Secondary students from across Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust gained valuable insights into leadership, entrepreneurship and the rapidly evolving world of work during a Speakers for Schools event with global business leader Oluchi Ikchi-D’Amico.
The EY-Parthenon Partner and founder of leadership advisory company Fully Bossed joined students from Shireland Collegiate Academy, West Bromwich Collegiate Academy and Shireland Biomedical UTC. She shared insights from a career that has taken her around the world and seen her lead major business transformation programmes.
Speaking about her own journey into business, Oluchi encouraged students not to worry if they did not have a clear career plan, emphasising the importance of having ambition, remaining curious and being open to opportunities.
A key theme of the session was the growing importance of human skills in an increasingly digital world. Drawing on her experience as a business leader and entrepreneur, Oluchi highlighted communication, teamwork and relationship-building as essential qualities for success alongside technical knowledge.
Students also explored the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of the workplace. While recognising the opportunities AI presents, Oluchi stressed the importance of developing the skills technology cannot easily replace, including creativity, leadership and critical thinking.
The talk also focused on resilience and learning from setbacks. Oluchi encouraged students to view failure as feedback rather than defeat, explaining how reflection and adaptability have played an important role throughout her own career.
Oluchi concluded by urging students to continue developing their confidence, communication skills and curiosity, reminding them that success often comes from a willingness to step outside their comfort zone and embrace new challenges.
George Faux, Executive Principal and Secondary Lead for Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, said: “Bringing speakers like Oluchi into our schools helps students see that success is built through a mix of ambition, hard work and the ability to learn from experience. These conversations give real weight to what we teach every day in the classroom, particularly around communication, teamwork and thinking independently. It’s these moments that help students start to understand what their future could look like and how they might get there.”
Futures For All is the UK’s leading social mobility charity, founded in 2010 as Speakers for Schools by ITC Political Editor Robert Peston. It has grown into one of the largest providers of work experience and inspirational speaker programmes for state-educated young people, supporting almost two million students across more than 2,200 schools and colleges.
Through its programmes, Futures For All connects students with leading figures across sectors, supporting social mobility by giving young people access to insight, aspiration and real-world understanding of future pathways.
The event formed part of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust’s ongoing commitment to connecting students with leading professionals and helping them develop the skills, knowledge and aspirations needed for future success.
