Two students from SBU Sixth were selected to attend the ‘Start Up, Scale Up’ event with some of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs last week (Thurs 24 April). Ivy Okonkwo and Abdulsalam Keji were invited thanks to their success so far on their courses, and they made the most of the opportunity, speaking with guests including Dean Forbes (recently name the most influential Black British person by ‘Powerlist’) and Tim Armoo, founder of social media agency Fanbytes.
During the event, Abdulsalam won the opportunity to have dinner with Dean and Tim, and also secured a virtual work experience opportunity with Capgemini.
Ivy wrote an inspiring blog piece about the event, and we are grateful to her for permission to share it below:
“24 April 2025 — the day my life and mindset changed. Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the ‘Start Up to Scale Up’ event, where I met Dean Forbes — ranked the No. 1 most influential Black Briton on the Powerlist by Powerful Media and J.P. Morgan — and Timothy Armoo, who founded Fanbytes.
This event shifted something in me.
Speaking to them and hearing their stories in such an intimate and honest setting has left a lasting impact on how I see business, success, and the journey in between.
One moment that stuck with me was when Timmy Armoo said:
“Success requires speed.”
Later, they offered an exclusive dinner with him, Dean Forbes, and three CEOs. I hesitated. I raised my hand too late — the spots were gone. That moment taught me more than words ever could: act quickly, especially when opportunity knocks.
Another major takeaway:
Timmy shared that in business, you don’t go from level 100 back to level 1. Instead, you build from where you are. That reminded me not to restart completely, but to grow from what I’ve already created. As someone who’s been torn between multiple industries — beauty, digital marketing, psychology, property — this gave me clarity. I’m now committed to building myself and my digital marketing journey throughout my teens and into my 20s. I’ll grow my brand, sharpen my skills, and build a strong foundation.
Dean Forbes also shared something I’ll never forget:
“Be patient.”
Timmy built on that and said, “Your first business might flop. So might your second. Maybe even your fifth. But your sixth might just work.” That taught me resilience. Success isn’t always instant — but it is inevitable if you don’t give up.
To Ms Lionne Whitfield (our careers coach)— thank you for believing in me, and for introducing us to Timmy and Dean. Thank you also to Dean Forbes for allowing us to attend, even without the FFG membership.
I will forever hold onto the gems that were dropped yesterday. I’m only 17, and already I’ve been blessed with this experience.
I know this is only the beginning.
To everyone I connected with at the event — thank you. Being in a room full of like-minded individuals showed me: this is possible.
These people are proof that it is possible!”
During the networking event, Ivy found the confidence to ask a thoughtful question during a panel discussion, and later initiated a one-to-one conversation with Tim Armoo, demonstrating her immediate personal growth and excellent initiative.
We are very proud of our students for making such an impact at the event!
