Rocking Ur Teens – Boys Conference 2023

Thanks to our volunteer Sarah Watson for this wonderful summary of our latest Rocking Ur Teens Boys Conference hosted by Linklaters

It was another packed out room for the eighth year of Rocking Ur Teens conferences, this time for teen boys in the superb offices of Linklaters LLP in central London.

Our host for the day was the international speaker, Cameron Parker, making a welcome return to the conference.  Cameron introduced himself to the attendees, giving his background and work experience guiding and motivating young adults from all backgrounds and walks of life, from private schools in Dubai to youth prisons.

Our first speaker of the day was 17 year old Urban Judge.

Urban opened up about his life and upbringing, being raised by his nan.  He spoke of a teacher at school who was like a second mum – she inspired and supported him to develop and follow his passion for presenting, which started whilst he was in school and has evolved into the creation of a YouTube channel, podcast, presenting at local events, plus the admirable opportunity of being a youth presenter on Britains Got Talent.  Urban openly discussed how nothing is given to you on a plate; that you’ve got to work to achieve your dreams; and if you put your mind to something, you can achieve it.

Cameron Parker led a Q&A session, where the attendees were clearly impressed to learn of Urban’s earning capacity, and that his job had created the opportunity to meet Simon Cowell!  Urban’s closing message was to work hard, be determined, and if anyone wanted a career in the media to persevere and you will get paid for what you love doing.

Cameron then went on to introduce Varun Bhanot, the cofounder and CEO of Magic AI.

Varun engaged with the audience about AI and the impact of the technology in day to day life, from cars driving themselves to snapchat filters.  Varun’s company provide the UK’s first AI personal trainer, and explained how the software can assist with the client’s posture, stance, and exercise style, giving live feedback and tips online whilst the person is working out.  Varun gave an interesting insight into the world of AI, asking attendees to consider the jobs that may disappear in future years as they will be replaced by AI, but also to consider how they could take advantage of AI to consider future roles.

Varun’s closing message was to approach life with grit – separate yourself from others to achieve your personal dream, put yourself out there, keep going, and keep trying.

Next was a career insight panel session, with guest speakers from Linklaters, Kurt Geiger, Worldwide Technology and B&Q.  Cameron put to the panel the question of “What did school not teach you?’ And ‘How do you define success?’

The panel gave wide ranging advice, suggesting that their audience work hard play hard ; that work is not always glamorous – you do have to work long hours to achieve success but then you can enjoy the celebrations.  They spoke of the culture shock when moving from their home environment (some of whom were born and raised abroad then moved to London), how specific people in their lives encouraged them and motivated them to pursue their dreams.  They also spoke about the importance of understanding feelings and to ask for help, which wasn’t a sign of weakness.  They discussed the advantages of being a good listener and how it was important to support and understand others.

The panel session finished with the following messages: there’s no such thing as a good or bad decision – write a list of your good and bad skills – and in relation to the phrase “As one door closes, another one opens” don’t spend too much time staring at the closed door.

Cameron then went on to introduce Ryan Matthews-Robinson of Poetic Unity.

Ryan started his session with spoken word, speaking creatively of the life and environment that he grew up in.  The room was captivated as they listened.  Ryan then explained his background, from his upbringing and mixed-race heritage to his work and charitable message.  Ryan encouraged the room to engage with a game of ‘stand or sit’.  He took attendees through various options with varied responses, but when he said ‘stay standing if you ever feel anxious’ the entire room remained standing. Ryan openly discussed times when he has felt vulnerable and how he gained support by expressing concern to loved ones.  He explained how being open makes you feel understood, which in turn makes you feel better.  As Ryan uses spoken word to express himself, he asked the room what they do – hands went up, with answers such as exercise, art, sport, music, even sleep to help with good mental health.

Ryan’s closing message was that mental health is always better with support, and that as a friend we can all help one another, do something productive with the person who is suffering that you know they will enjoy, then you can move forward together.

After the lunch interval, Cameron then introduced Ben Hurst, presenter, activist and public speaker.

Ben asked the room the question “What does it mean to be a man?” And “What did you learn from your dad about being a man?”  He engaged with the audience, who gave various responses – to think before you act, to respect women, to mature as you grow up, to be the man of the house when dad was away, and to be shown how to shave!

Ben gave examples of life as he grew up with the impact and behaviour of his father.  He talked about how ideas of masculinity are passed from one person to another; how tv and social media influences our opinion, and how the role of a man can be defined within a family.  He talked about the stereotypes of men but then went on to discuss the mental health crisis for men, how they are 3x times more likely than women to take their life, that so many men feel nobody really knows them, and how they are less likely than women to access therapy.

Ben’s closing message was to do whatever makes you happy, to define masculinity for yourself, and to decide for yourself what it means to you to be a man.

Next to the stage was a representative from the Dance West team, who took pupils and their teachers through their paces with a dance routine.  It demonstrated the need for exercise, fun, and the ability to listen and respond to instructions!

Following some impressive dance moves, it was time to break into smaller groups with the speed mentoring volunteers.  Pupils were encouraged to listen, engage and ask questions of guests from a variety of work backgrounds, to gain more knowledge and insight into the working life of young male adults.

Cameron then gave a closing summary of the conference, reflecting on the different speakers, their messages and guidance.  Cameron then spoke to the pupils about their approach to life, what they wanted to gain, and how to go about achieving their goals.  He gave the example of success by describing the impact of wanting ‘World Cup’ expectations but with ’Sunday League’ planning and effort.  The key was planning, creating high standards, and that how you do one thing is how you do everything.  Everything you want is possible, but is it achievable from where you are at?  If the answer is no, raise your standards.

The closing speech was from Peter Bevan, a Partner at our host law firm, Linklaters.

Peter reflected on the conference, the messages, the motivation created by the speakers, and the different opportunities that the conference had highlighted.  He encouraged pupils to find out more about the world of work, to think about what was of interest to them and find out more, but most importantly to think ‘what is right for me’.  Peter said Linklaters was delighted to have hosted the event, especially as it was close to International Mens Day.  He wished every pupil success, and thanked them for coming.