I’m thrilled to continue with the EmergentThinkers.com ‘Mind Behind’ series, focusing this time on Andrew Maund, a dynamic personality whose contributions span entrepreneurship, education, and community development. From launching a themed American diner in Wales to buying and developing an Afro-Caribbean hairdressing training centre in vibrant Brixton, his ventures have covered diverse industries and include community-centric businesses. Andrew’s extensive involvement in educational programs and youth work further underscores his dedication to nurturing future leaders and fostering a culture of peace and justice. Andrew’s deep commitment to education and youth work highlights his dedication to cultivating future leaders and advancing peace and justice. His efforts align closely with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which focuses on fostering peaceful, inclusive societies, ensuring justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions. His approach often involves direct engagement with the community and an understanding of cultural nuances.
A Diverse Journey in Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement
Andrew, can you tell us about your early experiences in entrepreneurship and how they shaped your career path?
My entrepreneurial journey started with a venture in the tropical fish trade, driven by a fascination with live Daphnia, also known as water fleas. These creatures are considered a delicacy in the tropical fish diet. By supplying Daphnia to local fish shops, I learned essential business skills such as negotiation, market analysis, and customer engagement. More than just increasing my pocket money, this early venture instilled in me core entrepreneurial skills and ignited a passion for creating something unique.
I discovered where to find Daphnia. Seizing the opportunity, I approached local tropical fish shops and offered to be their weekly supplier. They agreed to pay me ten shillings per bag – quadruple my usual pocket money.
Community Engagement: Building Bridges through Business in Brixton
Your Afro-Caribbean hairdressing venture in Brixton was quite unique. How did this start and contribute to community development, and what were your key takeaways?
One of my earlier ventures was in Brixton, when I had the opportunity to open a teaching garage. The idea was to train young people in mechanics and provide them with valuable skills. However, we faced a significant challenge when the garage kept getting broken into, and I worried about the insurance being revoked. I had to think creatively. Instead of giving up, I decided to invite the ‘bad lads’ from the community to service their cars at our garage. We’d train them and engage with them positively. Surprisingly, the theft nearly stopped overnight. By understanding the community’s dynamics and offering opportunities, we transformed a challenging situation into a win-win.
It wasn’t about judging them; it was about finding a way to work together.
The follow up experience with an Afro-Caribbean hairdressing venture in Brixton was more than a business opportunity for me. Recognising a need for culturally appropriate services, I ended up creating a community space that celebrated diverse cultures and fostered a sense of belonging. This venture taught me the power of social entrepreneurship and the importance of building community ties, understanding cultural identities, and fostering inclusivity and social justice. Engaging with the community to understand their unique needs was crucial to our success.
Educational Involvement: Fostering Youth Development and Leadership
Could you share on your experiences with working with young people, and the impact you believe these initiatives have?
Working with young people has always been a passion of mine, deeply rooted in my experience with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. After joining at 13, I quickly discovered my love for teaching and leadership. Mentoring young people, watching them grow and develop, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. This early involvement not only shaped my leadership skills but also instilled values of equality, openness, and respect. My commitment to youth work has been unwavering, and I’ve carried these lessons into all my educational endeavours. My transition into lecturing work began during my consultancy work at Lampeter University. While initially, my role was focused on helping the university become a centre for the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), it eventually evolved into a more active involvement in developing the ‘Skills for the Workplace’ program. This shift marked the beginning of my academic journey. The experience of designing and delivering educational materials for the Graduate Academy was incredibly fulfilling. It allowed me to bridge the gap between the academic world and the real world of work. I realized the potential for imparting practical knowledge and leadership skills to students, combining my entrepreneurial background with academic teaching. Through various programs, I’ve focused on developing leadership skills in youth, guiding them to become positive agents of change in their communities.
Teaching and mentoring young people, watching them grow and develop, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Contribution to Global Goals
Andrew, how do you see your work and experiences contributing to the themes of peace, justice, and strong institutions as emphasized in SDG 16?
My journey across various roles—from running businesses to engaging in education and consultancy—has always centred on fostering these principles. Creating environments where respect and engagement are paramount has been key to sustaining peace and justice. My focus on emotional intelligence, particularly in educational settings, has highlighted its importance in navigating social justice challenges. As a ‘Big Idea’s Wales Enterprise Champion, I’ve emphasised the role of enterprise in achieving social impact, reinforcing that everyone can contribute to building strong, inclusive institutions aligned with SDG 16. My work has always been underpinned by a desire to make a real difference, to contribute to a more equitable and just society, I often reflect on this commitment.
Future Aspirations: A Vision for Lasting Change and Influence
Looking towards the future, what are your aspirations in continuing to influence society positively?
I would say my aspirations include deepening my impact in justice, peace, and institution-building and influencing through my role as a lecturer. My consultancy, particularly in strategic planning for SMEs, will also remain a cornerstone of my work. Simultaneously, I aim to inspire and shape future leaders, while integrating my experiences back into my teaching. This dual approach of practical consultancy and educational influence is designed to create a ripple effect of positive change, contributing to a broader vision aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and Social Enterprise.
I was recently invited to join the board of a large social housing association that focuses on sustainability and manages around 4,000 properties in South and West Wales. I gladly accepted the invitation because I strongly believe that social housing plays a vital role in community development by providing stability, boosting local economies, and promoting well-being. Moreover, I believe that adopting sustainable practices in social housing can significantly contribute to a healthier planet for both current and future generations.
Thank you, Andrew, for taking time out to share some of your journey. Your commitment to entrepreneurship and community development, underpinned by a deep connection to the Sustainable Development Goals, is clear, melding education with real-world challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and leadership among youth. Thank you also for your efforts in nurturing the next generation of changemakers who aspire to make meaningful contributions to society.
In addition to championing SDG 16, where he fosters peace, justice, and strong institutions through community engagement and education, Andrew significantly contributes to several other Sustainable Development Goals. His dedication to providing quality education aligns with SDG 4, as evidenced by his involvement in developing educational programs and youth mentorship. Through entrepreneurial ventures and consultancy, he supports SDG 8 by promoting economic growth and decent work. His work with a social housing association reflects his commitment to SDG 11, which aims to create sustainable cities and communities. His efforts to integrate sustainable development principles into education and business practices, alongside fostering multi-sectoral partnerships, also embody the essence of SDG 17.
More info on Andrew
Andrew Maund is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, with over a decade of experience since March 2012. He also holds a long-standing role as a Senior Consultant at Challengers since April 1987, focusing on leadership development and performance management. Andrew’s commitment to youth development is evident from his previous role as Regional Chairman at the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, where he supported young people’s welfare and development. Additionally, his expertise in leadership and management extends to his work as a consultant and external verifier for ILM, ensuring quality assurance of ILM-approved centres. His diverse roles demonstrate a profound commitment to education, leadership, and community development.
More mind behind interviews: https://emergentthinkers.com/?s=mind+behind
Felicity.
Emergent Thinkers™ 
Leave a comment