We’re asking some of our industry’s leading figures to nominate their digital hero and to explain what’s so special about them.
With over 20-years’ industry experience, Ally Owen, founder of Hoxton United, founded Brixton Finishing School, a free, 12-week not-for-profit course in digital and ad skills for young people from BAME/unrepresented backgrounds.
Who is your digital hero?
Becks Armstrong, CEO, Clarity.
What have they done to win hero status in your eyes?
Dedicated her life to improving the lives (and health) of women worldwide through a mindfulness, relaxation and sleep app made for women by women. The data collected from the app helps the understanding of what the actual needs of women are.
This means they can continue to improve and release new products based on feedback. There have been very few solutions for menopausal women and this app goes a long way to providing some much-needed relief!
How has their heroism helped drive digital?
By harnessing the power of digital technology, Becks and her team are able to connect with women globally to help improve their lives.
Digital solutions mean scalable and responsive solutions to ‘women’s health’ (a VERY underfunded area) can be offered. This means women can feel in control of their symptoms and can also get a better. more refreshing sleep which will have a positive impact on their daily lives.
What the biggest challenges in digital we need another hero to solve?
Stakeholder diversity. The world wide web was created to unite the world and share knowledge.
Digital should represent all that use it and diversity of voices is a key challenge.
What is your most heroic personal achievement so far in digital?
Founding Brixton Finishing School for Digital Talent. Brixton Finishing School disrupts the way the creative and digital Industries recruit.
We are an ‘end-to-end‘ solution to the diversity challenge, providing a free, 12-week, premium learning experience, delivering creative and digital skills and real-world experiences. We prepare our students for a pool of entry-level roles available just for them or for jobs in the wider industry.
Diverse teams deliver businesses a competitive advantage. Different types of thinking mean new perspectives, fresh ideas and better work.
We conduct outreach into groups that are ‘under-represented’ (BAME, Working Class, Neuro Divergent, Female) to find those with untapped potential.
Our big-name industry sponsors create a pool of entry-level roles just for graduates of the course. Last year we delivered a 95% employment success rate.
This year we are looking for sponsors, mentors and educators (and venues!). Let us know if you can help!
