Purposeful Conversations: Championing Fair Chances on Good Journeys with Ben Veal

Everyone deserves a fair chance to work, grow, and thrive, regardless of their past. That belief sits at the core of Myrtos Consultancy and fuels the work of its founder, Esther Champion, who recently joined Ben Veal on his award-winning podcast Good Journeys, produced in partnership with Resilient Leaders Elements and Second Mountain Communications.

In episode 031, Esther shares her journey from criminal justice professional to purposeful business owner, and the powerful insights she’s gained from working alongside people with convictions. The conversation is raw, honest, and deeply moving, shining a light on the barriers that prevent former prisoners from rebuilding their lives and the urgent need for inclusive hiring.

Changing Perceptions, Changing Lives

Esther founded Bristol-based Myrtos Consultancy to challenge the stigma surrounding people with criminal records and to help employers see their potential. The statistics speak volumes: over 80% of employers who have hired someone with a conviction rate their performance, reliability, and motivation positively, yet only 31% of people leaving prison secure employment within a year.

Why the disconnect? As Esther explains, it’s often rooted in societal bias.

“We can often have a picture in our heads of what someone who has been in prison looks like. Just to even challenge that perception can be quite helpful.”

Labels, she argues, are powerful and damaging. When someone is defined solely by their past, it becomes incredibly difficult for them to move forward.

Women in the Criminal Justice System: A Hidden Story

Esther also highlights the gendered realities of incarceration, particularly the experiences of women who end up in prison due to coercion, manipulation, or control by a partner.

“So many women have been through so much trauma… I’ve met incredible women who are such a force for good, but who lack self-esteem and self-worth; it’s heartbreaking.”

Her call to action is clear: we must work with women differently, with compassion and understanding, and create pathways that break the cycle of reoffending.

Fair Chance Employment: The Gateway to Change

One of the most powerful themes in the episode is the role of employment in reducing reoffending. Esther explains that work provides more than just income, it offers purpose, stability, and community. Yet many people who have a criminal record face multiple barriers:

• Homelessness upon release

• Lack of formal work experience or CVs

• Misunderstanding and fear around criminal records

• Employer concerns about reputation

“A lot of people leave prison feeling labelled and judged, like they’ve got this neon sign across their head.”

Esther urges employers to look beyond the record and see the person, their skills, resilience, and readiness to contribute.

Myrtos Consultancy: Equipping Employers for Inclusive Hiring

With over 15 years’ experience in criminal justice, Esther and Myrtos Consultancy offer workshops, strategic advice, and practical support to help employers build inclusive workplaces. The goal? To increase confidence around hiring people with convictions and enable sustainable employment.

Her work is not just about policy, it’s about people. It’s about giving those who’ve been written off a chance to rewrite their story.

🎧 Tune In and Be Inspired

Good Journeys with Ben Veal is a podcast that lifts spirits and sparks change. Esther’s episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in justice reform, inclusive hiring, or simply hearing from someone who leads with heart and purpose.

Listen or watch Esther's episode by clicking the links below:

Spotify | YouTube

Watch more of the Good Journeys podcasts here: https://www.youtube.com/@goodjourneyspod/podcasts