Page 74 - Future Leaders 2018-2019

What happened next?

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Last Year’s Top 10
JOHN FANIMO, 22

Qualifications
BA in Economic History,
London School of Economics
My main achievement since featuring in last year’s edition
has been to establish the trading and investment side of
my business.
My work with FanimoFitness and WeLift saw me
raise enough capital to investment money in alternative
assets. One of my investments included a diverse mix of
cryptocurrencies.
Starting with some student loans and savings, I
capitalised on the opportunity and applied myself to
grow a portfolio that peaked over £250,000. This is now 3
diversified and managed across different asset classes.
I believe cryptocurrencies have a strong future and will
add value to the marketplace.
Featuring in Future Leaders helped give me the belief
that I was on the right track by thinking outside the box. SOFIA AKEL, 24
In terms of attending university, I would say that it is
what you make of it. Take time to network and try new Qualifications
things to challenge yourself. MSc in Management and BA in History,
University of Lancaster

Since Future Leaders 2017, I have graduated with my Management
master’s degree and built my social venture, One Love, which
aimed to give a voice to BME students at my university. It has now
expanded to include tackling employment discrimination against
BME students after Rachael Alake joined as my partner. I have
also been continuing my work on tackling discrimination against
BME students in higher education.
Being involved with Future Leaders was incredibly inspiring
for me and gave me the energy and strength to continue my
work on race relations with renewed excitement for the future.
Appearing in the magazine opened so many doors, providing
an opportunity to network and be around African Caribbean
excellence. It has helped both my personal and professional
growth, by instilling confidence and the assurance that my work
to date has had an impact that is worthy of national recognition.
A highlight of this process was the Powerlist dinner, where I
was able to meet some of my childhood inspirations, whilst in the
presence of some of the biggest game changers in the African
and African Caribbean community.
My main advice to anyone planning to go to university would
be to choose something that you are passionate about. Many
subjects provide you with transferable skills that allow you to
go into so many different careers. Therefore make sure that your
degree is something that you’ll enjoy, as your years at university
are some of the best of your life.
Whilst there, join as many societies and extra-curricular
activities as you can. They not only help your career but give you
opportunities to meet loads of people and make friends for life!
Lastly, a first-class degree isn’t everything. Don’t let a grade
determine your worth – many students with lower grades go on
to achieve incredible things!
Going to university is the biggest growth period that I have
gone through so far, it gave me a sense of self, my goals,
confidence and life-long friends.

72 FUTURE LEADERS 10 ANNIVERSARY EDITION
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