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Connectors

Creating opportunity: how to go far – Richard Butler and Daniel Nurse, The Amos Bursary

About This Episode

Joining Michael today are two people with a powerful perspective of education’s role in creating change. Richard Butler was part of the inaugural cohort of Amos Bursary students in 2009 and more than 10 years on, he is thriving in a roll with Allianz Global Investors. Of the bursary he’s said: “I knew it could get me somewhere. I didn’t know how far it could take me.”

Alongside him is Daniel Nurse, the man who mentored him through his Amos Bursary journey, who has become a lifelong friend, and remains an adviser and student development specialist with the charity today.

Richard Butler and Daniel Nurse, The Amos Bursary

Since 2009, The Amos Bursary has been helping Britain’s talented young men of African and Caribbean heritage, who attend state schools from challenging environments, fulfil their academic potential, attend top universities, secure good professional jobs and give back to society. In 2021 for the first time it will also be welcoming young women to apply. The Amos Bursary brings together universities and businesses looking to diversify their student intake and workforce, with a pool of exceptional talent. It is transforming lives and changing the negative narrative and perceptions surrounding young black men and women, normalising success.

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Lockdown List

What is a book that changed your life?

Richard: The Bible

What are you watching at the moment?

Daniel: I’m listening to more podcasts. One that I highly recommend is ‘Have you heard George’s podcast?’, it’s a brilliantly articulated blend of musical storytelling and important social commentary.

Richard: Lupin.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Daniel: It would be impossible for me to choose between Valerie and Colleen Amos so I have to include them both! Colleen has been instrumental in helping to realise the potential of a generation of young Londoners who may not have had the confidence or support to pursue further education. Valerie’s achievements on the world stage speak for themselves yet she remains so personable and always willing to offer advice to the leaders of tomorrow. Both inspirational in their own right.

Richard: Myself, constantly finding ways to make light of dim situations.

In one sentence, describe your ‘new normal’.

Daniel: My new normal is settling a daily target of 10 000 steps a day, achieving around 300 but still rewarding myself!

Richard: Nothing is normal.

What is your best tip for life?

Daniel: Stay curious and never stop trying to learn.

Richard: Work at what you can change for the better.

A quote for life

Daniel: Be the change that you wish to see in the world.

Richard: Variety is the spice of life!

Name your top five ‘Lockdown tracks’

Daniel: Labi Siffre, So Strong; Donny Hataway, Love, Love, Love; Bill Withers, I Can’t Write Left-Handed; Nao, Make it Out Alive; Anderson Paak, Lockdown

Richard: Rick Ross, Santorini Grece; Andre Bocelli, Caruso; WizKid, Essence; Maria McKee, Show Me Heaven; Malaika, Destiny

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