 

Jeffrey: um, like his music's really nice.

Uh, yeah, like I said, he did this like impromptu performance. I couldn't go. My sisters, uh, met him, spoke to him, and then, 'cause I couldn't go, he sent like, this is where the video will play, so I will keep [00:56:00] quiet for a couple of seconds. Um,

but yeah, essentially like, so I couldn't go to the event. Um, but then he, so he was talking to my sisters and my eldest sister was just like, oh yeah, like. My brother was actually the one that introduced us to the music. Yeah. He loves, like the stuff you do, you couldn't come today. He was like, why don't I just record like a nice message to like tell him that?

Like, oh, thank you, like for him. And I was just like, so literally my sisters were just like, oh, we've got a surprise for you. And I was like, I'm literally coming. You weren't, weren't expecting that. I was like, what's this? And then, yeah, I got home and they were just like, yeah, we've got something to show you.

I was like, okay. Like. Did you get merch? Like, and Yeah, they showed me the video and he was just like, yeah, like, um, so sorry you couldn't make it Jeffrey, but like, thanks for your support and I hopefully see you at the next one. Was like, Aw, that's so sweet. I was like, Sam hend you, you, you, you're, you're one of a kind man.

Um, so yeah, so that was like, that meant a lot to me. That was like a huge surprise. Um, but yeah, I would say like, for the most part, like, I think I get what you mean about like having like a ear for music, because sometimes like I have different playlists. I've [00:57:00] actually literally just started a new one that's.

All I'm trying to title it feel good music, but, um, I always find that like, sometimes you need like, specific songs to match like specific moods. And maybe it's because like yeah, you 

chinwe: do all my playlists curated on vibes. Oh, I like, we are having this, I was having this friend, uh, conversation with my friend and he likes making genre specific playlist.

You know, he has this grime playlist, he has this da dah, dah, dah, dah. I just like, I think I get quite bored listening to one genre at once. Mm-hmm. But there's always a feeling I'm after. Mm. So maybe the sun's out have a summer playlist. Maybe I'm looking for some like vibey like dance music. I've got a playlist for that.

Maybe I'm, listen, want to listen to something a little bit more hardcore. I've got a playlist for that. I wanna hear rap or playlist for that bunch of American, all sorts of stuff. I just think it's all a vibe. No, a hundred percent. I, I can't stick to one genre for one extended listening period. I've just gotta switch it up.

But it's all in a vibe. 

Jeffrey: Yeah, no, definitely agree. Like literally even like what you're saying, so like if, like if I'm going to. Like, if I'm doing an event and I'm like, literally like, I need to like get in the zone. [00:58:00] I need to like, I need it to be like, you know, like hard hitting, like whether it's rap or grind, like yeah, that's what I'm listening to.

Yeah. If it's like, oh hey, like, like you said, like sun's out. Yeah. I'm like carefree. Yeah. Way the world's on my shoulders. Like I'm playing this. Yeah. If I'm like, I'm literally in the trenches. Yeah. And I need something to motivate me out of it. Like I have some songs for that. Um, but yeah, I would say my recommendations Forest bank's, really good.

Sam Hendell, uh, also really good. I love that. Uh, I like doing things in threes. So who else would I recommend? Okay. Well I have Spotify on my laptop. I'm gonna need to Your dad. My, well, 

chinwe: well see. He doesn't make music. He 

Jeffrey: doesn't make music. Um, he does, yeah. Actually, while, while this loads, so I think he, he did a lot of, like, I, I'm not gonna lie, I couldn't name more than he did some like, DJing for like Nigerian artists as well.

chinwe: That's so sick. That's like one of those things that like, sometimes you hear from your parents, it's like, oh, by the way, my dad was almost going to be in, I think the 19, the Olympics in the 19 90, 94, 96. Yes. I think [00:59:00] 90. He was gonna be in the Nigerian, like relay team swimming, but he's passed it up to go to uni in Finland where he met my mom and they had me.

And he just like that very later on in my life got revealed and I was like, that's really cool. Like, like for you to like be so athletic that you can like actually qualify to be in a team in the Olympics to represent like, that's really cool. And like why have I only. Just found that out, like yeah.

Parents. And you realize that as you grow up and you have all these really cool experiences, you're like, yeah, if I have kids, I'm just gonna bus out one time that like, yeah, like I used to Dday. And they're gonna be like, that's really cool. Like, because 

Jeffrey: they just don't see you as cool people. A hundred percent.

I think even like my, um, my sister was telling me about me, uh, telling me about it this morning that, um, Ashley Tindale, who played Char Pay, um, uh, high school musical, like her daughter Berry film. We'll see, even like, I think did I see a post about that? That that was like Uber, it must be like Uber come up to 20 years.

