What does it take to go from leaving school at 16 with no qualifications… to becoming a finalist on BBC’s The Apprentice and a sought-after motivational speaker?

For Adam Corbally, it’s about self-belief, persistence, and the courage to ask for help.

In this Inspire Future Leaders spotlight from The Changing Education Group, Adam shares his extraordinary journey, from a difficult start to building a life full of purpose, passion, and public speaking. His story proves that where you start doesn’t have to define where you finish.

Who is Adam Corbally, and what does he do now?

Adam Corbally is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and former BBC Apprentice finalist, now inspiring thousands of students, professionals, and leaders across the UK.

He’s a member of the Professional Speakers Association, known for his energetic, relatable talks that connect deeply with young people. Adam’s message is all about resilience, reinvention, and creating your own luck.

His keynote presentation shares how he:

• Left home and school at 16 with no qualifications
• Overcame setbacks and built a career through determination and self-belief
• Reached the final of BBC’s The Apprentice, Season 8
• Now speaks in schools, colleges, and businesses across the UK

What advice does Adam give to students?

Adam’s biggest lesson? Don’t wait for confidence, just keep showing up.

“Keep putting yourself out there. Create as many opportunities as you can. And ask for help, you’ll be surprised who’s willing to support you.”

– Adam Corbally

Adam’s top tips for students:

• Take action early: Don’t be afraid to try, fail, and try again.
• Ask questions: The most successful people are always learning from others.
• Own your story: Your background is your strength, not a barrier.
• Push past comfort: You grow when you stretch what feels possible.

Adam’s journey proves that you don’t need the “perfect” start to succeed; you just need to take the next step.

What can students learn from Adam’s career?

Adam’s story connects especially well with students who feel unsure, unmotivated, or left behind by traditional education routes.

It demonstrates:

• That success doesn’t follow one set path
• That character matters as much as qualifications
• That with the right mindset, you can turn any situation into an opportunity
• The power of resilience, reinvention, and communication skills

He brings real-world credibility and relatability to topics like entrepreneurship, public speaking, and personal development.

How does this support career education in UK schools?

Adam’s insight aligns directly with Gatsby Benchmarks 3, 4, and 5, helping students to:

• Understand different career journeys and personal challenges
• Connect curriculum subjects (like English, Business, and PSHE) to real-world futures
• Access a meaningful encounter with a speaker from the world of work
• Feel inspired, informed, and empowered to shape their next steps

His session with Amos Madra is a valuable addition to any school’s careers programme, particularly for supporting confidence, employability skills, and personal development.

You Don’t Need to Know It All, You Just Need to Start

Adam Corbally’s story is a lesson in self-leadership, grit, and saying yes to opportunity. For any student unsure of what comes next, his message is simple but powerful: start where you are, ask for help, and keep moving forward.

Want to help your students explore real career journeys and build future confidence?
Book a demo to discover how our Work Experience Suite brings inspiring role models like Adam into the classroom.

FAQs

Who is Adam Corbally?
Adam is a motivational speaker and entrepreneur who rose to fame as a finalist on BBC’s The Apprentice. He now speaks to students and professionals across the UK.

Why is Adam featured in this series?
Adam’s journey from leaving school at 16 to becoming a successful speaker offers students a powerful example of resilience, self-belief, and non-traditional success.

What topics does Adam speak about?
He covers self-confidence, resilience, asking for help, creating opportunities, and the importance of attitude and communication in achieving success.

How does this support Gatsby Benchmarks?
Adam’s talk contributes to Benchmarks 3 (addressing individual needs), 4 (linking curriculum to careers), and 5 (employer encounters).

How can schools access more content like this?
The Changing Education Group’s Work Experience Suite includes a range of video interviews, employer insights, and careers content designed to inspire and inform.