Gabriel Imevbore joins us to share his journey from growing up in Erdington, Birmingham, experiencing family breakdown and homelessness at 19, to becoming the youngest trustee in YMCA Heart of England’s 180-year history.

In this good-old-heart-to-heart conversation, Gabriel talks about ambition, faith, entrepreneurship, Birmingham, fatherhood, opportunity, social mobility and why your circumstances may shape your opening chapter - but they don’t have to write the ending.

Key takeaways

Your story is shaped by what you choose to do next.

Young people need opportunity, not judgement.

Birmingham has huge entrepreneurial talent that needs backing.

Leaders must stay close to the ground level.

Parents should respect the inspiration behind a child’s dreams.

Unconventional thinkers need space to thrive.

Success is health, family, purpose and giving back.

Representation matters - but so does opening doors for others.

Gabriel Imevbore, Wit and Grit, Birmingham, YMCA, homelessness, entrepreneurship, social mobility, young leaders, resilience, Birmingham business, opportunity, youth employment, leadership, community, personal story, Future Faces, National Grid, UpStride, AI, fatherhood, purpose, ambition.

00:00 Gabriel's Early Life and Ambitions

01:36 Challenges and Turning Points

03:57 The Role of Education and Mentorship

07:27 Finding Opportunities and Building a Network

10:14 Community Impact and Giving Back

11:51 Leadership and Ground-Level Engagement

14:49 Pathways to Progress and Social Mobility

16:09 Reflections on Talent Recognition and Future Aspirations

16:38 Bridging Generational Gaps

21:24 Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Impact

23:18 Personal Growth and Family Dynamics