Yesterday, I had the remarkable opportunity to engage in a speed networking session with 200 young students, aged 14 and 15, at CHS South.

I try to regularly attend schools and colleges to talk to students and hold workshops. I think I’ve been to at least 11 this year and it’s only May! If you’re wondering why … well it’s because I believe in GOOD KARMA and the more you give, the more the universe will provide. (Hippy vibes I know)

And as usual, it was an awesome experience, but this time, I found myself reflecting on a nostalgic journey back to my own days in Year 9 on the drive home.

Do you remember those formative years?

Being told it was time to start planning your future and choosing your path through education. What the heck!

I’m surprised I didn’t find it more terrifying aged 14 being told to plan my life. I sure as hell didn’t know what I wanted to do.

The Challenges of Year 9

During Year 9, students are at a crucial crossroads where they:

– Choose their GCSE subjects, potentially setting the stage for their future career paths.

– Prepare for work experience, giving them a taste of the professional world.

– Hear the often-repeated advice: “Try to find your passion.”

I vividly recall how confusing and stressful these times were. At that age, I was as unsure of my future as the students I met yesterday. My uncertainty extended well beyond my teenage years, and it wasn’t until I was 21 that I began to make significant decisions about my career and ambitions.

Encountering Success Later in Life

Growing up, the concept of entrepreneurship and meeting successful business owners were foreign to me. It wasn’t until my early twenties that I began crossing paths with individuals who had forged their paths successfully in business.

This lack of early exposure is something I aim to rectify for the younger generation through sessions like these.

The Power of Mentorship

My principal advice for both youngsters and adults remains consistent: If something catches your interest, seek out someone successful in that area.

Whether it’s a conversation over Zoom, a coffee meeting, or just a casual chat, the insights you can gain are invaluable. This approach has shaped my life significantly:

– It led me back to university.

– It helped me start my own business.

– It even guided me to pursue flying planes.

Actioning Dreams and Goals

A common hurdle many face is the inertia that prevents turning dreams into reality. We often delay, thinking we’ll get around to pursuing our goals “someday.” However, without action, these aspirations fade away.

My advice? If you have a dream, find someone who has achieved it and ask them how they did it. Most likely, they’ll provide the insights you need effortlessly.

A Memorable Interaction

At yesterday’s event, I spoke with a young girl who dreams of becoming a pilot. Our 20-minute conversation ended with her learning exactly what her first step should be. All I did was pass on the advice once given to me when I first sat down with a jet pilot four years ago.

Conclusion

Interacting with these young minds was a reminder of the importance of mentorship and guidance.

By sharing our experiences and knowledge, we can help illuminate the path for the next generation, helping them turn their vague aspirations into tangible actions.

Remember, sometimes all it takes to change a life is sharing what was once shared with you.