Tom Ilube, Chair of the Rugby Football Union and Founder of the African Gifted Foundation
In a session moderated by Kene Ejikeme, head of Multi Asset Platform Sales in EMEA, Ilube will discuss founding multiple technology start-ups, his appointment to the most senior position in English rugby, and his personal experiences of navigating race on his journey to success.
On the power of perseverance: I thought, “Well, it's easy. I will just apply to every company in England that has a computer department. I'll start at the letter A.” So that's what I did. I applied to every single company in England that had a computer department that started with the letter A and they all said no…. I [kept] going because I've just learnt that [while] you have to have talent and ability, persistence just drives you through.
On working with the African Science Academy: We are building this amazing group of exceptionally gifted young women, putting them through the school, then sending them off to university on full scholarships. Then they'll come back and start to make their impact.
This episode was recorded on October 17, 2022