I was like, damn. 

chinwe: Yeah. 

Jeffrey: That, that's insane for getting old. Yeah. [01:00:00] But literally, literally she was saying like, like we said that her daughter apparently like, loves Sharpie. Yeah. Um, didn't necessarily, and I think it's funny when like children don't connect that their parents. Are the actors in certain films.

Yeah. So they're like, oh yeah, I love this person. Is it? And they're just like, oh yeah, that's me. It's like, no, it's not like this person's like, cool. Like you'll just you. Does she not look? Exactly. You see? You see what I mean? Um, but apparently her daughter like would like play the music and she said it was like one of the most like funniest things that when she's like driving with her daughter.

Yeah. Because her daughter will be like, I want you to play Charee songs. Yeah. And then it's like, I am Sharpe, I'm spe So literally said, I'm not vain. Like if you see me or like you see me in a car and I'm play, like, it's not because I want to listen necessarily and listen to my own music, it's my daughter.

Um, but yeah, I would say one final one. I need to go on my own repeats to just see what I've been listening to a lot Red, um. You know what? It's very random. And they were on my Spotify rap last year. Mm-hmm. Um, one Republic. Who are they? So they, you know, I can't even [01:01:00] describe the music. I don't even know what genre it would be, but they're basically like a band, like think like indie maybe.

Indie rock 

chinwe: kind. 

Jeffrey: I'd say maybe Indie Rock. 

chinwe: I love, I went through such an indie phase when I was 17. I thought it was so cool listening to like the XX and stuff. Mm. Yeah. Yeah. They're still great. But 

Jeffrey: I think it's like what you said, like sometimes you just like go through phases. Um, but yeah, they so, uh, you know, um, apologize for Timberland.

chinwe: Yes. 

Jeffrey: So the person who's singing is the leader, like the lead singer in this band. Um, but yeah, literally like, so I, and they sang, uh, counting Stars. I'm not gonna sing it 'cause like, oh them. Yeah. So very random. This is what I mean by like, my music choice is random. So they released a song for an anime.

Yeah. And I was like, oh, this is cool. Like, I'm gonna go back. And then they also released, um. Oh, for Top one Maverick, they released like a summer song for it. And I was like, oh, this is really good. Yeah. And then I just slowly went back to like listening to their songs. Um, and yeah, I just, I've just been like, [01:02:00] damn, this is nice.

Yeah, this is like super random. Um, so yeah, those would be my three. Very random. Um, and I will give one more 'cause I've been talking a lot about anime, so I will give a shout out to. Um, 

chinwe: I love that you have a anime theme tune. It's, it is not that dissimilar from people who love like Disney music and I playlist 

Jeffrey: for that.

Mm. Literally one song. I will say that I've been playing a lot. Um, I don't know if you, you ever watch What's New Scooby Do? 

chinwe: No. Do you know what, I know this sounds really weird. Yeah. But I, um, I used to be really scared of ski when I was younger. Really? Yeah. Dunno. Bit of a worse, I just didn, I just didn't watch it.

I was like, it was so scary. It just definitely wasn't scary. 

Jeffrey: So no, I've actually done it any bit. But giving, well, I was, I would recommend, um, uh, the, so the band is called Simple Plan. They like did a version of uh, like a updated of the original like version. Um, but literally I think like one time at work I was like, I think I heard it on like somewhere and I was like, yeah, I haven't heard it in age.

Like lemme just listen to, no, I just listen to it like randomly. [01:03:00] Um, so yeah, with that hand made theme song list, it's just sometimes like, there might be like a random song that comes up. Um, but one I would recommend or like a band that I'd recommend, 'cause they do a lot of cool theme songs and they never miss, um, is they're called Flo.

Uh, I would say they're definitely more like, are they the three girls? No, no, no. These are like, I think these are four guys. I think these are four girls. Oh, there's two Flos. Yeah. Yeah. So Flo, who funnily enough, you know, like this is random. They're coming to Somerset house to perform in the summer. 

chinwe: Oh my God.

Yes. I think I saw a poster on the underground. It was just like, oh God. Gigs and friends or something. Yeah. 

Jeffrey: Gig gigs was generally when they announced like this is a bit of like gigs Thomas at houses sounds, that sounds interesting. When they announced it, I think all of us. 'cause they announced before like releasing tickets, they were just like, oh yeah, we're just letting you all know like we've got the list of the lineup for this year.

Yeah. This is who's gonna be. And like everyone and my team was just like, gigs, gigs, gigs is a interesting choice. Some set house. And then we were all just like gigs and friends. Okay. So, oh, because 

chinwe: you know, the friends are just gonna be all about them. It's [01:04:00]

Jeffrey: gonna great. All like all rocking up to Promise Set House.

