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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This week Debbie is speaks to Maia Rowe Sampson & Manon Clement - passionate advocates for equality and diversity.

Maia has a background in science research, education and content writing. She became frustrated that the current UK science curriculums did not give students the tools to succeed in real STEM roles, particularly in underrepresented communities, to pursue careers in STEM. Motivated by this realisation, Maia transitioned into a new role, where she could have a broader impact. She now works with AFBE-UK, collaborating on initiatives aimed at engaging young people in Birmingham with motorsport and other STEM opportunities.

Maia has also worked in content creation within the corporate sector, specifically helping large organisations fulfil their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals through thoughtful, impactful content. Her work with a social impact agency allowed her to leverage her communication skills to drive meaningful change, while continuing to focus on education and empowerment.

Manon Clement is a dynamic content creator and digital strategist who has been making waves with her innovative storytelling and impactful content in both her day job in radio and in the Motorsport space. Through her work, she has carved out a space in which she can influence and engage diverse audiences by sharing

stories that inspire change and empower individuals. Her creative insights and fresh approach have earned her recognition in the world of digital content.

In addition to her digital work, Manon has been featured in the motorsport community through her involvement with platforms, where she brings the excitement of the sport to a broader audience. Manon is also known for her focus on advocating for greater diversity and inclusion speaking out on LGBTQAI+ in traditionally male-dominated fields.

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On todays episode Debbie speak the wonderful Zoe Chilton, a seasoned motorsports professional with significant experience in the world of Formula 1. She is best known for her role at Red Bull Racing, where she served as Head of Strategic Partnerships.

During her tenure at Red Bull, Zoe was instrumental in building and maintaining key relationships between the team and its sponsors, helping drive the brand’s global presence and success. She worked on innovative collaborations that showcased Red Bull Racing’s cutting-edge technology and marketing acumen.

In 2023, Zoe Chilton made headlines as she transitioned to Audi F1, taking on a pivotal role as the German automaker prepares to enter the Formula 1 grid in 2026. With her expertise in partnerships, marketing, and brand management, Zoe is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Audi’s F1 strategy and ensuring a smooth entry into the sport. Her experience with a top-tier team like Red Bull Racing, combined with her ability to foster strong corporate relationships, makes her a valuable asset to Audi's ambitious F1 project.

Beyond her work in motorsports, Zoe Chilton is also recognised for her leadership skills and her contributions to increasing diversity and inclusion in the industry, as well as her passion for technological innovation.

Produced By Driven By Us CIC

Chief Videographer & Editor - Maddie Rome

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Introducing new host Debbie Nakakande who sits down with Chloe Chong a promising young racing driver, born in 2007, with dual British-Canadian nationality. She began karting in 2013, inspired by motorsport legend Lewis Hamilton, and later competed in the European karting scene.

In 2022, she was a finalist in the FIA's "Girls on Track – Rising Stars" program, which identifies female motorsport talent. Chloe made her single-seater debut in 2023 with Prema Racing in the newly established F1 Academy series becoming the youngest ever driver to race in the series. Despite being the youngest competitor, she managed several top-eight finishes, securing points at the season opener and the final races. In 2024, she joined the F4 British Championship with JHR Developments, where she has already gained recognition with five top-15 finishes and earned the Pirelli Hardest Charger Award!

Produced By Driven By Us CIC

Chief Videographer & Editor - Maddie Rome

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Today Cayana Freeman sits down with the phenomenal Pilar Harris, an influential figure in motorsport working closely with Susie Wolff, currently leading social impact efforts at the F1 Academy and overseeing the Discover Your Drive initiative. Previously the Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability, and Government Relations at Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Harris plays a pivotal role in shaping the sport's future by fostering diversity and inclusivity.

At the F1 Academy, she focuses on driving gender equality and supporting the development of young female talent both on and off the track. Discover Your Drive & their Careers Programme, one of her key projects, seeks to increase female participation in motorsport through youth engagement, talent identification, and community programmes at F1 Academy locations around the world.

The initiative provides opportunities for young girls to explore motorsport through activities like karting and workshops, aiming to dismantle barriers and inspire the next generation of drivers and engineers.

Her work also highlights her broader impact within Formula 1's community outreach and sustainability goals, illustrating her commitment to creating pathways for underrepresented groups in the sport

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This week our host Cayana Freeman speaks to Shyam Rajdev (known as Shy) is a skilled freelance content creator with a focus on motorsport, music, lifestyle, and automotive photography. His career path is rooted in his early passion for photography, which began at age 16 when he started experimenting with his father’s 35mm film camera. After initially studying music journalism, Shy shifted from the music industry into motorsports, where he found his niche capturing the emotional highs and lows of racing.

Shy has collaborated with some of the biggest names in motorsport, including Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE, McLaren, Sauber (Alfa Romeo F1), and Andretti Global, where he serves as Head of Content. His work spans various motorsport categories such as Formula 1, Formula 2, and rallycross, and he is known for his ability to adapt to different environments while telling compelling stories through his lens. His unique approach blends technical expertise with an eye for capturing candid, behind-the-scenes moments that resonate with fans worldwide​.

Produced By Driven By Us CIC

Chief Videographer & Editor - Maddie Rome

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We open our Driven By Us podcast with our host Cayana Freeman speaking to James Dornor - CEO of the pioneering community-driven organisation on a mission to empower aspiring leaders from ethnic minorities and underrepresented groups in the automotive & motorsport industry. Recognising the industry's imperative for diversity and inclusion, we provide a safe space facilitated by relatable role models across world-leading organisations with first-hand success stories, founded in April 2023, on a mission to empower and provide an established community network that gives a safe space for those to speak out and empower through motorsports.

James's leadership has culminated in the establishment of the first recognised ethnic minority-led club within Driven By Us through Motorsport UK, serving as a pivotal platform for the black and neurodiverse communities, giving a safe space much needed. This initiative distinctly reflects the value of collaboration, as it prioritises partnerships to improve outcomes and build a more inclusive engineering landscape. A significant achievement under James's stewardship is the tangible impact on individuals' lives, particularly women of colour securing roles in the engineering sector within Formula One. This outcome is a testament to his commitment to excellence everywhere, bringing evidence, expertise, and integrity to everything he does.

James acquired motorsport expertise over the course of 13 years, working as a professional in the automotive and motorsport industry BMW, McLaren Automotive, McLaren GT, Haas F1 and Mercedes AMG F1 Team. He was formerly responsible for maintaining all the electronics and car systems on a range of Mercedes AMG F1 Heritage cars driven by the likes Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE, ranging 2013 - 2023 in their Heritage Centre.

The volunteer lead organisation employ customer-focused approaches to achieve our goals effectively, ensuring lasting representation for young people from diverse backgrounds within the motorsport community. James & Driven By Us was awarded the prestigious Points Of Light by the now former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP awarded before the British Grand Prix 2023 and was invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition of his work in engineering and serving the next generation through STEM programmes and initiatives in May 2024.

Produced By Driven By Us CIC

Chief Videographer & Editor - Maddie Rome

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