I founded AECS Connections ten years ago and have been helping people make valued connections ever since.
What are some of your driving values?
Care and community are two things that provide a compass and direction for my life's decisions and actions. I believe it's our calling to look after each other and raise each other up.
You’ve always been great at giving back, why is it important to you?
Life is all about others. Kindness is a gift and one is lucky to hold it close…. and donate your skills with love.
Which causes are closest to your heart / one thing about society in the UK that you wish you could change?
Homelessness is the cause I care most about. Having been in the position myself of not knowing where I might find a safe place to sleep at night, it's become a driving passion of mine. I have helped in founding a charity that supports people experiencing homelessness, I have taken on numerous challenges to raise awareness and funds for the cause (including CEO Sleepout - now 4 times), helping to provide meals and kindness to those who are street homeless in London.
The situation is terrible and getting worse - when it should be getting better as we know this is something that could be solved.
How did you get involved in the CEO Sleepout?
Having set up my own Not for Profit providing support and safety for those who are homeless in London, I met Bianca Robinson and have been a supporter ever since.
What other ways do you "give back" or work to strengthen communities you work within?
I support many different organisations, Under One Sky, Kids Out, Lords Taverner’s, The Change Foundation,( and hold Ambassadorial Rolls outside of the above).
Name one thing you'd like people to know about your life and work:
Adversity brings you two things, a lesson and a blessing, and they normally come in that order.
Having been homeless 10 years ago, I found that only through the kindness of others, I have been able to get to where I am today. Everyone on my journey has meant something to me.
How might you see business playing a part in creating a fairer society here in the UK?
With the support of ethical businesses leaders, and the younger generation who possess much more empathy at a young age, I feel the UK is trying to improve and strengthen and build a more sustainable socially conscious society.
Why is it important that those in business lead with purpose?
The art of a good business leadership is to look outside the box, to hold onto a great team, young and old, to give them the skills to move forward with passion.
In today's world this is more important than ever.
