At Central Foundation Boys’ School, Oliver Beach, a passionate educator, has been transforming how students view their futures by connecting them with real-life role models through impactful events. Using the F4S platform, he has created inspiring opportunities that broaden students’ horizons and help them make more informed decisions about their careers and education.
The First Step: Finding F4S
Oliver first heard about F4S through a mentor during his TeachFirst internship. After exploring the F4S platform, he booked his first event with one goal in mind:
“I wanted to create an impactful event that grabbed attention.”
For Oliver, the importance of role models cannot be overstated. He wanted to expose his students to professionals from various sectors, helping them connect classroom learning to real-world careers.
The Impact of Role Models: Stories That Resonate
The events have been a game-changer for both Oliver and his students. Role models like Alicia Navarro, CEO and Founder of Skimlinks, and Dan Quine, CTO of Songkick, have inspired students with their personal stories of perseverance, humility, and success.
Alicia Navarro’s story, shared at the first event, particularly struck a chord:
“She really inspired the children as she had a lot of experience trying things out and moving on to different things. The students could relate to her sense of perseverance and learning from setbacks.”
This message resonated far beyond the event, with students referencing her story in their business studies lessons, linking her experiences to what they were learning in the classroom.
At a second event, Dan Quine’s humility and achievements amazed students. Dan, who has worked closely with Apple’s Steve Jobs and Google’s founders, had a relatable and “you-can-do-this” attitude that instilled confidence:
“He inspired students by raising their aspirations and encouraging them to believe that ‘they can’ if they put their mind to it.”
Making It Easy for Teachers
When asked about the process of creating an event using the F4S platform, Oliver said:
“It was a piece of cake! I really like being able to browse and choose the business founders I think are best for my students. The system is simple to use and keeps me informed when my invites have been accepted.”
This ease of use means teachers can focus on their students’ needs while bringing top-quality speakers into the classroom without added workload.
Changing Perspectives and Raising Aspirations
The events have had a profound impact on how students view their futures. For many, especially those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, hearing from successful professionals who share similar experiences has been incredibly motivating:
“Some of my students have really related to speakers who come from similar backgrounds. They see firsthand how hard work and determination can lead to success.”
The exposure to different sectors and careers also helps students make better-informed decisions about their GCSE and A-Level choices. By expanding their view of what’s possible, they develop confidence and ambition for the future.
Why Other Teachers Should Try F4S
Oliver encourages other teachers and schools to take advantage of the F4S platform:
“It is a great programme that has a big impact on the students, and lightens the teacher workload a little.”
With access to inspiring professionals, easy-to-organise events, and tangible benefits for students, F4S is helping educators across the UK prepare their students for the world of work.
Looking Ahead
Since that first event, Oliver has continued to organise one event per term, making sure his students regularly connect with role models who inspire and inform them about the possibilities ahead.
At F4S, we’re proud to support teachers like Oliver in creating impactful experiences that spark ambition and inspire the next generation.
"You can't be what you can't see—Right?"
Nothing inspires us more than hearing from the beneficiaries of the programmes we run. Meet Ivy Trudy Muthoni, a University Ambassador for F4S who recently secured an internship at a fintech—a shining example of perseverance, growth, and giving back.
Ivy’s Journey: From Data Analyst to Ambassador
With over two years of experience as a Data Analyst at a Kenyan startup delivering clean, affordable cooking gas to low-income families, Ivy developed a strong passion for problem-solving and using data to drive impactful decisions. Her love for mathematics, which she applies daily in her studies and career, became a cornerstone of her journey.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As a University Ambassador for F4S, Ivy quickly became a force of inspiration. In just four months, she:
- Participated in seven virtual assemblies,
- Mentored countless students, and
- Recruited numerous classmates to join her in volunteering.
Through her efforts, Ivy sparked curiosity and ambition in the next generation, showing students what is possible when someone’s story inspires you to dream big. Her belief in the power of visibility—“You can’t be what you can’t see”—drove her to share her journey.
A Bright Future Ahead
Ivy’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Her active involvement with F4S earned her an internship at OakNorth Bank, where she gained experience across several departments, further enhancing her skills and career prospects.
Today, Ivy has just completed her Master's degree and dreams of founding her own company—a vision rooted in her desire to create meaningful change.
Ivy’s Words of Inspiration
Ivy reflected on her experience with F4S, sharing:
“I wanted to become a university ambassador for F4S because I thought that you can’t be what you can’t see. And so, being an ambassador gave me the perspective that my story would inspire students who come from a disadvantaged background to want to come to university and pursue a degree—either a bachelor’s or master’s in STEM.
