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Elevate London - Session 7: Leadership, Innovation & Problem-Solving

StartYoungUK

Our latest Elevate London session was an inspiring day focused on collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership - essential skills for future success.


The session opened with Tim McNulty, who provided a clear understanding of the Chief Security Office (CSO) vision and responsibilities. He shared valuable insights into the various career paths within CSO, the accountability of his team, and how different business functions work together to create a secure environment. His discussion sparked curiosity and deeper conversations, leaving participants with a greater appreciation for the work involved in security, risk management, and fraud prevention.


John D. Heaver led the session for the day, demonstrating his passion for supporting young people through his leadership. He openly shared his challenges and successes throughout his career, offering valuable insights into the qualities of an effective leader.


Alex Hawley provided a compelling session on the difference between managing a team and truly leading one. He emphasised that great leadership goes beyond delegation—it requires integrity, empathy, and honesty, creating an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.


Interactive Workshops & Problem-Solving Challenges

Participants engaged in hands-on activities designed to encourage innovation and ethical thinking, including:

Redesigning a water bottle with a focus on sustainability and ethical production.

Designing an ethical trainer, using natural materials and debating key factors in sustainable fashion.

The level of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving displayed by participants was truly impressive.



Guest Speakers & Career Insights

Ryan Pawandiwa from NatWest provided an insightful session on NatWest Group apprenticeship pathways and shared his own career journey. His discussion helped participants gain a clearer understanding of alternative career routes and opportunities within the financial sector.


To close the day, Christopher Oliver led an interactive workshop on transferable skills, demonstrating how the abilities we use in everyday life can be applied to roles such as Executive Protection. His thought-provoking session encouraged participants to recognise and develop their existing strengths, sparking deep engagement and insightful discussions.


Looking Ahead

Elevate continues to challenge and empower young people, pushing them to think differently, develop real-world skills, and build confidence. This session reinforced the power of leadership, innovation, and problem-solving in shaping future careers.


A huge thank you to our mentors, guest speakers, and facilitators for making this session a memorable and impactful experience. We look forward to seeing how these young individuals apply their newfound skills and insights in their journeys ahead.


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