Pay It Forward: Helping the next generation communicate with confidence
“I wish someone had taught me this when I was starting out.”
Having coached senior business leaders for many years, I've heard these words many times.
Confidence. Presence. The ability to speak clearly, credibly and make yourself heard. These are skills that even the most successful professionals can struggle with. Yet they're rarely taught when we're young, despite the difference they can make to our careers.
It certainly got me thinking about my own early experiences. After graduating from the University of Bath, I moved to Paris and began my career in international press and marketing.
I was fortunate to progress quickly and, by the age of 32, found myself in my first C-suite marketing role. I was arguably out of my depth, but I had the support of a senior leader who saw potential in me and believed I could succeed. I've never forgotten what his faith in me meant.
How different might the start of someone's career be if they had access to that kind of encouragement, alongside practical coaching in confidence and communication, from the outset?
That's why I've created Pay It Forward, a new opportunity for experienced professionals to help a young adult build their confidence, presence and communication skills.
The idea is simple: you invite a young adult (aged 18+) who is seeking work or in the early stages of their career to join you in taking Make Your Mark for Teams, my practical, CPD-certified online communication skills programme. Together, you'll learn techniques to manage self-doubt, build physical presence, speak clearly and develop a confident, credible voice.
And because you're both learning together, you'll have the chance to compare perspectives and explore how these skills apply to interviews, first jobs, leadership and everyday life.
Remember, you're not their tutor. You're their learning companion.
A passion for helping young adults to make their mark
This isn't the first time I've asked myself how I could help young adults develop the skills I teach senior leaders. In 2020, I was invited to deliver Make Your Mark to Baillie Gifford's interns. That experience, and an enthusiastic young participant called Emily Mason, sparked something much bigger.
Together with Emily and fellow student Kirsty Mitchell, I went on to establish four free virtual Make Your Mark Summer Schools for Students, bringing together hundreds of young people from around the world and experienced business professionals willing to share their knowledge.
What struck me most was just how much both generations gained from those conversations. The participants developed practical skills and new perspectives, while experienced professionals were able to reflect on their own learning journeys.
“By being aware of how you think, how you look, what you say and how you say it, you perform better. Make Your Mark with Susan Room® is learning that will stay with you forever.” Emily Mason
And many of those professionals said exactly what my senior coaching clients so often tell me: they wished they'd had that opportunity themselves.
Why young people need our support now
Today, the transition from education into employment can be incredibly challenging.
According to the Office for National Statistics, an estimated 981,000 young people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment or training in April to June 2026.
Meanwhile, the Institute of Student Employers' 2026 research found that employers received an average of 141 applications for every graduate vacancy. AI is adding another layer of complexity to the recruitment process, making it easier for candidates to submit applications at scale, while recruiters are increasingly reviewing their screening and assessment processes to manage the volume and identify genuine talent.
There is no doubt that competition is intense. And when a young person finally secures an interview or starts their first job, being able to manage their nerves, communicate with confidence and make a positive impression can make a real difference.
The good news? These are all learnable skills. And the earlier we develop them, the more opportunities we have to put them into practice.
How does Pay It Forward work?
Over six weeks, from 9 November to 18 December 2026, you'll share a learning journey built around three simple steps.
Learn: Each of you completes approximately one hour of online learning each week, at a time that suits you.
Reflect: Use a short weekly discussion prompt to share what you've learnt, compare experiences and explore how to apply new skills.
Share: Join me and the other participants for three live, 60-minute online sessions on 9 November, 2 December and 16 December, from 12:00–13:00 UK time (GMT).
You'll both receive 90 days full access to the online course and downloadable resources, to enable you to revisit and practise your learning. Each participant can also earn six CPD hours and a certificate on completion.
Who could you invite?
Perhaps your son or daughter is preparing for their first job interview. A niece or nephew has recently graduated. You might know a young adult through mentoring, volunteering, your professional network or your own workplace who could benefit from a confidence boost. They don't need any previous work experience. Just a willingness to learn, practise and develop.
And there are benefits for you, too. However experienced we become, our communication skills are something we can always revisit, refine and strengthen.
That's what makes Pay It Forward different. It's not simply about passing on advice. It's about learning together.
Could you help someone make their mark?
I'm offering 15 pairs the opportunity to take part in this first Pay It Forward cohort.
One price covers both participants: £840 including VAT (£700 excluding VAT).
The programme begins on Monday 9 November 2026, and the deadline to reserve your places is Wednesday 4 November 2026.
To book your places or request more information, email catherine@susanroom.com
Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to invest a little time, share their experience and show that they believe in you. Who could you Pay It Forward to?
The Business Voice Coach
References:
Office for National Statistics (ONS) (2026). Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), UK: August 2026. Published 27 August 2026.
Institute of Student Employers (ISE) (2026). ISE Student Recruitment Report 2026. Published 14 October 2026.
Read the findings: Graduate jobs stabilise, but AI use disrupts recruitment
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