Episode Guest:

Llorayah Timbou Faucher is a Degree Apprentice at Marks & Spencer who started as a quiet Christmas temp and is now inspiring future leaders. Her story is one of confidence, curiosity, and creating memorable moments for customers and colleagues alike.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:47 Starting as a Christmas Temp at 18

2:05 Nervous Beginnings & Not Knowing the Ropes

3:12 Learning the Power of “Just Ask”

4:30 From Quiet to Confident: Finding Her Voice

6:10 Falling in Love with Retail

7:45 When M&S Went from Job to Dream

9:10 Speaking Up as a Young Leader

10:35 Managing Dyslexia & Team Briefs

12:00 What Retail Teaches You About Life

13:30 Building Real Relationships at Work

14:55 The Role of Mentors in Her Journey

16:10 “You Can Do Anything, But Not Everything”

17:30 Learning to Prioritise & Focus

18:50 From Learner to Leader: Coaching Others

20:10 Inside the Degree Apprentice Programme

21:35 Advice for Future Christmas Temps

23:00 Llorayah’s Duvet Flip — Making People’s Day

Episode Partners

M&S

M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.

https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Kayte Houghton is the Payroll Lead at Marks & Spencer, where she’s risen from admin assistant to leading payroll for 65,000+ colleagues. A champion of resilience, Kayte’s journey from council house to career leadership shows what’s possible when passion meets opportunity.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:49 Kayte’s Early Life as a Teen Mum

2:15 Living on Benefits & Hitting Rock Bottom

3:40 The Courage to Visit the Job Centre

4:50 Discovering the Marks & Start Programme

6:10 Finding a Buzz in Admin Work

7:30 Gaining Confidence from Small Wins

8:45 Getting the Life-Changing Phone Call

10:10 Starting Her First Role at M&S

11:40 Learning the Power of Supportive Managers

13:00 Climbing from Admin to Team Leader

14:35 Reclaiming the Word “Ambitious”

16:00 How M&S Feels Like Family

17:20 Seeking Mentors & Giving Back

18:45 Imposter Syndrome & Belonging

20:00 Falling into Payroll — and Loving It

21:15 Why Empathy Matters When Handling Pay

23:10 From Post Room to Payroll Lead

24:30 Kayte’s Duvet Flip — Personal Pride & Identity

Episode Partners

M&S

M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.

https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Kate Goolnik is a Food Business Graduate at Marks & Spencer with a passion for how food gets from supplier to shelf. From night shifts in nightclubs to store openings and sandwich logistics, Kate’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and drive.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:48 Starting Out in Nightclubs During Uni

2:15 Learning to Work With Different People

3:20 The Supermarket Fascination

4:30 From Store Launch to Grad Scheme

6:10 Finding a Sponsor Who Opened Doors

7:55 “It’s Okay Not to Know” — Career Advice

9:40 Why M&S Just Felt Right

11:05 Primary School Doubts & Dyslexia Discovery

12:55 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

14:30 Learning to Flip Your Mindset

15:40 Why Kate Loves M&S Culture

17:10 The Great Sandwich Challenge — A Lesson in Resilience

19:00 Learning from Mistakes and Supporting Others

20:20 Kate’s Duvet Flip — Why She Gets Up Every Day

Episode Partners

M&S

M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.

https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Alice Grennan is a Fashion, Home & Beauty Product Graduate at Marks & Spencer, where she’s building a multifaceted retail career. From lava flows to sustainable fashion, Alice’s squiggly career path is powered by passion, resilience, and confidence.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:48 Alice’s First Job at 13 — The £5 Paper Round

2:05 Hustling for Hospitality Roles

3:15 How Early Jobs Built Resilience

4:30 From Geography to Fashion — A Career Reroute

6:10 Falling in Love with Sustainable Style

7:45 Choosing M&S Over Another Grad Job

9:15 What It’s Like Working in Retail Over Christmas

11:00 From Shop Floor to Head Office — Seeing It All

12:40 Why Every Grad Should Start in Store

14:05 The Power of Rotations at M&S

15:45 Marketing, Buying & Plan A — Her Favourite Roles

18:00 Learning from Mentors, Leaders & Experience

19:30 Building Confidence in the Corporate World

21:00 Alice’s Duvet Flip — Why She Shows Up Every Day

Episode Partners

M&S

M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.

https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Jhorvis Tyrell is a Warehouse Operative at Marks & Spencer who started through the Prince’s Trust programme. From overcoming nerves to becoming a confident team player, he’s passionate about helping customers get their orders on time — every time.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:50 Meeting M&S Through the Prince’s Trust

