Top 24 for 2024
What is your greatest achievement in your career?
"My biggest achievement is setting up Driven By Us, the successful community driven organisation dedicated to promoting inclusion in motorsport. Under my leadership, Driven By Us has launched several impactful initiatives, including interactive STEM workshops, community engagement programs, and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences at major motorsport events. These efforts have inspired and empowered aspiring engineers and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in motorsport and STEM fields. I received a Points of Light award from the Prime Minster in 2023 before the British Grand Prix for his exceptional dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the motorsport industry. I have acquired motorsport expertise over the course of 13 years, working as a professional in the automotive and motorsport industry for BMW, McLaren Automotive, McLaren GT, Haas F1 and McLaren Racing. I was formerly responsible for maintaining all of the electronics and car systems on a range of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Heritage cars driven by the likes Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE, ranging years 2013 – 2023, completing demonstrations around the world and chassis maintenance on the retired racing car chassis in the factory."
Who or what inspires you in your work?
“I take significant inspiration from my family, who have supported and encouraged me throughout my journey in life. From an early age, they instilled core values of hard work and belief in my potential, which have been fundamental in shaping my character and ambitions, even when I haven’t been the smartest in the room. Huge figure in life has been my mum I remember helping mum work several jobs after school to support the household. My brother-in-law has also been a major influence, especially after my father passed away when I was just six years old. We faced difficult times, moving from council house to council house before settling in the 2000s (in a council house in Harrow). Growing up, my favourite subject was Design and Technology, and I recall having an inspirational teacher, Mr. Hopkins, who was passionate about bringing out the creative spark in students. These experiences and influences have shaped who I am today, and I remain committed to giving back and helping others achieve their best - I believe in helping others and seeing them thrive in any situation.”
Please provide one piece of advice for future global ethnic-majority engineers.
“Stay determined as challenges and setbacks are part of any journey, but perseverance and determination will help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. I think it’s important to have someone to support you, a mentor and advocate for you. To anyone I’ve mentored I always say, believe in yourself, work hard and you’ll make your dreams a reality, even if it takes time to get there. Don't be afraid to seek advice and mentorship from those who have gone before you. Learning from others' experiences can provide valuable insights and open up new opportunities. Use your skills and knowledge to give back to your community. Whether through mentorship, volunteering, or outreach, helping others can make a significant impact and inspire future generations.”