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About the
Young Leaders Club

Our Mission Statement

The Young Leaders Club empowers young people to reach their full potential and create positive change. By providing education, mentoring, and networking, we build a supportive community that gives emerging leaders the tools to achieve career success and become conscientious business leaders shaping a fairer future for all.

the leaders club

Our Story

The Young Leaders Club, founded by Jamil Shabir, aims to empower young individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Recognising the need for early guidance, Jamil created a platform where these young people can access mentorship, education, and inspiration.

Our programme focuses on nurturing talent, building confidence, and fostering a sense of community. We offer workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities to develop leadership skills and provide real-world insights. Our mentors, successful professionals from various industries, share their experiences and provide personalised guidance.

At The Young Leaders Club, we believe in the potential of every young person to become a leader. By supporting those from diverse backgrounds, we strive to create a future where leadership reflects the rich diversity of our society. Join us in shaping tomorrow’s leaders today.

Our Advisory Board

Our advisory board is the backbone of our organisation, comprised of skilled professionals who are committed to delivering excellence in every task they undertake. With a shared passion for our mission and a relentless drive for success, our advisory board members collaborate seamlessly, leveraging their diverse expertise to tackle challenges head-on and achieve remarkable results.

Jean Templeton DL

Chair

Cllr Sharon Thompson

Founding Patron

Board Members

Tom Bower

Hattie DeSouza 

Khumehra Mohammed

Tom Clarke-Forrest

John Street

Daniel Braithwaite

Simon Wingate

Stacey Ryan

Stacey Ryan

Harriet Giles

Harriet Giles

    Key features of our innovative system

  • AI-Powered Matching

    Our comprehensive questionnaire for both mentors and mentees, captures detailed information on skills, interests, and business goals to enhance the accuracy of the AI matching of our mentors-mentees.

  • Automated Meeting Arrangement

    An integrated calendar for seamless scheduling, allowing mentors and mentees to sync their availability and avoid scheduling conflicts.

  • Proposal Submission

    Templates for mentees to structure their proposals effectively, guiding them to provide necessary details for mentors to make informed decisions.

  • Acceptance and Meeting Arrangement

    Notification systems alert both mentors and mentees upon proposal acceptance, ensuring timely communication and commitment.

  • AI-Recorded Sessions

    An option that allows mentors and mentees to review session recordings for self-reflection and learning, fostering continuous improvement.

  • Administrator Insights

    Enhanced admin tools with advanced analytics, allowing administrators to drill down into specific metrics and patterns to gain a deeper understanding of mentorship program effectiveness.

  • Progress Tracking

    Dashboard analytics and charts presenting a clear overview of progress, highlighting key milestones and achievements.

  • Adaptive Objective Management

    An AI-driven recommendation system for setting new objectives, while also analysing historical data to suggest relevant and achievable goals based on previous performance.

    • Objective Setting and Follow-up

    A goal-setting framework with SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) providing clearer objectives and more effective follow-up discussions.

Additional functionality of our web application

  • Interactive Learning Modules

    Our interactive learning modules cover various business and personal development topics, providing mentors and mentees with additional resources for continuous learning.

  • Matching Algorithm Refinement

    We regularly update and refine the AI matching algorithm based on user feedback and performance data, to continuously improve the accuracy of mentor-mentee pairings.

  • Peer-to-Peer Networking Events

    Our application incorporates virtual networking events to facilitate connections among mentees, allowing them to share experiences and insights beyond their immediate mentorship relationships.

  • Recognition System

    Through a unique recognition system, our application acknowledges mentors and mentees for significant achievements and contributions within the platform, helping us to foster a positive and motivating environment.

  • In-App Messaging System

    This system facilitates communication between mentors and mentees, ensuring seamless interaction and quick response times.

  • External Resource Integration

    Our system allows mentors and mentees to link external resources such as articles, videos, or tools directly within the platform to enrich their discussions and collaborative efforts.

    • Supported by

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    Advanced technology and security

    To create a user-friendly and reliable system, while ensuring the safety of all of our users, we have implemented advanced technology and security measures into our application. 

    Technology Stack:

    • Frontend: ReactJS
    • Backend: Node.js with Express
    • Database: MongoDB
    • AI Integration: TensorFlow or PyTorch

    Security Measures:

    • Implement end-to-end encryption for sensitive data.
    • Regular security audits and updates.

