The Power of Role Models: How Black Leaders Shaped Jadon’s Journey

As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Jack Petchey Foundation, we’re highlighting exceptional stories of those from our programmes. This month, meet Jadon. He won his Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements and dedication. Jadon shares his story and how Black leaders impacted his journey!

About me

Hi everyone, my name’s Jadon, and I’m excited to share that I’ve just won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award! Born and raised in Lewisham, South East London, I’ve spent my life in this vibrant community. I attended Addey and Stanhope Secondary School and later went on to Prendergast Sixth Form. After finishing school, I was fortunate enough to secure a prestigious apprenticeship at PwC as a Management Consultant, something I’m incredibly grateful for.

The Impact of Black Role Models

As we celebrate Black History Month, I want to reflect on the importance of having Black role models and the empowering impact they can have on our lives. Growing up, I didn’t often see people who looked like me achieving greatness or excelling in their chosen careers. This was especially true in areas like Lewisham, where there’s often a lack of direction and, unfortunately, high levels of crime.

But that all changed when I met Mr Gordon, my sixth form computer science teacher. He wasn’t just a regular teacher; he was the head of his department, a man who organised school trips abroad, and someone who always went the extra mile for his students. More importantly, Mr Gordon was a Black man who succeeded in a leadership role, and that was something I hadn’t seen much of before. I was no troublemaker, but I wasn’t exactly the model student either. I often found myself distracted, phone under the desk, not always giving my best in class. But Mr Gordon made me realise that there was so much more I could achieve. He spoke to me after lessons, sharing stories about the challenges he faced as a Black man in leadership and how he overcame them. He taught me about the importance of making good impressions, staying dedicated, and believing in my potential. He wasn’t just my teacher; he became a role model for what I could aspire to be.

My Journey with Urban Synergy

It was thanks to Mr Gordon that I was introduced to Urban Synergy, a youth empowerment charity that supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through Urban Synergy, I was paired with my mentor, Jay Patel, a Senior Manager for Colt Technology Services. Jay helped me develop my CV, interview techniques, and the skills I needed to succeed in a corporate environment. He inspired me to strive for even greater heights, showing me that people like me could thrive in high-level positions. That shift in perspective gave me the confidence I needed to join a prestigious firm like PwC.

I can’t express how thankful I am to Urban Synergy. They provided me with invaluable support, and I truly believe that any young person who wants to achieve something great should consider joining. Having a mentor like Jay, who was there to guide me, made all the difference. It helped me realise that I could do it too.

What Black History Month Means to Me

As I conclude, I want to say how much Black History Month means to me. It’s a time to reflect on the obstacles Black people have overcome and to celebrate the progress we’ve made. The message I want to share through this blog is simple: having a Black role model can inspire immense confidence in young people, especially those who might not see themselves represented in leadership roles. We should all aim to be role models, laying down the road map for success and lighting the spark of belief in the next generation.

For me, it took a teacher, a mentor, and a mentoring programme to ignite that spark. Now, I want to pass it on, showing others that they too can break barriers, achieve great things, and help build a brighter future for everyone.

Thank you for reading.

Jadon