I think it’s important for secondary school students to be able to listen to stories from university students because they’re able to appreciate the background they come from and the hardships that they faced and just to see that it’s not impossible to get to where they want to be.”
The Power of Giving Back
Ivy’s story highlights the mutual benefits of volunteering. By giving her time and energy to inspire students, Ivy not only impacted their lives but also unlocked incredible opportunities for her own growth and future.
Superpower is revolutionising growth for businesses and individuals alike, with faster recruitment, personalised job matching, and skill development for 40,000 users, growing at an impressive 40% year-on-year.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Members like Noshin Begum are perfect examples of how Superpower is changing lives. Noshin, a talented Goldsmiths University alum, has built her skills and advanced her career by securing higher-paying roles. Recruiters like Katy benefit too, filling positions ten times faster by connecting with skilled workers like Noshin.
Noshin’s inspiring story was recently highlighted in the F4S annual report, showcasing just how impactful these opportunities can be. During her studies, Noshin completed an incredible 8 internships with scaleup companies—a testament to her ambition and drive. Her career path took her from her first internship in August 2020 at The Barber Shop to roles such as:
- PoC Developer at Octopus Energy
- Software Engineer at Alpidata
- UX Designer at Sticks Research Agency
- UX Designer at R3 and more…
Each role built her experience, skills, and confidence—unlocking opportunities that propelled her career forward.
Empowering Careers and Businesses
Superpower continues to bridge the gap between skilled candidates and businesses, helping members like Noshin thrive while supporting recruiters in finding the talent they need, faster.
In November to celebrate Maths Week England, F4S was proud to host an inspiring in-person event at Lloyd’s of London for 80 girls from London Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). Designed to motivate and empower young women, the event showcased the real-world applications of mathematics in careers across technology, the environment, life sciences, and sustainability—both at Lloyd’s and within leading tech companies.
An Unforgettable Day at Lloyd’s
The day was packed with engaging talks, interactive mentoring sessions, and an exclusive guided tour of the iconic Lloyd’s building. This unique experience gave students the chance to connect directly with accomplished women working in industries where maths plays a crucial role. These meaningful conversations sparked curiosity, inspiration, and a newfound enthusiasm for mathematics and its diverse applications.
Powerful Stories From Female Leaders
Two powerful stories resonated deeply with attendees:
Steph Budenberg from Baringa shared her inspiring journey. At 12, Steph didn’t have a set career plan but felt passionate about the plane and astronomy. This passion led her to study Engineering, where she discovered her love for problem-solving and teamwork—skills she also honed through sports. Today, Steph is an energy consultant working on impactful and diverse projects that help shape a sustainable future.
Elise Stempfer from Lloyd’s offered another perspective. Elise started her journey studying Law, not expecting to end up in insurance. However, a chance meeting with a broker inspired her to explore marine insurance. Elise highlighted how mathematics plays a central role in her day-to-day work, alongside key skills like communication, curiosity, debate, and initiative.
Both speakers emphasised an important message: while mathematics is a powerful tool, success in these careers relies on a mix of technical skills and essential qualities like adaptability, teamwork, and curiosity.
Key Takeaways for Students
The event offered valuable insights and advice for the students:
- Embrace AI: AI should be seen as a tool that enhances, not replaces, human capabilities.
- You don’t need to be a maths expert: Success in STEM-related careers is about a willingness to learn, adapt, and grow.
- Career journeys are rarely linear: It’s okay not to have all the answers early on. Stay open to change, explore new opportunities, and follow your passions.
Looking Ahead: Connecting Schools with Mentors
The success of this event highlights the importance of mentorship and real-world role models in helping students discover their potential and explore career pathways they may never have considered.
If you’d like your school to connect students with mentors who can share insights into AI, problem-solving, and diverse career opportunities, click here.
Let’s inspire the next generation to embrace mathematics, explore new possibilities, and create a future full of innovation and opportunity!
For the second consecutive year, our programme has made remarkable progress in inspiring and empowering students across the UK to explore careers in cybersecurity, intelligence, and STEM fields.
During Maths Week England and Scottish Careers Week, the GCHQ Virtual Assembly-Unlocking the Power of Maths provided students aged 11-16 with a unique opportunity to connect with professionals who work to safeguard the nation.
A standout moment was the hugely successful GCHQ Virtual Assembly, where over 2,500 students from 100+ schools joined us for an exclusive insight into the fascinating and vital work carried out at GCHQ. This was a staggering increase from the previous year’s turnout of 60 schools.
Students heard firsthand from three incredible GCHQ professionals, who shared:
- Their career journeys – from their own school days to solving real-world problems at GCHQ.