    Supported by

    Phil Hocking

    Ambassador

    Phil Hocking is a storyteller, educator, and creative force whose journey spans continents and careers. From teaching in classrooms across Europe and Asia to cooking in vibrant kitchens, Phil has always sought to connect, inspire, and uplift through culture and communication.
     
    Now based in the UK and working as Next Generation Talent Consultant for Lloyds Bank, Phil is a celebrated advocate for inclusion and youth empowerment, recognised as a REACH (Race Ethnic & Cultural Heritage Network) Role Model, Apprentice Ambassador, and BOLD (Black Organisation for Leadership & Development) Regional Lead. His work blends performance, poetry, and public speaking, often spotlighting themes of identity, resilience, and transformation.
     
    Whether mentoring young talent, hosting cultural showcases, or crafting spoken word pieces, Phil brings heart, humour, and humanity to every stage he steps on. He believes in the power of storytelling to change lives—and lives that belief every day.

    Cllr Waseem Zaffar MBE JP 

    Ambassador

    Waseem Zaffar is a social justice campaigner, an advocate for a better environment, a political activist, father of three boys and an excited Aston Villa season ticket holder. Born and bought up in Lozells, he has served as its Councillor since 2011. On Birmingham City Council he has served as the Cabinet lead for transport, environment, clean air, climate change, highways, equalities, social justice, community safety and creating a cohesive city.
    As well as being the Director of Midlands Community Solutions CIC, Waseem is a Board Member of The Active Wellbeing Society and Associate Director of the Clean Air Justice Network.

    Waseem was for many years a Justice of Peace on the Birmingham & Solihull bench, as well as the CEO of a Handsworth not-for-profit organisation. His community work has been recognised by several awards including an MBE for services to the voluntary sector.

    He also served for eight years as a Non-Executive Director of Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, which includes City Hospital, where he was born. At the Trust, he chaired the Charity Funds Committee and Integration Committee. He previously served as a Director of Birmingham International Airport and the West Side Business Improvement District.

    Waseem is Chair of Governors at Heathfield Primary School, which he attended as a child and where his sons are pupils today. Always a proud Brummie, Waseem developed the successful Birmingham Heritage Week which has just completed its tenth year. The projects promote the Birmingham story over many years and the learning, achievements and contributions of the communities that have come, gone and stayed in brilliantly diverse Birmingham.

    During his time on Birmingham City Council, Waseem has led on developing several high profile projects including the Birmingham Clean Air Zone, the Birmingham Transport Plan, Route to Zero Climate Change Action Plan, Perry Barr Transport Transformation, Birmingham Clean Air Strategy and Birmingham Heritage Week.


    Tash Pennant

    Ambassador

    Tash is a trusted advisor, international speaker, and phenomenal connector

    Her effervescent approach to life and business means that she is one of today's leaders that not only says she assists, but motivates other people to support and enrich the lives of others. This is key to what we do at The Young Leaders Club. Tash runs Tash Pennant Consultancy Ltd where she provides support for individuals and businesses to connect to information and opportunities.

    Her experience working across many sectors with leaders to understand organisational challenges means she has unique expertise in understanding people and the know-how to provide solutions which bring transformational success. These skills and qualities are why we are delighted to have Tash join The Young Leaders Club as one of our Ambassadors.

    Allia Khan

    Ambassador

    Allia Khan is a dynamic legal professional and entrepreneur with a proven track record of leadership in the in-house legal sector. As the Head of Legal at a thriving organisation, she combines strategic insight, practical solutions, and a deep commitment to fostering excellence in the workplace. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges, Allia ensures her teams and clients achieve success with integrity and efficiency.

    Beyond her legal expertise, Allia is the founder of Mansion 28, a luxury fashion brand that redefines boldness and elegance through its striking collections. With Mansion 28, Allia is empowering women to make an impact, blending timeless designs with modern confidence. Passionate about creating spaces for growth and meaningful conversations, Allia frequently speaks on topics such as mental health, work-life balance, and leadership, inspiring others to embrace authenticity and resilience in high-performance environments.

