Member Article

Inspiring podcast duo join North young enterprise charity

A charity giving North East youngsters the bug for business has welcomed two inspirational podcasters to its board of trustees.

The PIE Project Charity, devoted to helping stir-up the region’s once legendary entrepreneurial spirit in schoolchildren, has recruited business leaders Michelle Minnikin and James Eves into its ranks.

Chartered psychologist Michelle and her business partner James together run the successful Newcastle consultancy Insights Business Psychology, helping businesses get the best from their people, and people get the best from their careers.

But they are perhaps best known for their weekly podcast Inspiration North, which uses in-their-own-words inspiring stories from inspirational people to help others take action to live happier, more fulfilling lives.

PIE, which stands for Primary Inspiration through Enterprise, started in 2013 as the brainchild of four schools in Walker who started their own shop as a way to teach pupils about work and business.

Since then, the annual Big PIE Challenge, which awards £2,000 to the school with the best enterprising idea, has touched the lives of more than 3,000 youngsters in 50 schools.

By bringing schools, parents and businesses together, PIE helps young people as young as six start learning skills and get enthusiasm for the world of work through real-life experience. Over the years the project has extended its breadth and depth to incorporate a range of activities including engineering, art, and coding.

Its patron is renowned Ashington businessman and former chairman of Newcastle United Sir John Hall.

Said James: “I first got involved with the PIE Project as one of its volunteer PIE’oneer facilitators and it’s great fun. It brings the whole community together for a common purpose and is helping platform the North East as a truly committed region investing in its future generations.”

Michelle added: “Both James and I are delighted to take up roles as trustees for this great charity. I am passionate about the science of work and careers and helping people fulfil their potential in a positive, practical, simple and fun way. You’re never too young to start.”

Ammar Mirza CBE, Chair of PIE said: “Michelle and James’ passion for people, inspiring them, getting the best out of them and making them happier and more productive shines through in their work. Their skills are perfect to drive forward the aims of PIE, which is to connect education and the world of work, enabling young people to develop the knowledge, attitudes and enterprise skills they need to succeed.”

For more information about PIE’s work and programmes, the Big PIE Challenge, participating or making a donation visit www.pieproject.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Keith Newman .