1:45 First Impressions of the Warehouse

2:30 How Jhorvis Handled His Nerves

3:15 Becoming a Picker — What the Role Involves

4:40 Confidence, Colleagues & Community

6:00 “Don’t Give Up” — Advice for Job Seekers

7:15 Supporting His Mum Through Work

8:20 Learning Automation Skills

9:45 Why M&S Feels Like a Family

11:00 What It’s Like Working in the Warehouse

12:20 Favourite Roles: Picking vs Automation

13:30 Helping New Starters Succeed

14:30 Jhorvis’ Duvet Flip — Why He Gets Up Each Day

16:00 Final Thoughts on Confidence, Mentors & Pride in the Job

Episode Partners

M&S

M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.

https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Tom Coltman is a Store Manager at Marks & Spencer, having risen through the ranks from work experience to leadership in just seven years. He's passionate about building confidence, resilience, and opportunities for the next generation of retail leaders.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

1:21 Tom’s First Job — From College to Retail

3:10 Finding Confidence on the Shop Floor

5:05 Climbing the M&S Ladder

7:00 Stepping Up During a Christmas Crisis

9:15 What Makes a Great Manager

11:05 Role Models & Lessons in Leadership

13:12 How Empathy Built My Career

15:05 Why M&S is More Than Just Retail

17:22 Managing Stress & Staying Calm

19:00 Helping the Next Generation Flip the Duvet

21:15 Tom’s Duvet Flip — What Gets Him Up Every Day

23:00 Final Reflections & Words of Advice

Episode Partners

M&S

M&S is a trusted global retailer, committed to quality, value, and innovation. For over a century, it has set industry standards by doing the right thing and embracing change. With 65,000 colleagues serving 32 million customers worldwide, M&S places quality at the heart of everything it does.

https://bit.ly/4mVHfLO

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Jane Mustoe is Director of Technology at Tesco, where she leads teams focused on enabling functions and driving innovation through cutting-edge tech. With a background spanning financial services and retail, she’s passionate about building products that truly connect with customers.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:46 Meet the Director of Technology at Tesco

1:51 Jane’s First Job & Early Lessons

3:45 How Orchestras Taught Her to Lead Tech Teams

5:36 Why Jane Chose Tech (Even in the Green-Screen Era)

6:59 Product Obsession: Where Tech Meets Design

7:44 Breaking into Tech as a Woman – Then and Now

10:49 How to Stay in Control of Your Career

12:15 Jane’s Roles in Tech: Then vs. Now

14:45 Tesco’s Four Tech Families Explained

16:01 Why Jane Still Chooses Product Today

16:54 Is AI Making Better Technologists?

18:06 From Finance to Retail: Making the Career Leap

19:50 Signs It’s Time to Make a Career Move

20:55 Why Retail — and Why Tesco

22:06 How to Stand Out When Applying to Tesco

24:31 Tesco’s Culture of Realness & Opportunity

26:03 What Makes Jane Happy at Tesco

27:35 What Her 1,400-Person Tech Team Actually Builds

29:11 Innovation Labs: From Idea to Store in Weeks

31:00 Frictionless Shopping & the Future of Retail

32:45 AI, Apps & Accessible Innovation

34:28 The One Trait Behind a Great Tech Career

35:08 Jane’s Duvet Flip: Why She Gets Out of Bed

Episode Partners

Hg Foundation

Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.

https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Nicola Green is the Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, where she leads all internal and external communications, brand PR, and public affairs. With over two decades of experience, she’s a driving force behind major industry campaigns and a passionate advocate for building trust through authentic communication.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:43 Meet Nicola Green: Role at Virgin Media O2

1:18 Paper rounds and the power of early graft

2:30 Building confidence through work, not textbooks

3:49 The teacher who fuelled Nicola’s drive

5:08 The impact of setbacks and self-belief

6:35 Balancing hard graft and glass-half-full mindset

8:00 Learning from the hard parts of the job

9:42 Internal vs external comms: what Nicola learned

11:01 Helping others see the opportunity

12:31 Why mentors matter (and when to move on)

13:53 The fearlessness of youth vs corporate caution

15:16 The 6-letter hustle that unlocked her career

17:04 Staying curious in the boardroom

19:01 Bringing the customer into every conversation

20:12 18 years at O2: from startup spirit to industry impact

22:41 From iPhone launches to Beyoncé at The O2

24:45 Why you don’t need to know tech to work in telco

26:03 Writing is still a superpower

27:47 How AI helps — and hinders — comms

30:00 AI as a starting point, not a solution

32:58 Daisy AI: Using tech for good

34:00 Will AI replace comms jobs? Nicola’s view

36:16 The three life lessons Nicola lives by

37:30 Why connections are your career currency

38:20 Nicola’s duvet flip: enjoying the work, being a role model

Episode Partners

Hg Foundation

Together with The Hg Foundation, we’re on a mission to motivate and inspire young people like you to explore, or even start a career in technology through inspirational talks from industry.

https://bit.ly/4mwzRGs

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/