Jamaal O’Driscoll is a Newman University graduate, who shares with us his story about his journey and passion in teaching, competing and performing in dance.
Jamaal, tell us about yourself…
“My name is Jamaal O’Driscoll and I am the Artistic director for O’Driscoll Collective. I graduated from The University of Gloucestershire with a degree in Sports & Exercise Science in 2017. Alongside an eight-year journey and passion in teaching, competing and performing in dance. Since then, I worked for and with Newman University who assisted me in starting up O’Driscoll Collective. With passion and experience in outreach, I am currently the Participation Producer for Birmingham International Dance Festival and DanceXchange, alongside this I am delivering workshops, classes, judging and choreographing under the umbrella of O’Driscoll Collective.”
Tell us more about your start up…
“O’Driscoll Collective was founded in 2019 to bring together a collective of active enterprise adventures with the aim to inspire and engage individuals of all ages through dance and movement. Encourage the wider community to experience the benefits dance provides, creating the opportunity for participation or to be an audience member. We engage with people through our collection of three strands – Outreach, Performance and Workshops. You can find out more about our work at ODriscollcollective.com”
What made you jump at the chance of coming on BSEEN?
“I always had a passion about sharing what I learnt from dance and arts. Ben Osbourne at Newman University supported me and O’Driscoll Collective to positively reach more people and provide guidance on the business side of the company. As a result of this, Ben introduced me to BSEEN and showcased the support BSEEN provides. As a focused artist, I had lack of experience in areas such as finance, marketing and branding which BSEEN provided education in.”
What do you think you have learned the most from your BSEEN journey?
“The life of a director can sometimes feel isolated and confusing. BSEEN allowed me to build networks and communication with people outside my industry but on a similar path and focus.”
What has been your business stand out moment since being on BSEEN?
“The Journey of O’Driscoll Collective has been amazing, so it’s really hard to select a stand out moment. Overall I believe, it has just been seeing young people in our workshops and outreach have fun and interact with the use of dance.”
Any advice for entrepreneurial students or graduates thinking about starting their own business?
“If you have a passion and an idea which will positively benefit peoples, communities or the world, you shouldn’t hesitate to execute it! The journey of starting and having your own company is second to none. You will learn a lot about who you are and what your organisation is also. It provides challenges and spaces for you to develop. I’m sure you will have what you perceive as ‘failure’ on the way but you never know till you try! I personally failed many times but now I am able to share what I`ve learnt through travelling, competing, conversation, performance and the support from others. “A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live.” ― Lao Tzu”
What are your next steps for your business?
“Continue expanding on our current work in more depth to purposefully impact, encourage and create conversation with more people using dance and movement in a creative way. Look forward to working in collaboration with more organisations, charities & schools post COVID-19 and sharing our new work and adventures very soon.”
Find out more information about O’Driscoll Collective by heading to their Website, Instagram or Twitter page.
