Why Mentoring Matters

Championing the Next Generation of Creative Talent

Breaking into the creative industries has never been easy, but for young people from underrepresented or low socioeconomic backgrounds, the barriers are even higher.

As someone who's worked in strategy and creative communications for years, I know how often opportunities come down to access, networks, and someone willing to vouch for you.

That's why I'm proud to be a mentor with both the Creative Mentor Network's Soho Mentorship programme and Brixton Finishing School. Two game-changing initiatives that are helping rewrite the entry points into our industry.

Soho Mentorship with Creative Mentor Network & Soho House

Soho Mentorship connects 18–27-year-olds with creative ambitions to members of the Soho House community—people working across fashion, TV, design, advertising, and more.

As a mentor, I've worked with mentees over 16-week programmes to build confidence, develop career pathways, and offer insight into what it takes to grow in creative industries.

Run across Soho Houses in London, Brighton, Manchester, and Oxfordshire, the programme is about more than advice; it's about connection. Many of these young creatives are bursting with talent but lack the industry exposure or contacts to get through the door. This programme helps change that.

Brixton Finishing School: Levelling the Playing Field

Brixton Finishing School is another brilliant initiative I'm involved with. Its award-winning programmes are designed to equip young people from underrepresented communities with the tools, training, and real-world access they need to succeed in advertising, marketing, and communications.

It's a fast-paced, talent-first environment that turns raw potential into industry-ready professionals. And the proof is in the numbers:

• 95% of BFS grads land a job or further training within six months of finishing the course

• Over 80% of participants are from underrepresented ethnic or socioeconomic backgrounds

• And nearly half are the first in their family to attend higher education

Why I Keep Coming Back

Yes, mentoring takes time and emotional investment. But every cohort I've worked with has introduced me to brilliant, ambitious minds who need a chance. Whether it's helping someone prep for a job interview, making introductions or recommending them for an agency project, the impact is lasting for them and the industry's future.

Final Thought

If we want to build a creative industry that reflects our world, we can't just look at who's in the room. We have to change who gets invited in.