    Her entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with her dedication to empowering others, defines her as a thought leader in both the legal and creative industries.
    Santina Bunting

    Santina Bunting

    Ambassador

    Santina Bunting stands out as a trailblazer; she was the only one out of 150 students to embark on an apprenticeship journey after GCSEs. She completed her Level 3 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship at Arup in two years, earning a Distinction*Distinction* in her BTEC. Now a qualified Technician with the Institute of Civil Engineers, Santina is in her second year of a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship at Warwick University whilst also working at Arup
     
    Within her role Santina is responsible for database management, drawing production and engineering analysis and has had the opportunity to work on  a range of major infrastructure projects both nationally and internationally.
     
    Santina was recently the Youngest overall winner of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the year 2024 in its 24-year history as well as Apprentice of the year winner. She was also the Construction Excellence G4C Apprentice of the Year 2024 and won Highly Commended in the Engineering category of the Multicultural apprenticeship awards 2023.
     
    Passionate about empowering apprentices, Santina has spoken at esteemed venues such as the House of Lords and the Annual Apprenticeship Conference, also contributing to the UCAS Apprenticeship Advisory group and the government recent skills for life campaign

    Casey Bailey

    Ambassador

    Casey Bailey is an award winning writer, performer and educator, born and raised in Nechells, Birmingham, UK. Casey was the Birmingham Poet Laureate 2020 - 2022.

    Casey’s second full poetry collection Please Do Not Touch was published by Burning Eye in 2021. In 2023 ‘Legacy’ - an in depth exploration of 20 years of the Birmingham Grime and Hip Hop scene - co-authored with Jess Monroe was published. Casey’s debut play GrimeBoy had a sold out run at the Birmingham Rep in April, 2022. He was commissioned by the BBC to write ‘The Ballad of The Peaky Blinders’ in 2019. In 2020 the poem was internationally recognised, winning a Webby Award. In 2022 Casey won a Royal Television Society award for a film for his poem “Dear Brum”. Casey has performed his poetry nationally, and internationally.

    Casey was named as one of the Alfred Fagon Awards’ Black Champions of Theatre in 2021. He is a Fellow of the University of Worcester and in 2021 was awarded an honorary doctorate in Education by Newman University.

    Zoe Bennett, BEM

    Ambassador

    Zoe Bennett,BEM, widely known as The Motivational Queen, is an accomplished international speaker and Mindset Resilience Coach, celebrated for her steadfast "never give up" ethos. 

    Specialising in personal mindset development, employability, and entrepreneurship, Zoe has secured numerous contracts from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), empowering participants to take charge of their career aspirations. Through her partnership with NatWest, she has also guided countless business owners to elevate their ventures to new heights.

    As the Founder of the star-studded MBCC Awards, which reaches an impressive 3.9 million people and continues to expand annually, Zoe honours unsung heroes while inspiring others to excel. 

    Her TEDx talk motivates audiences to break free from self-limiting beliefs, reinforcing her passion for helping individuals become the best versions of themselves.

    Zoe is also the owner of Training Personified Ltd, a personal development company serving the corporate sector. She delivers impactful programmes on leadership, equity, diversity, inclusion, customer service, conflict and change management, resilience, confidenceThe organisation also manages and delivers contracts for the welfare to work sector, driving participants toward meaningful employment and transformative workplace improvements.
    Harriet Giles

    Harriet Giles

    Board Member

    Harriet Giles is a marketing professional with a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. She is currently the Marketing Manager at Dishoom, a dynamic dining establishment known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service.

    In her nine years in the hospitality sector, Harriet has worked with some of the biggest brands in the city, developing a deep understanding of customer engagement, brand management, and innovative marketing strategies. At Dishoom, she has led successful marketing campaigns that significantly boosted brand awareness and customer loyalty, and she has developed strategies that enhanced the overall customer experience.

    Beyond her professional role, Harriet is passionate about community involvement. She actively supports local boards and charities, using her skills to contribute to various initiatives that make a positive impact. She has provided mentorship to young professionals aspiring to build careers in marketing and hospitality, sharing her knowledge and experience to help them succeed.

    Harriet's career is driven by a passion for hospitality and a commitment to excellence. She is always eager to explore new opportunities and collaborate with like-minded professionals to create memorable experiences for customers and positive changes in the community.


    Stacey Ryan

    Stacey Ryan

    Board Member

    Stacey stands at the forefront of educational transformation, where learning transcends boundaries and embraces the limitless potential of technology. Her unwavering commitment to redefining education has propelled her beyond established benchmarks, positioning her as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving landscape.

