Career Ready

We are Career Ready the national charity at the heart of a network of employers and educators who all believe that every young person, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to kick-start a rewarding future. We work with the secondary schools across Thurrock and you may see us in your school delivering masterclasses supported by local employers.

To compliment the work we do in your schools our Careers in Conversation video resources are a fantastic opportunity for young people the to hear from inspirational leaders about their careers and how they have overcome challenges along the way.

Below are is a short description about each of the speakers:

TOKUNBO AJASA-OLUWA CHIEF EXECUTIVE AT CAREER READY

Tokunbo is a seasoned social entrepreneur and CEO with a background in media and track record for successfully devising and leading innovative concepts that empower young people to realise their potential.

Tokunbo was born and raised in London’s east-end and grew up on free school meals whilst being the middle child of five in a single female parent led family. Tokunbo is a proud husband and father of two that is also into fitness, wellbeing and 90s hip hop.

MARY MACLEOD OF KORN FERRY LONDON

Mary Macleod is a Senior Client Partner in the Board Practice and Head of the Public Services Practice at Korn Ferry's London office.  She has held several advisory and consulting roles and has served as a Member of Parliament and then worked as a Special Adviser to the UK Government.

From her commercial roles, Mary has extensive experience within management consulting, and has specialised in human performance, leadership development, organizational design, culture change, global operations, diversity and communications.

DAVID COOKE OF ANZ BANKING GROUP

David is an experienced senior technology manager with over 20 years’ of experience. He currently manages technology for a bank, covering Europe and the US, accountabilities include all infrastructure, end user technology, information security and application development.

NICK NEWMAN FROM PA CONSULTING

Nick Newman is a defence and security expert at PA Consulting, leading on accounts that deliver work in the UK ‘Homeland Security’ arena for security and law enforcement clients.

SUZI DONOGHUE OF PA CONSULTING

A successful Army career of 29 years as both a Regular and Reservist, Suzi Donoghue she has also been running her own executive coaching business and is currently working as a Management Consultant for PA Consulting for the past year. With the Army she has deployed frequently all over the world, overcoming many challenges and adversity.  She has led and commanded at every level including commanding a logistic regiment of 700+ men and women in Afghanistan.  Operational experience also includes Iraq, Northern Ireland and a stint in the Balkans.

Additionally, she has been a staff officer in various headquarters in the areas of logistic support, policy and human resources. She has also been an instructor and mentor for Army recruits and junior Majors. On a personal note, she is married to a fellow Army officer and mother to Ciaran (17) and Conor (13).  With a strong passion for most sports, she runs cross country and does triathlons and has completed an Ironman. 

This page contains information that has been provided by the organisation. Please contact them directly for further information or enquiries.