- How subjects like maths, physics, and problem-solving led to impactful careers.
- Insights into the flexibility, variety, and inclusivity of careers at GCHQ, which accommodate diverse talents, including neurodiverse individuals and those seeking work-life balance.
Key takeaways included the reassurance that while maths is valuable, it’s not essential for every role, broadening opportunities for students with a variety of skills and interests.
One speaker perfectly captured the essence: “It’s incredible to work on puzzles that make a difference, and every day brings new challenges.”
Diverse Opportunities for All
The event also spotlighted exciting programmes such as the CyberFirst Girls Competition for Years 8 and 9, encouraging more girls to explore careers in cybersecurity. For younger learners, tools like Numberblocks and coding games were highlighted as engaging ways to develop maths and analytical skills early on.
The 2024 GCHQ Christmas Challenge brought festive fun with seven puzzles testing codebreaking, maths, and creative thinking. Families, friends, and classrooms collaborated to solve the main challenge and uncover hidden bonus elements. Participants shared progress using #GCHQChristmasChallenge, with hints on Instagram @GCHQ, making it a seasonal hit that inspired teamwork and creativity!
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
The overwhelming enthusiasm from teachers and students demonstrated the impact of events like this. Teachers noted how the assembly helped bring classroom subjects to life, sparking career conversations that could shape students’ futures.
Looking ahead, we aim to:
- Expand our outreach to engage more schools in areas of deprivation.
- Develop follow-up activities and mentorship programmes to maintain momentum.
- Prepare for more events showcasing real-world applications of STEM learning.
If you missed this year’s amazing event, don’t worry! Watch the recap here and sign up to our organiser platform to stay updated and ensure you’re part of the next exciting opportunity. 🌟 Don’t miss out!
Together, We Inspire Future Innovators
Our mission remains clear: to empower young minds with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to pursue careers they may never have considered. Events like the GCHQ Virtual Assembly demonstrate that with the right connections, a world of possibilities opens up for every student.
Thank you to our inspiring GCHQ speakers, moderators, and the incredible teachers and students who made this event such a success.
Stay connected for more opportunities to engage, inspire, and empower the next generation of problem-solvers!
The Gatsby Benchmarks are widely recognised as the gold standard for careers education. Since their introduction, over 90% of schools and colleges across the UK have adopted these benchmarks, making impressive strides in helping young people explore career pathways, build essential skills, and fulfill their potential. In fact, progress since 2018 has nearly tripled, underscoring the benchmarks as a reliable foundation for embedding careers guidance into education.
However, as the world of work evolves due to advancements in technology, changes in education, and shifting labour market demands, the Gatsby Benchmarks have been updated to ensure they remain relevant for the next decade. These enhancements are designed to sharpen their focus and continue driving meaningful progress.
What’s New? Five Key Themes
While the original eight benchmarks and their titles remain unchanged, the updates introduce five key themes to enhance their relevance and impact:
1. Careers at the Heart of Education and Leadership
The updates highlight the unique roles of key stakeholders such as school leaders, governors, and careers leaders. There’s also a renewed focus on ensuring every subject teacher embeds careers education into their curriculum, creating a whole-school approach where careers guidance becomes an integral part of learning.
2. Inclusion and Impact for Every Young Person
The benchmarks now emphasise the importance of tailoring programmes to meet the individual needs of each young person. These changes reflect the growing awareness that inclusivity—ensuring every student, regardless of background or ability, receives tailored support—leads to better outcomes for all.
3. Meaningful and Varied Encounters and Experiences
Providing young people with authentic encounters with employers, workplaces, and further education remains at the heart of the Gatsby Benchmarks. The updates clarify what makes an encounter truly meaningful:
- It must have a clear purpose shared with the young person and employer.
- It should be underpinned by learning outcomes that align with the young person’s goals.
- There must be opportunities for two-way interaction between students and professionals.
- Students need time to reflect on the insights and skills gained from the experience.
By refining this definition, the Gatsby Benchmarks ensure that encounters are impactful and help students make informed decisions about their futures.
4. Focusing on the Use of Information and Data
In a world where information is abundant, it’s essential that young people can access inclusive, reliable information about career pathways. The updated benchmarks emphasise equipping students—and their parents or carers—with tools to interpret and use this information effectively to make decisions that suit their aspirations and abilities.
5. Engagement of Parents and Carers
Recognising the crucial role of families in supporting young people’s career choices, the updates strengthen the relationship between careers programmes and parents/carers. Schools are encouraged to involve parents in planning and ensure that clear, timely information about careers guidance is shared with them.
