Future Faces Professional Development - Social Mobility

Gabriel Imevbore

Gabriel is the youngest Trustee in 170 years for YMCA Heart of England & Sales Director for tech company Z Digital, suppliers for FTSE 100 companies.

"Social Mobility is important to me because, everyone who is willing to work hard and wants to change their life should have the access to do so, regardless of their upbringing or environment. We all should have an equal opportunity to add value to our society and communities2."

Emma Chater

Emma is a Commercial Property Partner and Solicitor at mfg Solicitors LLP. Emma has been advising on all aspects of Commercial Property for over ten years. She acts for both institutional landlords and commercial tenants, as well as property finance work.

"Social mobility is important to me because it is vital that people from all backgrounds have role models in business. No one should feel excluded from professions because “it’s not for people like me” - if you have the talent, you should feel confident enough to go for it, and feel like you belong."

Javed Ahmed

Javed is the Head of Residential Property, Partner and Solicitor at mfg Solicitors LLP. Javed joined mfg Solicitors as a paralegal in 2012 before training with the firm for two years and qualifying as a Solicitor in March 2017. 

Baoli Zhao

Dr. Baoli Zhao is the founder and Managing Director of Allsee Technologies Ltd, a leading innovator in Digital Signage Displays. Under his leadership, Allsee received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, recognised for making advanced technology accessible to businesses of all sizes. Dr. Zhao is also the co-founder of Haiper, a venture focused on Generative AI, which has garnered significant investment and acclaim. In addition, Dr. Zhao is a mentor at Oxford University Innovation, an Ambassador for the Be the Business movement, and recently founded Vieunite, an art-tech platform that is transforming how we experience art.

Social mobility is profoundly significant to Dr. Zhao, both personally and professionally. As a Chinese migrant who overcame significant barriers to achieve success, he appreciates the transformative power of opportunity and determination. His career has been dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for others to succeed, whether through innovative technology, mentoring, or supporting entrepreneurial ventures.

For Dr. Zhao, social mobility is crucial for unlocking potential and fostering diverse perspectives in the workplace. It ensures that talent is recognised and nurtured, regardless of background, leading to more inclusive and dynamic organisations. Through his work and community involvement, Dr. Zhao aims to champion these principles and contribute to a more equitable and opportunity-rich environment for all.