    A visionary in every sense, Stacey has fearlessly embraced the power of AI, charting new territories and accelerating past conventional norms. Her innovative spirit and tireless pursuit of digital opportunities underscore her dedication to continuous evolution. In the dynamic world of technology, Stacey emerges as a pillar of innovation, an advocate for equality, and a true visionary.
    Stacey's impact is not confined to the present; it resonates into the future, where education knows no bounds. Pioneering the integration of AI into online learning and championing online exams, she envisions a regulated future for the industry. Her audacious strides have positioned her as a catalyst for change, forging a path toward a new era in education.

    A confident and experienced speaker, awards judge, mentor, and businesswoman, Stacey is not just a leader in global education; she is the architect of its future. Her visionary leadership propels the industry into the next century, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of education and technology, Oxbridge is a blended learning platform that empowers anyone, anywhere at any time to be the best they can be.

    Cllr Sharon Thompson

    Founding Patron

    Councillor Sharon Thompson is a politician, executive coach, and public speaker with a remarkable journey from homelessness to becoming the Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council. 

    Her story is one of resilience and determination, earning her national awards for contributions to social change and politics. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Sharon challenges audiences to develop leadership skills in areas such as politics, homelessness, housing, and diversity.

    Appointed in May 2023, she is the first ethnic minority to hold the Deputy Leader position in Birmingham, overseeing portfolios on skills, jobs, apprenticeships, strategic partnerships, and the ‘Cost of Living.’

    Simon Wingate

    Board Member

    Simon’s primary responsibility is to develop and nurture strategic relationships with key clients including Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Land Agents and consultants to unlock new multi-tenure housing developments.

    Simon has extensive experience in acquisition of land for a variety of housing tenures including Affordable, Open Market, Build to Rent and Care. He has been extensively involved in forming partnerships to unlock stalled brownfield sites for multi-tenure housing across the Midlands regions.

    Daniel Braithwaite

    Board Member

    Dan is Managing Director for Pertemps Network Catering, one of Birmingham’s longest established Catering & Hospitality recruitment agencies. At Pertemps Network Catering they specialise in the placement of temporary and permanent catering & hospitality staff nationally to a range of clients in the Hospitality sector.

    Dan began his career in recruitment at the tender age of 17, rising through the ranks of Administrator, Trainee Consultant, Senior Consultant, Team Leader, moving to his current firm as Branch Manager and achieving promotion to Managing Director in 2019 within the UK’s largest independent recruitment group of companies Pertemps Network Group.

    Dan has always held a passion from a very young age to help people, and why he found recruitment to be a natural fit for him and his ambitions. In 2022 he won an Individual Award at the Black Talent Awards for his services to the industry in which he operates and he has ambitions to do even more publicly giving back to the community in his spare time, ideally becoming a beacon of light for individuals who can relate and have ambitions to achieve more moving forward in their careers. 

    Tom Clarke-Forrest

    Board Member

    Tom Clarke-Forrest is the Founder and CEO of Sport 4 Life UK (S4L), and has been an ever-present member of its growing team and operations since inception in 2006.

    Tom has led the organisation through significant change and growth in 18 years, on its journey to becoming the leading sport for employability charity in the West Midlands - employing 30 full-staff, turning over £2m annually, and meaningfully supporting over 2,500 young people each year. These young people, aged 11 to 29, are given the opportunity to create a better future for themselves, by receiving one-to-one mentoring, accredited qualifications and structured sport - over a 12-month period - supporting them to transform life skills, improve wellbeing, increase employability and progress into sustained education and employment.

    The organisation has invested over £10m into the communities it serves, and is now embarking on an exciting journey outside of the West Midlands, expanding nationally. S4L boasts an impressive track record, and its success can be attributed to its people-centred leadership style, its youth-led approach, and its values-driven culture.

    Tom is an accredited leader and change manager, and completed an Executive MBA at Birmingham City University in 2022. In 2019, he was named ‘Future Face of Charity & Social Enterprise’ at the prestigious 'Future Faces Awards' in Birmingham. He is also a 'Business Mentor' for Unltd, supporting other social entrepreneurs who are starting their journey. You can find out more information on Sport 4 Life UK at: www.sport4life.org.uk.

    Tom Bower 

    Board Member

    Tom Bower is a marketing, PR and communications professional with over 10 years’ experience across the public sector and private sector in healthcare, education and property.