Why These Updates Matter?
The Gatsby Benchmarks have already transformed careers education in schools and colleges, ensuring students gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in the modern workforce. By refining their focus, these updates will help prepare young people for an ever-changing world, ensure inclusivity, and support schools in fostering a careers-rich environment where every student can thrive.
For educators, parents, and employers alike, these updates mark a significant step forward in ensuring careers education keeps pace with the world of work—offering young people the best possible foundation for their future.
To read the full report here.
Endorsed by the Careers & Enterprise Company, career leads & teachers use F4S to schedule speakers we recommend & train to speak to their students, broadening the student’s career horizons.
Mathematics is a cornerstone of modern education, critical for individual success and the growth of entire economies. Yet, gender disparities in maths achievement persist, often beginning in primary school. Research highlights that many girls make decisions about their abilities in maths at an early age, decisions shaped by confidence, stereotypes, and societal expectations. These decisions have lasting impacts, influencing academic paths and career opportunities. To address this, targeted intervention programmes for girls in primary schools are essential.
Addressing the Maths Performance Gap
At the age of 11, boys in the UK outperform girls in maths by four percentage points at the expected standard and eight percentage points at the higher standard. Importantly, this gap isn’t due to biological differences but is linked to external factors like confidence and attitudes. The underperformance of girls in maths represents a significant loss of potential talent, which not only limits personal opportunities but also reduces national productivity and economic growth.
Research by the OECD suggests that improving girls’ attitudes toward maths could significantly boost overall school performance. Girls who expressed confidence in their mathematical ability performed better than boys with similar attitudes, underscoring the importance of fostering positive beliefs about maths early on.
Building Mathematical Confidence Early
Confidence in maths starts forming in primary school, often shaped by societal stereotypes and personal experiences. Unfortunately, many girls lack this confidence, which negatively affects their performance. Without intervention, this self-doubt can discourage girls from pursuing maths-related subjects and careers.
A striking finding from the OECD report revealed that while boys generally outperformed girls in maths tests, the gap reversed when confidence was taken into account. Girls who believed they were good at maths outperformed boys with the same mindset. This demonstrates that the key barrier for many girls isn’t ability but self-belief.
Overcoming Gendered Stereotypes
From a young age, girls are exposed to stereotypes suggesting that maths is a male-dominated field. These cultural biases often discourage them from engaging fully with the subject. Alun Jones, head of the Girls’ School Association, pointed out that these stereotypes are deeply entrenched, shaped by centuries of bias. While educational institutions alone can’t eradicate this cultural conditioning, targeted efforts can minimise its impact and boost girls’ confidence in maths.
Intervention programs play a critical role in countering stereotypes. By providing positive reinforcement, showcasing role models, and offering tailored support, these programs help girls see themselves as capable mathematicians.
Creating Equal Opportunities and Shaping Futures
When girls are supported in maths, they’re more likely to excel and pursue further studies in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. This creates a more balanced gender representation in industries such as engineering, technology, and data science.
Furthermore, the decisions girls make about maths in primary school often shape their future educational and career choices. Building a positive association with maths early on not only empowers them academically but also expands their career options, breaking down barriers to success.
The Way Forward
The gender gap in maths education isn’t just an issue of fairness; it’s a challenge with profound social and economic implications. Introducing intervention programs in primary schools can help build confidence, dismantle stereotypes, and set girls on a path to long-term success in maths and beyond. By prioritising these efforts, we can unlock the potential of a generation and foster a more equitable and innovative future.
The case for action is clear: the time to inspire and empower young girls in maths is now. Let’s give them the tools they need to dream big and achieve even bigger.
📣 F4S is proud to have submitted our response to the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review!
This autumn, the Government launched an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, led by Professor Becky Francis. The review focuses on identifying the most critical challenges in curriculum and assessment, with particular attention to supporting children and young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs or disabilities. These groups continue to face the most significant barriers in education. The review also aims to ensure that the curriculum prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their futures.
To share our insights and expertise, we submitted a response to the Call for Evidence. Our response reflects F4S’s commitment to shaping a future-ready education system. To develop our evidence, we hosted roundtable discussions and collaborated closely with partners, including the Careers and Enterprise Company, The Royal Society, Cambridge Assessment, MATs, and educators. These vital voices—who shape education every day—were at the heart of our submission.
We emphasised that education must evolve to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in an increasingly complex, technology-driven world. Breaking down barriers to opportunity is critical, and the social and economic value of equipping students with transferable skills cannot be overstated. We are pleased to have been helping teachers do that now for ten years via our services that provides resources and experts who help the navigation of the tech driven world easier.
