Smashing First Impressions: Jame Dunning Boosts Young Leaders’ Networking Skills
Jamie Dunning, Regional Development Manager at Commando Joe’s, shared his inspiring career journey and insights into the power of first impressions and networking with young leaders in an Industry Insight Session hosted by Youth Leads UK.
Jamie spoke about how taking risks and leveraging his strengths helped him overcome challenges and build a successful career. As a young person, Jamie faced hardships, discrimination, and the challenge of finding his footing. Starting his career as a barber, he honed his interpersonal skills and used his natural ability to connect with others to build a strong reputation. These experiences now inform his work at Commando Joe’s, where he helps young people develop character, self-worth, and confidence through mentoring and teaching.
A highlight of the session was the ‘Speed Dating’ activity, where young leaders practised making strong first impressions and asking thoughtful questions to build professional connections. The hands-on exercise provided participants with practical tools to improve their networking skills in real-world scenarios.
A diverse group of young people from Manchester attended the session where Jamie touched on the struggles and hardships he faced as a young person, and how a career as a barber helped him find his footing. Deeming himself a ‘people person’ Jamie utilised his strength as a chatty and approachable individual to network and build his repertoire with people in the industry. Despite building a solid reputation, he still found that people discriminated against him for how he looked, which led him down a path of self-advocacy and leadership.
Shalom, 19, a participant in the session, said:
“I found the session intriguing and engaging and I learnt a lot about how to develop my skills in an interview setting. Thanks to Jamie, I can definitely see myself using these skills in the future.”
Jamie Dunning, Regional Development Manager at Commando Joe’s, said:
“I decided to participate in the Industry Insight Session because I strongly believe in empowering young people with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in their careers. These sessions are invaluable in bridging the gap between education and the professional world, offering real-world perspectives that can inspire and guide the next generation.”
Saeed Atcha MBE DL, CEO and Founder of Youth Leads UK, said:
“Industry Insight Sessions are all about opening doors and sparking ambition. Jamie’s inspiring story and practical advice have equipped our young leaders with the confidence and tools to thrive in any professional setting. Sessions like this empower young people to believe in their potential and aim for greatness.”
The Industry Insights sessions are part of Youth Leads UK’s mission to empower young people, amplify their voices, and equip them with the skills they need to drive positive change in their communities.
