The Legacy of Leadership: Jacob’s YPM Journey and Beyond

Jacob Nwaezenna’s journey with the Young People’s Movement (YPM) is a testament to the power of community based leadership programmes that focus on mentorship and relationship building in transforming young lives. From his first introduction to YPM to becoming a confident youth worker and aspiring fitness entrepreneur, his story is one of growth, resilience and stepping into new opportunities with confidence.

A New Opportunity

Jacob first heard about YPM in late 2022 through friends who had been involved in the programme. At the time he was 24, his life was relatively unstructured - focusing on fitness, casual work, and spending time with friends. However, the idea of joining a leadership programme piqued his interest. “I liked the sound of it,” he recalls. “I enjoy meeting new people, being around good energy and seeing what opportunities might come my way.”

When Jacob joined YPM, he quickly found himself immersed in a variety of activities designed to push participants beyond their comfort zones. He took part in creative writing and poetry workshops with mentor Lex from Elevated2Art, an experience that unlocked his love for storytelling. He also participated in leadership training with horses (through consortium members Ebony Horse Club and youth organisation Lead-Up International), learning how to lead with empathy rather than aggression. “That was completely new for me,” he says. “You have to be aware of your own body language and how you communicate without words. It taught me a lot about leadership.”

Discovering New Skills and Confidence

One of the most defining moments of Jacob’s time with YPM was leading the organisation of a youth event. This hands-on experience in event planning gave him insight into the logistical and interpersonal skills needed to bring a vision to life. “I had no idea how much went into putting on an event,” he admits. “Contacting people, budgeting, coordinating - it was a real learning curve. But I loved it.” He has learned critical skills such as public speaking, networking, problem-solving, and teamwork - skills that he never realised would be invaluable in both his personal and professional life. “One of the biggest things I took from YPM was the ability to communicate confidently. Whether it was presenting an idea, networking at an event, or just speaking up in a room full of people, I became comfortable putting myself out there.”

Translating Passion into Purpose

Today, Jacob has taken those skills and confidence into his professional life. He has held various leadership roles within the hospitality industry and customer services with TFL. He now works in youth development with another consortium partner Spiral Skills and is paving the way for his own fitness brand, aimed at helping people new to exercise build sustainable habits. The budding fitness entrepreneur reveals his vision “I want to make fitness more accessible for people who think they’re ‘past it’ or don’t know where to start,” he explains. “I want them to feel like they belong in that space. Fitness has always been my passion, but YPM showed me how to take that passion and turn it into something more structured and sustainable. I learned how to market myself, how to connect with people, and how to build something from the ground up.”

Supportive Networks that Last

Looking back, Jacob recognises that YPM was the perfect environment for him to grow. “I made mistakes, but I was able to learn from them in safety, where people had my back. That’s huge. It gave me the confidence to step up in other areas of my life as I never saw myself as a leader,” Jacob admits. “I just knew I wanted to do more, but I didn’t know how to take that next step. YPM gave me the push I needed.”

Beyond the professional benefits, Jacob also built a strong network of friends and supporters through YPM. The relationships formed during his time with the programme have continued to be a source of encouragement and collaboration. “We still support each other now. When Esther Ole (who was also part of YPM) was running her event, I was there helping her because that’s the kind of community we’ve built. We all help each other grow in different ways.”

Words of Encouragement for Future Leaders

To young people considering a leadership programme like YPM, Jacob has simple but powerful advice: “Just go for it. You never know what you might get out of it, who you might meet, or what doors it could open. Give it your all, and enjoy the journey.”

Jacob’s testimony is proof that with the right support, young people can develop the skills, confidence, and networks they need to create their own success. YPM was more than just a leadership programme for Jacob, it was a catalyst for self-belief and personal growth. “The skills I learned weren’t just about running a project or leading a team. They were life skills. Confidence, resilience, adaptability - these things stick with you and help you in ways you don’t even realise at the time.” Jacob’s journey speaks to the power of programmes like YPM in shaping futures. Through mentorship, training, and real-world experiences, young people are not only given opportunities but also the tools to create their own success. Thanks to YPM and Ecosystem Coldharbour, Jacob has found his purpose - and he’s only just getting started.