About us

Big Smoke Chronicle is a London-based podcast uncovering the real stories behind finance, politics, fintech, and entrepreneurship.
We go beyond surface-level commentary to share honest, unfiltered insights from professionals across London and Europe.

Through our conversations, we explore:

  • Inside the Firms – the culture, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s workplaces.

  • Career Building – the skills employers truly value, and how people stand out in one of the world’s most competitive job markets.

  • Personal Journeys – the inspirations, struggles, and lessons that define life beyond the office.

We don’t offer investment advice or promote political or religious debate. Instead, we shine a light on how organisations, technology, and policy influence everyday experiences and the wider economy that connects us all.

Our Mission

To create a safe, authentic space where professionals share openly-helping students, early-career talent, and senior leaders learn, grow, and thrive.

Our Vision

To be a trusted voice in the City, offering:
- Guidance for students & early-career professionals entering the market.
- Fresh perspectives for seasoned professionals.
- A platform celebrating diversity of thought and honest dialogue about the future of work.

Long-term, Big Smoke Chronicle will grow into a media platform and community hub, connecting professionals across industries with news, insights, and opportunities.

woman wearing yellow long-sleeved dress under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

Big Smoke Chronicles offers insightful stories that truly capture the essence of London’s financial landscape and what the new generation needs to get into City!

King David (CFO @ Group)

A person is sitting at a desk in front of a computer monitor displaying a financial website. The room is softly lit with natural light coming in from a nearby window. A desk lamp and a plant add to the aesthetic of the workspace. The person is holding a smartphone to their ear, appearing to be in a call.
A person is sitting at a desk in front of a computer monitor displaying a financial website. The room is softly lit with natural light coming in from a nearby window. A desk lamp and a plant add to the aesthetic of the workspace. The person is holding a smartphone to their ear, appearing to be in a call.

The podcast reveals authentic experiences and perspectives from professionals in finance and politics. Highly recommended!

Edward Till (COO @ Levantor Capital Limited )

Close-up of a podcast or recording setup featuring a large microphone at the center with two people in the background. One is a woman with glasses, and the other is a person on the left partially out of frame. A laptop and a tablet are on the table.
Close-up of a podcast or recording setup featuring a large microphone at the center with two people in the background. One is a woman with glasses, and the other is a person on the left partially out of frame. A laptop and a tablet are on the table.
★★★★★
★★★★★

Meet The Team

Ardavan Ghaedi

Abi Bell is a London-based entrepreneur, community-builder, and public speaker studying Business Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Westminster. She is the cofounder and host of The Big Smoke Chronicles, shaping conversations on culture, creativity, and purpose in the city.

Driven by her desire to see people thrive, Abi has founded initiatives that help her peers connect, socialise, and grow in their faith. She holds certifications in leadership, psychology, and theology (endorsed by ILM), equipping her to bridge business, people, and character development. Known for her enthusiasm, grit, and curiosity, Abi inspires others not just to dream but to be proactive in building that dream.

Email Sam

Ardi is a creative entrepreneur who began his career in architecture before discovering a passion for finance and fintech. He founded a platform that empowers businesses and individuals across the Middle East to access global markets, and now serves as co-founder of Big Smoke Chronicle.

Currently studying Economics and Management at the University of Westminster, Ardi is driven by curiosity about how industries, people, and systems shape one another. He’s enthusiastic about , ethical business practice , economic justice, and the potential of crypto as a safe and inclusive space for innovation.

Beyond finance, Ardi is deeply committed to sustainability and creating opportunities for Gen Z and early-career professionals. He loves connecting with people, sharing ideas, and building spaces where they feel inspired, supported, and equipped to thrive and create a good life balance.

Sam Karimi is a Chartered Accountant and finance leader with 15+ years’ experience across Deloitte and Sony Electronics. He’s the co-founder of The Big Smoke Chronicle, where he brings sharp insights into finance, fintech, and entrepreneurship. Beyond the numbers, Sam is passionate about storytelling, building ventures, and exploring how technology, culture, and leadership shape modern business in London and beyond.

Email Abi
Email Ardi

Abi Bell

Sam Karimi

Co- Founder

Co- Founder/Host

Co- Founder/Host

The big smoke Chronicle

info@bigsmokechronicle.com

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