George Imafidon MBE is a humanitarian engineer, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in STEM. Raised in Peckham, South London, George co-founded and leads Motivez, an award-winning organisation that has empowered over 9,000 underserved young people in the UK to access STEM opportunities. His commitment to social impact earned him the Diana Award in 2019.

In motorsport, George serves as a Race Engineer for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, the Extreme E team founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton. He also contributed to the Hamilton Commission, aiming to increase Black representation in UK motorsport. Recognised for his contributions, George was named the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Young Engineer of the Year in 2022 and received an MBE in 2023 for services to engineering, technology, and young people.

In 2023, George became the Non-Executive Director of Driven By Us, a community interest company co-founded with James Dornor. Driven By Us aims to empower aspiring leaders from ethnic minorities and underserved groups within the automotive and motorsport industries. Under their leadership, the organisation has established the first recognised ethnic minority-led motorsport community within the UK, providing a transformative platform for inclusivity and representation.

About Nina-Jade Paul:

Nina-Jade Paul is a dynamic sports presenter and broadcaster, specializing in motorsport with a particular focus on Formula 1. Represented by Loudspeaker Talent Agency, she is recognised for her assured and energetic on-screen presence, and is considered an emerging talent in the field. Her career has seen her work closely with Ferrari, including serving as a pit lane reporter for the Ferrari Challenge series in the United States. In addition to motorsport, she has a background in football broadcasting, showcasing her versatility and ability to engage audiences across different sports

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Welcome to Season 2 of the Driven By Us Podcast, your backstage pass to the people powering motorsport and the stories that don’t make the headlines. Recorded in our brand new studio with an exciting new line-up of hosts, this season dives deeper into untold journeys, breakthrough moments and honest conversations from across the automotive and motorsport industries.

We’re back because there’s more to learn and more stories to share. Season 1 revealed just how many inspiring stories are out there. Season 2 is our chance to amplify even more of them: real, raw and often emotional experiences from people challenging stereotypes and changing the pace of motorsport.

What's New This Season?

This season, we’re turning up the volume, literally and figuratively. Season 2 of the Driven By Us Podcast arrives with a refreshed format, elevated production quality, and a powerful new line-up of voices from across the motorsport spectrum. We’ve listened to our community and doubled down on what matters most: real stories, real people, and real conversations. Whether you’re a returning listener or tuning in for the first time, get ready for bold perspectives, honest insights, and the kind of energy that only comes from a team driven by purpose.

🎥 New Studio, New Energy

We’ve moved into a brand-new studio space, bringing upgraded visuals and professional sound design into the mix. With 4K camera setups and improved audio, every episode now feels more cinematic, so you can not only hear the stories but experience them in full.

🎙️ New Hosts from the Community

Meet our new voices: Nina-Jade Paul and Shanna Raj. They join returning hosts Debbie Nakakande and Savannah Thomas to form a vibrant, rotating crew of four presenters. Each brings their own background, expertise and personality. From presenting and media to motorsport and community advocacy. Their chemistry, curiosity and fresh perspectives keep every episode dynamic and inclusive.

💬 Even More Authentic Voices

This season, we’ve widened the lens to feature an even broader range of guests, engineers, apprentices, drivers, presenters, media creators and people working in unexpected corners of motorsport. What they all have in common? Passion, perseverance and a story worth hearing. Our guests are not defined by status, but by substance and their journeys are as inspiring as they are real.

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Season Finale! Savannah Thomas, speaks to the phenomenal Ella Podmore MBE, a multi award winning engineer, a distinguished materials engineering manager and a passionate advocate for women in engineering. With over a decade of experience in the materials sector, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in managing complex projects and driving innovation in materials science. Her work has significantly contributed to advancing sustainable practices within the industry, ensuring that her team meets both operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Ella was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), a testament to her dedication to her profession and her community. Beyond her managerial role, she is deeply committed to promoting diversity in engineering. Ella actively mentors young women entering the field and participates in various initiatives aimed at increasing female representation in STEM careers. Through workshops, conferences, and outreach programs, she inspires the next generation of engineers to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, in 2020 she won the IET's Young Woman Engineer of the Year!

Ella's efforts have not only advanced her career but have also fostered a more inclusive and equitable environment within the engineering sector, making her a respected leader and role model for aspiring engineers everywhere.

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Amber Jones speaks to an iconic figure in F1 - Calum Nicholas, a Senior Power Unit Assembly Technician at Red Bull Racing and a renowned pit stop crew member. He holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest tire change and gained fame through the Netflix series Drive to Survive.

Beyond his technical role, Calum advocates for diversity in motorsports via his social media platforms. His contributions to the sport and his championship-winning team underscore his expertise and commitment to excellence in Formula 1.

He shares insights about his journey in motorsport and his role within the team. Calum emphasises the thrill of working with high-performance cars and his passion for continuous learning in the fast-paced world of F1 racing.

Pre Order Calum’s Book Here

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Introducing another rising host part of the Driven By Us Community - Amber Jones speaks this week to Lawrence Barretto a prominent journalist and broadcaster, specialising in Formula 1 coverage. With over 15 years of experience in the field, he has become a key figure in motorsport media. His career took off when he became the lead live text commentator for BBC Sport, covering various sporting events, including the London 2012 Olympics.

Since 2018, Barretto has been working with Formula 1 as a senior writer and editor, later becoming an F1 correspondent and presenter in 2022. He is known for his insightful analysis and engaging interviews with drivers and team members.

His proudest moment is interviewing Michael Schumacher for the first time back in 2012, whilst he was at Mercedes and wasn’t having the best of times in his Formula 1 career. He was Lawrence' hero growing up, so it was a proud moment because he always wanted to meet him as a child.

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Mixing it up! Debbie speaks to Cayana Freeman , an international presenter, fluent in English, German, and French, known for her work with Formula 1, Formula E, and Champions League with Amazon Prime.

Raised in Germany by a Ghanaian father and German mother, she studied international business management and later moved to the UK to pursue her passion for television. She now freelances in London, collaborating on diverse projects across sports, music, and Gen Z culture, with a love for travel, fashion, and fitness.

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Debbie speaking to the legend that is Thandie Sibanda is a dynamic figure in pop culture and motorsports journalism, particularly known for her insightful contributions to Formula 1 coverage. With a rich blend of storytelling and analysis, she engages audiences through social media. Thandie is a co-host of the popular podcast "Quick Stop F1," where she discusses race analysis, F1 news, and the intersection of motorsport with social issues and pop culture.

Thandie has carved a niche in digital journalism, offering nuanced perspectives on culture, diversity, and innovation in her writing for outlets. With a growing presence on social media , where she shares her takes on F1, music and contemporary issues.

Thandie is a rising voice in the world of motorsports and beyond. Her work bridges the gap between the technical aspects of racing and the cultural impact of the sport.

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