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Turning uncertainty into opportunity: How Peter Wood’s Graduate Guide podcast inspires career clarity and success
In today’s feature, we look at the story of Peter Wood, Founder and CEO of The Graduate Guide podcast. Using his former work experience, Peter has managed to form a unique podcast aiming to teach and deliver value to anyone who feels lost or confused in their career journey.
Under his guidance, The Graduate Guide has had over 75 episodes with, Founders, CEO’s and senior managers who have all paved their way and know what it takes to become a successful business person.
How did your entrepreneurial journey begin?
My entrepreneurial journey took flight after graduating from UCL in September last year. Unsure about the conventional career paths pursued by my peers, I embarked on a quest to carve my own niche. Inspired by the power of personal initiative, I began interviewing accomplished individuals on the podcast that I founded, called "The Graduate Guide", seeking guidance and insights. The podcast gained traction, and the power of LinkedIn was made clear to me, by messaging many successful people, some accepted, attracting notable guests like the managing director of Google, affirming the potential of the podcast.
Simultaneously, I ventured into startup endeavours, including a premium water company and a role at a blockchain education firm. Through organising global events for the latter, I honed my skills and envisioned scaling my own business. This journey led to the formation of our parent company, Huzzle, where we collaborate with businesses to amplify their brand through podcast episodes, fostering sales opportunities.
On top of that, I worked as head of events for a blockchain education company called EasyA, putting on hackathons and networking events, and the skills taken away from these have come in handy in my own businesses.
Would really recommend to check out The Graduate Guide podcast with a top recommendation for the episode posted the other day with Siddhi Mital, the Co-Founder of Yhangry
Why a Podcast and what makes The Graduate Guide unique?
When considering starting a podcast or evaluating its potential for success, I emphasise the importance of having a clear purpose beyond vanity metrics. For me, the true value of podcasting lies in the opportunity to engage with individuals I wouldn't otherwise have access to. It's about connecting with people and exploring topics that genuinely interest me.
Early on, I realised the power of embracing my youthful enthusiasm and reaching out to potential guests, even if it meant facing rejection. LinkedIn is unlike any other social media platform in the sense that you can send as many messages as you please, without feeling ashamed. While many declined due to time constraints, I remained undeterred, focusing on the positive responses I received. This mindset helped me navigate the initial challenges of podcasting without being discouraged.
In a world where starting out can be daunting, especially in today's job market, taking initiative and hustling is essential. Podcasting provided me with a platform to learn from industry experts and share valuable insights with others. It's about seizing opportunities and embracing the journey, regardless of initial setbacks.
For aspiring entrepreneurs out there, one of the biggest questions they'll have is, how and where did you come up with the idea?
The idea for the podcast struck me during a casual conversation at a pub, where I noticed a gap in the market for a podcast catering to individuals like myself. Feeling confident in my ability to connect with people, I decided to create a platform focused on career-related discussions.
Transitioning from the idea phase to actual podcasting proved challenging as I encountered unfamiliarity with facing a camera and microphone. Despite initial setbacks, I persisted, learning that mastery takes time and collaboration with familiar faces helped ease the process. Balancing podcasting with university studies and launching a startup was demanding but fuelled my productivity, revealing my passion for the medium and prompting me to prioritise it alongside my academic pursuits.
Why is LinkedIn so important for young ambitious entrepreneurs and why there is no need to feel cringe about using it?
LinkedIn offers a unique platform for career growth and networking, yet its benefits may not be immediately apparent to newcomers. Initially perceived as a space for successful individuals congratulating each other, it can feel overwhelming for students or those new to the workforce. However, a shift in perspective reveals its true value as a tool for professional connection and outreach.
Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn provides a targeted environment where users actively seek career-related content and opportunities. By recognising this niche audience and tailoring content accordingly, individuals can effectively engage with their desired demographic. This targeted approach, coupled with the platform's scarcity of content compared to other social media platforms, provides an opportunity for individuals to stand out and build their personal brand.
While at first, you may find yourself cringing at the messages you send, there is no reason to. LinkedIn is like no other social media platform, it is not like sending 100 Instagram DMs or 70 matches on Tinder! There’s something about having a career in business that I think you just need to think that nobody’s going to think badly of you for hustling a bit.
The way I like to see it, is if you go on LinkedIn, you have a similar opportunity as walking into the office of a major corporation and speaking directly to the CEO. You may get ignored, but the times when you don't present at very minimum the opportunity to have an interaction with a very successful individual and try and absorb as much of the learnings as possible.
