Lester Holloway

Journalist.

I was educated at....

…. I didn’t go to university after failing one of my three ‘A’ levels at school. My parents didn’t go to university, so I guess they weren’t able to advise me on continuing my education at the time. I later completed a (NCTJ) Diploma in News Reporting at City University.

My first job was....

….while I was still at school, working in a carpet company in Acton, west London. I was made to move very heavy carpet rolls by myself, and I was quite skinny at the time, so you can imagine how difficult that was. The staff used to snigger in their office as they watched me!

What I do now is....

….. I’m a policy consultant completing a study on future funding for the BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) voluntary sector. I also have a Politics TV show on BEN Television every Thursday.

Until recently I was a senior communications executive at an enterprise working to create new enterprises. I’m currently also re-engaging with the Liberal Democrats after six months away after I resigned over racism.

What I learned along the way is…

….. Be true to yourself, respect yourself, and do the right thing. We can all make a difference. We are all leaders in some way.

The greatest influence on my life has been……

….. Too many to mention! If I had to pick someone, I’d say the late and legendary Bernie Grant. He encouraged me when I was in my early 20s and just getting into politics, and was a great support.

The best advice I ever received is…

…..‘Stay true to yourself!’

My top tips for succeeding in my career area are…

…. As a journalist, I’d say my top tip is to read widely, but as a writer not a consumer. As a communications executive, it would be to look at best practice and innovate. As a presenter, think slightly ahead of your mouth! And, on policy, never stop imagining the change you want to see!