By Mark Hayward
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to spend time with two impressive young people from the EY Foundation programme. As the founder of Sway PR, a Manchester-based agency focused on media relations for various B2B and consumer clients, I can so easily get swept along with the long list of jobs and tasks I am responsible for on a daily basis. But this experience reminded me that some of the most fulfilling work happens outside of my daily responsibilities when we help those who come after us.
The young people I spoke with all came from a background where they have not always had the support they need to fulfil their potential and where options felt limited.
What I found were personable, curious young people who wanted to create a better life for themselves. I could see their potential and that what they needed was guidance and support, something the EY Foundation was offering them.
I was there to help give them feedback on how to present their ideas and experiences in a way that would stand out in an interview.
It was a pleasure to sit down with them, listen, and provide some (hopefully useful) feedback. Helping them recognise their strengths and frame their experience made me realise how impactful it is when someone simply takes the time to listen, support, and encourage.
At Sway PR, we take pride in crafting standout stories and helping our clients get noticed. But the ability to tell a story, to communicate effectively, begins with confidence. It starts with someone believing in you, asking the right questions, and showing you how to express yourself. That’s why giving back isn’t just a nice thing to do; for me it’s essential.
Supporting the next generation isn’t about charity, it’s about leaving a legacy. We were all once trying to figure out how to navigate the working world, often unsure of our place or if our voices mattered. I had mentors who shared their time with me and encouraged me to think bigger. Their generosity shaped the businessman I am today, and now I feel it is my responsibility to give back.
When we provide young people with real-world insights and honest conversations, we help close the confidence gap. We give them a better chance of achieving their goals, not just dreaming about them. It’s easy to think that talent will rise on its own, but without opportunity, it often does not. Initiatives like the EY Foundation create vital connections between potential and possibility. It’s up to all of us who have had that support, and built a career, to help others, one conversation at a time.
I left yesterday’s session feeling inspired and hopeful. The next generation has so much to contribute. They don’t need us to hand them success, they just need us to open doors, provide guidance, and believe in their abilities. Giving back doesn’t have to require much effort. But it can mean everything.
Let’s keep the door open behind us. Let’s make space at the table. Let’s show the next generation that they belong, that they have value. let us help them share their stories with the world.