Sporting legends and business maverick headline ATLP staff conference
21 September 2022
More than 1300 staff from 19 schools and one teaching school hub across a leading multi-academy trust joined three distinguished speakers for a training event at Birmingham’s prestigious International Convention Centre (ICC).
Sporting icons, Maggie Alphonsi MBE and Derek Redmond, and entrepreneur Sir John Timpson CBE, inspired an audience of teaching, non-teaching staff, and volunteers at the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership’s (ATLP) third staff training day.
ATLP CEO, Richard Gill CBE, introduced the 5 September event by praising staff – from primary and secondary schools in Birmingham, North Warwickshire, Staffordshire, and Coventry – for their “Herculean” efforts throughout the pandemic. He also thanked his colleagues for empowering children and young people to be their best.
The conference – which was sponsored by Zest Education and CSE Education Systems – continued with a powerful performance by talented international vocalist and West End star, Me’sha Bryan (pictured above), beginning with ‘The Circle of Life’.
England Rugby World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi MBE (pictured below), was the first speaker to take to the stage. During her stellar career, she has represented her country an impressive 74 times, scored 28 tries, won a World Cup, and helped England win a record breaking seven consecutive Six Nations crown.
Maggie, who was born with a club foot, talked about the hurdles she overcame in childhood, growing up in a lone parent household on a “tough” housing estate in London.
She said: “As a child I lacked confidence. I had a stammer, but my teacher saw the strength in me. They encouraged me to so step outside of my comfort zone to embrace failure, to celebrate success.”
“My teacher empowered me to reach my full potential. What impact have you made on your students? You have empowered them to go on to be successful.”
Maggie, who was the first female to commentate on male rugby matches, talked about the importance of leadership, and teamwork. She encouraged the audience to: “be comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Sir John Timpson CBE, Chairman of the Timpson Group (pictured below), is a maverick businessman and author who was knighted for services to business and fostering. He spoke about the success of his innovative business, which puts customers at the top of the management structure, empowers employees and offers many company incentives.
The father-of-three told his family’s own remarkable story of making a difference to the lives of many children and young people. Sir John and his wife Alex adopted two sons and were foster carers to more than 90 children over 31 years.
Both supported several schools in their area, holding positions as trustees and governors, while helping to transform a local primary school in Cheshire.
As a result of the couple’s experiences, John wrote a number of books and guides to help those who care for children, including books on attachment awareness. He is also a successfully published author, and continues to support others through his writing, which includes a guide to supporting mental health in the workplace.
Sir John said:
“I’ve always had a good reception from schools across the Midlands. There’s been a lot of interest in attachment work. Education is about equipping children with the right tools to succeed and helping them to become the best they can be. It’s about people, personality and understanding the support children need – ultimately, they just want love.”
The final speaker of the day was Olympic athlete Derek Redmond (pictured below). During his illustrious career, Derek held the British record for the 400 metres sprint and won gold medals in the 4×400 metres relay at the World Championships and European Championships.
Derek famously tore his hamstring during the 400m semi-final at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Determined to finish the race, he hobbled to the finish line with the help of his father as a 65,000 strong crowd cheered him on. This has become one of the most inspirational scenes in Olympic history.
Derek’s career-changing injury forced him to overcome many challenges and to take an alternate path. He has played six sports, including three professionally. He was a basketball player for Birmingham Bullets and took to the stage at the city’s ICC to encourage the ATLP audience to ‘adapt to change’.
Derek – who is also a keen advocate of education, having completed a degree in electrical engineering after the Barcelona Olympics – talked about how he overcame setbacks using his ADAPT theory: (Acceptance, Direction, Alternatives, Process, Transition).
He said:
“Unleash your inner satnav to get from where you are now from where you want to be – it might take an unexpected route, but it will get you to destination whatever it takes. Never give up.”
Richard Gill CBE (pictured below), said:
“What an absolute joy and privilege to bring our whole ATLP family of staff together for a day of teamwork, learning and sharing. We celebrated our strengths and successes, and recognised our One Trust vision, to work collectively to give our children and young people even more opportunities.
“We were also in the presence of motivational guests who each had a story to tell about challenge, determination, ambition, and transformation. Our teams were inspired by these powerful testimonials. Each of them will harness that energy and drive across our schools to create even more impact on the lives of those around us.
“Enormous thank you to our guests and supporters, to our children and families and to my wonderful colleagues, who are all legends. What a fabulous start to the new academic year.”
.For further information on the key speakers please visit:
V.I.P. Vocals – Me’sha Bryan – Actor, Vocalist, Vocal Coach and Songwriter (meshabryan.com)
https://www.timpson-group.co.uk/our-story/meet-the-timpsons/
https://champions-speakers.co.uk/speaker-agent/derek-redmond
