Opportunities to Success

The first Opportunities to Success (OTS) event was held this year as part of the Njoya Foundation’s series of events during Black History Month in October. The event was designed to attract the target audience of the foundation; young men between the ages of 15-21 and give them brief insights into the careers of successful black men in the UK. The day included talks by men from various career streams including, IT, Media and Entrepreneurs, discussing how they made their career choices and what their vocations involve.

OTS was designed to provide the exact type of practical support that is lacking in career advice to the black community. An opportunity to engage with realistic role models who are well turned out, eloquent and successful whilst providing clarity to how they got to where they are, and dispelling the myth that you have to be ‘lucky’ in order to move beyond the negative typecasts.

The speakers were chosen partly because of their willingness to share their stories with the audience, but also because they demonstrated the diversity of career options open to individuals willing to look within as well as beyond the mainstream. Their talks showcased examples of their work as well as their social life and lifestyle. In Nathaniel Peat’s case this included a live demonstration of martial arts, while in others such as Richard Mkoloma, a sports designer, was wearing all his own creations.

Attendees were given the option to listen to one of three talks going on at the same time covering three different career streams offering a pick and mix of examples through the day. This format meant that it was possible to dip in and out without being bored or necessarily having to listen to a talk or an industry that did not interest you; a key selling point for targeting such a young demographic. As well as the target demographic, the audience was boosted by the presence of their parents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and friends all engaged with the objective of broadening minds.

It was clear that all attendees benefited from being at the event. There was a strong air of prosperity in the air, a can do attitude that came across in the positive stories being shared by the speakers. As usual, the impact speaker Action Jackson, life-coach and mentor extraordinaire wowed the audience with his very unique style. He added fun, energy and charisma to what was already an absorbing day and showed just how insightful he is by managing to tap into one woman’s aspirations for herself, bringing on an outpouring of emotion.

The day was not without its flaws however, the venue in Waterloo was small, there were three parallel career talks going on with only a screen to differentiate between one and another resulting in having to listen to more than one talk at the same time and a need to shout to be heard above laughter and audience participation. Thankfully, this didn’t take away from the impact and character of the event and was only a further demonstration of the engagement of the audience.

This event has the opportunity to become a very large and successful venture (no pun intended). The format was extremely appropriate for the audience and the speakers were well chosen and inspiring. OTS could become the crowning glory for the Njoya Foundation, I certainly hope the event will gain momentum and exposure and all those who were there this year (as well as those who missed out), will come back next year. I hear big things are planned so watch this space!