Summary of Recommendations
- Social Justice and Inclusion
- The Department for Education should encourage schools to adopt proven initiatives from charities like F4S to break down barriers faced by SEND students, girls, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds by connecting them with relatable role models and career opportunities.
- Scale successful programs nationwide to deliver tailored role models and career insights at minimal cost.
- Ensuring an Excellent Foundation in Maths
- Revise the mathematics curriculum to integrate data analysis, statistics, and computational tools, ensuring students gain practical, future-ready skills.
- Mandate schools adopt highly effective intervention programmes like F4S’s Maths4Girls to inspire more girls to pursue mathematics beyond age 16, addressing gender disparities and encouraging STEM career pathways
- Curriculum and Qualification Content
- Require schools to provide at least three meaningful employer encounters annually.
- Promote AI literacy and professional development for teachers to integrate AI effectively into classrooms
- A Broad and Balanced Curriculum
- Embed skills-based activities throughout the curriculum to ensure a better balance between academic success and essential life skills
- Streamline subject content to foster deeper engagement and accommodate skills-based learning
These changes are essential for breaking down barriers to opportunity and preparing young people for a complex, technology-driven future. The social and economic benefits of investing in education that equips students with these transferable skills cannot be overstated.
🔗 Read our full response here
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed and supported us throughout this process. Together, we’re working to create an education system that empowers every student.
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, preparing young people for careers in the green economy has never been more essential. That’s where the idea for the Sustainable Futures Programme was born. This pioneering educational initiative, led by WWF-UK in partnership with Villiers Park Educational Trust and F4S, was designed to empower students aged 14 to 18. Completely free, the programme equips the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to excel in the future workforce while actively contributing to a sustainable world.
From its launch in June 2022 to its conclusion in July 2024, the programme has reached thousands of students and educators across the UK, offering a comprehensive approach to sustainability-focused careers education. With nearly 10,000 students engaged in career talks and almost 6,000 accessing sustainability course resources, the programme has made a significant impact on young people's understanding of and aspirations toward green careers.
The Three Pillars of the Sustainable Futures Programme
The success of the Sustainable Futures Programme stemmed from its innovative design, built around three core elements: the student course, career talks, and workplace experiences. Together, these components formed a holistic framework for learning and inspiration.
1. The Student Course
Central to the programme was the student course, which introduced learners to the principles of sustainability and their relevance in business and society. Delivered by educators, career leaders, or trained facilitators, the course encouraged students to reflect on their values, skills, and aspirations, aligning these with sustainable career paths.
By linking theoretical concepts to real-world opportunities, the course empowered students to think critically about their role in creating a sustainable future. The integration of knowledge and personal reflection promoted informed decision-making and a deeper appreciation of how sustainability intersected with diverse industries.
2. Career Talks
Career talks brought sustainability to life through interactions with professionals from various sectors. Hosted virtually or in person via the F4S platform, these sessions offered students unique insights into how sustainability was integrated into different industries and roles.
Speakers—from environmental organisations to companies embracing sustainable practices—shared real-world examples of sustainability in action. These talks were not only informative but also deeply inspiring, helping students envision how their career aspirations could align with their passion for sustainability.
3. Workplace Experiences
Providing hands-on exposure, the programme included sustainability-focused workplace experiences. These opportunities ranged from one-day insight sessions to virtual placements, allowing students to explore sustainable practices in action across diverse industries such as renewable energy and hospitality.
Empowering Students, Transforming Futures
The impact of the Sustainable Futures Programme has been profound, particularly in inspiring young people to consider careers in sustainability.
A post-programme survey revealed that 95% of students reported an increased knowledge of sustainability, while 88% said that career talks positively influenced their understanding of sustainability’s role in future careers. Insight days further heightened interest, with 89% stating they were now more enthusiastic about pursuing sustainability-focused roles.
The programme didn’t just change aspirations—it also shifted behaviours. Many students reported taking greater responsibility for environmental action, influencing friends, family, and even organisations to adopt more sustainable practices.
Students described the programme as a transformative experience:
“From documentaries and Geography classes, we had a basic understanding of sustainability. But through this course, our understanding was strengthened, and we became more confident in what sustainability really means.”
“It made me think about how sustainability could create more job opportunities in the future. It got me considering what I need to do now to achieve my goals.”
Building a Sustainable Future Together
As the Sustainable Futures Programme draws to a close, its success highlights the importance of partnerships between educators, businesses, and environmental organisations. By equipping young people with the tools and inspiration to pursue green careers, the programme has not only prepared them for the workforce but also empowered them to be agents of change in building a sustainable future.
