As part of our Entrepreneurship Fortnight, students, staff, alumni and parents from Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park were invited to Francis Holland School, Sloane Square for Hub Dot, an evening of storytelling and connecting.
Students, parents, alumni and staff from both Francis Holland School, Sloane Square and Francis Holland School, Regents Park eagerly flooded through the doors of the school. They then chose which Dot they would be, highlighting what they hoped to get out of the evening. Before the storytelling began, guests were treated to a fantastic musical performance, as well as some delicious gazpacho, tortilla chips, and confectionery from Well & Truly and Lavoilio. The hall was buzzing with excited chatter as alumni met students, parents met staff, and members of the Hub Dot community mingled with those from the school.
At 6.30pm, Simona, founder of Hub Dot, took to the stage to announce the beginning of the event, before Mrs Elphinstone joined her to thank Hub Dot for their hard work in putting such a fantastic event together.
Everyone then crowded around the stage as the first speaker ascended the steps to much clapping and cheering. Each speaker had only one minute to tell their story, be it about their career, personal life, travels, or any other experience they wished to share. Stories ranged from tales of life as a refugee, founding charities, overcoming bullying and mountain climbing to plans to become an entrepreneur, life working in the City, University plans and far more. Perhaps most notable, however, was not the area each story focused on, but the message each speaker imparted to the audience. Unfailingly, it was a message of courage, creativity, positivity and never giving up, whatever the circumstances. Several speakers even demonstrated this bravery by giving an impromptu singing performance, which in places left several audience members misty eyed. Each speaker was supported throughout their minute, and the atmosphere in the hall was open and warm, instantly putting those on stage at ease. Later in the evening, there was an Open Mic session, where members of the audience, inspired by what they had heard, could share their own story. Many bravely took the opportunity, and it was wonderful to learn more about each individuals life.
Hub Dot had also arranged for time to connect and meet the other attendees. Simona laid down the rules: no talking to your friends and no closed circles. The guests fully embraced the opportunity, and many names, numbers and business cards had been exchanged by the end of the evening.
Overall, it was a wonderful evening which left all in attendance feeling inspired and empowered to go out, chase their dreams and achieve their goals. Thank you very much to Hub Dot.