I love that. We were just like, he's very in because like, I think this year is the one that I feel like I don't know all the artists. Yeah. But I know like quite a few. So like Flo is one of them. Rle Kicks is coming as well. Yes. Well I love that comeback. Um, so I was just like, this is a nice like lineup.

And I was like, this is really good. But like generally I was just like. The gigs one. I was, I was just like, it's just gonna be so funny. Um, that night's going be so joke, so funny. You know, that night was actually, I don't know how far the others sold, but has it 

chinwe: happened already? You? No, no, no. Literally sold out 

Jeffrey: like ticket wise.

Like interesting. I'm not surprised. Like they were just, oh yeah. Staff, staff get free tickets. Like we get two free tickets. You get, you get to go. Love that. Um, so I was like, cool, I'll, I'll go get the, I'll get gigs. Two minutes right after they posted about it, sold out, sold out. My manager, just like, it's a big place, you know, is, is, it's a lot's, lots space for a lot of people.

So the fact that it's sold out, I was like, okay, cool. Guess I'm not seeing gigs then. Yeah. Um, so yeah, so I think I ended up like giving, so I gave my sister the ticket. Yeah. She's gonna see Flo with a friend. Um, but yeah, literally [01:05:00] like drizzle kicks, same thing. Like, I was just like, cool. Uh, I'm burning into a meeting.

I'll book drizzle kicks afterwards. Booked. Yeah. No, RLE kicks sold out that. Yeah. Um, but yeah, massive tangent, Flo. Uh, so yeah, uh, so they flow with like a w so like flow as in like wind flow and stuff like that. But yeah, they, personally to me, I love them. Uh, what's their best song I'd recommend? Uh, probably, uh, it's cool, it's, remember I can't, like, I'm, you're not gonna sing it.

chinwe: No, 

Jeffrey: remember. But I would recommend that. Um, and I'd say generally if you want to like immerse yourself, like I couldn't tell you what they're saying in Japanese, but I'm not gonna lie. The music, it slaps, 

chinwe: you know what, sometimes you don't need to understand what they're saying. A 

Jeffrey: hundred percent. 

chinwe: A hundred 

Jeffrey: percent.

chinwe: You actually don't. I think, I, I don't, I always say this 'cause my, um, my boyfriend spits and he's big on like lyricism and bars and like, you know, it's really important. It's a deep, don't get me wrong, there's certain tunes where you have to focus [01:06:00] on what they're saying because the beat is so simple and the power of the song is in what they're saying.

But honestly, I think a lot of my love for electronic music is the fact that there's not too much emphasis or the words or there's no lyrics at all. Um, and it's just about the way it sounds or the way it makes sure you feel. Yeah. Um, yeah. So why not listen to some Japanese tunes? 'cause you actually don't need to understand what they're saying to enjoy it.

Jeffrey: A hundred percent. And like, yeah. So like some of these like. No. Okay. I'm, I'm, I'm not, I'm de definitely going like a music tangent, but No, I love this. This is all right on my alley. No. So this is why, like, even like with Instrument, I love like instrumental, but not, like, when I say instrumental, people think I'm talking about like classical music.

Yeah. I'm not saying like all classical music is rubbish. Um, actually I can't be, this is a new one I would recommend. Um, his name is, I think it's Kevin Oya. Okay. Um, where's he from? He, he's Nigerian. Nigerian American surname. Any like general surnames, surname will kick. Um, but he actually, so he's a part of, uh, pentatonics.

Okay. So he also releases songs by [01:07:00] himself. There was a, so we released this new one, um, which is called, so it's Hallelujah. And it's, I don't Think About You. And essentially it's, I think it's Beethoven. I could be wrong, but he's essentially a classically trained like, um. I dunno what the word is for people who play the cello, but he basically plays the cello.

Um, but he's like really cool with it. Yeah. So he basically, he's like, oh, I've got this like, background in classical music. Yeah. But I want to like implement like essentially like modern beats with classical music. So I think it is Beethoven. And he did like a version of Hallelujah, which is the Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

So he basically re remixes that in the sense of like, he does that as well as essentially doing a song about like he's, he's essentially saying Hallelujah 'cause he doesn't think about his ex anymore. Yeah. And I was like. Lemme give it a listen. Like, I dunno how it's gonna sound. I loved it. Listen to it today.

Uh, it's on my playlist now. Um, but yeah, I would say instrumental music. I love it because, so I also love, like, typically it's mainly like gaming or movie soundtracks. 

chinwe: Yeah. 

Jeffrey: [01:08:00] Um, for the reason being, and there is scientific, I couldn't tell you from where, but there is scientific evidence according to Instagram that essentially me, that's us.

