The event from the series is called 'What's Your Story?' and was hosted by Markus and Yetunde Hofmann. It is designed to help men and women from all walks of life to accept who they are, connect with their own unique sense of purpose and tap into the depths of joy they have within them. Their work supports diversity, inclusion, wellbeing and engagement in business, education, community, and life.
Three of our students, Poppy-Mai, Brandon and Natalia, heard from industry leaders who spoke about how they have faced, and overcome, adversity both in their private and working lives. They also heard from two fabulous charities Dress for Success and Quo Vadis Trust.
Poppy-Mai, T Level student, says: "I am going to stop stressing about my next steps, and my future so much, and concentrate on the here and now."
Dress for Success empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help them thrive in work and life. Quo Vadis Trust provides a range of supported housing for clients who need tenancy sustainment support and provides help with mental health needs. Both charities highlighted the importance of having empathy and love for people.
Michelle Luckens, Student Placement Team Leader, says: "Today has given our students 'food for thought' about how they can deal with adversity and that there is always a solution - it's just how you go about finding it."
Some of the key messages from the event were:
- Be 100% present with people, no matter who they are
- We are nothing without our team
- Map your environment, look for gaps, plug them
- Gift yourself time and don't feel guilty about it
- If you get something wrong - apologise
Hannah Phoenix, Employer Experience Officer, says: "It was great to see our students so engaged in the session - the honest stories and reflections from the speakers endorsed the importance of values, purpose and empathy."
It was a day of stories, music, laughter, and dancing. The students left feeling refreshed and "ready for anything". Thank you, Synchrony Development, for hosting such an informative event.