Giving Real Confidence: Empowering the Next Generation through Financial Literacy and Mentorship – Jane Rawnsley, Group Head of Corporate Responsibility

03 June 2025

At M&G, our aim is to support the financial confidence of our clients and the communities we interact with. This commitment goes beyond financial products and services—it’s about giving people skills and opportunities to make informed decisions about their futures and to become financially secure.

On 13 May, we put our purpose into action, hosting our Giving Real Confidence event with The Talent Foundry. We welcomed 130 students aged 16–18 from secondary schools across London for a day focused on financial literacy and employability skills— building blocks for long-term financial confidence.

Benoît Macé, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, opened the event, introducing students to the world of M&G and the importance of strategic thinking in business. The Talent Foundry and 48 M&G volunteers played a hands-on role in guiding students through a series of engaging, practical sessions, from mock interviews and speed mentoring to investment games and social media workshops.

A highlight of the day was a live Q&A session with Sir Edward Braham, Chair, and Andrea Rossi, CEO, facilitated by Director of Communications and Brand, Louise Shield, where students asked questions such as, “What advice would you give your younger self?” and “What daily habits help you stay effective as a leader?”

The event aimed to give the next generation real financial confidence and Jordan, from the Prendergast School said: “The advice given by people in these roles that I aspire to be in helped me feel more confident and comfortable about my future.”

For our colleagues, the event was a powerful reminder of the value of giving back. Financial confidence often starts with access—access to knowledge, to role models, and to opportunities.

Mark McLane, Head of Diversity Inclusion and Well-being

“Our partnership with the Talent Foundry is helping us connect with talented young people from a wide range of backgrounds—broadening access to careers in financial services and creating pathways for the next generation to thrive. At the Giving Real Confidence event, I met driven, inspiring individuals who are actively exploring careers in our industry. It’s a powerful example of how our social impact and diversity and inclusion strategies work hand in hand to create real opportunity and drive meaningful change within our business and beyond.”

Jenni Anderson, CEO, The Talent Foundry

“The Giving Real Confidence event was a powerful reminder of how transformative it can be when young people are afforded meaningful access to the world of work. The feedback from students - who left feeling inspired, informed, and genuinely more confident about their futures - was powerful, and a real testament to the passion and commitment of M&G plc to equipping the next generation with the skills and financial confidence to thrive.”

Reframing retirement

Mark McLane, Head of Diversity Inclusion and Well-being

Jenni Anderson, CEO, The Talent Foundry

Giving everyone real confidence with the Talent Foundry

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