Joel Graham-Blake is a dynamic, charismatic and socially conscious individual with a strong passion for empowering others to achieve success.

He is well known within business networks and local communities, as an aspiring entrepreneur and a role model for others, particularly but not exclusively from diverse backgrounds, amassing a broad network of contacts and supporters.

He provides a personable and motivational approach to the worlds of Training, Personal Development and Business Growth and has addressed captive audiences at various types of venues such as Aston Business School, Chambers of Commerce and The Treasury. He also guest lectures on both CIPD and CMI business management courses.

With his direct, straight-talking insights and engaging personality, Joel is often asked to comment on a range of wide range of social and political issues and has been profiled in both local and national media.

His work has helped thousands of people to use their life experiences as drivers to achieve success - from chief executives of multi-million pound companies to youth workers in the community; representatives of local government to pupils in inner city schools, Joel's down to earth nature and versatility has empowered individuals to achieve both personal and business success!

Award and Achievements

Joel continually strives to achieve both personal and professional excellence. His passion and drive have led to a number of awards and achievements including:

• Winner of Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Award 2010 (Recruitment & Training)
• 02 X Award Male Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 finalist
• Man on Mission Business Award finalist 2009
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 nominee
• Urban Dreams Award Winner 2006
• Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2006 finalist

However, he has never stopped supporting the development of local communities as a Motivational Speaker, Mentor/Facilitator for young people and Strategic advisor for voluntary organizations.

He is proud of giving back to others and currently volunteers his time in the following roles:

• Ambassador to Young People Enterprise Centre of Excellence
• Local Advisory Board Member for Career Academies UK
• Steering Board Member & Facilitator for the Prince of Windsor Fellowship
• Guardian for the Edgbaston Foundation
• Member of the Birmingham & Solihull Business Education Forum

As the Managing Director of two growing companies (go to www.geewee.tv), he also advises aspiring business owners on how to avoid making many of the mistakes that he has made and learnt from along his entrepreneurial journey.

Using his personal and professional experiences, Joel has developed the Chasing the Butterfly© Personal Development Programme - a process that helps others to analyse their own drivers for achievement and identify their own personal route to success.

Joel states: ‘’I am just one person on this earth. There are still many people who unable to access the right support in their lives yet have dreams and the capability to achieve them. It is important for me that as I continue to move forward in my own life, I uphold the responsibility of lending a hand to those who follow after me, so that as they find their own way, we all grow together''.