Working Class to World Class
Hello! My name is Lynn Lester and the purpose of my podcast is to celebrate the dreamers, the fighters and the underdogs who despite coming from ordinary backgrounds, went on to achieve extraordinary success. It is my mission to help inspire people, no matter where they stand in society, to keep thinking big and to never give up. As Jim Kerr of Simple Minds told me ”Sometimes your disadvantages are actually forming advantages that you find a way to use later in life”.
Episodes

Monday Jan 16, 2023
From a factory in Kings Langley to a king of punk rock, with Frank Carter
Monday Jan 16, 2023
Monday Jan 16, 2023
This is the story of Frank Carter, lead singer of The Rattlesnakes, who talks me through growing up as a little boy who knew he was different, happy to stay under the radar at school. Now he is a punk star sensation, who owns that stage as he entertains tens of thousands of ‘his people’.

Tuesday Jan 10, 2023
From the heart of the Amazon to stardom of marketing, with Fernando Machado
Tuesday Jan 10, 2023
Tuesday Jan 10, 2023
It gives me great pleasure to share the inspiring story of one of the most famous chief marketing officers in the world.
Fernando Machado talks candidly of an army family lifestyle and what it was like living in the Amazon.

Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
This week, join me for a truly fascinating episode with Chatri Sityodtong, founder of ONE Championship, Asia's largest global sports media property. Hear from Chatri about his early life and how many of the challenges he faced growing up, have provided the motivation for the huge success he enjoys today.

Monday Dec 05, 2022
From schoolgirl dreamer to global digital leader, with Debbie Ellison
Monday Dec 05, 2022
Monday Dec 05, 2022
For this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of spending time with a lady who is proof that no matter what your background, no matter how much the odds are stacked against you, you can challenge expectations and achieve great things. Hear from Debbie as she talks about her journey to success as Global Chief Digital Officer for one of the world’s largest marketing groups, helping some of the biggest brands and businesses on their digital transformation strategies and advising retailers on the latest innovation and tech.

Monday Nov 28, 2022
From a North Manchester lad to a digital master and mentor, with Phil Jones
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Monday Nov 28, 2022
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the ever inspiring Phil Jones, someone who I not only admire but have known for many years. From hearing about life growing up in Manchester to how the working class values that were instilled in him, have informed and shaped a highly successful career at the forefront of digital marketing. Phil is also founder of the industry leading Podge events.

Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
From a council estate to a creative legend, with Dave Trott
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
Who knew that the young boy from the rough streets of East End London, would go on to be one of the most celebrated creatives in the world? A truly inspiring chat with Dave Trott, the brilliant mind behind many of the worlds most legendary, iconic advertising campaigns.

Monday Nov 14, 2022
Monday Nov 14, 2022
Join me as I talk with the inspiring and charming Dame Mary Perkins, Co-Founder of Specsavers. Hear how her working class roots helped her to challenge convention to build one of the biggest and respected businesses across the world!

Sunday Nov 06, 2022
From the streets of Glasgow to global stardom with Jim Kerr
Sunday Nov 06, 2022
Sunday Nov 06, 2022
In this episode, I was privileged to talk with Jim Kerr about his childhood growing up in the gritty suburbs of Glasgow. He shares not only some of the challenges he faced in his journey to success but also how he used them to his advantage.

Saturday Oct 29, 2022
From the banks of River Clyde to a super yacht in Cannes with Rankin
Saturday Oct 29, 2022
Saturday Oct 29, 2022
In this first episode I was lucky and privileged to meet Rankin, one of the world’s most renowned photographers and cultural icons. He opens up about the working class values his parents instilled in him as a child, and how it has helped drive his life and career. A big thank you goes to Calvin and The Drum for filming the first ever episode.

About me
I'm Lynn Lester and despite being brought up in one of Glasgow's toughest neighbourhoods, orphaned at a young age, and having faced many challenges along the way, I feel utterly grateful every single day.
Through a combination of luck, hard graft and karma, I am fortunate to have been able to achieve success in the media, marketing and technology sectors.
I pinch myself when I travel the world, to host and present awards, TV shows, and events with some of the world's biggest companies. I have benefited from a career that a wee girl from Clydebank could never even have imagined, and this series is my way of helping others in their own journey to success.
But no matter where I go or what I do, I never forget where I came from.

About my guests
This series celebrates people who have come from humble backgrounds, and defied all odds to achieve success in their respective fields. From music to sporting heroes, from high profile business leaders to entrepreneurs, from overnight successes to those who have achieved their ambitions over time. Each episode features an inspirational guest whose insights, learnings and lessons will be invaluable to anyone looking to achieve their own dreams.