The Urban Synergy ‘Top Tips to the Top’ Role Model Seminar was held at Lilian Baylis Technology School in Kennington on Wednesday 20th April.
As demand for seminars in schools outside of the borough of Lewisham grows, Urban Synergy ventured into Lilian Baylis Technology School, a cricket ball’s throw away from the world famous Kennington Oval Cricket Ground. The school is named after Lilian Baylis, theatrical producer and manager who lived nearby in Stockwell.
The Urban Synergy Role Model Seminars provide students with accessible role models and an opportunity to learn about a particular career including the necessary skills, education, positives, negatives whilst raising students’ awareness of the variety of careers available to them. Up to 100 Students are exposed to a panel of four in the first session followed by an open Q&A and ‘speed mentoring’ where up 25 additional role models from all walks of life and professions including legal, banking, media, sport and engineering share career tips and advice.
The seminar was open by Deputy Head Ben Wright and facilitated by Garry Green, Barrister and Urban Synergy Trustee.
Mr Green was ably assisted by student volunteer co-hosts, Honey Perrott and Ashaaf Rashid who led the student Q&A to the panel and posed some interesting questions of their own.
Panel
- Dr Charlie Easmon, Medical Director, Your Excellent Health
- Chantal Coady, OBE, Chocolatier, Author and Business Woman, Rococo Chocolates
- Daniella Blechner, Writer/Author, Conscious Dreams Publishing
- Troy von Scheibner, Magician and TV Personality
Following the open Q&A students were treated to a magic demonstration by Troy.
Panel Top Tips
Each panel member talked about their career journeys, the highlights and the challenges they faced along the way and shared their three personal ‘top tips’ to the students:
Dr Charlie Easmon
“Start looking at and reading lots of newspapers”
“Learn about each other’s’ cultures”
“Learn who you are, what are your real values?”
Chantal Cody OBE
“It is more than just about money”
“It is important to invest in yourself”
“My teacher told me I was illiterate, I now have 5 books to my name”
“Find out who you are and lead that life”
Daniella Blechner
“Intelligence is all about having the correct mindset”
Quoting Thomas Edison, “I found 10,000 ways that haven’t worked”
“If you look the part people will believe you are the part”
“Everything takes time don’t let that put you off”
“Your journey is your own, your life is your own”
Troy Von Scheibner
“Education, just do it, trust me!”
Student Comments
“I have learned to always focus on my education and always have a backup plan when anything goes wrong” – James, 14.
“I learnt that anything is possible through hard work and the right mentoring” – Nathan, 13.
“I will make sure I never give up and follow my dreams” – Hanad, 15
“I will get better grades, focus more…” – Milton
“I learnt that I need to persevere and be sure of what I want to do in my later life and control my own destiny – Tasha
“I will continue to work to the best of my ability and keep going no matter what. I will always talk out my problems, so I don’t let the pressure and stress stop me from getting a good education.
