So, what does being a Founder and CEO involve?
My role is really varied. I set our vision and strategy, oversee programme design, and lead and motivate the team to make a difference for young people and deliver great results for our clients.
Why did you start Visionpath?
I started Visionpath really because of my own experiences.
I come from a low-income background, which presented some challenges around not having the money, networks, or access to help with my future career plans. On top of that, I went to a failing school where I wasn’t offered any careers advice or opportunities to connect with employers.
I really wanted to help others like me access the skills, experience and opportunities to kick-start their career, as well as making sure employers were connecting with young people from diverse backgrounds that they might not reach otherwise. People with bags of potential and so much to offer a business, but who are overlooked because of their background and circumstances – barriers that just shouldn’t exist.
"I really wanted to help others like me access the skills, experience and opportunities to kick-start their career, as well as making sure employers were connecting with young people from diverse backgrounds that they might not reach otherwise."
What’s the best part of your job?
Without question, it’s when we see young people we work with getting into jobs and thriving in their careers, or working out through our programmes what they want to do in the future and the path to get there. You feel so proud of how far they’ve come and excited for where they’ll go next. There’s no better feeling.
Why do you think social mobility should be a focus for businesses?
There are so many reasons but, ultimately, you can’t create a diverse and inclusive business unless you pay attention to social mobility. Without this, your business won’t truly represent your communities, your customers, or society at large.
You probably already have people in your business who are from diverse social backgrounds, so making it a focus of your D&I strategy will help them feel more included and give them the opportunity to showcase their perspectives and experiences, which perhaps they didn’t feel able to share before.
Lastly, if you’re looking to bring in diverse talent for the future, not focusing on social diversity means you’re missing out on great talent with loads of potential who might be harder to reach due to their background, circumstances, or even their postcode.
"You can’t create a diverse and inclusive business unless you pay attention to social mobility. Without this, your business won’t truly represent your communities, your customers, or society at large."
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Not to care so much about what other people think of you or what you’re doing. Seek forgiveness; don’t ask permission. Trust your instincts more.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I love to spend time with my other half, family and friends. I’m a big music fan – especially '70s rock, disco, Motown, soul. Maybe a bit odd for someone born in 1989! I also really enjoy going to the gym and keeping fit, which is important to me both mentally and physically.
Aside from that, anyone who starts and builds a business will tell you it’s all-consuming, so Visionpath is probably my big personal passion as much as it is my professional one.
Here at Visionpath, we do what we do because we want all young people – no matter their background – to start their career on an equal footing. And because we know that, right now, businesses are missing out on a wealth of untapped talent.
Want to find out what Visionpath can do for you? Get in touch.
