Entrepreneur businessman and Dragon’s Den winner, Levi Roots and E4 TV Magician ‘Troy’ were amongst 24 ‘Role Models’ who attended the Urban Synergy ‘Top Tips to the Top’ Role Model Seminar at Lilian Baylis Technology School on 28 March 2017.
The seminar, which consisted of a panel session, followed by an open Q&A and speed mentoring was received enthusiastically by the students from years 9 and 10.
Also in attendance was black WW11 veteran, Neil Flanagan MBE who gave a closing speech encouraging the students to strive for success.
The seminar was facilitated by Anthony Graham, Solicitor, Amosu Robinshaw and Urban Synergy Role Model.
The panelists were Charlie Easmon, Medical Director, Your Excellent Health Service, ‘Troy, Karen Bell, Crew Manager, London Fire Brigade and Levi Roots. They shared with the students aspects of their career journeys, insights into their jobs and details of how they overcame any challenges along the way. Students were then invited to join an open Q&A with the panel before the evening continued with the exhilarating ‘speed mentoring session’s’ giving the students the opportunity to hear from the other roles models present from industries including law, construction, fashion, finance, public services, marketing, banking and much more.
Before leaving, students were treated to a surprise visit by War Veteran, Neil Flanigan, MBE. Neil, who was born in Jamaica and travelled to England in 1943 to join the Royal Air Force impressed to the students the importance of savouring the opportunity to hear from so many positive role models.
An awesome evening! Yet again Urban Synergy created an event like no other in which our students had the opportunity to meet a huge range of professionals from all backgrounds to find out what it takes to succeed. Thank you – it was a tremendous event and lots of the students are still talking about it!Head teacher, Gary Phillips
It’s great to be back at Lilian Baylis. The students made the most of the time they had with the role models and stayed focused throughout the evening. The growing demand for our seminars shows the importance of role models cannot be understated.Urban Synergy Founder, Leila Thomas
Panel Quotes and ‘Top Tips’ for the students of Lilian Baylis
Charlie Easmon
“Focus on your inner self and make that strong”
“Find things you really love and really enjoy”
Troy von Scheibner
“If you have a passion in something, pursue it all the way”
“Don’t focus all your energy in social media, you need to put your hours into something else as well”
“Enjoy what you do and to enjoy life”
Karen Bell
“Don’t let society tell you, you can’t do something just because of your sex”
Levi Roots
“Be yourself”
“It’s good to have a business partner who is also your mentor”
“Surround yourself with like-minded people”
Lilian Baylis Student Feedback
Nareides
“I will take my course subjects more seriously. You will need them later in life in any career you take”
Nazli
“I will always be honest and have a Plan B”
Elise, 14
“I love that you should always follow your dreams, and not let society put you down”
Ilham, 15
“I learnt that you don’t have to be the smartest in the room to get that dream job, as long as you are dedicated, you can succeed”
“I will take part in extracurricular activities, remain dedicated and always be myself.”
Andie, 15
“I will become more dedicated to pursuing my dreams”
Ihram
“I learnt that there will be many different obstacles and you’ll have to get through. Do not let society stop you”
Nay’ven, 15
“I will study hard to be successful”
