Nearly 200 pupils at a South London secondary school attended a talk by entrepreneur and property investor Samuel Leeds, who encouraged students to consider a wider range of career paths beyond the traditional route of university followed by employment.
Leeds, a father of four, spoke to students aged 15 to 18 at Harris City Academy in Crystal Palace, sharing his experience of struggling academically and later building a successful business career.
During the session, Leeds told pupils that he had performed poorly at school and was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He explained that he had once been placed at the special needs desk and had been given low expectations about his future.
Despite this, Leeds went on to complete hundreds of property deals and developments. He is the owner of the 24-bedroom Willingham House hotel and the founder of the Samuel Leeds Group, a property and investment group operating across education, finance, and asset management. He has also advised a number of public figures across sport, music, and entertainment.
Leeds praised Harris City Academy for allowing students to hear about a broader range of options
He told pupils that professions such as medicine, teaching, and journalism are essential to society, but not the only routes to a fulfilling and successful life.
“If you want to become a professional like a doctor, teacher, or journalist, that is a great thing to do,” he said. “Society needs those roles. If you are not academically inclined, trades such as building, plumbing, or plastering may be a better fit, and we need those skills too.”
He added that young people should also be aware that self-employment and entrepreneurship are viable alternatives.
“It’s important for students to understand that working for an employer is not the only option,” Leeds said. “That path may not suit everyone. Some people have other skills that can lead to a rewarding and more independent life, provided they are willing to put the work in.”
Leeds used practical examples to illustrate entrepreneurial thinking. At one point, he offered students the chance to exchange a £10 note for a £20 note, prompting hesitation among the group before one pupil stepped forward and accepted the offer.
He explained that the exercise demonstrated the importance of decisiveness and calculated risk-taking in business.
“In employment, it’s normal to ask for permission before acting,” he said. “In business, you often need to make decisions independently. Waiting to be told it’s okay can mean missing opportunities.”
The talk also covered basic financial literacy, including the difference between good and bad debt, and the importance of planning and long-term thinking. Leeds encouraged students to be mindful of who they spend time with, noting that peer groups can influence future outcomes.
“In life, you often become like the people you associate with,” he told the audience. “Surround yourself with people you aspire to be like.”
Teachers and staff at the school said the session was well received, with several remaining after the talk to discuss how the themes raised could be explored further with students.
Samuel Leeds was later informed that internationally recognised artist Will.i.am had delivered a similar message when he previously visited the school as part of a television documentary.
In addition to his UK-based work, Leeds supports the construction of schools in Uganda through his charitable initiatives and has an agreement in principle with local officials for business and finance education to be included in the curriculum.
Reflecting on the visit, Leeds said he was encouraged by the response from pupils.
“It was great to see such a packed room and genuine engagement from the students,” he said.