For students, the programme was more than an educational initiative—it was a gateway to realising their potential and exploring ways to make a positive impact on the world:
- “This programme has shown me different ways I can make a difference. I now think more about how sustainable potential employers are and want to work for a company that cares about the climate.”
The Sustainable Futures Programme stands as a testament to the power of education to inspire meaningful change, shaping not just careers but also the future of our planet. To find out more about the programme you can visit this link here.
This year, we've been able to support over 15,000 small businesses and charities around the world! 🎉 This is all thanks to the amazing support of our mentors who all volunteer their time to help small businesses and charities.
We love to celebrate our community, so each year we spotlight our top mentors of the year to celebrate the amazing work our volunteers do. 🥰
Meet our Mentors of the Year (2024) here 👇
Most mentoring sessions - Anastasia
We love celebrating our community as they all go above and beyond to support our small business community. It's why we're delighted to celebrate Anastasia as her dedication to mentoring has been phenomenal this year! 🎉
Anastasia has received our 'most mentoring sessions' award after delivering over 154 mentoring sessions this year 🥳
Anastasia joined our volunteering community in January and threw herself into mentoring. You can definitely say she caught the mentoring bug as after delivering several amazing Masterclasses, Anastasia set out on a mission to mentor 100 mentees in 2024! It's been amazing seeing Anastasia dedicate herself to this challenge and we've loved how much our community of volunteers has cheered her on her journey. 🩵
We've had the privilege of Anastasia delivering amazing Masterclasses for our community and even joining us at one of our London in-person events with our partners at NatWest too. 😊
What we love most about Anastasia is her enthusiasm and passion for learning and helping others. She said recently, "I didn’t see myself as a mentor this time last year. But I’ve found my place with Digital Boost, where the mentoring is targeted and impactful" and we couldn't agree more! That's why our mentoring platform is so powerful! We believe anyone can be a mentor as we've all got unique experiences and ideas to share. And being able to show people what's possible on our platform means the world to us, so thank you Anastasia for showing us all what's possible! 🥰
It's been an incredible year for Anastasia and we can't wait to see what challenge she sets herself for 2025. 🎉
Here’s what our mentees have to say about Anastasia:
"Meeting Anastasia has been a quietly exceptional and positively memorable experience. Anastasia brings a wealth of unique personal qualities, and professionally, she is a remarkably perceptive, well-informed, attuned, committed and collaborative specialist. Anastasia distils and delivers a huge amount of value in a short amount of time to help accomplished clients achieve breakthrough results. Highly Recommended!"
"Anastasia was friendly, well-prepared and thoughtful with her recommendations for my startup website. She even followed up with a summary of what we discussed and also shared some useful resources! So glad to have met her through the Digital Boost platform, this is really a great platform for entrepreneurs to get the advice and support they need to build and grow their business."
Most Masterclasses hosted - Paul
We're extremely lucky to have incredible mentors who volunteer to deliver Masterclasses and Workshops with us throughout the year 🎉. This year, we delivered over 300 live sessions on everything from business strategy to AI to wellbeing for founders!
The number of live sessions wouldn't be possible without incredible mentors like Paul, who volunteer to support our community through our Masterclasses. 🎉 Paul was one of our top Masterclass hosts this year, delivering several incredible sessions about creating a winning business strategy for small business owners.
This isn't Paul's first rodeo! 🤠 He's been volunteering with Digital Boost since 2023 and in that time become a very popular Masterclass host with our community. What we've loved most is seeing Paul's skills develop over the last year as one of our Masterclass hosts. His presentations and delivery have gone from strength to strength and he's been a joy to collaborate with 😊
Here’s what Paul’s mentees had to say:
"Paul delivered extremely useful feedback on my business pitch and helped me to get inside the brain of an investor to match what they are looking for. This session was probably the most useful session I have had in relation to this subject and has really helped me to deliver a better pitch. I am meeting with Paul again soon and I am very excited to share my updated pitch with him because, thanks to his feedback, it is a lot better!!"
"Paul was great and introduced me to new ideas. Even though it’s a one hour call, I’ll be going away and spending a lot of time delving into everything he taught me, which will result in some considerable upskilling in the areas of business planning and growth strategies. Thanks so much Paul"
Marketing mentor - Sid K.
Our Marketing Mentor of the Year award goes to Sid! Since joining us in June of this year, Sid has delivered over 21 hours of mentoring support, volunteered to host several Masterclasses and, most recently, joined us on stage at our Edinburgh Solopreneur Bootcamp for a live workshop!
