Delivered in partnership with Nims Obunge MBE DL of The Peace Alliance, Tottenham Town Hall saw a crowd of 150, locally based eager learners learn from Jo Owen and Gavin Lewis; Authors of ‘Smart Leadership’ and ‘The Opportunity Index’.
By Omar Alleyne-Lawler, Communications and Police Engagement Manager
Tottenham Town Hall played host to Hope in Haringey’s first community event of 2024. Titled “The Journey to and Practice of Great Leadership”, the night was a celebration of ambition, learning and initiative. Opened to all, Hope in Haringey sought to connect aspirational local people with the wisdom of thought leaders in the subject.
Responsible for this task would be Amazon bestselling Authors, Gavin Lewis and Jo Owen. Approaching the topic of great leadership from the ‘journey’ and ‘practice’ elements respectively, the two approached the topic with spoke passionately, showing why they are both well-respected leaders in the field.
Previously a guest speaker for Hope in Haringey before, Jo Owen returned following his previous appearance in November 2022 with an evolved keynote address. Reminding guests that leaders ‘take people to places they wouldn’t get to themselves’, it was an inspiring overview reminding the audience to take charge of their destinies.
The night also included a networking segment where local people of all ages, interests and backgrounds were able to share their stories.
For, Gavin Lewis his story was particularly poignant for Tottenhamites in attendance. Having grown up in Tottenham, Gavin detailed his painful and traumatic journey of navigating prejudice, physical violence and institutional underestimation. Now a Managing Director at finance titan, BlackRock, his talk made clear just how powerfully motivating aspiring to want better can be.
More than 100 local people turned out to hear the keynote speakers.
Reflecting on the night, local resident Asma said “From his books and his talk [tonight] you can tell [Gavin] is really honest about using his platform and status for good. It was really inspiring.”
Both keynote speakers would follow their time onstage with a generous Q&A session. Opening the floor to all, the two speakers took on a range of questions from inquisitive people with hopes Jo and Gavin would solve issues in their personal and professional lives.