How did you first find out about Urban Synergy?
It was about 11 years ago when I was a student at Bonus Pastor Catholic College in Lewisham. I remember sitting in the school office waiting for a meeting and noticing an older student I knew; someone who’d had a few challenges, meeting with a man in a suit.
I could tell the person wasn’t his parent or guardian, so I asked him about it afterwards. He told me that the man was his mentor. That really stood out to me. The fact that someone was taking the time to come into school to support him personally.
I asked the school mentors why he had an external mentor and how that worked. Not long after that conversation, I was introduced to Urban Synergy and that’s where my journey began.
What was life like for you before getting a mentor with Urban Synergy?
To be honest, I didn’t know what I wanted to do career-wise. Urban Synergy helped me realise that there are boundless opportunities out there and that they’re attainable.
People often say they can look out their window and see Canary Wharf, but they don’t really know what goes on inside those buildings. That was me. Urban Synergy bridged that gap. They took me from looking at Canary Wharf from my bedroom window to actually stepping inside those corporate offices and seeing that world for myself.
How did your mentor, Gordon Greer, help you?
Gordon really helped me build my foundation. I had good home training, but he took it further, teaching me about integrity, punctuality, and commitment, and how those values translate into the working world.
He told me that every time you agree to something, you’re making a silent promise and it’s your responsibility to follow through. And if you can’t, don’t shy away from communicating honestly and efficiently. That lesson has stayed with me ever since.
Gordon is a man of integrity. He even came with me when I got my first tailored suit through an organisation partnered with Urban Synergy.
He supported me on a coding project and always made time for me, even when I called out of the blue. He’d say, “Give me 5 or 10 minutes,” drop what he was doing, and then come back to help.
He wasn’t just a mentor, he was an example of the kind of professional and person I aspired to be.
So what type of trips or events have you been on that helped you through your time with Urban Synergy?
There’s been quite a range over the years. From ice skating trips and CV workshops to workplace skills sessions and even fun days out at Thorpe Park. One that really stood out was a workshop on Savile Row, delivered by Andrew Ramroop OBE at Maurice Sedwell Ltd. That experience was incredible.
I also want to give honourable mentions to people like Gavin Kamara and TJ Jaiyeola who are alumni I met on Urban Synergy group trips. They’re about six or seven years older than me, and they’ve become like big brothers. They’re the kind of people I can message anytime for advice or guidance. That sense of community and ongoing support is one of the things that makes Urban Synergy so special.
What are you doing now, career-wise?
Right now, I’m a Software Engineer (Consultant) at Capgemini. I’ve completed my degree apprenticeship and I’m now focused on finding what I truly want to dedicate my career to, something that aligns with my purpose and long-term goals.
Over the last three years, I’ve had the chance to work in several roles within the company. I started as a Build Technician, where I built and programmed devices tailored to different departments. Then I moved into the sales team as a Platform Manager, before transitioning into Cyber Security for a government account.
It’s been a diverse journey so far and now I’m focused on solidifying what I want to do next and building towards the future I envision for myself.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a mentee with Urban Synergy?
Be open-minded and inquisitive and always aspire to become a better version of yourself.
The person who thinks they know too much will eventually realise they know very little. Being a mentee is about being willing to learn, to listen, and to grow. You have to understand that your comfort zone isn’t where growth happens, so be ready to step outside of it.
Urban Synergy creates the space for that growth, but you have to meet it halfway with curiosity and a willingness to evolve.