Ketan Dattani Of Buckingham Futures On The 5 Things Parents Can Do To Help Their Children Thrive and Excel In School
Encourage Consistency and Routine. For my older boys, consistency has been key. They know when it’s time to study, when it’s time to unwind, and when they can have some family time. With my 16-year-old, who’s preparing for GCSEs, we’ve really focused on balancing his revision with regular breaks. By sticking to a schedule, he’s been able to manage his workload without burning out. The routine helps him stay on track, especially with all the external pressures during exam time.
School is really not easy these days. Many students have been out of school for a long time because of the pandemic, and the continued disruptions and anxieties are still breaking the flow of normal learning. What can parents do to help their children thrive and excel in school, particularly during these challenging and anxiety-provoking times?
To address this, we started a new series called ‘5 Things Parents Can Do To Help Their Children Thrive and Excel In School.” In this interview series, we are talking to teachers, principals, education experts, and successful parents to learn from their insights and experience.
As a part of this interview series, I had the pleasure to interview Ketan Dattani. As the founder of Buckingham Futures, Ketan is passionate about helping others unlock their potential, while also prioritising his family life. His commitment to personal growth and work-life harmony has influenced not only his professional journey but also the values he instils in his children. Whether it’s family time on weekends, supporting their individual interests, or sharing moments of personal growth, Ketan’s role as a father is central to his life.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us a bit about your “backstory”?
I grew up in Leicester during the early 1970s, after my parents were forced to flee their home in Uganda during Idi Amin’s regime. School was often a challenge, and for a long time, I struggled with a sense of not belonging. But I always felt accepted in nature. That early connection sparked a deep fascination with the environment, which eventually led me back into education. I went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biotechnology, followed by a Master’s in Environmental Planning and Management.
After graduating, I expected to step straight into the environmental field, but that wasn’t the reality. I found it difficult to secure work in the sector, and out of necessity, I took a job in recruitment. In 2008 I became a father for the first time, and that experience changed everything. Becoming a parent gave me a deeper sense of purpose. It made me reflect on my own upbringing and pushed me to think more intentionally about the world I wanted to help build, for my children and future generations.
It was during this chapter of my life, balancing work and new fatherhood, that I discovered a significant gap in the Environmental Health sector. That insight eventually led to the creation of Buckingham Futures, a recruitment agency focused on supporting public health and environmental sustainability.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
In the early days of Buckingham Futures, I was running a one-man operation out of my parents’ spare room, though clients didn’t know that. I was concerned that being a solo entrepreneur might make people hesitant to trust me with their business. So, I got creative. I registered a virtual office in central London, met clients in nearby cafes, and even played office background noise during calls to give the impression I was part of a larger team.
It worked for a while, until it didn’t. One afternoon, while working from my real setup at home, I got a call from a client. She happened to be nearby and wanted to pop into the office to thank me and my team in person. She’d be there in 10 minutes, while I was over an hour away, with no team and no physical office to speak of.
I had two options: try to keep up the illusion or tell the truth. I chose honesty. I explained the real situation, that I was building the business on my own from the ground up. To my surprise, she didn’t walk away. In fact, she appreciated my honesty and admired the drive it took to get things off the ground. That moment ended up strengthening our relationship.
That experience taught me something I’ve never forgotten: authenticity is everything. People don’t expect perfection, they value honesty and determination. Being genuine builds trust, and in business, that trust is everything. Since then, I’ve made authenticity a core principle in how I lead and how I connect with others.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.”
This quote has always resonated deeply with me because I lived it. In 2013, I made one of the hardest but most rewarding decisions of my life, I left my secure office job to build my own business from the ground up. Walking away from a stable income, structured routine, and everything familiar wasn’t easy. But if I hadn’t taken that leap, Buckingham Futures wouldn’t exist and I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Growth never happens in the realm of comfort. It happens when we challenge ourselves, take risks and embrace the unknown. The truth is, comfort can quietly lead to dissatisfaction, it holds us back instead of moving us forward.
Whether it’s breaking a habit, starting something new, or stepping into unfamiliar territory, it’s going to be uncomfortable, even scary. But that’s the space where transformation lives. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
As a leader, I believe three character traits have been most instrumental in my success: resilience, empathy, and creativity. Each has played a crucial role in both my personal development and in growing Buckingham Futures.
Resilience has been one of the cornerstones of my journey. One of the most defining moments in my career came when I decided to leave my office job and start Buckingham Futures in 2013. The early days of entrepreneurship were incredibly challenging, long hours, financial uncertainty, and the pressure to build something meaningful from the ground up. However, it was my resilience that allowed me to keep going despite these hurdles. I knew that every challenge I faced was a step towards creating a company that could make a difference. This resilience has also been essential in overcoming setbacks like the times when projects didn’t go as planned, but I always found a way to bounce back stronger by reassessing the situation and adapting. Without resilience, I would have been unable to endure the hardships of starting a business or reach the level of success that Buckingham Futures has today.
