UV Summer Futures Conference: ‘Positive Perspectives: Realistic optimism for the future’
What positive advice would you give a 16-year-old standing on the precipice of an increasingly unpredictable world? That question lay at the heart of our new UV Summer Futures Conference, Positive Perspectives: Realistic Optimism for the Future, where six parents and guests – all experienced professionals in their own right – challenged, motivated and reassured St Mary’s students in equal measure, with one student describing the morning as the ‘most inspiring’ session she’d ever attended.
We had a broad range of industries represented: medicine, finance, the military, film and television, luxury events, and global advertising, with our speakers sharing stories that were refreshingly honest. Reassuringly, there were no tales of perfectly mapped careers or linear success: these were all ‘squiggly’ journeys. Instead, the girls heard how careers are often shaped by unexpected opportunities, bold decisions, occasional failures and, ultimately, a willingness to remain curious.
After a brief introduction from me on the multiplicity of routes now available to young people and the importance of following your own path, we began with George’s keynote on finding purpose in your career. George and his co-founder, friends since school, have created a phenomenally successful global brand with their luxury event planning company ‘Sharky and George’. Girls learnt first-hand how focusing on what you genuinely love and excel in can create success, both personally and materially. The Japanese concept of Ikigai has informed George’s choices and his company’s ethos. It was a fascinating insight into how following your passion, combined with making a positive contribution to people’s lives, can create lucrative opportunities. His discussion around the importance of play to our intellectual and moral development was similarly thought-provoking.
Next was Mrs Alex Haggard, Head of Product for Europe and Asia at Capital Group, whose career journey illustrated how being courageous enough to make tough decisions, and change course, was crucial to fulfilling your potential. She highlighted the importance of saying yes to opportunities – and how this can be unexpectedly transformational to your trajectory. Alex’s focus on learning how to own your space, use your voice and to see challenging situations as opportunities to grow, chimed with an earlier workshop the UV had experienced as part of their UV to Lower Sixth Transition Week with our resident Communication Coach, Mrs Rebecca Cochran-Patrick, aligning with the school’s focus on creating confident and emboldened young women.
Next, Captain Sulaiman Kamara RLC, currently Mechanical Transport Officer in the British Army, gave us lessons on resilience and grit. His military journey to Captain, completed in record time, exemplified the character traits girls need to thrive. An inspirational talk, with both poetry and quotes from Winston Churchill, we learnt how building leadership skills and determination were instrumental to both personal and professional fulfilment. Again, the theme of service surfaced as a key theme, and mirrors one of the extra elements current employers are looking for when assessing CVs for prospective candidates: those who can demonstrate they are positively adding to society.
Finally, Dr Lucy Cook (Mrs Olson) a Pharmaceutical Physician and Company Director, discussed how to succeed in the medical sector, with practical advice on pathways, as well as more personal tips that a kind aunty might provide, which was both useful and illuminating. Her comments on viewing classmates as allies rather than competitors linked to the other guests’ observations that being helpful to others throughout your journey was key: you never knew when you would meet again – they may be the one interviewing you for your next position. Finally, her suggestion for those who find the idea of networking cringe-inducing was incredibly helpful, emphasising that if you are kind and curious, then you will ‘network’ without noticing.
We were then joined by Mrs Tiffany Roy, a book-to-screen scout for Independent Talent Group, one of Europe’s leading talent and literary agencies based in London, and Mr Sheridan Lord, a Creative Director on Ford of Britain and Europe at WPP/VML. All guests took part in our Speed Networking Sessions where girls were split into small groups and could ask questions in a more informal and intimate setting, carousel-style.
After a well-earned refreshment break on the hottest day of the year, we returned for a fascinating panel session, covering questions on what made our guests optimistic and energised for young people and the future; how important creativity is to success, and how you best stand out in a competitive market, amongst others. Tiffany gave excellent advice on the importance of studying subjects at university you are genuinely interested in, and promoted the British film and television sector, which continues to bring billions of pounds into the UK every year. Sheridan emphasised that ultimately ‘people buy people’ and in a tech-driven world it’s more important than ever to stand out by being your authentic self. Alex suggested girls complete detailed research on the companies they were applying for and tailored each application accordingly. Sulaiman described the method he uses to make quick decisions which included focusing on the long view – and there were too many other golden nuggets of advice from all our speakers to include here.
Throughout the morning, one message emerged with remarkable consistency though: whilst no one can predict exactly what the future holds, young people who embrace adaptability, initiative and are proactive in creating and taking opportunities, will be well placed to thrive.
Our sincere thanks go to every speaker who gave so generously of their time and experience. Their openness, humour and wisdom exemplified the ethos of the Futures Programme at St Mary’s: empowering every girl with the confidence, perspective, and agency not simply to prepare for the future, but to help positively shape it.
Mrs Rebekah Lord
Director of Futures and Innovation, Head of English and Film Studies
