Arsema Fessehazion CertRP’s Post

Yesterday I got to represent Black Recruiters Network at Unlocking Tech, hosted by the University of East London (UEL) in partnership with Grow London - the tech arm of the Mayor of London’s Office, supporting innovative businesses to land, grow and thrive in the capital 🙌🏾 It was such an inspiring day. Full of conversations about how AI, data, and digital innovation are shaping the future of work, public services, and opportunities across London. 🧡 💡 Hearing from Theo Blackwell MBE, Chief Digital Officer for Mayor of London, was a highlight. The TfL x Google collaboration- using data to guide cyclists on safer, not just faster routes - was such a powerful reminder of how tech can directly improve lives. His point about confidence, curiosity, and purpose being just as important as technical skills really hit home. 🧠 Phil Kell (VP of Marketplace at hackajob) also shared some great insights on building a career in tech, especially around adaptability and mindset. His advice to “specialise if you know what you want, experiment if you don’t” really resonated. 🎙️ The panel with Eloise Salisbury (Chief Customer Officer, AutogenAI), Shakeel Soogun (Senior Software Engineer, Wayve), and Mark Martin ⭐️ (Cofounder, UKBlackTech) was another standout. Their energy was contagious, from the importance of personal branding and communication, to being your own cheerleader and saying yes to new opportunities. 🎤 I also got to take part as a first-time judge for UEL’s Startup Founders Pitch Competition, featuring some incredible ideas from current and alumni students. Huge congrats to Halima kure who is building AssetGuard+ and awarded the win by Taj Bhambra [MCIPS]👏🏾👏🏾 I left feeling genuinely inspired and reminded that the future of tech isn’t just about innovation, but about people: their ideas, adaptability, and drive to make a difference 💡 Massive thanks to UEL and Grow London for hosting such a motivating day and to the amazing Grow London Talent Team Harry Coath, Paisley Keys, Reuben Byrnes, alongside MD Janet Coyle CBE; the first of many hopefully 🤞🏾