Partnership Feature: Lawrence Tijjani
Oru Partnership
Founder of the CIC, Just a Guy, Lawrence embarked on his journey with Oru in January 2023. Back when Oru Sutton was just a humble space that featured 50 desks and a cosy coffee shop on the ground floor of the New Times Square shopping centre. Since then, he has seamlessly transitioned into a Fixed desk member and as of recent - a valued partner in the company.
What captivated Lawrence initially was Vib and Paul's inspiring journey in creating spaces like Oru. Intrigued by their story and the motivations behind the business, he sought to delve into the experiences that fueled its inception.
From his own background and experiences growing up, Lawrence has been fueled to share his personal growth journey with others. Now, a local resident of Sutton, he is driven to give back by imparting the skills and experiences that facilitated his own social mobility, especially considering the prevalent social deprivation in the area.
Oru has emerged as the ideal platform for Lawrence's mission. Beyond mirroring his commitment to fostering community, the co-working space facilitates organic connections and networks. Individuals within the Oru community can seek advice from a diverse range of backgrounds and skill sets, creating a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere. Lawrence envisions extending this supportive environment to young people, emphasising that your ‘networks are your net worth’. Oru’s co-working space reimagines the concept of a professional workspace that offers a unique blend of skills that are unparalleled elsewhere, our partnership with Lawrence will enable young people to envision how their future professional life might take shape.
Lawrence and Oru are set to forge a meaningful partnership, opening new avenues for young people across the borough. Leveraging Lawrence's distinctive expertise in education, technology, and his personal story, Oru Space Sutton will host Spotlight Talks in the new 150-person auditorium. These talks will feature guest speakers sharing insights into their careers, the requisite skills, and the journey to their current positions.
In addition, Lawrence and Oru will collaborate on Just A Guys - ‘Empower Me’ workshops. These workshops, spanning 6-7 weeks, are tailored for young individuals aged 18-22. They focus on developing essential power skills for today's working world, including communication, confidence, and self-presentation. All these initiatives will unfold in a central and inspiring location on Sutton High Street, further cementing Oru's commitment to community engagement and empowerment.
His first event will be held on May the 23rd 2024, keep an eye on Lawrence’s socials to find out more and book yourself a spot!
We welcome Lawrence into the Oru family! Find out more about his mission here:
