From Streets to Finding Your Feet: Empowering the Next Generation with Duro Oye

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Duro Oye has dedicated his life to unlocking potential where the odds are stacked against it.

As the CEO and founder of the multi-award-winning charity 20/20 Levels, he has already empowered thousands of young people from Black, racially under-represented, and low socio-economic backgrounds — and his vision is nothing short of transforming a billion lives worldwide.

In this inspiring conversation, we discussed his journey from documentary filmmaker to social impact leader, revealing the strategies behind securing millions in funding, forging powerful corporate partnerships, and building programmes that change lives.

We explored the challenges facing today’s youth, the entrepreneurial mindset that drives innovation in the charity sector, and how authentic storytelling can shift perceptions and systems.

Here are some insights from the interview you won’t want to miss:

Personal Inspiration Shapes Purpose:
Duro’s motivation to empower young people came directly from his own upbringing—growing up in deprived environments and experiencing firsthand the lack of opportunity. He emphasised how just one chance encounter or opportunity can completely change someone’s trajectory.

Role Models and Integrity:
Duro highlighted the critical influence of positive role models in his life. He learned the importance of integrity, standing by your word, and showing up, which he now aims to instill in others.

Creativity as an Outlet and Catalyst:
His background in arts and filmmaking led Duro to storytelling. Through making documentaries, he realized the power of sharing untold stories (often about those involved in gangs or difficult environments) and how mentoring naturally evolved from this work.

20/20 Levels – Practical Social Mobility:
20/20 Levels provides skills that traditional schooling often omits—financial literacy, digital skills, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, as well as job readiness training. Programs also offer direct access to employers and ongoing mentorship to help young people move up into leadership roles.

Selective Support for Best Impact:
The organisation has become strategic about who participates. Applicants must be ready to change and commit to transformation, ensuring that the limited resources benefit those most likely to thrive.

Overcoming Setbacks and Building Resilience:
Duro discussed how resilience has been central to his journey—persistent setbacks, funding challenges, and the need to prove the effectiveness of his approach. He self-funded the charity for the first five years and stressed learning by doing.

Authenticity Builds Partnerships:
His way of securing funding and partnerships relies on being fully authentic and open about his background and mission. This honesty resonates with corporate leaders looking to create meaningful legacy and impact.

Vision for Scale and Sustainability:
Duro’s ambitions are global—aiming for 20/20 Levels to impact a billion lives. He hopes the charity will expand digitally and internationally and eventually be led by someone who benefitted from the program.

Valuable Lessons from Young People:
He expressed how much he learns from the younger generation, especially their curiosity, willingness to question, and energy. Duro champions maintaining their authentic selves as they enter the world of work.

Action and Belief in the ‘Impossible’:
His closing advice centred on believing in the art of the impossible—don’t lose your core essence just to fit in. Instead, shape society, pursue your ambitions, and trust in the transformative potential of even a single opportunity.

Don’t lose the core essence of who you are trying to fit in with society. Society was never made for us to fit into. We’re supposed to go into it and shape it, to see it as we see fit. Whatever it is, that idea, that ambition, that drive—go out and make it happen.
– Duro Oye

Whether you’re a leader, changemaker, or someone seeking proof that bold visions are possible, this is a Good Matters conversation you won’t want to miss.

You can listen to this Business Elevation Show interview with Duro Oye & Chris Cooper here. Alternatively on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Tunein, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio (latter US only).

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More about Duro Oye:

Duro Oye is the CEO and founder of the multi-award-winning charity, 20/20 Levels.

Since its inception in 2013, the organisation has directly empowered over 3,750 young people and reached a wider community of more than 22,000. Focused on supporting individuals from Black, racially underrepresented, and low socio-economic backgrounds, 20/20 Levels helps young people discover their potential and carve out successful futures in careers and entrepreneurship through a range of transformative programs.

A long-time champion of social impact, Duro Oye is committed to driving meaningful change through his work as the founder and CEO of 20/20 Levels. Willing to take on the risks and challenges of innovation, he leads initiatives that create lasting social and economic opportunities. The organisation’s evolving business model now integrates business development mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs while staying true to its core mission of personal and professional growth.

Having secured over £3.5 million in funding over the past seven years—through a mix of grants and multi-year corporate sponsorships with partners like Virgin Media O2, American Express GBT, Jacobs, and Land Securities—Duro Oye is driven by a bold vision for the future. His goal is for 20/20 Levels to impact a billion lives
worldwide, creating lasting change and overcoming today’s youth challenges.

At its core, the program is designed to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to build their own futures.

Duro also serves as an Executive Coach and trusted advisor to several FTSE 250 CEOs. He is an active board contributor, holding key roles such as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at Charity People, DE&I Impact Champion at The Conduit London, trustee for Acumen Academy UK, and Ambassador for the Home Grown Club.

A lifelong advocate for change and empowerment, Duro Oye began his journey in storytelling after earning a diploma in Documentary Filmmaking from London Met Film School. He has since produced powerful documentaries, including 247365 Change, County Lines: Teenage Drug Runners in collaboration with the BBC, and Gangland (Seasons 1 & 2) with Channel 5, shedding light on critical social issues.

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