Driving ambition, inspiring our youth...

People in business spend huge amounts of time discussing and debating issues, analysing data and eventually making decisions. Procrastination can be seen everywhere not just in business but in everyday life. Whilst I don't want to dwell on the 'B' word, in a short few weeks it appears we will embark on unchartered waters which generations have not had to face the challenge / fear / opportunity (delete as applicable!). I guess my point is, we need to get on with it – by the way, I'm not going to be drawn on my view of what 'it' is though!!!

Whatever happens I strongly believe as a nation we will be fine, some will suffer & some will prosper but we will survive, grow and flourish. We have some of the world's greatest people, our bulldog spirit brings out our very best at times of difficulty and distress.

Here comes the 'but'...if we are to continue to have a seat at the top table and punch well above our geographical size we must recognise that the world has continued to change since Britannia ruled the waves. History is littered with empires and countries which have risen and fallen but those who have recovered to rise again have recognised the change, 'got back on the horse' (normally a different horse) to re-build and become a great power again.

In my lifetime I have never seen a more divided UK, not just the union but even down to families and households. Healing these divides must be a priority, without the healing I fear it will be a long time before we're able to saddle up again.

We don't have a huge population, we don't have huge natural resources but we do have great people with a great spirit. The natural entrepreneurs will always succeed but those few individuals alone cannot drive what is needed, nor can government, nor can business. For me it is the young people who believe they don't have a chance, or can't see how they can achieve who are the key to our long term success. Tapping into this pool of talent, rich rewards will be found, for the individuals themselves and the nation as a whole.

Over the last few years I've been spending more time in schools and colleges engaging with students. We have great young people with real potential but the development of that potential is failing in so many for a whole host of reasons. A lot of people working in this area constantly talk about social mobility and raising aspirations which is great. For me though a subtle but massive change from an 'a' to an 'i' i.e. inspiration, is something that is only now seeing some headway.

We can talk to young people about opportunities and ambitions, but if they cannot see pathways to achieving them and people who they can relate to who are on that journey, they are just dreams. Walt Disney once said 'All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them' which is absolutely true, however seeing the path and having the pathfinders available & accessible is also an essential ingredient.

I've just realised that this has been a bit of a ramble but I hope that this has inspired you to do something today (not tomorrow) that will help a young person on that journey. Even the small things can make a big difference...

#ourbestdaysareyettocome