This week's guest is Ryan J Matthews-Robinson, also known as Ragz-CV. He is the founder and CEO of Poetic Unity, a charity based in Brixton that offers support and services to young people across the UK. Through the medium of poetry, Poetic Unity gives a voice to those who might not otherwise be heard. During our conversation, Ryan takes us through his journey, which is marked by both successes and setbacks, challenges, and triumphs. We delve into the profound impact of self-expression, the authenticity that comes with it, and the formidable influence of art, particularly poetry, as a positive force in our society.
Ryan candidly shares the evolution of Poetic Unity, tracing its origins from his earlier advocacy work with Alzheimer's UK. He sheds light on the intricacies of building and sustaining a charitable organisation. Our discussion explores the unexpected skills that service jobs like retail and security can provide. Ryan and Yemi both reflect on their experiences in these roles, highlighting how they honed vital people skills, including effective communication and empathy. These abilities proved instrumental in shaping their subsequent careers and ventures.
A core theme is maintaining a positive mindset and transforming disappointments into opportunities for success. Ryan underscores his inclination to reframe negatives into positives, viewing challenges as stepping stones for personal development.
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