    Alongside this he is an active member of the business community where he sits on the executive committee for the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce’s Future Faces network and also chairs a mentoring programme which supports hundreds of young professionals with their development with local business leaders.

    Khumehra Mohammed

    Board Member

    Khumehra is a Chartered Senior Project Manager and a member of the Association of Project Managers. She has successfully delivered a variety of construction schemes in sectors such as, residential, student accommodation, retail and hotels.

    Being the first in her family to attend university she had limited knowledge on Project Management careers especially in the construction sector. After stumbling across a career in surveying by chance she volunteers to be an Inspire Ambassador and Stem Ambassador to deliver presentations, careers fairs and workshops and promote the surveying profession.

    Khumehra is passionate about reducing the skills gap in the construction sector and increase, the sector's diversity and opportunities, with employment and training opportunities around the world. Khumehra is part of the RICS Local members group for the Black Country where they provide a platform for local members to network and complete CPD.

    John Street

    Board Member

    John is a leader driven by a deep commitment to transforming the lives of children and young people in disadvantaged communities. With over 30 years of dedicated service in youth and community work, John has worked strategically and tirelessly to eradicate child poverty and provide opportunities for those who need it most.
    As the founder and director of free@last, a Birmingham children's charity, John's strategic judgment and compassionate heart has enabled free@last to make insightful impacts. His vision for free@last is rooted in empowering children and young people through a holistic approach, offering opportunities, activities, mentoring, and vital support services. Through collaboration with families, agencies, and professionals, John ensures that every child in Nechells has the chance to thrive.

    In addition to his philanthropic endeavours, over the past two decades, he has successfully launched and managed fourteen ventures, demonstrating his entrepreneurial ability. Among these ventures, Family Fun Zone stands out as a thriving enterprise, providing entertainment while offering employment opportunities to over 50 young adults since being opened in 2012.

    John's commitment to youth empowerment is further demonstrated through supporting free@last’s youth-led businesses, Brum Ting and Faff Free. Brum Ting celebrates the vibrancy of Birmingham, offering unique products for tourists and residents alike. Meanwhile, Faff Free youths simplify the selling process for individuals who cannot be bothered with the Faff and return the customer with 40% of the profit.

    John leads a very committed team of people, who are the real heroes at free@last, and with his wife, Jan, have raised their 4 children in Nechells, who have all gone on to be very impactful young adults themselves. He loves the outdoors, especially mountains and adventurous activities, and is a connoisseur of cake 😋

    Hattie D’Souza

    Board Member

    She/Her

    Hattie is the Director of People & Culture at multi-award-winning PR agency, EAST VILLAGE., where she is responsible for ensuring that the small-but-mighty team runs like clockwork and – above all else – is happy and healthy.
    A people-person who takes a vested interest in getting the best out of those around her, Hattie is obsessed with all things progression, productivity, and processes. She ensures that EAST VILLAGE. remains focused on being an agency for a modern workforce, living by its core value: putting people first. Always.

    From pioneering innovative working practices; to implementing human-centred policies: Hattie is constantly looking at what is new in the world of work (and beyond) and how to make them purpose-fit for the agency, which is always pushing boundaries.
    With almost a decade of experience behind her, Hattie pioneers new ways of working that prioritise both efficiency and wellbeing. This dedication to innovation helped to cement her place on PRWeek’s 30 Under 30 list in 2022.
    Having settled in the Second City back in 2015 – following schooling in the UK and Malaysia – Hattie now considers herself an ‘adopted Brummie’ and is passionate about the city.

    She is a Trustee for Summit Learning Trust, whose focus is on developing responsible, knowledgeable, highly skilled, global citizens who will have a positive impact on our communities now and in future years. She also was one of the co-founders of the homeless charity Let’s Feed Brum, which landed her a place in Birmingham Live’s ’30 Under 30’, and a former co-chair of BPS Birmingham’s Aspire network.”

    Jean Templeton 

    Chair

    Jean has been Chief Executive of St Basils since 2000 and had over 20 years of experience managing housing and neighbourhood services in a number of Local Authorities in the North East and Midlands.

    Jean is Chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority Homelessness Taskforce and is a member of the Government’s Advisory Panel on Rough Sleeping and Homelessness and chairs the national Youth Homelessness Parliament.

    She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Birmingham in 2006 and a Membership through Distinction of the Faculty of Public Health in 2018. In 2019, she received the President’s Award from Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.