Pathfinder Spotlight: Joel Williams

Joel Williams, 26, was born in Carmarthenshire and raised in Llandovery Wales. He attended Ysgol Gyfun Pantycelyn, before attending sixth form in Llandeilo. In 2015, he went on to study Politics and International relations at Cardiff University. 

Joel is currently living in London and working as Global Leader of Sales at Yoke Network as well as running his own consultancy, Gwlad Gwlad Consulting. Previously Joel worked as Venture Capital Lead at TikTok and was one of their earliest UK hires.

"Being from a small town in Wales, where everyone knows each other, you naturally find yourself networking with people of all ages and backgrounds. I look back now and I see that as an advantage compared with some of my big city friends..."

Tell us about your life at university…

I originally attended Cardiff University to study Religious Education but I ended up transferring to Politics and International Relations from my second year onwards. Whilst I enjoyed the degree, it was more about the experience and the people I met. I knew deep down that my connections would be more important to me in my career than my degree. 

Being at a Russell Group University meant that fellow students tended to be fairly well-educated so by rubbing shoulders with them I was spurred on to start making wider connections and growing my network. I was also head of the rugby society and in charge of over 200 boys which really helped me build my networking and leadership skills.

Why is growing a network so important these days?

Being from a small town in Wales, where everyone knows each other, you naturally find yourself networking with people of all ages and backgrounds. I look back now and I see that as an advantage compared with some of my big city friends who were always surrounded by people but struggle to talk to people from varied age demographics or backgrounds. From a young age, I was taught the importance of having conversations with different groups of people and I’d say that’s stood me in good stead in both my educational and professional careers.

"Welsh people love to get together but more than that, we love to support each other and that’s what makes GlobalWelsh so different to Linkedin, everyone on there is predisposed to want to help one another because they all have something in common and that’s Wales."

How has networking benefitted you in your career so far?

When you’re working you have to network. If you don’t network you’re going to struggle to progress, particularly in the commercial world. Ultimately, businesses need networks and connections to thrive. Business is all about meeting new people and seeing how you as an individual or company can help one another. 

A lot of people often don’t see the value in networking, the focus is always sales but some don’t recognise how the two are intrinsically linked. A network should be viewed as an invaluable resource that can help you to open doors, overcome obstacles and find solutions to problems. 

How did you get involved in GlobalWelsh and what makes it unique?

GlobalWelsh was recommended to me by my uncle who was already a member and was aware of the benefits it could offer someone my age. Being based in London and having the opportunity to connect with Welsh people not only here but at home and around the world too is an incredible opportunity. 

Welsh people love to get together but more than that, we love to support each other and that’s what makes GlobalWelsh so different to Linkedin, everyone on there is predisposed to want to help one another because they all have something in common and that’s Wales.

"I think for young people just starting off in their careers, Connect is an invaluable tool to use. Where they can find connections, opportunities, ask for advice and find a mentor. Everyone on there is Welsh so it’s never a cold call, everyone wants to help."

What value have you gained through your Pathfinder membership so far?

For just a few pounds a month for my Pathfinder membership I am getting access to everything that the GlobalWelsh network has to offer. By making connections and having a presence on the Connect platform alone I’ve been able to attend some incredible events in London and on my travels including one at the US Embassy.

I also joined the GlobalWelsh London team where I’ve been a part of the Connect to London events which invite some of the best Welsh startups in Wales down to London to help them grow their networks and seek investment. As the network grows and grows the value of being part of it is only going to grow with it but, even in this short time, the connections I’ve made have been invaluable.

I think for young people just starting off in their careers, Connect is an invaluable tool to use. Where they can find connections, opportunities, ask for advice and find a mentor. Everyone on there is Welsh so it’s never a cold call, everyone wants to help. 

Where do you see your career heading?

I am passionate about Wales and Welsh businesses and seeing Wales grow economically. Eventually I could see myself moving into the public sector and exploring something political, whether that be through helping the startup ecosystem or helping advise on economic policy, potentially in Wales or even at a UK level. At the moment, I’m heavily invested in helping startups and young creative influencers so this is what I’ll be focussing on for the foreseeable.

"For just a few pounds a month for my Pathfinder membership I am getting access to everything that the GlobalWelsh network has to offer. By making connections and having a presence on the Connect platform alone I’ve been able to attend some incredible events in London and on my travels including one at the US Embassy."

Finally, what’s your top tip for a young person who’s looking to get on the career ladder?

I recognised fairly quickly that whilst a CV can say a lot about you, people and businesses will learn far more about you through what others say (your network) and how you present yourself (being visible). It’s almost a guarantee that the interviewer will do some digging on you before hiring, so why not network and create the best off-paper personal brand you can.

I’ve applied for jobs by sending in my CV and by connecting on platforms like Linkedin, but ultimately, it was building my personal brand through networking and being visible that has played the biggest role in whether or not I got the job, so my advice is invest in doing this.

Connect with Joel >>

WATCH: Joel joined our Pathfinder Taster Session >>