Birmingham, UK — The recently concluded Champions Connect event brought together entrepreneurs, professionals, and visionaries from across the UK for a day of inspiration, connection, and empowerment. The gathering served as a platform for participants to share ideas, forge partnerships, and chart pathways toward personal and collective success.
The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers such as; Emmanuel Anyaegbu, Andrew Nwanakwaugwu, Manal Khalid, Blaise Aboh, Meletius Igbokwe, Richard Leighton as well as Henry Obot whose experiences and insights underscored the themes of resilience, innovation, and social impact. One of the standout moments came from a speaker, Richard Leighton who recounted his journey from working in Birmingham’s homeless shelters to developing a social enterprise model that provides sustainable housing and employment opportunities for vulnerable people.
He explained how, through collaboration with a charitable housing association and local investors, he helped transform unused commercial properties — including the Adam and Eve Pub on Bradford Street — into mixed-use facilities. The project now provides 14 residential units and a social enterprise coffee shop that offers training and job opportunities for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
“Birmingham currently has about 30,000 people on its social housing register,” he noted, “and around 320,000 individuals are at risk of homelessness. Our model was designed to give them a real chance at independent living.”
Another speaker, Nene, infused the event with humour and life lessons drawn from her personal journey. A mother of five and a property professional, she reminded attendees that life experience often teaches lessons no classroom can. “Every time you’re somewhere, open your mouth — you don’t know who you’re speaking to,” she said, encouraging participants to embrace confidence and authenticity in every encounter.
The conference also explored the theme of perseverance, with one facilitator, Ola Diamond introducing what he called the “Sixth F” — Fail Forward. Through interactive sessions, he urged participants to see failure as an inevitable but essential part of growth.
“You will fail,” he told the audience. “Fail first, fail fast, and fail forward. Each setback is a lesson that moves you closer to success.”
In another highlight, participants were guided through a symbolic lesson on self-awareness. Using three cups — made of glass, plastic, and paper — Ola Diamond illustrated how individuals must understand their unique purpose and strengths rather than compare themselves to others.
“It’s not just who you are,” he said. “It’s what you are. Your experiences, your pain, and your story are what make you valuable.”
The event culminated with remarks from Esther, one of the event’s pioneers and organisers. She described Champions Connect as more than a one-off conference, but the foundation of a growing community of changemakers. “Champions Connect is designed to bring together ambitious individuals, professionals, entrepreneurs, and students to connect, learn, and grow,” Esther said. “We’re not here to make peanuts or remain tenants forever. We’re here to build wealth, build networks, and build futures.”
Esther, who transitioned from banking in Nigeria to a thriving career in the UK tech industry, encouraged attendees to leverage the opportunities presented through mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning. “If I can do it, you can as well,” she declared, drawing applause from the audience.
As the event wrapped up with networking and breakout sessions, the energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to progress. Attendees left with new ideas, meaningful connections, and a renewed determination to turn potential into impact.
Champions Connect 2025 stood not only as a celebration of ambition but also as a reminder that with the right mindset — and the courage to fail forward — every dream is within reach.
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