Ian Adams MBE’s career has taken him from the BBC to the NHS, local government and the charity sector, working on everything from the digital TV switchover to major changes in public services. Alongside his day job, he spent 20 years as a Westminster councillor, served as Lord Mayor of Westminster and has dedicated much of his time to charities supporting young people and people experiencing homelessness. In this episode, Ian joins Dan Taylor to look back at the opportunities and unexpected turns that shaped his career. They talk about what it really takes to make change happen, why listening to the people affected by it matters, and the importance of giving back. Ian also shares his thoughts on social mobility, building a career with purpose and why your next move doesn’t always have to be a step up – sometimes moving sideways can take you somewhere you never expected.

What happens when the career you planned isn’t the career you end up having?

Ian Pryce never expected to work in further education. After starting out in finance, his career took him into college leadership, where he spent 26 years as Principal and Chief Executive of Bedford College and later the Bedford College Group.

In the final episode of Season 3 of Inspiring Working Lives, Ian looks back on the twists and turns that shaped his career, from his working-class upbringing and first-generation university experience to his journey into leadership.

He also shares why education and social mobility have remained such important parts of his work, and the lessons he’s picked up along the way.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, Dan Taylor sits down with Megan Karnes, founder of HoardingUK, to explore the realities of hoarding, mental health and the power of turning lived experience into meaningful change.

Megan shares her journey from volunteering in the mental health sector to establishing HoardingUK from her living room, building a national organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by hoarding behaviours and challenging common misconceptions along the way.

Tune in to hear:
• How a career in mental health led Megan to found HoardingUK
• Why hoarding is about far more than clutter
• The challenges of changing perceptions and reducing stigma
• The importance of compassion, understanding and support
• Lessons from building an organisation with purpose and impact