Mayor Tracy Brabin’s Big Ideas Challenge2025 “Entrepreneurs and Gen Z Gamechangers”

The Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge 2025 was a significant initiative launched by West Yorkshire’s Mayor, Tracy Brabin. This challenge aimed to harness the potential of young people aged 16 to 26 to develop innovative solutions to local problems and health inequalities. Being part of the Mayor’s Big Ideas challenge process as a mentor and judge was an enriching experience.

To be invited to speak at the finale and awards evening in front of the Mayor, other judges, the contestants and their families was an honour, and I want to thank everyone involved for their contributions, including Mayor Tracey Brabin, TPX Impact, the cohort (now Gen Z Gamechangers), and all others who made it happen.

It was remarkable for me, as a mentor, to observe the creativity, passion, and dedication participants demonstrated in their ideas. The energy and innovation they brought were noteworthy, inspiring, and infectious, and I, for one, was infected, in the best possible way.

Serving as a mentor was highly rewarding. Watching these young individuals grow, evolve, and refine their ideas was fulfilling. They consistently pushed their own boundaries, and it was satisfying to support and guide them through this transformative process.

All of the young competitors demonstrated what it meant to dream ambitiously and pursue those dreams with determination. Each one exemplified the talent and potential within our youth, especially in West Yorkshire.

This initiative, led by Mayor Tracy Brabin, represents hope and opportunity. Being part of it reaffirmed my belief that the future is in good hands.

Entrepreneurs and Gamechangers 2025

Staying in touch with some members of the cohort through LinkedIn gave me a glimpse into the lives and careers of the young people, and into their passion and drive. Calling themselves the Gen Z  Gamechangers, I was thrilled to be invited onto their WhatsApp group.

So, when I organised my first acornITy event at Leeds Beckett University on Entrepreneurship, I gave it the title “Entrepreneurs and Gamechangers” in their honour.  The key focus of the event was summed up in my introductory remarks as “Growth, Collaboration and Empowerment”. Each speaker built upon these ideas, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and momentum that echoed the very essence of the Big Ideas Challenge.

Our keynote speaker was Lebene Soga, head of entrepreneurship at Leeds Beckett University, who gave us valuable insights into what makes an entrepreneur. Next up was Jo Cornish from the IoD. As an IoD ambassador, I was delighted that representatives could give “The Directors’ view” and highlight the resources available to budding Directors. The next speaker was Hawa Kandeh of AI Tech Touch, someone whose growth as a start-up I have supported while learning from her dedication and energy. Hawa Kandeh offered a firsthand perspective from a real-life entrepreneur.

The star of the show was the 17-year-old Amaan Aslam representing the Gen Z Gamechangers. Here is Amaan’s reflection.

"I had the privilege of speaking at a conference today to share what I’ve been working on since the Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge — particularly my ongoing work around mental health. It still feels surreal to be given a platform to talk about something I’m so passionate about, especially in front of such an inspiring audience.

In the room were people whose experience and leadership genuinely shaped the tone of the day:

• A Professor of Entrepreneurship, whose insights on innovation, problem-solving, and turning ideas into real-world impact were honestly motivating.

• Representatives from the Institute of Directors, bringing perspectives on leadership, governance, and what young people can offer the future of industry.

• And Steve Denniss, whose presence and encouragement added so much depth to the conversations happening in the room.

Speaking in front of people like this was both nerve-wracking and empowering. But once I started sharing the mental health initiatives I’ve been developing, everything clicked. The discussions that followed were open, honest, and powerful”

Hope for the future

As I reflect on my involvement in the Mayor’s challenge and my subsequent and ongoing interaction with the contestants, I look forward to seeing the achievements that the young people will realise in the coming weeks, months, and years.

I would say to them all, continue to dream big and never let anything or anyone dampen their enthusiasm.