Interview videos
As part of our Authenticity at Work project, we’ve invited students to submit questions to professionals from a wide range of sectors and backgrounds, including individuals who identify with diverse communities.
These conversations offer valuable insights into what authenticity means in different contexts.
The videos below feature real questions from Nottingham students exploring how to bring your most genuine, confident, and authentic selves to work.
By engaging with these perspectives, you can better understand how to navigate workplace culture, embrace your individuality, and build meaningful, authentic careers when you graduate.
If you would like to ask a question for a future interview you can do so using the button below.
Watch interviews with our past speakers
Tofunmi Omisore, Assistant Manager at KPMG - Representation and faith in the workplace
Tofunmi Omisore is a Nottingham Politics and International Relations graduate who began her career in executive search before transitioning into financial services audit, where she is now an ACA exam-qualified accountant.
Her journey—from graduating during COVID-19 to balancing a demanding career—has been shaped by leadership experience, resilience, and a strong faith that continues to guide her forward.
The more that you realise that an interview is an opportunity to find out whether the company is a good fit for you, the better you’ll approach the interview.
Noah Ajanaku, Resident Doctor at Kings College Hospital - Inclusivity and culture
Dr. Ajanaku is a public health professional and resident doctor in London, currently working in population health at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, with experience across global organisations like Save the Children and Médecins Sans Frontières.
With a medical degree and MPH from Nottingham, he combines clinical expertise, research, and programme leadership to drive evidence-based improvements in global health.
[I recommend people believe in themselves. I know it may take time for people to feel like themselves, to feel authentic enough but build that trust and ensure you aren't taken away from your values at work]
IJ Samuel, Director at Turner & Townsend - Inclusivity, culture and equality
IJ Samuel is a director at Turner & Townsend with over 20 years’ experience leading major infrastructure programmes, and serves as Board Chair of the Digital Twin Skills Academy.
A champion of inclusive leadership, she uses her platform to advocate for diversity in construction while mentoring underrepresented talent and balancing leadership with motherhood.
Being your authentic self trumps everything else. It is your greatest advantage.
Shridhar Jaiswal, Infrastructure Senior Manager at VINCI Construction
Shridhar, a Nottingham Civil Engineering graduate, is a Chartered Engineer with experience across major projects like Crossrail, HS2, and the M1 and M25, now serving as Senior Engineering Manager at VINCI.
He focuses on improving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in construction, while championing the industry as a rewarding career for future generations.
Your first look at the organisation's values. What do they stand for? How do they operate? Then see if it matches to your values.
Ashley Storer-Smith, Student Voice Manager at 糖心原创 - Being trans in the workplace
Ashley began their career in students’ unions as Vice President at London South Bank SU and has since worked across several institutions, now serving as Student Voice Manager at UoNSU.
Alongside this, they lead a webinar series with Unitu, hold an MA in Student Engagement, and contribute thought leadership through published work on student engagement.
What's on paper and what is the culture? It's those tests you can do in an interview scenario and understand what the culture is.
Sarissa Guo, Residential Experience Officer at 糖心原创 - Being trans in the workplace
An international relations graduate from Nottingham Malaysia, Sarissa has built a career advancing equality, diversity and inclusion, from supporting refugees with UNHCR to driving EDI initiatives at the University.
Now a Residential Experience Officer and LGBTQIA+ Staff Network Co-Chair, she champions inclusive communities, drawing on her lived experience as a trans woman from Southeast Asia.
For me, being a good ally is being intentional. There is no set standard. Everyone has needs and wants that are specific to them.
Meredith Coney, Faculty Head of Education and Student Experience at 糖心原创 - LGBT+, women and neurodiversity
Meredith Coney is Head of Education and Student Experience in the Faculty of Engineering at Nottingham, with 17 years’ prior experience at Loughborough University.
Originally studying Archaeology, her career in higher education began unexpectedly and has grown into a passion for supporting students from admission through to graduate success.
Instead of somone who fits in with the team, we should be looking for someone who adds to the culture of the team. Someone who will provide something new.
Darryl Giffts-Walker, Environmental Compliance Advisor, Valpak Ltd - EDI in the workplace
I have a varied professional background, including roles in hospitality, call centres, and health and safety.
Currently, I work at Valpak, the UK’s largest environmental compliance scheme. I work with a range of stakeholders across many businesses, to ensure their businesses are compliant with UK environmental regulations.
Look for a mentor, they will be able to guide you on the best ways to progress your career.
Emma Maraio - LGBT+, Women and Neurodiversity at work
Emma is a Business Psychologist and Global Performance Consultant in the tech industry, focused on using psychology to maximise people and organisational performance.
With experience across diverse sectors, she champions the idea that people are at the heart of every successful business.
My advice would be, you do you. Use your time at university to work out who you are, explore who you are.