Inspired by Young Minds: My Visit to Cliff Lane Primary 

Recently I had the privilege of speaking to the bright and inquisitive Year 5 and 6 pupils at Cliff Lane Primary School as part of their exciting careers week. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my experiences as CEO of ASSET and to reflect on the path that led me here.

The children were keen to learn about my career journey, but I wanted to offer them something more than just a timeline of jobs. I wanted to spark their imaginations and encourage them to think deeply about their own potential. To do this, I brought with me a cherished piece of wisdom: a copy of Kahil Gibran's profound writing about 'children' from "The Prophet," a text that my parents had displayed in a picture frame in their home. 

Gibran's words, while beautiful, can be complex. Rather than simply explaining them, I read the passage aloud, inviting the children to share their own interpretations. Their responses were truly remarkable. They grappled with phrases like "your children come through you but not from you," and "you may give them your love but not your thoughts, for their thoughts dwell in the house of tomorrow," with a depth and insight that was genuinely inspiring.

We embarked on a fascinating discussion about the uniqueness of each individual, the importance of forging one's own path, and the value of recognising and nurturing our inherent strengths and interests. We explored the idea of understanding our "inner selves" beyond the superficial reflections we see in a mirror.

I shared my own belief in the importance of aligning work with values and using your strengths. This, I explained, has been a guiding principle in my own life. My heartfelt hope for these young minds is that they will discover their own unique ways to contribute to the world, making it a better place through their actions.

This experience resonated deeply with ASSET's vision: to equip and empower all our pupils to create a more compassionate, sustainable, and equitable world where they can personally and collectively thrive. Witnessing the insightful reflections of these young people reaffirmed my belief in their potential to shape a brighter future. It was a truly rewarding experience, and I left Cliff Lane Primary feeling inspired and hopeful for the next generation.