Our host for the day was Cameron Parker, a much welcomed return coach who has travelled extensively both in the UK and overseas, inspiring young adults within clubs, schools, prisons and more.
Cameron has a unique skill of captivating the room and creating engagement within moments of taking to the stage.
Our first speaker of the day was Tambo Silavwe, who gave great energy to motivate the students. He encouraged students to repeat positive affirmations, by saying to themselves “You are him” – “You are it” – “You are that guy”.
Tambo encouraged students to be comfortable with who they are and gave them three rules: Stay curious – Stay open – Live positively. His message was for students to consider how they impact the world around them, and to recognise core emotions to increase their self awareness.
Next was a panel session, hosted by Cameron Parker. Four gentlemen joined the stage, covering a range of professions from solicitor apprentice at our host firm, Linklaters, to working in global tech, and renewable energy. Cameron guided conversation with the panel and attending students, where a range of questions were discussed such as what was their biggest challenge in their jobs, what were their adaptable skills, how did they achieve their goals if they didn’t attend University, and what gave them a competitive advantage compared to others.
Next to the stage were social media influencers, Josh and Moyo. The duo told students how they developed their online presence, with the importance of consistency through enjoyment and how that built up their work base to include working with brands, celebrities and having the opportunity of travel and enjoy new experiences. Josh and Moyo encouraged students to get involved, and took time to acknowledge the important role of the teachers who wanted the best for their students. They told students that the world of social media influencing needed to be lead by enjoyment not the wish to earn money, as that would create more chance of success.
Our first speaker of the afternoon was Olympian diver, Anthony Harding. Anthony engaged the audience with his story of determination and hard work from an early age, encouraging students to believe before achieving. He encouraged a positive mindset, with the importance of repetition, progress and increased self belief, telling students it was always worthwhile to go that extra mile so they could turn their dreams into their reality.
There then followed a mentor session, where men from a range of professions sat with students, engaging with any questions the students had about their lives, jobs and how they reached their goals.
The next speaker was Akil Hunte, whose theme was to focus on resilience and wellbeing. He invited students to consider who they were, guiding them to embrace and grow, to keep learning, and to be confident enough to express themselves. Akil said it was their time to be brave, to never give up on their dreams, and to reflect on what the most resilient happy and healthy version of them would look like.
Our next guest was Buna who told students of his journey performing in the creative arts. Buna encouraged students to do what they loved, as it would make them feel powerful. He was clear in his message that everyone in life has setbacks so needed to be determined to achieve their goals. Buna then finished by teaching the students some dance moves which were inspired by Michael Jackson choreography.
Our closing talk was from Andy Vickery, Global Head of Finance from our host firm, Linklaters. Andy told students of his journey from his childhood in Brisbane to his role in London. His message was to show resilience, as there will be good and bad days, so showing up mattered. He encouraged students to strive to do better, to get feedback, to work hard and stick to a code of doing the right thing. His closing advice was to build networks, treasure friends, and to be brave and deliberate.
The founders, Jenny, Sandy and Geoffrey brought the day to a close, thanking the speakers, teachers and all the students for engaging in the day, sharing their thoughts and ideas, and showing enthusiasm with regard to the advice and support.
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