Peter did a fantastic post on LinkedIn the other day discussing this very topic of overcoming cringe on LinkedIn. You can check the post out here.
Interviewing some very well recognised individuals, is there anyone on your podcast that has stood out?
One pivotal moment for me occurred during an interview with Sam Hörbye, the founder of Olsam. While he may not be the most renowned guest, his insights profoundly impacted my perspective on entrepreneurship. Having previously encountered narratives that portrayed entrepreneurship as daunting and unattainable, Sam's approach was refreshingly different. He emphasised the importance of enjoying the entrepreneurial journey rather than solely focusing on the end goal. This resonated with me deeply, as it highlighted the balance between hard work and personal fulfilment.
Sam's perspective shifted my mindset towards prioritising happiness and personal freedom alongside business success. His encouragement to find joy in the journey and not sacrifice one's well-being for the sake of a business struck a chord with me. This newfound outlook empowered me to embrace entrepreneurship with enthusiasm and a renewed sense of purpose, recognising that true success encompasses both professional achievement and personal fulfilment.
Where do you see yourself and the podcast in the next couple of years?
The current situation is a bit chaotic, and while I can't delve into specifics, it's remarkable how The Graduate Guide, initially not envisioned as a career in business, has evolved into a significant player in addressing the challenges of early career recruitment. With the pandemic exacerbating job market issues, there's a growing recognition of the importance of authentic solutions in this space. The authenticity of our approach, along with the talented team at Huzzle, has positioned us as notable players in a relatively under-explored niche.
Now, as opportunities to collaborate with various companies arise, there's a newfound need to discern between what aligns with our vision and what doesn't. It's not merely about the financial aspect but about staying true to our mission of revolutionising student perspectives on careers. This involves making careers more accessible and appealing from an early stage, challenging the traditional cycle of university to grad scheme applications.
While navigating investment opportunities and partnerships, the excitement and commitment to scaling The Graduate Guide internationally and continuing our events are palpable. It's a surreal journey from its humble beginnings to potentially defining the next five years of my career, a testament to the unforeseen paths entrepreneurship can take.
What challenges have you faced thus far on your entrepreneurial journey?
Building The Graduate Guide has been a unique journey into entrepreneurship, characterised by minimal costs and the absence of traditional business structures. While it hasn't been easy, acknowledging the challenges faced by other companies, it's been an incredible learning experience post-university.
However, the lack of benchmarks and stable income adds a layer of uncertainty to daily operations.
Despite the absence of glitz and glamour, I view this phase as a self-created "Master's" program, where every day brings new lessons in business and personal growth. The Graduate Guide was born from a simple pub idea and has the potential to shape my entire career trajectory. It's been a surreal and sometimes daunting experience, but ultimately, it's a testament to the value of taking risks and forging one's path in entrepreneurship.
A great read that delves into this very topic of the challenges of entrepreneurship, but gives the top tips on how to embrace it is "The Entrepreneurial Revolution" by Daniel Priestly.
To all the aspiring entrepreneurs, would recommend you give this one a read!
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who maybe haven’t found their passion yet?
Navigating post-graduation life can be challenging, as the pressure to find one's calling or passion sets in quickly. However, I believe it's never too late to explore new paths or redefine one's career trajectory. That's why initiatives like The Graduate Guide aim to reach younger audiences, encouraging them to explore their interests early on and avoid feeling lost later in their careers.
My advice to graduates is to recognise that they're still young and there's no rush to have everything figured out immediately. Taking unconventional paths, such as a gap year or pursuing non-traditional jobs, can be incredibly formative and valuable experiences. It's essential to remain open to various opportunities and not feel paralysed by the fear of making the wrong choice. Ultimately, there are countless directions one can take in life and career, and embracing flexibility and exploration is key to finding fulfilment.
Lastly, what is a podcast you would recommend that had a significant positive impact on you?
It's got to be the one I mentioned earlier, the one with Sam Hörbye, the Co-Founder of Olsam.
Just to give the readers a preview, myself and Sam discussed navigating no’s and saying goodbye to structure, when to take the plunge as well as so much more so would really encourage them all to check it out.
A huge thank you to Peter Wood for sharing his time with us and providing a fascinating insight into his journey from an unsure university student to the CEO of a leading podcast teaching people who were in a similar position he once was.
We hope this interview has inspired you as much as it has inspired us. Now, we’d love to hear from you! Please let us know what you thought of the interview and leave your comments below on other guests you would like to see featured in this series.
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