Empathy has been another trait that has shaped my leadership approach. Recruitment is inherently people-centric, and understanding the needs, challenges, and goals of both clients and candidates has been vital. A memorable example of this was when I worked with a candidate who had faced significant discrimination in their previous roles. Rather than simply focusing on their qualifications, I took the time to listen to their story and understand their struggles. This empathy helped me advocate for them in a way that led to a successful placement, where they truly thrived. Beyond recruitment, empathy also informs the way I manage my team. I strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and understood, which has created a culture of trust and collaboration at Buckingham Futures. Empathy is crucial for building strong, long-term relationships and for creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard.
Creativity has played a huge role in differentiating Buckingham Futures and helping us stay ahead in a competitive field. For me creativity isn’t just about artistic expression, it’s about problem-solving and innovation. One particular example of how creativity has shaped our approach was through the creation of The Diary of an EHO, our brand new podcast series. We invited industry professionals from the Environmental Health Sector to share their stories in hopes of inspiring the next generation of EHOs. This not only showcases our industry expertise but also our ability to relate to diverse perspectives. Creativity also helps us find innovative solutions to the everyday challenges of running a business. Whether it’s adapting our services to meet the evolving needs of clients or finding new ways to connect with candidates, creativity has been key to maintaining our edge.
These three traits have been essential in my success as a leader. They’ve helped me navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, build strong relationships with clients and candidates, and constantly innovate to ensure the ongoing growth and success of my business.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
Yes! I’ve just launched a brand new podcast series called Diary of an EHO. It’s a series dedicated to spotlighting industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers within Environmental Health. In each episode, we dive into their personal journeys, career-defining moments, and expert insights, while exploring the evolving challenges and opportunities within the profession.
What makes this podcast series so important is its purpose: we’re amplifying real, authentic stories to inspire the next generation of EHOs, whether they’re sixth-formers, university students, or even career changers. It’s a way to give Environmental Health a voice and presence it often doesn’t have.
This project is also really meaningful to me personally. It gives EHOs a chance to share their experiences and help tackle the misconceptions that exist around the profession, many of which stem from how it’s been misrepresented in the media. EHOs play a vital role in protecting public health, yet they’re often the unsung heroes in our communities.
By highlighting the impact and importance of their work, I hope the podcast can not only raise awareness but also encourage more people to consider a career in Environmental Health, which is especially crucial given the current shortage of EHOs in the UK.
For the benefit of our readers, can you tell us a bit about why you are an authority on how to help children succeed in school?
Of course, honestly, a big part of why this matters to me is because I’m a dad of four. I’ve lived through (and am still living through!) the school runs, exam nerves, parent-teacher meetings — all of it. So when it comes to understanding the challenges young people face at school, I’m right there in the thick of it, both as a parent and as someone who genuinely cares.
Work-wise, I spend a lot of time partnering with schools, colleges, and universities — running careers advice sessions, helping with mock interviews, CV workshops, that sort of thing. It’s one of the best parts of what I do. You get to meet young people from all walks of life, hear their dreams and worries, and give them tools to feel a little more confident about what’s ahead.
Helping children succeed, for me, is about more than grades — it’s about giving them belief in themselves. If they leave a conversation feeling even a little stronger or clearer about their future, that’s a win.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the main focus of our interview. Can you help articulate the main challenges that students face today that make it difficult to succeed in school?
Great question.
Students today are facing a unique mix of challenges that can make succeeding in school feel incredibly tough. One of the biggest pressures is the constant comparison culture, fuelled by social media. It is easy for young people to feel like they are falling behind when they are bombarded with curated snapshots of other people’s so-called “perfect” lives.
There is also a huge amount of academic pressure, not just to pass, but to excel, often coupled with uncertainty about what the future holds. Career pathways are not always as clear-cut as they once were, and that can create a lot of anxiety. On top of that, many young people are dealing with mental health struggles, whether that is anxiety, depression, or simply feeling overwhelmed by everything expected of them.
Through my work running careers workshops, mock interviews, and CV sessions with schools, colleges, and universities, and of course, as a father of four myself, I see these pressures firsthand. I also see that a lot of students do not lack talent or drive; they often just need guidance, encouragement, and someone to believe in them when they cannot quite believe in themselves yet.
Building resilience, giving them a sense of purpose, and helping them develop practical skills they can actually use, that is what makes all the difference.
Can you suggest a few reforms that you think schools should make to help students to thrive and excel?
Absolutely. It is something I feel very passionate about.
If we truly want students to thrive and excel, I believe schools need to make a few key changes. First, there needs to be a greater emphasis on building life skills alongside academic achievement. Skills like resilience, communication, financial literacy, emotional intelligence, and basic career planning should be a core part of education, not something students are left to pick up later in life.
Second, mental health support must be seen as essential, not optional. Schools need to provide safe spaces, real counselling support, and teach young people how to manage stress and setbacks in a healthy way, just like they are taught academic subjects.
I have seen the positive impact this can have through my own children’s experience. My older two attend Avanti House Secondary School, which was a finalist in the “Supporting Healthy Lives” category of the World’s Best School Prizes. It has been recognised for weaving yoga, meditation, and other wellness practices into its curriculum. That focus on wellbeing makes a real difference. It shows that academic success and emotional health can, and should, go hand in hand.
