Economics is more than numbers and theories - it’s about the questions we ask and the stories we tell.

In this episode, Karen Ward shares her journey into economics, proving that a passion for understanding the world can open doors you never expected.

Karen is the Managing Director and Chief Market Strategist for EMEA at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Before that, she worked at HSBC’s Investment Bank, contributed to key economic research on global trends, and advised the UK government on major financial decisions.

But she didn’t start with a master plan. Her career was built on taking opportunities, asking questions, and embracing new challenges. That mindset, combined with storytelling skills, helped her stand out in competitive spaces, from job interviews to high-level economic discussions.

In this episode, we cover:

• How 2 new grads stood out among 900 applicants, and how you can too.
• What makes a great economist and why it’s not always about the data.
• How a random summer job can make you infinitely more employable.
• The simple way teachers can engage students in economics.
• One way to get your foot in the door at any company - and it’s not about who you know.
• Why a CV full of A-stars and distinctions could hold you back.
• The one thing to admit during an interview that can set you apart.

Whether you're a student considering your future or a teacher guiding the next generation, Karen’s journey is proof that economics isn’t just something you study - it’s something you experience, question, and shape.

LEARN MORE

J.P. Morgan Asset Management - https://am.jpmorgan.com/gb/en/asset-management/adv/bios/karen-ward/
Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk

LISTEN

How Did I Get Here? from Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk/podcast Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ymip1H9Tpy5kBInSEJrUz?si=4b4013bcadd24a14 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-did-i-get-here-from-discover-economics/id1557268390

What if you could shape the future of economics without a traditional university degree? Apprenticeships are unlocking new pathways for the next generation of economists.

In this episode, we sit down with a dynamic group from the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre (Research and Economic Analysis for the Long-Term), which provides independent research to help shape the future of health and social care.

Our guests include Hannah-Rose Douglas (Assistant Director), Ann Raymond (Economist), Zeyad Issa (Economist), George Stevenson (Apprentice), and Ashley Fernando (Apprentice).

Together, we discuss their unique journeys into economics, the value of apprenticeships, and how that diversity strengthens decision-making in the field.

Whether you’re a student, educator, or career changer, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about how to enter a career in economics - and its real-world impact.

In this episode, we cover:

Why traditional university routes aren’t the only option.

• The hidden value of bringing young apprentices to the table.
• The role of economics beyond profit - how it influences social policy, healthcare, and inequality.
• How apprentices are busting the ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ myth.
• ‘Why is no one asking this question?’
• The unexpected skills that might put off some students, but attract others.
• What are the prospects of having a career in economics?
• Why economics is a good choice for people with neurodiversity.

The future of economics should reflect the diversity of the world it serves. Tune in to hear how these economists and apprentices are helping to open doors for the next generation.

LEARN MORE

The Health Foundation’s REAL Centre https://www.health.org.uk/about-the-real-centre

Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk

LISTEN

How Did I Get Here? from Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk/podcast

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ymip1H9Tpy5kBInSEJrUz?si=4b4013bcadd24a14

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-did-i-get-here-from-discover-economics/id1557268390

From public policy to the price of your morning coffee, economics is everywhere—but who gets to shape it?

In this episode, we’re joined by Stephanie Flanders, one of the most influential voices in economic journalism, to explore the many ways economics shapes the world—and how we can make the field more diverse and inclusive.

Stephanie Flanders is the Senior Executive Editor for Economics at Bloomberg and the head of Bloomberg Economics. Previously, she was the BBC’s Economics Editor, Chief Market Strategist for Europe at JP Morgan, and an advisor to the US Treasury. She’s spent her career breaking down complex economic issues and making them accessible to the public.

But how did she get there? And what does she think needs to change in economics today?

If you're a student, teacher, or just someone curious about the world, this episode will give you fresh insights into the power of economics and why it needs a broader range of voices.

In this episode, we cover:

The importance of understanding economics beyond financial markets.

• How economic decisions impact everything—from transport to diversity in the workplace.
• The role of women in economics and why the gender gap still exists.
• Why broadening the economics pipeline is key to inclusion.
• The surprising connections between economics, accessibility, and disability rights.
• How the media shapes public understanding of economics—and why clear explanations matter.
• Advice for students and teachers on making economics more approachable.

The future of economics should be as diverse as the world it impacts—tune in to hear how Stephanie Flanders is helping to shape the conversation.

LEARN MORE

Stephanie Flanders - https://x.com/MyStephanomics

Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk

LISTEN

How Did I Get Here? from Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk/podcast

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ymip1H9Tpy5kBInSEJrUz?si=4b4013bcadd24a14

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-did-i-get-here-from-discover-economics/id1557268390