You know, obviously someone on social media must be true. Honestly, we're apparently listening to like, gaming music. So especially with gaming music, they said it's designed for you to like do other stuff while listening to it. Um, sofa, because they were just like, you're literally like, maybe you are like finding a boss or maybe you're like scroll, like you are traveling around in the game and they're like, it's designed for you to not be focusing on the music.

So the music is there and it can still be really good, it can be moving, it can be impactful, but it also like allows you to like do other things. So I think especially when I was like doing my dissertation, like I. My instrumental playlist was like, great, because it could just like get the, it, it was something I could play in the background and I wouldn't necessarily be like, oh, I'm getting distracted 'cause maybe, you know, I love this song and I love like, going along with the lyrics and stuff like that.

It was like, no, like I can focus on what I need 

chinwe: to do. 

Jeffrey: Yeah. 

chinwe: That was literally me. I, I feel like everyone dabbled in a bit of a lo-fi chill hip hop type [01:09:00] beats, you know, those like live. F playlist. I swear everyone listened to those at some point. But, um, when I was studying for my GCSEs, 'cause I was like, I just like, I keep getting distracted with all this like, great music I'm listening to.

So I started listening to like a lot of like bossanova and a lot of like Cuban music. 'cause again, I couldn't understand what they were saying, but also, I don't know, it was just like, I'm not really gonna sing along to this, but it's a vibe. Yeah. And sometimes you just need that. Yeah. Sometimes you just don't want something you can focus on too hard.

Jeffrey: I wouldn't 

chinwe: be listening to gigs summarizing, 

Jeffrey: put it that way, but No, I definitely agree. Um, and yeah. What if you is someone that I would recommend from my nice assortment of, uh, of playlists, let me. Know, it's one of those ones I can't find. Uh, if I can't find it quick enough, I will just give up. Give up, up.

Okay. I've got it. Um, ooh. I say it depends on the mood, actually. You know what, you know who, who always, uh, and actually, you know what, I'm gonna shout out this [01:10:00] person 'cause their music does slap and they were in a big film this year. Uh, it is Ludwig. What was his name? What was his name? What was his name?

Basically, I'll give pretext to you. Oh, yeah. Okay. I'm not even gonna, I'll make his name up. Appear. I'm not even gonna, I know it's complicated. Coen. I probably butchered your name. I'm so sorry. Um, but he did the soundtrack for Sins. Okay. He did the soundtrack for, I've heard amazing things about that film.

I've heard, I've heard that. Yeah. Haven't watched it yet. Yet. Haven't watched it yet either, but I've heard that. It is, it's amazing. Okay, cool. I'm very much excited. Um, he also has worked with like Ryan Kler a lot, so he did the soundtrack for. I think both Black Panther. Yeah. For both Black Panthers as well.

Um, he did it for the Mandalorian. He did it for Oppenheimer. I think he even did it for like, some Marvel shows in the pop, like his, like films. But he, his like soundtracks all like, it, it, I think especially for like Black Panther and, um, sinners. Mm-hmm. One of the reasons why people said they love them for sinners is it gets [01:11:00] like the music that plays for like, each of the different cultures and sinners matches, like what it, like those cultures.

And it gets like the, the timings. Um, and with Black Panther, it's the same thing. So like, one of my favorite tracks that he did was actually funnily enough, Killmonger, um, like theme song in that. Uh, and it's just like, I don't know, man. I like, generally I've, I've always said like music as like an art to create, be able to create music or to create like sounds Yeah.

Is incredible. But yeah, man, I just see like, I like generally like, yeah, I listen to music and I'm just like. Man, it must be nice to just like, be like, oh yeah, I see. Like, be that guy. Yeah. Be that guy and be like, this is how the music should be arranged. Yeah. Um, and yeah, one, 'cause I know we, we, we've burn on a music.

I mean, I'm happy to continue the music. This is fun. Um, but there was this one comedian who he actually was, so he's, he's a musician. Yeah. And he would implement like, music into his comedy. And he basically played, I dunno what the, it's like a classical piece of music. I dunno what it's called, but it goes 

chinwe: Yes.

Yeah. We all 

Jeffrey: know 

chinwe: that. No one knows who made that, 

Jeffrey: but he apparently, [01:12:00] so it's not apparent. He, so there's a video of him and if I can find it, I'll put it up, but if not, I would say just look up. Um, he basically like played the music like upside down. So he was playing it like the other way round. So it was like sounding like, and then people just like.

What is this musical piece like? What is this? It's still really good. And then literally you just see him like, flip the paper to be like, oh, my days. I'm like an idiot. I completely forgot to like, play it the right way. Um, and then he plays it and everyone's just like, oh my gosh. And people are just like to be able to play music backwards, but it still sounds, one, to be able to write a song that your music being played backwards sounds good.

