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

About this episode:

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 underrepresented, and low socio-economic backgrounds — and his vision is nothing short of transforming a billion lives worldwide.

In this inspiring conversation, we will discuss 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’ll explore 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.

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. 

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.