Why I volunteer my valuable time and why you should too
Giving back has always been a core value for me, and despite my limited time being valuable, volunteering with Young Enterprise and the Association of Business Mentors allows me to channel my experience into meaningful impact.
With Young Enterprise and the fantastic team we have in West Yorkshire, we have the privilege of mentoring students as they embark on their first entrepreneurial journeys.
Through programs like the Company Programme, students set up and run real businesses, gaining hands-on experience in product development, marketing, sales, and financial management. Witnessing their individual transformations, from tentative ideas to confident pitches is incredibly rewarding.
It’s not just about business skills; it’s about instilling confidence, resilience, and a proactive mindset that will guide their future personal and professional pathways.
As somebody that grew up on a council estate in East Leeds with very little, I didn’t have access to education or programmes like this which would inspire my future. I had to create my own – I was one of the lucky ones. (More about that here).
Young Enterprise’s mission to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the changing world of work resonates deeply with me as a result. By being a volunteer (I am now in my 12th year), I contribute to a movement that believes in the unlimited potential of youth and the importance of practical, experiential learning.
Similarly, my involvement with the Association of Business Mentors stems from a commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and moving the needle in terms of the high (c95%) failure rates and is now approaching year 10.
The ABM connects businesses with experienced, skilled mentors, providing expert guidance that can be pivotal for financial growth and sustainability and business owner mental well-being. In today’s dynamic business environment, SMEs often face challenges that can be mitigated with the right support – support from experienced, skilled and professional mentors.
Through Business Mentoring, I help business owners navigate complexities, refine strategies, and build resilience and working with the ABM allows me to help steer the same support for those SMEs in need.
The ABM’s emphasis on professional standards ensures that Business Mentoring is not just advisory but transformative. By ensuring high quality standards of our members and by offering structured support, we aim to enhance business performance and contribute to the broader economy.
Being a volunteer with these organisations is more than a personal endeavour; it’s a commitment to fostering a culture of mentorship and empowerment from education onwards. By guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs and supporting current business leaders, I hope to contribute to a more robust, innovative, and inclusive economic landscape in the UK and beyond.
If you’re considering ways to give back, I encourage you to explore opportunities with Young Enterprise and the Association of Business Mentors or indeed any other organisations that resonate deeply with you. Your experience could be the catalyst for someone else’s success.
For more information, visit Young Enterprise and Association of Business Mentors and drop me a message if you’d like to explore getting involved and becoming a volunteer.
Do you give back and if so, what drives you to do this?
How does it fit in with your business goals and sector challenges?
If you are looking for a sounding board to help you challenge the status quo or need help developing a plan to help navigate your next steps proactively, it’s time to chat.