Third, schools should build stronger links with the working world. Through my work running careers advice workshops, mock interviews, and CV sessions with schools, colleges, and universities, I have seen how powerful it is when students can connect what they are learning to real careers and real opportunities. It brings education to life.
Finally, we need to rethink the idea that success looks the same for every child. Schools should be places where all types of talents are celebrated — academic, creative, entrepreneurial, or practical. When students feel truly seen and valued, that is when they really start to excel.
Can you please share your “5 Things Parents Can Do To Help Their Children Thrive and Excel In School?”
Absolutely. As a parent of four — two teenage boys aged 16 and 13, and twins (1 boy and 1 girl) who are 7 — I’ve seen firsthand how different ages bring different challenges, but also different opportunities to support their growth and success. Here are five things I believe parents can do to help their children thrive and excel in school:
1. Encourage Consistency and Routine
For my older boys, consistency has been key. They know when it’s time to study, when it’s time to unwind, and when they can have some family time. With my 16-year-old, who’s preparing for GCSEs, we’ve really focused on balancing his revision with regular breaks. By sticking to a schedule, he’s been able to manage his workload without burning out. The routine helps him stay on track, especially with all the external pressures during exam time.
2. Foster Emotional Resilience and Open Communication
My 13-year-old has been dealing with the ups and downs that come with adolescence, and it can affect his school life. We’ve had honest conversations about what it means to fail or make mistakes, and how that’s all part of the learning process. Encouraging him to talk about how he’s feeling emotionally has made a huge difference — both in terms of his mental health and his ability to focus on schoolwork. It’s about creating a safe space for him to express concerns, whether about school pressures or friendship struggles.
3. Promote Healthy Habits, Including Physical Activity
The twins are just 7, but I’m already instilling the importance of physical activity. Whether it’s walking the dog, playing in the garden, or their Saturday morning sports, I’ve noticed that they’re more focused and happier when they’re active. They’re learning that their bodies need to stay active to feel good mentally as well, and that has helped them both in school by boosting their attention spans and energy levels.
4. Lead by Example — Show Your Own Learning
I always try to lead by example with my own learning. Whether it’s a new skill I’m picking up or a book I’m reading, showing my children that learning is a lifelong journey is powerful. For my 16-year-old, we’ve had discussions about business, sustainability, and the importance of staying curious, which has inspired him to take a more active role in his studies. Seeing me invest in my own growth encourages him to do the same in his own academic path.
5. Celebrate Small Wins and Effort Over Perfection
One thing I always emphasise is that it’s the effort, not just the outcome, that matters. This has been crucial with my twins, who are just starting to understand the value of learning. When they manage to read a full page of their book or solve a tricky puzzle, we celebrate it! The small victories give them a sense of accomplishment and help build their confidence. With older children, it’s also about recognising the process — the hours of study, the perseverance, and the small steps they’re taking towards their larger goals.
Each of these practices has played a role in helping my children thrive academically, but also emotionally, socially, and physically. It’s all about finding balance and showing them that success isn’t just about getting the best grades — it’s about growing, learning, and developing resilience along the way.
As you know, teachers play such a huge role in shaping young lives. What would you suggest needs to be done to attract top talent to the education field?
To attract top talent into education, we need to shift the way the profession is valued, both in perception and in practice. Firstly teachers need to be properly recognised and respected as professionals who are shaping future generations. This means not only improving pay and working conditions, but also investing in their continuous development, well-being, and career progression.
There also needs to be a strong narrative around the impact teachers have. Like with Environmental Health Officers, who are often the unsung heroes of our communities, teachers often work behind the scenes, making a huge difference without much public recognition. Elevating stories of amazing educators and the lives they’ve transformed can inspire others to join the profession for the right reasons.
Finally, we need to engage future talent early. Outreach programmes in schools, sixth forms, and universities that showcase the modern, dynamic, and fulfilling aspects of teaching can go a long way. Just like I’m doing with my podcast series Diary of an EHO to highlight careers in Environmental Health, education needs similar platforms to tell real stories, bust myths, and show how powerful a teaching career can be.
We are blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them 🙂
If I had the chance to share a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be Sir David Attenborough. His lifelong commitment to environmental conservation and his remarkable ability to inspire through storytelling has reshaped how we connect with the natural world.
Given the critical issues of climate change and environmental degradation, I would love to discuss his experiences in advocating for sustainability and explore the strategies he believes could drive meaningful action, both on a personal level and across systems. His wisdom and perspective would be invaluable as we navigate these pressing global challenges.
Additionally, I’d be eager to talk about how to motivate the next generation to embrace environmental responsibility. I believe this could spark an exciting exchange of ideas on how to encourage lasting change. One of my most treasured possessions is a handwritten letter I received from Sir David Attenborough so the opportunity to learn from such an extraordinary leader in person would be truly unforgettable.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
I am most active on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ketanova/) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/recruitmentandconsultancy/)
My new podcast series will be available on Youtube and Spotify @buckinghamblueprint
Thank you so much for these insights! This was so inspiring!
Ketan Dattani Of Buckingham Futures On The 5 Things Parents Can Do To Help Their Children Thrive… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.