32 minutes | Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Gabriel Imevbore joins us to share his journey from growing up in Erdington, Birmingham, experiencing family breakdown and homelessness at 19, to becoming the youngest trustee in YMCA Heart of England’s 180-year history. In this good-old-heart-to-heart conversation, Gabriel talks about ambition, faith, entrepreneurship, Birmingham, fatherhood, opportunity, social mobility and why your circumstances may shape your opening chapter - but they don’t have to write the ending.Key takeawaysYour story is shaped by what you choose to do next.Young people need opportunity, not judgement.Birmingham has huge entrepreneurial talent that needs backing.Leaders must stay close to the ground level.Parents should respect the inspiration behind a child’s dreams.Unconventional thinkers need space to thrive.Success is health, family, purpose and giving back.Representation matters - but so does opening doors for others.KeywordsGabriel Imevbore, Wit and Grit, Birmingham, YMCA, homelessness, entrepreneurship, social mobility, young leaders, resilience, Birmingham business, opportunity, youth employment, leadership, community, personal story, Future Faces, National Grid, UpStride, AI, fatherhood, purpose, ambition.00:00 Gabriel's Early Life and Ambitions01:36 Challenges and Turning Points03:57 The Role of Education and Mentorship07:27 Finding Opportunities and Building a Network10:14 Community Impact and Giving Back11:51 Leadership and Ground-Level Engagement14:49 Pathways to Progress and Social Mobility16:09 Reflections on Talent Recognition and Future Aspirations16:38 Bridging Generational Gaps21:24 Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Impact23:18 Personal Growth and Family Dynamics