Inspire the next generation

Show them there’s more than one way into work they’ll love

70% of jobs are never advertised.

Yet most young people spend their energy competing for the same over-subscribed roles, filtered out by AI screening systems before a person even reads their name.

With application numbers at an all-time high, there’s never been a better time to learn how to find the opportunities they won’t see online.

Welcome to the Side Door

A more human route from education into work.

Whether a keynote, interactive Q&A or small-group workshop, your audience will leave with:

01 Insider Knowledge

An understanding of the Side Door approach and how to find hidden jobs.

02 Clarity

A direction worth exploring to get clearer on the kind of work they’ll love.

03 Confidence

A tiny experiment they can run now, to gain feedback and self-trust.

04 Connection

A simple way to connect with someone they admire and build their network.

Trusted by

“A huge thank you for delivering such an engaging presentation today - so many of the businesses and students said to me that it was brilliant.”

— Meryl C, Early Careers & Employer Partnerships

Choose your Format

Pick the set-up that’s right for your audience. All formats are designed to feel like a conversation, not a lecture.

The Keynote

Perfect for larger audiences + mixed year groups.

  • 30 min talk

  • 20 min Q&A

  • 50+ attendees

Interactive Q&A

Perfect for engaged audiences aged 17+.

  • 40 min Q&A

  • 20 min post-event mingling

  • <50 attendees

Group Workshop

Perfect for small groups actively applying for work.

  • 45 min hands-on workshop

  • 15 min post-event mingling

  • <30 attendees

Meet Sally

aka ‘Captain Sunshine Pants’

A woman with dark blonde hair styled in a ponytail, laughing and looking to the side, standing against a blue brick wall. She is wearing a navy sleeveless top with a zipper and a chunky silver necklace.

Find me on LinkedIn - let’s connect!

When I graduated from Oxford with an English degree, I didn’t think I’d end up in tech. It was a series of Side Doors that led me there.

I spent 15+ years leading global teams at companies like Amazon and Blinkist. I didn’t get a single one of those roles by applying online. I used a different route - a more human route - to find work I was uniquely suited for.

Now I teach young people to do the same.

Expect high energy, optimistic realism and practical take-aways.

  • “I’ve been to a lot of careers talks and workshops recently, and yours was by far the most useful.”

    — Adrian | workshop

  • "Very well explained and Sally Marnan’s energy was electric. Very empowering!"

    — Joe | keynote

  • "This was exactly what I needed today. It felt like a hug.”

    — Zara | workshop

  • “Your talk was really insightful and also really reassuring to see how transferable the experience of making connections is.”

    — Alfie | keynote

  • “I loved your workshop today and was super inspired by your delivery style! I can see just how meaningful your work is and the difference it makes in their lives.”

    — Nicky | workshop

  • “I just wanted to say thank you so much for the talk. It really inspired to more confident and search out for things that may not be in front of me and try new things."

    — Victoria | keynote

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Keynote is suitable for all secondary students and beyond, although it tends to land best with Year 9+. The interactive Q&A and workshop are best suited to A-level, undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Absolutely! This is not about extroverted Networking, but making 1:1 connections based on shared interests. The confidence-building toolkit is especially good for those with ADHD.

  • For every speaking and workshop event, I invite contributions to the Side Door Volunteer Fund, giving Career Launchpad access to a young person who can’t afford it. Please book a call for more details.

  • Yes. I recommend starting with The Keynote or Interactive Q&A and taking sign-ups for follow-up small group workshops.

  • The audience leaves with the belief and resources to take an active role in building their career, rather than relying solely on online applications.

  • Book an introductory call with Sally here. We’ll discuss your specific needs and goals to tailor the perfect solution.