I had the privilege as High Sheriff of Greater London, of speaking and presenting awards at the @_GenSuccess Open Your Doors Awards hosted by @LinkedIn at their #London HQ. My thanks to James Adeleke for the invitation and, more importantly, for the remarkable work he and his team continue to do in opening doors for young people from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. James and I serve together as Governors of Newham Collegiate Sixth Form College (in one of London’s most deprived boroughs) yet a state sixth form which regularly sends extraordinary numbers of young people to Oxford and Cambridge. A reminder that talent is everywhere, even if opportunity is not. In my keynote remarks, I spoke about growing up above my parents’ shop in Hackney in the 1980s, about confidence, access and representation, and about the people who quietly opened doors for me throughout my life and career. One line from the speech seemed to resonate strongly with many: “If somebody opens a door for you, you should try to hold it open for others behind you.” Much of my year as High Sheriff will focus on the importance of opportunity, belonging and prevention; because if young people can see legitimate pathways to success and aspiration, society becomes stronger and safer for everyone. I was also delighted to present awards recognising organisations that are turning words into action by physically opening their doors, networks and workplaces to the next generation. Congratulations to the Founding Hosts cohort, and to the Sector Access Award winners: @alixpartnersllp @EssexCricket @natilikgroup @Paul_Hastings TD Securities @synchearth @movember The afternoon was full of energy, optimism and determination. It was particularly encouraging to hear directly afterwards from several young attendees who said the event had changed their perspective on what might be possible for them. That is why this work matters. #OpenYourDoors #GenerationSuccess #SocialMobility #HighSheriff #GreaterLondon

🌟 A Tale of Inspiration and Resilience! Yesterday, our remarkable CEO, James Adeleke, returned to his alma mater, Archbishop Tenison's School, to deliver a heartfelt speech. 🎓💪🌟 #Inspiration #EducationMatters #GenerationSuccess #FutureLeaders #MoveToEquality

And that's a wrap on our 10th Anniversary Equality Awards! It was amazing to see all of our amazing supporters face-to-face and watch them network together. #GenerationSuccess #10thYear #Anniversary #Event #JointheMovetoEquality

Only 2days left before our 10th Anniversary and Equality Awards Event! REGISTER NOW at generationsuccess.zohobackst… #GenerationSuccess #10thYear #anniversary #event

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

May joy and happiness surround you this new year, bringing in lots of good luck, health and happiness for you and your family ! #generationsuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess

Great tip from @JamesAdelekefcd When working remotely it’s important to show you’re engaged with the meetings taking place, one way to do so is to ASK QUESTIONS! Suck on what type of questions to ask here’s an example #generationsuccess

Own this Monday, because owning it will set you up for a successful week! #mondaymotivation #motivation #generationsuccess

Good morning it's #monday, have a nice week everyone Remember monday is the perfect day to correct last week's mistakes #GenerationSuccess