In conversation with Lord John Taylor, founder of Warwick Leadership Academy

Lord John Taylor, founder of the Warwick Leadership Academy, is one of the many leadership experts passionate about mentoring young, budding professionals. He was the only Black member of the House of Lords when he was appointed in 1996, a position from which he has improved representation in leadership positions. 

In this exclusive interview, Champion Speakers sat down with Lord Taylor, for Just Entrepreneurs, to learn more about his incredible impact on British politics and youth opportunities.

As the former Chancellor of Bournemouth University and founder of the Warwick Leadership Academy, what motivates you to inspire the leaders of tomorrow?

“The youngsters of today are the leaders of tomorrow. So, if we don't mentor them, the future will be bleak. It's very important that we pass on our experience to young people so they can make our future better. 

“Over the last couple of decades I've mentored students, young people from over 80 nations now. And it's been incredible to watch them go from rather uncertain circumstances, perhaps not sure if they'll make it to leaders in that process of time.

“We're investing in our future, and it will actually help us. It's not as if we're sacrificing anything, and it's very enjoyable to see young people develop into leaders.”

When you were appointed a life peer, you were one of the youngest in Lords at the time -what are some of the benefits younger people bring to corporate environments?

“I think young people bring energy, new ideas. They're more in touch with modern culture than the golden oldies - experience is a very important thing, but it's about both working together in partnership. 

“If you think about it, today's youth probably have more Black friends and even relatives than maybe they would have had, say, 20 or 30 years ago. So Britain is changing, and they’ll be more open to other cultures, other ways of doing things.

“It's very important not to regard young people as a threat. Yes, they may lack experience, but it's our duty to mentor them so they can improve the particular company they're joining. 

“And also, young people start on the bottom rung, basically. They're keen to prove themselves - as my mother used to say, ‘if you don't risk it, there's no biscuit’.

“You've got to give them a chance to take a risk within a controlled environment.”

What of your contributions professionally has made the greatest impact?

“My bill in the House of Lords that created Britain's first DNA database and through the database, it's led to a lot of research which has cured many illnesses, countless really. I'm very proud of that - the work goes on, but the database is there.

“Also, I've spoken at the White House, the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation about international policy. So, I'd like to think that the speeches I've made have actually influenced leaders around the world.” 

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?

“The proudest moment of my career was in 1996 when I was appointed by the queen - I was the only Black member of the House of Lords. 

“I walk into the House of Lords chamber, which has beautiful chandeliers, the red leather benches, and I bow to the Queen's golden throne. I take the oath, look up into the public gallery, and there is my mother, in her 70s.

“I look up at her and she looks down at me and she just nods. And that was enough, that was the proudest moment.” 

If you could give yourself one piece of advice at the start of your career, what would it be?

“It would be: don't make a noise, make a difference. It's about achieving things, if you don't have any goals, you won't achieve anything. Set your goals. 

“If you have setbacks, don't worry about it. If you're knocked down seven times, get up eight times. It's a marathon, not a 100 metres sprint. It's about endurance, fixing your goals. 

“It's a journey, not an event.”