Transforming Lives While Challenging Stereotypes with Chance Bleu-Montgomery, Partner Support Manager at Bridge of Hope

d'Skills in Action

Just a few weeks ago, we had James Fellowes on our podcast, a partner at Bridge of Hope Careers.

We delved into the world of invisible and visible disabilities in the workplace, exploring how unlocking the potential of people with different backgrounds can become a powerful advantage for companies.

Little did we know that James would introduce us to a friend with an even more extraordinary story--- Chance Bleu Montgomery

Chance, the Partner Support Manager at Bridge of Hope, has overcome incredible odds, from a challenging childhood marred by abuse to facing the depths of addiction and prison.

His transformation and the impact he's making now will leave you in awe.

As you listen, pay close attention to the unique challenges faced by individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds when entering the workforce. And Chance's coaching tips offer practical ways to uplift and support them.

Every word of this episode is pure gold.

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The Journey of Personal Transformation

"So, I was left with these choices to either not live or change... And I spent three years and 10 months in therapy almost every day to unlock some pain and to deal with those childhood traumas while spending five years studying with the Open University to give myself an education my childhood didn't afford "-- Chance Montgomery

Chance's journey from a traumatic childhood to becoming a successful founding partner of Bridge of Hope exemplifies the remarkable power of personal transformation.

His story highlights that reframing one's mindset and investing in self-development can help overcome adversity.

He reframed his experiences, replacing phrases like "life is hard" with "life is challenging," leading to a shift in his mindset and outlook.

He found the determination to change by recognizing the value of time as a currency and committing to a long-term journey of growth.

“Now I realized that time was a currency we spend. You spend money you spend time if you spend it, It's a currency. I started to think about how I am spending my time currency? Am I spending it for a return?... When you start to look at your time currency in that valuable way, you start to think right, ‘well, I'm now an investor’. I'm an investor of time and I invest my time in a return.” -- Chance Montgomery

This shift in language and perspective empowered him to navigate difficulties with resilience and adaptability.

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Bridge of Hope's Holistic Approach to Empowerment

I get to ask Chance what Bridge of Hope do and how does it specifically help?

Chance emphasizes that it is driven by sincerity and passion rather than just setting up a business.

“We mean it. It's not about let's set up a business here. It's about let's change lives.” --- Chance Montgomery

The program focuses on changing lives by offering candidates access to various support partners.

Candidates benefit from skills assessments, personalized industry suggestions, and pathways to qualifications.

Financial support forms a crucial component, with candidates being able to access wages before payday and receive free financial advice for themselves and their families.

By recognizing that a person's success has a ripple effect on their family, Bridge of Hope strives to uplift entire communities.

"Because if they love who they are, that's when inspiration strikes in the family household. That's when it taps into that next generation. Because we know when someone has a job, the children are watching. And we know when someone doesn't have a job, the children are watching. And so, we know we're making a difference. This is bigger than recruitment. Bridge of Hope is way more than just a jobs board. It's a movement. " ---Chance Montgomery

This highlights the potential for positive change through their multifaceted approach.

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Challenging Stereotypes and Nurturing Aspirations

Bridge of Hope challenges societal stereotypes and limited aspirations that have historically held back individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Chance discusses how families often advise their children to pursue jobs perceived as safe and attainable, perpetuating a cycle of low expectations.

“... I was told to go for jobs as bus driver, because they will have me, but no one else will. And parents of my generation were telling their children to keep them safe from harm, disappointment and rejection. And it was really sad, lots of young people didn't aspire, but there were lots of us who were like, ‘I don't want to be a bus driver’... They're people with these high aspirations but are being told don't go there, they won't let you in. And so that's a whole different existence, because you just look at everything around you and you just feel like none of these are attainable"--Chance Montgomery

Bridge of Hope aims to break down these barriers by providing individuals with opportunities and support to pursue their aspirations.

The program's mission is to shatter these misconceptions and open doors for candidates to pursue their dreams.

Bridge of Hope's commitment to changing lives and fostering empowerment showcases the power of dedicated initiatives in addressing systemic inequalities and creating a brighter future for individuals and their communities.

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Meet Chance!

Chance was not born lucky. A childhood of physical and mental abuse was followed by the death of his sister to Cancer, and in his twenties, Chance had a mental breakdown ....

which led to reckless behavior and heavy use of drugs and alcohol. Before he knew it, his life had spiraled out of control, and he woke up one day in a prison cell, alone, with a lengthy term ahead of him.

Prison was more difficult than he could have imagined, but it turned out to be a transformative experience. He used the time to reflect on what got him there and how He could ensure he never went back. In prison, he finally recognized that he needed.

help – and got some – but he also discovered a capacity to significantly help others. In pursuit of a better life, he realized he could be more than good: he could be determined, resilient and remarkable.

After his release, and with the help of the employment charity, Resume Foundation, Chance started his own health and wellbeing brand, ‘Troothshop’. And, seeing his potential, the team behind Resume also employed him as the Partner Support Manager for Bridge of Hope, where he now works with the talent portal’s charity partners to bring other marginalised but talented and resilient candidates into the workplace.

Links and Mentions

LinkedIn| Chance Montgomery

Email | Website | Book a meeting