Sid supports our community with digital marketing, branding, and most recently, KPI tracking and reporting!
If you've been lucky enough to meet Sid, you'll know he's an absolute powerhouse, and his enthusiasm for small businesses is infectious. He's had an incredible career working with industry giants like Coca-Cola and Meta, but now he supports SMEs through his business Unlock Growth and by volunteering with Digital Boost.
Here’s what Sid's mentees had to say:
"Took the time to ask probing questions and challenge my assumptions. Was very helpful in moving my plans forward. Thank you so much"
"Sid was so helpful giving me advice and tips about business strategy for my small business. He was very professional and clearly knows his stuff. I have a lot of things to work on now and have a better idea about how to figure out my future business strategy. There were lots of interesting things he said that really made me think about what I'm currently doing and what I will do in the future. Thank you Sid!"
Leadership mentor - Sarisha
We're delighted to be celebrating Sarisha as our leadership mentor of the year! Since joining us in 2023, Sarisha has gone on to deliver over 80 hours of 1:1 mentoring, several exceptional Masterclasses, and even hosted a live workshop at our International Women's Day event in March of this year!
Sarisha is a lawyer turned founder. Sarisha was inspired to retrain as a life coach after navigating her own personal challenges with the support of a life coach. She created Navigating Life Coaching to support and help others find balance and happiness in their own lives 😊 We're grateful to have mentors like Sarisha in our community who can share their first-hand experiences building a business to inspire and guide others on their journeys. 🤗
Here’s what Sarisha's mentees had to say:
"It was wonderful speaking with Sarisha. It had such a positive impact on me! Her empowering approach, coupled with the dedication to understanding my business, and providing advice on growth and personal development. I feel I will definitely benefit from her professional insights and guidance."
"Sarisha's mentoring session was outstanding, combining inspiration, creativity and practical guidance. Our well-organised session covered introductions, goal-setting, challenges, and action planning, leaving me with a clear strategy and a SMART follow-up plan. I highly recommend Sarisha for her invaluable mentoring advice."
Business strategy mentor - Julia
Meet Julia, our business strategy mentor of 2024! Julia joined our volunteering community back in 2022 through our EY partnership 😊
With an extensive career in international marketing, Julia offers mentoring in marketing, social media, B2B marketing, and business strategy. 🙌
As well as being one of our amazing mentors, Julia has also been a huge support to us by joining our in-person Small Business Bootcamp in London to deliver speed mentoring sessions! 🤗
Here’s what Julia's mentees had to say:
"Julia was extremely helpful in her area of expertise and she taught me a lot about a subject I don't know that much about. I left feeling very inspired and excited to get working on all of her suggestions. it was the most worthwhile 50 minutes of my day today. Thank you Julia."
"It was really interesting talking with Julia and she gave me a lot of actionable feedback about not just my website, but my business planning in general. Thank you!"
Most enthusiastic mentor - Cheryl
Don't tell anyone, but this is one of our favourite categories to award every year! 🤫 We have so many incredible volunteers who are passionate and excited about what they do with us which is so special to see. 🥰
This year's most enthusiastic mentor of the year award (or cheerleader of the year as we like to think of them!) goes to Cheryl from the NatWest team! 🩵
Cheryl has been our constant champion since becoming one of our volunteer mentors in 2021 through our partnership with NatWest 😊. She's supported numerous mentees in both the Digital Boost community and Royal Bank of Scotland's MentorMatch programme 🎉. And if you've ever attended any of our in-person events, you'll know that Cheryl is our right-hand woman! She's become a very beloved honourary member of the Digital Boost team and we're eternally grateful for all the support she's given us over the years! 🤗
Here’s what Cheryl's mentees had to say:
"Cheryl is a warm, kind and knowledgeable lady. We had a great rapport during the meeting and she supported me well. She was able to appreciate the challenges that I face in my business and was able to provide advice & guidance."
"Loved my session. With so much info to unload in this session there was a danger there would be too many strands to focus on. But Cheryl was great at bringing the conversation back to a semblance of order, and really helped me focus on what needs to be achieved.
She has some great ideas and useful insights to share, and I know I'm going to be leaning on her in future"
Money mentor - Claire
This year we're delighted to be celebrating Claire as our Money Mentor of the Year! 🎉
Claire is the founder of Addison Accounts & Training and initially joined Digital Boost as a mentee to get support on her business journey. She soon realised she could give back to the community by sharing her accounting and financing skills so she signed up as a mentor as well!