Yeah. And then also to be able to like, as a musician, play music backwards and you're seeing it on a sheet is like a skill. So Yeah. Yeah. That's, that's my music stuff. Yeah. No, musicians are crazy. Yeah. Uh, any other questions that you would like to ask? Ooh, 

chinwe: do you know what, what's the last great event you've been to?

This doesn't have to be music. Mm-hmm. This [01:13:00] can be anything. Okay. Any event, any event gathering with people? 

Jeffrey: Uh ooh, that is a good question. Um hmm. The last creative. And I also need to be careful 'cause some people that I know organize events. So, uh, if I didn't see your event, I love everyone's event. Um, that's my, I just had to pick one.

Um, but yeah, no, if I had to pick one. Um

hmm. Can I have to think about this for a minute? Um hmm. One that I will say, which people might be surprised because my work one is, so as a part of my like job, we, 'cause we support black owned businesses at the end we have this big like, showcase event. And the reason why I always love it is like a mix of two things.

One is because like you're seeing all these people who've been like, working and stuff for the last year. But I guess like on a personal level, it's like, it's a space [01:14:00] filled with like black people all doing incredible work. Yeah. And it's like, yeah, that's lit. Yeah. And it's just like, there's something about like the like.

Like, I have to say the vibe, but like something about the room that, like, when we do it, it's like, so cool. And it's just like you're seeing all these people like just enjoying themselves, being happy and all of this stuff. And like for me it's not necessarily like, like I know some people are just like, they'll chat out like maybe myself, my manager, like people involved in the program.

Yeah. But for me it's like, no, it's like you've done all done like really cool stuff. Yeah. And you are like shown how you've like grown and changed. Yeah. And I'm just like, wow. Like I, I don't know, sometimes I see it as like a privilege. Just be a part of the journey. Um, so yeah, I would say the last one that happened was in February.

So I would say like those series of events as a whole. But the one in February like was really nice to just like, yeah. 

chinwe: No, no, I can imagine vibe with everyone. Just see. That's cool. I do have one more question. Go ahead. What is one of the biggest things you've learned about yourself through doing this podcast?

Ooh, so from like infancy, like when you are at uni, like now, 

Jeffrey: Ooh. 

chinwe: I guess kind of [01:15:00] like weaved into that. Like how have you changed? But. Sort of the same question, kind of maybe. No, 

Jeffrey: just I, you know what, all three of these questions I've never been answer before. This is nice. I just, I love, which is great when it comes to questions.

Um, I would say, uh, one thing I've learned about myself, um, oof 

chinwe: getting deep. Um, I love it. Yeah. I, I feel like any conversation I have with someone at some point, it doesn't usually take very long. Yeah. Will get quite deep. I think that's the way to be, man. No, a hundred percent. Yeah. 

Jeffrey: Um, geez, one thing I've learned about myself, um

hmm. I think, like you said, I think like the, the, I think it's like, it's one thing, but there's like two parts. So it is one about like, I guess the, the confidence of like putting yourself out there. Mm. So literally, like we said, like starting this out, it was literally just like friends that were being interviewed and stuff like that.

Yeah. Now where I say it literally, like we said, like we. Did not know each other before this. Yeah. And I literally [01:16:00] just reached out to you and like, and now we're here. Now we're here. Um, so for me it's like the, the power of like, just being like just creating that space. Yeah. And like being okay to like trial things, do things, do like Yeah.

Put yourself out there. Um, and then I'd say on the flip side is also about like, I don't know, like, I guess never, like never under like feeling like the work you're doing isn't actually Yeah, that's, that would, yeah. You know, the first one is important. This would probably be the biggest thing. Like, never seeing that the work that I do isn't important or like isn't being, I think, like we said before about like, not being noticed.

Yeah. Um, and the biggest example I say of that is like, there are people that like come onto the podcast or like, they tell me they like, I don't know, like we did a full year event and someone was there in attendance and I was like, oh, hey, it was great to meet you. Like, thanks for coming, da da. And then she mentioned like she was from BA and I was like, oh, sick.

Like, that's great. You work at BA like. You know, how did you find out about the event? She was like, Hey, literally you just saw like your post on LinkedIn. And I like, [01:17:00] kept an eye on stuff and then when I saw this I was like, I might as well come along. Um, so for me it's always like, you never know, like where your, your like, you might feel like, oh, like, I don't know.

Like we said before, you don't have a lot of followers, you don't have a lot of views. Your content's not necessarily like doing well, but you never know. Like who, who can, like someone might see it. Yeah. Someone might see it and you never know where that can lead. Yeah. And I feel like that's been like the, the best thing that I've enjoyed with this journey is just like, I don't know, I've brought people onto the podcast and, you know, maybe they've like found business partners through like, I don't know, they've said they want to meet new people.

