Unleashing the Potential of Young Minds
Farhad stands in front of a colourful mural featuring large, vibrant birds and butterflies with the word "yes" at the top.
Agents Max and Mark speak with Farhad, founder of Potential, a mentoring project for young people to use the skills acquired on the streets to build legitimate businesses. Get to know Farhad’s love of business, how hardships involving a friend led to the genesis of his work, and how he continues to guide young people and expand his project. Check in on Farhad’s inspirational efforts www.potentialmcr.co.uk
You can read more about Farhad in our Faces of Change Series.
Trigger Warning: This content includes a brief mention of murder and incarceration, which some listeners might find distressing.
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Max
We are The Agency, an entrepreneurship team for 15 to 25-year-olds to join as agents and change their communities. I'm agent Max, joined by agent Mark. And our guest is Agent Farhad, an esteemed member of The Agency's steering group, the group of people that dictate the future of the organisation, and an architect of Potential, a mentoring project for troubled young people to use the skills they picked up across the streets to build legitimate businesses of their design.
Max
So first things first. Who are you and what are your interests?
Farhad
So I'm Farhad, and my interest… does it have to be, like, agency related or…?
Max
It can be whatever you want it to be.
Farhad
So my interest is cars. I like BMWs specifically. But my main kind of passion is helping people through business. I find it like a game, and I'm learning all the time. And, yeah, it’s pretty exciting—so, business and cars.
Max
Do you like cars?
Max
How did you find out about The Agency?
Farhad
So I found out about The Agency when I was, I think, like, 17, and an amateur boxer. I used to box at the youth zone in Collyhurst & Moston Boxing Club. My goal was to become a boxer, but then someone from The Agency gave me a flyer. I was focused on boxing, so I threw away every flyer, but she kept coming back. Finally, she came to the boxing gym and handed it to me directly. She mentioned winning £2000, so I got intrigued and signed up.
Max
And then, how's it been from there?
Farhad
It’s been really good from there—really good, like, a mix of rollercoaster parts and amazing experiences like travelling.
Max
Why does your project matter to you?
Farhad
Initially, I started it because my best friend, who had ambitions to play for Liverpool, got arrested and received a 20-year sentence. That was a wake-up call. Now, what keeps me going is all the young people I’m helping, the volunteers, and even consultants who come in to offer free advice. That tells me I'm going in the right direction.
Max
What were your initial insecurities when starting your project, and how did you overcome them?
Farhad
One of my biggest insecurities was standing in front of other young people like me with behavioural challenges. Through The Agency's training and paid opportunities, I learned to overcome that fear by delivering the project and pushing through.
Max
Could you share an example of a specific community need that you identified and how you addressed it through your project?
Farhad
In my area and Manchester, many young people have business skills but use them the wrong way. My approach was to transfer those skills into something legitimate. Being young myself, I could connect with them and show them a path forward.
Max
What feedback have you received from the community about the changes your project has brought?
Farhad
It’s still early, but the feedback has been very positive. At the end of our third cohort, people just started coming in to watch, and they were really impressed.
Max
What are the future plans for your project?
Farhad
In the short term, I want to engage with more schools and reach about 100 young people. I also want to bring in more business leaders, like those I saw when I visited the prison entrepreneurship program in America, to share their expertise.
Max
How has being part of The Agency changed your perspective on your ability to create change?
Farhad
The Agency skyrocketed my skills, especially around community building, which isn’t something you usually learn when starting a business.
Max
What is something that you would like to see more of from The Agency in the future?
Farhad
I’d like to see The Agency become more sustainable, relying less on funding and more on offering services or training that could generate revenue. This program has been around for over ten years, and I believe it could be self-sustaining.
Max
What advice would you give to someone struggling to identify their passions or community needs?
Farhad
Just be in the sessions, listen, and get feedback from staff and your cohort. Trust the process, and you'll eventually be able to start your own program.
Max
I mean, that is our motto: trust the process with The Agency. Thank you so much for doing this. It’s inspiring what you're doing, giving young people a chance to thrive. Mark, any thoughts?
Mark
Yeah, it’s very good. I can see your passion for helping people, and you’re definitely on the right path.
Max
Yes, thank you so much for doing this. And to check in on Farhad's efforts, pop over to potentialmcr.co.uk. It’s such an uplifting movement, and you can bet Farhad is bringing his A-game.
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