We've got several founders who have decided to become mentors in order to give back to the small business community and we love that our platform allows our mentees to get and give support! It creates a beautiful community and we're delighted to see so many of our mentees throwing themselves into our mentoring! 🤗
Claire brings her own understanding and compassion as a fellow founder to her sessions. She easily breaks down and explains accounting and finance concepts that can be tricky for first-time founders! We're grateful to have amazing mentors like Claire volunteering to share their skills to decode accounting and simplify things for small business owners. 🥰
Here’s what Claire's mentees had to say:
"I was delighted with the level of service I received today with Digital Boost. I had a mentor session with Claire R who was very accommodating when I requested a change of time. Claire was knowledgeable of the topic I was seeking advice on and I really appreciate the time she gave to the session. I left knowing a lot more and I know this will help me on my journey in setting up my business! Thank you, Claire! 10/10 - I would highly recommend Claire's services!"
"I had a fantastic first meeting with Claire, and she truly impressed me with her knowledge and approachable, supportive style. I came in with very little understanding of the ins and outs of setting up a limited company, and Claire quickly understood my situation and gave me tailored advice that made everything feel manageable. What I really appreciated was how she guided me to think about the long-term impact of my decisions, rather than just focusing on the immediate steps. Thank you, Claire, for your insight and support!"
Longest serving mentor - Parvez
We love this award as it allows us to celebrate volunteers who have been with us for a long time and continue to consistently support our community 🥰
Parvez joined us through our volunteering programme with our partners at EY back in 2022. 🎉 Since then he's delivered over 38 hours of mentoring, delivered several Masterclasses, supported us at in-person events, and most recently joined us at our AGM to talk about his experience volunteering with Digital Boost!
Parvez is a true champion of Digital Boost and has been an immense support to us over the years. We're grateful to have him in our community and be celebrating him this year!
What Parvez's mentees had to say:
"Parvez helped me a lot in just one session. The feedback and ideas I received helped me set up and build my CRM and customise my marketing funnel. I have managed to progress a lot thanks to the help I received from Parvez."
"I feel more confident to make the progression I wanted to before the session. The mentor helped with more than I expected and I’m very happy with the service. I’ll definitely be reaching out to him again."
All-rounder - Nishanth
Each year it gets harder and harder to spotlight just one mentor who's been a true all-rounder for the year BUT Nishanth from the BT team has totally blown us away this year 💫
Nishanth joined us in 2021 through our volunteering programme with our partners at BT. Since then he's delivered over 114 hours of mentoring, facilitated numerous Masterclasses, hosted workshops for our Small Business Jumpstart programme, and joined us for in-person events too 🥳
If you've been lucky enough to meet Nishanth, you'll know he's just the loveliest person ever! His energy and enthusiasm for the small business ecosystem is totally infectious. We feel extremely lucky to have had his unwavering support in our community over the past few years! 😊
What Nishanth's mentees had to say:
"My confidence in getting my campaign off the ground was fueled by Nishanth's encouragement and sound advice which I have taken on board with gusto! Thanks again"
"Fantastic session with great advice and a clear strategy with which to move forward."
"It was lovely to connect with Nishanth, not only he was great on the call, but he also introduced me to 2 of his friends/connections, so I'll be able to learn from them as well."
Rising star - Charlie
So many incredible volunteers have joined our community this year and we’re very excited to announce Charlie as our Rising Star of 2024!
Charlie has had an extensive fashion career, ranging from selling her own collection, Charlie Barley, in stores including House of Fraser and Harrods to writing a regular column in Drapers Tade magazine. 🎉 She now has her own business, Fashion Threads where she helps fashion brands design and produce collections!
Having delivered over 28 hours of mentoring since joining us in July, we've been blown away by Charlie's support and love for our small business community! As a small business owner herself, Charlie brings real-life experience to her mentoring sessions and is a huge hit with our community! We can't wait to see what's in store for Charlie in 2025 ✨
What Charlie's mentees had to say:
"Charlie was a big help today. She explained a lot of concepts in an easy to understand way. She was very generous with her time, and she really wanted to help. I really appreciated that she shared her valuable time with me. It was a great call and I learned so much. Thank you, Charlie!"
"Thank you Charlie for your time and kind advice during our mentoring session. Your advice has been greatly appreciated and I will be implementing the changes we discussed to improve both my website and social feeds to increase brand awareness. Once again thank you for taking time out, especially on a Friday afternoon !!!"
Conclusion
We’re extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful community of volunteers, giving their time to founders and making a difference in the world.
If you’ve ever volunteered with us, we just want to say a huge thank you - we appreciate you!
If you’ve been inspired by our Mentors of the Year and would like to join our community of volunteers - we’d love to have you onboard 🥳