Um, I've brought people on and then maybe recommended them for other podcasts. Um, you know, I've brought, I haven't been a matchmaking relationships just yet. Uh, when I, you know what, that will come soon. You know, when it comes I, I kid you not I'll a hundred percent like. Just to connector in 

chinwe: every 

Jeffrey: way, in every way.

I'll be like, if you need help in any way or circumstance, uh, with the right people to go to. Um, but yeah, no, it's just like interesting to me to like see all these people connect and like, that's why I love, like I'm, and it's one of the things I'm working on. 'cause I know I've been saying like, since the [01:18:00] start of the year, we want to do more events and we do.

Um, it's just events is complicated and a lot to plan. Um, but yeah, no, a hundred percent I've said like, I love, I love pick up the mic events because like, like we said, I never see our events as like, I want it to be traditional networking or like. Corporate or, anyway, it's like very much like Loki and Chill vibe.

So even for yeah, literally a vibe. Uh, so like for our full year event, like I was just like, once we gave out the awards and stuff, like, and I like did a small bit of a presentation. Yeah. I was like, no, literally we're gonna do like a vision boarding session. Someone else is gonna do like a network, like a, it's literally, so the 44 questions that, um, you know, I, we did at the start.

Yeah. Uh, the person that runs that she actually like delivered, she's got like a booklet with the 44 questions. Okay. So she gave it out to people. They were asking people different questions. Um, but yeah, I literally told everyone, I was like, look like it's low key and chill. I want you to network. Yeah.

Like, celebrate. Um, my family joke that I got like lost in the moment. 'cause I, we had a giveaway and then I was like, look, we, I'm gonna give away more things because like, everyone's been super nice, but I feel like those, like, I love that. But like, [01:19:00] there's this really cool like, I don't know, like one, it's I guess through the first part of like creating a space, but then you've seen all these people, like, I guess make their own connections and do stuff.

Yeah. And it's just like. Yeah. Don't ever feel like the work or the stuff that you're doing is like limited solely to you. It's like you might think it's really, and I, you know what? Uh, I'm not gonna stand up. I can't be bothered. I'll show it for the quote on the back. But essentially there's a quote on the back of my t-shirt which says, it's, it's, uh, Latin and it says sig parvis magna, which means like greatness from small beginnings.

Yeah. And like I say that, that's pick up, it's a pick up the mic. Like it basically describes pick up the mic, but also describes like something I'm trying to embody myself that like, it might be thing, you might think that what you're doing is small isn't important, it's insignificant, but like big things or like great things could come from it.

And it's just by like, by being okay that like, yeah, your beginnings might be small, but then like you never know what could happen tomorrow or in a week or in a year. Um, and yeah, that's why I always say like every year, like people probably get annoyed that I say like, pick up the mic [01:20:00] exchange. Like, we're not this, we're not that.

Yeah. Um, but yeah, it's nice. 'cause to me it's like every year we've grown and developed. So I love that. And that's what's important. Mm. You're developing, you're growing a hundred percent. Yeah. Um, I love that. 

chinwe: Thank you very much. Thank you. Um, it's a great answer to that question actually. 

Jeffrey: Thank you. I'm not gonna lie.

I was like you said about waffling. I was like, I need to just make, like there's a, there's a meme. If I can find it, I'll put it up, um, of the office where like Michael, uh, Steve Corral's character Michael Scott basically says like, sometimes he'll start something and never know where it ends. I'm not like, that's happened to me.

I will say sometimes on the podcast, bro, 

chinwe: all the time, sometimes I start talking and I find my answer as I start talking as, as you say, a hundred percent professional waffle. No, everyone can do it. Some people waffle, waffle, waffle, and they never get to the point a hundred percent. And do you know what?

It's probably happened once maybe here for the most part if you start like find out. 

Jeffrey: Um, but yeah, we're not gonna go into the mc the month section, which is organizational individual is relevant to the conversation. Um, and we did have one. I'm not, [01:21:00] not to say that they're like, they're like bad. Um, but I do, I do, I do wanna change it up.

Um, and you know what, I, I will shout out this person because I think it embodies what we were talking about, about like authenticity. Yeah. Um, so. She, if she sees this, I'm gonna, if not, I'm gonna have to clip this and remind myself to like post this, but, uh, r say, shout out to, uh, Elise, who as I mentioned before, is she runs this initiative called the shout out Elise.

Yeah. Shout out Elise. Like, you, like, uh, if she sees this, um, like you do incredible work and I feel like you're very much like, she's like very much authentic in what she does. Mm-hmm. And I say she like, she's got a vlog. And I've always been like ing like, do I wanna do a vlog? Do I want it to be a part of pick the mic?

