January 23, 2026
Sophie Milliken MBE: From Longbenton to Windsor Castle
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">In this week's episode of Geordie Pride: Voices from the </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">North East</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">, </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">we're</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> joined by Sophie Milliken MBE, and it feels like the perfect conversation to close out </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">what's</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> been a brilliant Season 3.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">Sophie wears many hats. </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">She's</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> the founder and CEO of Moja Group, a personal branding agency based in Newcastle, chairs Smart Works </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">North East</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">, co-founded City Ladies Networking, and sits on the </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">North East</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> Combined Authority Business and Economy Board.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">From starting her career at John Lewis and commuting to London, to building and selling a successful business, starting again, and creating opportunities right here in the North East, Sophie opens up about the realities of ambition, money, independence and confidence, and why community and networking can make all the difference.</span><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> </span><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><strong><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">We chat about:</span><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></strong></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">✨ Wearing lots of hats - and making it all work</span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">💼 Building businesses, selling up, and starting again</span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">🤝 Why your network really matters (and how to find your people)</span><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">💷 Money, </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">independence</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> and the freedom it brings</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">👗 The life-changing work of Smart Works </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">North East</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">🏰 The full story behind Sophie's MBE - from the unexpected email to Windsor Castle</span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">This episode is a powerful reminder of </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">what's</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> possible when you back yourself, work hard, and surround yourself with the right people.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">A fitting final episode to round off Season 3 of Geordie Pride.</span><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> <br /> <br /></span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0" role="heading" aria-level= "2"><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang= "EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="heading 2">🎧 <strong>About </strong></span><strong><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle= "heading 2">Sophie Milliken</span></strong></span> <strong><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":299,"335559739":299}"> MBE</span></strong></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">Sophie Milliken MBE is the founder and CEO of Moja Group, where she helps entrepreneurs and executives raise their profiles and become </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">recognised</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> authorities in their industries.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">A multi award-winning </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">businesswoman</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">, proud mum, and passionate advocate for the </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">North East</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">, Sophie is the co-founder of City Ladies Networking, hosting events in Newcastle, </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">London</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> and Paris. She also chairs Smart Works Newcastle, where she has doubled the number of unemployed women supported with interview coaching and clothing, and is </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">a Founding</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> Ambassador for Every Child Needs a Mentor.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">Sophie serves on the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">North East</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> Combined Authority Business and Economy Board and is a Non-Executive Director at the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">North East</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> Business and Innovation Centre.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">She hosts the hit podcast Beyond the Bio, and her third book, From Unknown to </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">Unforgettable</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> is out now. She was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to business and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">education</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0" role="heading" aria-level= "3"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">🌐 <strong>Connect with Sophie</strong></span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">📘 </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">Sophie's new book:</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> </span><a class= "Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href="https://rb.gy/bqq137" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">https://rb.gy/bqq137</span></a><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">🎤 </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">TEDx Talk – </span><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">The Truth Behind </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">The</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> Showreel</span></span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woZ_d3WTtR4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woZ_d3WTtR4</span></a><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">💼 </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">LinkedIn:</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> </span><a class= "Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href= "http://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken</span></a><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">🐦 </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">X / Twitter:</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> </span><a class= "Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href="https://x.com/Moja_Sophie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">https://x.com/Moja_Sophie</span></a><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">📸 </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">Instagram:</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> </span><a class= "Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href= "https://www.instagram.com/moja_sophie/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">https://www.instagram.com/moja_sophie/</span></a><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">🌍 </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">Websites:</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> </span><a class= "Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href="https://thisismoja.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">https://thisismoja.com</span></a><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> </span><span class= "LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "SCXW23073570 BCX0"> </span><br class= "SCXW23073570 BCX0" /></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href="https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk</span></a><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "SCXW23073570 BCX0"> </span><br class= "SCXW23073570 BCX0" /></span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><strong><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">🌍 </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">More from Geordie Pride:</span><span class="EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></strong></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> 🎧 Website: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href= "https://www.geordiepride.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">www.geordiepride.co.uk</span></a><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> 📺 YouTube: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwqLKLmpFMu6E1lmVzcY2YA" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">Geordie Pride Channel</span></a><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> 📸 Instagram: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href= "https://www.instagram.com/geordiepride/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">@geordiepride</span></a><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> 💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: </span><a class= "Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href= "https://www.geordiepride.co.uk/apply" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">geordiepride.co.uk/apply</span></a><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "TextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0"> 📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the </span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">North East</span><span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0">: </span></span><a class= "Hyperlink SCXW23073570 BCX0" href= "mailto:geordiepridepod@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle= "Hyperlink">geordiepridepod@gmail.com</span></a><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW23073570 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW23073570 BCX0"><span class= "EOP SCXW23073570 BCX0" data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> </div>