In this episode, we explore human skills — communication, teamwork, empathy, creativity, and other so-called “soft skills” — that are proving just as essential as technical and professional knowledge in both everyday life and the workplace. Together with two experienced Award leaders, we discuss how to develop these skills, why they matter, and their impact on personal and professional growth.

This episode opens a wider conversation on human skills.

Guests:

Gabriella Grech is a Bronze, Silver and Gold Award holder from Gibraltar. She works as a secondary school Physics and Maths teacher and volunteers as an Award Leader and Supervisor at a local centre. In 2025, she represented Gibraltar at the International Gold Event and Forum in Nigeria.

John Vincent teaches IGCSE and IB Biology at the Edron Academy in Mexico. He restarted the Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Edron and supports students on their Adventurous Journeys. Prior to Mexico, John worked in Peru for 8 years, running the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the Outdoor Education programme, and teaching Biology.

Mariana Roa is the Award’s Global Advocacy Manager. She built her career representing her home country, Mexico, at the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva - experience that now shapes her work championing the Award at the world stage

Hosted by Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation

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In this episode, we feature three women in leadership positions who are not afraid to take up space and speak up. Tune in to hear their stories, secret techniques for a quick confidence boost, advice on how not to get affected by negativity on social media, and recommendations for inspiration and motivation.

Guests:

Anita Jacoby is the former CEO of ITV Studios Australia and currently chairs the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Advisory Council. She also serves on the boards of Chief Executive Women, Documentary Australia and Women in Media. A Silver Award holder, Anita chairs the Australia Awards Brand Marketing & Communications Committee and is a Trustee of our Foundation.

Vivian Kinya is currently serving as Vice President of the Karatina University Student Governing Council and President of the local International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience community. A Bronze, Silver and Gold Award holder, she trained as a volunteer assessor and now also serves as our International Youth Representative for the Africa region.

Andrea Chakma is a PhD student in Robotics. She serves on the Board of Directors for Girl Guides of Canada, where she leads as Chair of the National Youth Council. She completed her Gold Award in 2022 and was selected to be one of our International Youth Representatives for the Americas.

Hosted by Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation

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Have you ever felt stuck before even starting, looking at a goal that feels too big and overwhelming, and not knowing what the first step should be or feeling scared to take it?

In this episode, we tackle that exact challenge and share practical tools to help you take the first step with clarity and confidence. Together with our guests, we chat about breaking ambitious goals down into manageable actions and using SMART goals to set clear and motivating targets.

You’ll hear real-life examples of turning big ideas into structured plans, staying focused while juggling multiple commitments, and building momentum through consistent progress — plus practical tips you can start using right away.

Guests:

Al-Karim Khimji is Co-Founder and CEO of Propra, a fintech platform reimagining property management. He is also Director of the Shirin Group, overseeing a multi-city hotel portfolio. With over 20 years of experience across real estate, fintech, management consulting, and institutional development, he brings deep expertise in strategy, operations, and asset management. His work reflects a commitment to education, leadership development, and inclusive economic opportunity, alongside a practical ability to translate strategy into delivery. Proud Award holder, Al-Karim is now the Foundation’s Trustee.

Jordan Jans is a youth empowerment advocate and founder of Karsa, a youth-led initiative providing free health access for underserved communities in Indonesia. He is currently studying International Relations while continuing to scale youth-driven community impact. A Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gold Award Holder and International Youth Representative, he is passionate about helping young people turn purpose into action. Through his work, Jordan encourages young people to lead through service and create sustainable impact beyond the Award journey.

Hosted by: Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation

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What happens when you give 1.2 million young people the power to lead their own development? In this pilot episode recorded in Lagos, we unlock the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Moving beyond the 'hiking' stereotype, we discuss how the Award's framework fosters essential, transferable life skills—from machine learning in Nigeria to marine conservation in Bermuda. Discover how non-formal education is shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Guests:

Brianna Simmons, International Youth Representative (2022–2025 cohort) from Bermuda.
Graduated from Roger Williams University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marine Biology and Sustainability, Brianna now works as Marine Mammal Specialist at Dolphin Quest Bermuda.
Brianna grew up around water and loved everything about the ocean and its
creatures, and for her Silver level of the Award, she sailed on a tall ship to conduct research on microplastics found in the ocean.

Emerald Akhaumere, International Youth Representative (2025–2028 cohort) from Nigeria.
Emerald is a trailblazing Nigerian Machine Learning Engineer, educator, and proud holder of both the Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards.
Raised in a community where girls were often discouraged from entering tech, she is now the founder of AfroTechXcel—an initiative that has already empowered over 650 young women across Africa with AI and digital skills

Hosted by: Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation

We continue the conversation about their Award journeys and talk about their experience with the Award sections: Volunteering, Physical Recreation, Skills, and Adventurous Journey.

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What happens when you give 1.2 million young people the power to lead their own development? In this pilot episode recorded in Lagos, we unlock the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Recorded in Lagos during the International Gold Event and Forum, the pilot episode goes beyond the 'hiking' stereotype, exploring how the Award's framework fosters essential, transferable life skills — from machine learning in Nigeria to marine conservation in Bermuda. Discover how non-formal education is shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Guests:

• Brianna Simmons, International Youth Representative (2022–2025 cohort) from Bermuda.
  Graduated from Roger Williams University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marine Biology and Sustainability, Brianna now works as Marine Mammal Specialist at Dolphin Quest Bermuda.
  Brianna grew up around water and loved everything about the ocean and its
  creatures, and for her Silver level of the Award, she sailed on a tall ship to conduct research on microplastics found in the ocean.
• Emerald Akhaumere, International Youth Representative (2025–2028 cohort) from Nigeria.
  Emerald is a trailblazing Nigerian Machine Learning Engineer, educator, and proud holder of both the Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards.
  Raised in a community where girls were often discouraged from entering tech, she is now the founder of AfroTechXcel—an initiative that has already empowered over 650 young women across Africa with AI and digital skills
• Martin Houghton-Brown, Secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation and a proud holder of Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.

Hosted by: Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation

Together, we reflect on their Award journeys and how following personal passions, such as aviation, tech, marine life protection, and music, shaped their experiences within the framework, increased confidence, improved wellbeing, helped find career paths, and strengthened connections with their communities. We discuss the International Youth Representative roles: how they were established and why they are essential for shaping the Award’s future. We also explore the relevance of the Award in a rapidly changing digital world.

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