Do I want it to be my own thing? Yeah. But she was just like, oh yeah, I started it. And like I've told her and like I've mentioned it, like when like, so she was one of the people that was awarded like an awarded our four year event. And I was like, look, like you might think that like, oh, I'm giving you all this advice maybe on like how to upload stuff to YouTube or business advice.

'cause I've been through it. I was like, [01:22:00] look, you gimme inspiration for YouTube because I'm not gonna lie, I dunno everything about YouTube. Yeah. But I see how she's like trialing things or she's like putting herself out there. She's like working with editing to make it like funny and like all of this stuff.

And I was just like, wow. It's like. It's such an inspiration to see someone who's like, just authentically themselves, um, and like create all this like, incredible content. Um, and I think for me it's like that's what I like about like the fact that she, like with the two events that she's done. Yeah. Um, I don't think the same like group of people came to both of them.

chinwe: Yeah. And 

Jeffrey: I think for me it was like really impactful to see the difference. What kind 

chinwe: of events did she do? 

Jeffrey: Uh, so it was the vision boarding in the sip. Yeah. Yeah. That's sick. 

chinwe: That's 

Jeffrey: a really quiet idea. And literally, like, I told her like, oh actually I keep saying, I told if I haven't told you this, like, now you know, now you know.

Um, she's just like really cool because I feel like when you bring loads of different people to like, I dunno, when you do events and it's never the same group of people, that's almost showing that like your community is expanding. And like, she, she, again, like we were talking about her back, she studied anthropology, she's got a background in UX research.

She's now working more in like a creative, [01:23:00] like industry role. Mm. And I was like literally like, you, you then start on this YouTube, YouTube channel. You start this thing and you are like doing it. I was like, literally you've like grown a community and you don't have like. Experience in like, I dunno, community management, you're not necessarily someone with like marketing experience, all of this stuff.

I was like, you've created this amazing thing and like it's just really cool to see. So yeah, I would say like empty of the month. Uh, Elise, um, I will tag Elise all the stuff that Elise does as I me to do in the rebrand. So if by the time this episode goes out, you don't, I won't say the new name. So, uh, or maybe I'll.

Actually don't remember. It is off the top of my head, so I'm not even gonna try and look it up. But yeah, if it has a new name, then we'll be sure to like tag them as well. Um, but yeah, we've now come to the very final section before we wrap up, which is the takeaway section. I have also been joking about it, and you might be thinking, is Jeffrey about to say yes?

No, I have completely forgotten every time before doing this episode, I need to, to reach out to a food sponsor. So, uh, I will be reaching [01:24:00] out and this is my promise, uh, that I have to do it, um, to either Uber Eats, Deliveroo, anyone who's interested in sponsoring our takeaway message. Um, but yes, we, we don't take, we don't give you takeaway food to go home with.

We, we give you a nice message to, to, um, to vote. So essentially be of thought, proof of 

chinwe: beautiful thought, proof of thought that's working. 

Jeffrey: But, um. You. It's been, it's been great speaking to you. It's been so fun. You've shared all kinds of like, incredible advice and I think there's a lot to take home. But if you had to summarize it in one message, thought I summarized 

chinwe: it bit earlier, you know, and I forgot, so this summary may be a bit different, but it's along the same lines.

Um, can I give, can I get three takes please? That kind of. Somewhat similar. Okay. Trust your gut. Mm-hmm. Your gut, your intuition, whatever you want to call it. Like, trust it. It's rarely ever wrong. Mm-hmm. It's basically [01:25:00] never wrong. Um, be authentic to you in the way that you interact with people in the work that you do.

Your interest, never fake it. Hmm. 

Jeffrey: Just 

chinwe: think that never gets you anywhere. Um, and yeah, should be a good person, man. Be kind. Um, yeah. I don't need to be the first person to say that. The world's kind of like an awful place at the moment and there's a lot of pricks and I think you can do a massive service to everyone by being a good person.

So whether that's just like, again, just in the way that you talk to people, maybe you're doing some great stuff, some philanthropics, I don't know, whatever it is. Just be a good person, be a fine person. I think those things get you quite far in life, um, and get you to a point where you feel like whatever you are doing feels right for you and you are surrounded by great people.

And that's a nice part to, yeah. So three takeaways. Lucky, 

Jeffrey: lucky people. Um, yeah. Thank you. Uh, that's it. So we're officially at the end of the episode. Thank you very much for coming on. Thank you for having me. No, you're very welcome. It's a pleasure. Honestly, it's been so lovely. No, thank you. Honestly, it's, it's, yeah, like I [01:26:00] said, I love doing this.

Uh, it's been incredible to learn about your journey, your experience. How can people connect with you is the first question. If you have anything coming up that you wanna spotlight or highlight, this is, that's the second part. Ooh. Um, yeah, that, those are the two main ones. 

chinwe: Um, well, you can, my name will be somewhere.

