Nelsonspirit is a Norfolk – based independent, purposeful and social impact business. Their purpose is to grow leaders. Inspired by the spirit of Horatio Nelson they support, encourage and develop the leaders of today and the leaders of tomorrow.
L6 Pupil, Peri Ulgen recalls her experiences of the leadership programme and expresses her excitement for future meetings;
“It was a crisp December morning on the 8th when I attended my first Norfolk young leaders meeting, I met the other young leaders and the other person in my programme whilst we waited on the close, near the Nelson statue, our noses turning pink. With a quick introduction we were paired up and given a topic that we could chat with about on our walk through Norwich's lanes, forbidden from doing any shopping. My partner and I discussed school, our favourite places in the city (Yard-cheap with the best pasta!!) and our future goals, truly, there were three of us in this conversation, as we were generously accompanied by Nelson spirit’s very own Ted, the wittily named teddy bear. He was, obviously, providing insightful comments throughout. Soon we arrived at the forum, where we spoke as a group, learnt some facts about Norwich and the various art pieces found in the city, many of which I had been walking past daily without noticing. Our pairs were mixed again, and we were given a statement about leadership styles to review, we spoke about this and anything from Joan of Arc to scuba diving licences. Of course, mentions of my cat, Pickle also snuck into the conversation, responded by tales of a mischievous fox-red cocker spaniel and her infallible puppy dog eyes. Followed by more facts about Norwich, including the story of how the east gate was built, following negotiations after a cathedral assistant shot a man with a crossbow. Overall, the morning was one of laughter, interesting conversation and chocolate orange biscuits. Now I’m especially looking forward to the future meetings, arguably, more so than before!”
The opportunities did not cease there, with Peri Ulgen being selected for the new leadership initiative: The Lord Lieutenant’s Norfolk Leaders Crew in association with Nelsonspirit.
This programme encourages young people to grow as leaders while helping others in their community, and while they do this, they receive mentoring from Nelsonspirit through the leaders of today Peri Ulgen had the opportunity of meeting The Lady Dannatt and she tells us about this below;
"It was a bright but cold January morning when I met Lady Dannatt, I left school in a taxi bound for the the Lord Lieutenants home, armed with my favourite scarf and the warmth of my coat. When I arrived, I met with my partner in the programme, Matthew and the two others responsible for running Norfolk Young Leaders, Evie and Nigel. Soon we were all being welcomed by Lady Dannatt and ushered into the warmth of her living room, greeted by biscuit cake and a jug of crisp apple juice. The table was decorated with many white orchids; a flower that’s not a stranger in my own home. We had a clear view of the flooded river Yare with swans swimming in the distance, the light reflecting on the water in silver sheens. Matthew and I introduced ourselves to Lady Dannatt and discussed both what we would like out of the program and what we hope for the future, with many moments of laughter between. Within this meeting we found the Nelsonspirit mascots, Ted and Howard, both featured within the photos with the Lord Lieutenant. It was a lovely morning with even better discussion, I look forward to our next steps within the programme!"
Over the coming months, The Lord Lieutenant’s Norfolk Leaders Crew will be completing various volunteering services in the community, all whilst receiving mentoring from business and charity leaders. This programme is a brilliant opportunity for pupils such as Peri to grow professionally and individually, whilst making valuable contributions to our local community.
