Learners at Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE) were recently treated to an inspiring and motivational session by Hull-based entrepreneur Megan Hornby, known for her appearance on the popular BBC show The Apprentice.
The event, held at HTAE’s Craven Park Enterprise & Training Centre, offered Business, Creative, and Digital apprentices the chance to engage with Megan, who shared her journey from concept to business success.
A Journey of resilience and innovation
During the afternoon session, Megan Hornby, owner of The Candy Shop on Newland Avenue, provided an in-depth look into her entrepreneurial journey. She discussed the origins of her business idea, detailing how she developed her approach to branding and marketing. Megan emphasised the unique selling points of her business that have contributed to its success. She also shared the various challenges she faced while building her business, offering valuable lessons on perseverance and adaptability.
Megan’s story didn’t just focus on her successes; she also highlighted the difficulties encountered along the way. By discussing her struggles and how she overcame them, she provided a realistic and authentic perspective that resonated deeply with the apprentices.
Lessons from The Apprentice and beyond
A significant part of Megan’s presentation revolved around her experiences on The Apprentice. She shared insights into her interactions with Lord Alan Sugar, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to participate in the intense business competition. Her experiences on the show underscored the importance of resilience and staying true to one’s values, even under pressure.
Megan also provided practical advice on career development, including interview techniques and strategies for standing out in a competitive job market. She encouraged the learners to consider alternative career paths and to embrace opportunities that might deviate from traditional expectations.
Emphasising wellness and self-discovery
In a more personal segment of her talk, Megan opened up about her recent diagnosis of ADHD. She spoke candidly about how this diagnosis has influenced her self-awareness and personal growth. Megan stressed the importance of self-care and wellness, encouraging the learners to prioritize their mental health and to speak up when they are not feeling their best.
This discussion highlighted the importance of understanding oneself and managing personal challenges in both professional and personal contexts. Megan’s willingness to share this aspect of her life added a layer of authenticity to the session, making her advice even more impactful.
Feedback from the event
Cllr Linda Tock, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for Hull Training, expressed her satisfaction with the event, noting that Megan’s session not only met but exceeded expectations. She praised Megan’s ability to connect with the learners through her genuine and relatable approach.
“I know there were certain expectations for how the afternoon would go, and Megan not only met those expectations but exceeded them. By sharing her own experiences and challenges, she brought a level of authenticity that really resonated with our learners just by being real,” said Cllr Tock. “The group left with so much valuable insight to take away, and the positive feedback we received is proof that Megan’s visit did exactly that. It’s fantastic that HTAE is able to host local entrepreneurs such as Megan who can share their expertise and advice with our learners.”
Megan also reflected on the experience positively, noting the engagement and enthusiasm of the learners. She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to share her story and hoped that her insights would help the apprentices in their future careers.
“It was a really fun and engaging session, and I would like to thank everyone who participated. I tried to relate my own journey to theirs, and to have the opportunity to share my experiences in education and my career, including breaking the mould with topics such as men in admin roles and women in business was great,” Megan said. “I hope the group took home something they can build on, and I look forward to working with HTAE again in the future.”
A valuable learning experience for HTAE learners
The session with Megan Hornby was a significant learning experience for the HTAE apprentices, providing them with practical advice and inspiration from someone who has successfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship. The event underscored the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and the willingness to embrace unconventional career paths.
By hosting events like these, HTAE continues to support its learners by connecting them with local entrepreneurs who can offer real-world insights and mentorship. This not only enhances the educational experience but also helps to equip the learners with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in their own careers.