Like, um, so you can find me on LinkedIn if you wanna connect professionally. And I've always joked that recently I feel like I've spent more time on LinkedIn, which is really embarrassing 'cause I'm actually only 25 and I should probably be on TikTok or something. Um, don't bother finding me on TikTok.

Well, I mean, go on then. I've posted like three videos. I don't even remember my TikTok handle.

Oh Jesus. Don't find me on TikTok then, because I can't even find myself on there. Um, on Instagram. Do you know what, this is really ridiculous 'cause I've only made myself public like a week ago. Um, but if you basically find me on LinkedIn, but my Instagram handle is like, um, [01:27:00] vals or like under Vals. So on there it's just like more personal stuff.

But we will be posting more like music related stuff. Um, hopefully getting my first mix out soon. Mm-hmm. Um, so if you guys are interested. In my sound or hearing who I am as a dj, I would definitely check myself out there. Um, TikTok, I don't remember my handle. That's okay. Maybe you'll find that through Instagram.

I don't dunno. 

Jeffrey: That's where you can find me. Um, and before we actually, sorry, one thing I forgot to ask. Uh, go for it. You was talking about a lot about music. You have asked me, um, what would be one song? Oh God. That I, I'm, I'm sorry. I'm gonna have to keep, it's so hard. I'm gonna have to keep it to one that you would say, Ooh.

Ah, okay. I've got two ways this can go. Okay. It could either be one song that you based on like, yeah, I'm gonna go with this one, one song. Based on the vibe of the episode, how you found the experience. Ooh. That you would be like, this would be a song to like for people based on how you found, can That's okay.

How you found the episode. This would be the song that [01:28:00] you'd be like this? Like, 

chinwe: is this the song that I would want to, like outro me? Like, yes. Is this the Okay. Yeah. Guys, it's might take a little bit of time. Couple seconds. Um, oh guys, it's just 

Jeffrey: so much. Do you want me to give you, okay, so, uh, watching way does that Yeah, I'll do the, the outro.

So, uh, yeah, if you, if you like this episode, like comment described, always appreciated. If you wanna make sure that you don't miss. Any other episodes of the Student Guide or any of the other episodes on the pickup, the My YouTube channel, please make sure that you click the notification about the bottom of the video if you want to help support our services.

Receive cool merch like the t-shirt that I'm wearing. We also have a notepad. Um, all you wanna support our efforts because as I mentioned, we want to do more events, more things with you, but also those things sometimes cost money. Um, then please do check out our Patreon or YouTube channel membership. You get early access to stuff.

You will also be getting all the option to submit your own questions for some of the upcoming podcasts that we'll be doing this year. Uh, and for some of the podcasts that we're doing, [01:29:00] uh, we haven't forgotten all of them. I know for some they have had more episodes than others and recent months, but yes, we will be continuing that effort of adding episodes.

And then finally, if you want to make sure that you don't miss any other, pick up the mic content in a general sense, uh, we have our anime. Shon Fantasy and Gaming Channel. So head to the pick up the mic, YouTube page. If you scroll down past the full U section, you'll see all three there. Uh, I have mentioned the blog.

I will not go into detail about the blog just yet because I need to figure out what I'm doing with it. But I've been encouraged to do it. So I will be doing it. And this is my me basically saying that I have to do it now that I've said it to all of you guys. So, um, sis, I want to hand over to you. What is the episode that you would, unfortunately, YouTube will not let me actually do this.

'cause that's so fun. 

chinwe: Go listen to it. Go listen to it. Um, I was thinking about this. Mm-hmm. I've worked, this is a. Good full circle moment. I like cyclical things. I think it's always nice to end where you've started and in the beginning I spoke about, um, a gig. I played out for the first time. Mm-hmm. And, um, I dunno if you, if [01:30:00] like, if not, take this as a recommendation, please go and listen to them.

They're amazing brighter days family, um, making dance music that is like super positive. Sunny, bright, great vibes, music. Um, it's called Bonnet Down by Brighter Days Family. It actually has the vocals of Nia Archives Cool. On it, but she's just not on it as like accredited person probably 'cause she's signed to Islander.

All the logistics. Um, it's amazing. It's great. It's a great feel. Good tune. Um, and I feel like as we're coming into summer, it's a vibe. So bun it down by Brighter Day's family. To be honest, every single song on that project is amazing, but that one, that one's a personal favorite. Okay. And yeah, I feel like it's just a good place to end.

Perfect. 

Jeffrey: Cool. Um, that's it. So we will close this chapter of the Student Guide. Thanks for being here, and we will see you all in the next episode where we bring a new guest speaker and a new topic, um, and we get to enjoy some fun stuff. So let's bye from us here and have a wonderful day. [01:31:00] Okay.