Career Stories: From Sierra Leone to Scotland

Secondary school teacher and published author Foday Mannah joins Joe and Carrie for the latest episode of the Career Stories podcast.

Foday teaches English at James Young High School in Livingston, which he tells us more about in the episode as well as his journey into teaching. He talks about his early life in London to growing up in Sierra Leone and pushing back against his parents’ own ambitions for his career.

A passion for engaging young people in reading and literature is a core part of Foday’s career. During the episode, however, he also explains how his own experience has taught him that the most important thing is to allow young people to follow a career path they will enjoy, above all else.

Aside from his full-time job, Foday is a published author. His debut novel ‘The Search for Othella Savage’ was named as one of The Times’ ‘crime novels of 2025’. The story follows a cast of characters from Edinburgh to the streets of Sierra Leone and back again as they search for the titular Othella.

Joe and Carrie get some insights into how Foday developed his creative writing skills, where he sees his writing in terms of genre, and how on earth he finds time to write. Summer holidays is the answer.

Key takeaways:

• Follow your own instincts rather when it comes to your career interests
• Use the experience of other cultures to appreciate differences and opportunities
• Read more. Read more. Read more.