Social mobility and social housing are topics that go hand in hand. As one of my most popular talks will tell you; I went ‘from council estate to corporate’. And, having been booked to speak by social housing organisations as well as some of the UK’s largest property companies, I’ve discovered there’s plenty to unpack and explore.
When social mobility and social housing go hand-in-hand
A couple of interesting angles are that growing up in social housing shouldn’t be seen as a barrier to a corporate career. And that you don’t need to have grown up in social housing to work for a social housing organisation.
These were both touched upon in the first episode of the Challenging University podcast series I put together. In it, I speak with a school friend, Nina and it feels like ‘home’ to me for many reasons – the warmth and shorthand of the conversation. A reminder of the accent and the hometown I left behind. It’s also a conversation between two women who:
* Were bright children
* Went to the same state comprehensive
* Had parents who didn’t go to university
* Lost their dad aged 14
* Navigated GCSEs, work and bereavement at the same time
Despite the things we shared, our family financial situations were different. Not something that made an ounce of difference at the time, but is relevant in the context of social mobility conversations about the value of having people from all socioeconomic backgrounds in classrooms and workplaces.
Similar experiences, different backgrounds, each a social mobility story
I grew up in what we’d today call social housing, Nina went on to establish a career at VIVID – one of UK’s largest social housing providers. Whilst simultaneously running a business. And raising five children. The woman’s a MARVEL. And she knows all my secrets….
In a brief exchange some time after recording this episode, we reflected on how we’d both ‘done alright’. Different paths, same school, same life-altering moment. You don’t have to have grown up in social housing to support people that do. And growing up in social housing doesn’t mean you’ll never afford your own home. And that kid who’s turned into a tearaway? There’s always a story to be told.
A podcast that touches on social mobility, social housing and ‘home’
If you’re interested in class, friendship, socio-economic background, accents or a career in social housing – this one ticks every box. We may not live in the same area any more. Or hang about down the park together. But there’s nothing like the voice of a childhood friend to make you feel at home.
Listen here: Finding happiness in the housing sector with Nina Egge Daborn
Looking for a speaker on social mobility and social housing?
Growing up in social housing shaped a lot of what I talk about on stage now. If that story would resonate with your audience, see what I offer as a speaker on social mobility, or head to the contact form.