In this inspiring episode of the Alternative Leader Podcast, Anne Bailey, CEO of Form the Future, shares her personal story of navigating career challenges after graduating from Harvard.

She reveals how her own struggles with finding meaningful work led her to create a nonprofit that supports young people in discovering their potential and career paths.

Anne discusses the importance of mentorship, challenging self-limiting beliefs, and breaking through societal expectations to create a purpose-driven career that makes a real difference.

About Anne:

Anne Bailey, CEO and Co-founder of Form the Future CIC, leads a not-for-profit careers and employment organisation. With a background in communications and experience running her own PR agency, Anne made her way into the careers and skills sector, inspired by her time managing BT’s CSR education programme.

This role sparked the vision for Form the Future—a social enterprise dedicated to guiding young people from education into employment and helping employers connect with emerging talent. Anne’s commitment to this cause led her to win the Cambridge Social Innovation Prize in 2022, recognising the significant impact Form the Future has had on young lives in the Eastern region.

Originally from the US, Anne has lived in the UK for over 30 years—an interesting note for listeners who might detect a hint of her American accent. We first met on the PTA, a connection that’s stayed strong ever since.

While there isn’t a book (yet!), listeners can explore Form the Future’s website at www.formthefuture.org.uk to learn more and sign up for newsletters. You can also connect with Anne directly on LinkedIn.

Anne is particularly passionate about the fantastic opportunities Form the Future offers for adults to volunteer and support their community. Volunteering can be as simple as sharing insights with students about your job, your career journey, and the skills you use, helping them envision potential futures for themselves. For those looking for a deeper commitment, there are roles that include training, such as mentoring young people facing challenges. The impact is profound—not only for the mentees but also for mentors, who find the experience deeply rewarding.

Additionally, Form the Future recognises that parents and carers often feel uncertain about how to best support their children’s next steps. They offer a newsletter and host webinars tailored for parents to better understand options and help their children through key decision-making processes.

Be sure to connect with Anne on LinkedIn to stay updated on Form the Future’s latest initiatives and opportunities.