When Safaraz Ali MBE failed every one of his GCSEs, he thought the factory floor was his future. What followed was a journey that took him from inner city Birmingham into financial services, then into social care, and ultimately into building businesses that now employ more than 1,300 people across the UK.

In this conversation, Saf shares how a calculated commercial move into the care sector became a genuine calling, why apprenticeships deserve far more respect, and how diversity in leadership must be intentional.

As CEO and Co Founder of The Pathway Group, founder of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, Entrepreneur in Residence at The Open University and Ambassador for Birmingham City University, his work spans skills, employability, health, foster care and entrepreneurship.

His advice on reinvention is honest, grounded and refreshingly practical.

Highlights:

(02:44) Growing up in Alum Rock with no English spoken at home

(06:53) Failing every GCSE and choosing education as a way out

(17:02) Leaving a secure financial services career to start again

(22:01) Entering social care for business, finding purpose instead

(25:44) Championing apprenticeships and driving diversity in leadership

(32:16) Receiving an MBE and the real meaning of reinvention

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