Ultimately Kevin

Turning Setbacks into Setups for Success

By Ultimately Uni

Ultimately, Kevin Osei BEM is the founder of Bridging Barriers – a powerful social mobility charity dedicated to helping young people from underrepresented backgrounds navigate their way to career success. In our Founder to Founder interview, Kevin shared the story of his inspiring journey – one filled with unexpected turns, quiet resilience, and unwavering purpose.

Kevin spent five years at the University of Leicester, a city where he also chose to remain for two more years after graduation. His path into higher education wasn’t straightforward. After applying to university immediately after sixth form, he ended up going through clearing to secure a place on the BSc Accounting and Finance course. At the time, it felt like a setback - Leicester wasn’t where he’d initially hoped to land, and being placed through clearing only added to the sense that things hadn’t gone to plan.

What followed wasn’t any easier. Kevin faced academic challenges and failed his course two years in a row. Just three weeks before a new semester, the university asked him to leave. No warning. No support. It was a painful and deeply humbling experience that left him feeling lost – especially since his sister had also struggled at university, and he was determined not to let his mum down.

But sometimes, hope comes from the most unexpected places.

At that crossroads, a friend made a simple, but life-changing suggestion: reapply to the University of Leicester. With nothing but faith and determination, Kevin did just that. He walked, as he puts it, “by faith and not by sight,” and eventually earned a BA in Politics and International Relations; a proud and symbolic achievement that proved not only to himself, but to his family and the higher education system, that he could succeed!

It was during this time that Bridging Barriers was born. Fuelled by his own experiences and what he describes as his “God-given vision,” Kevin set out to ensure that others from disadvantaged backgrounds would not have to face their struggles alone. His setbacks became the foundation of his purpose.

Throughout university, Kevin stayed active and rooted in the uni community. He served as the President of the Networking Society and worked as a Student Ambassador - roles that helped shape his leadership skills and deepen his connection with students like him. From sixth form, Kevin was always serious about the future and focused on finding ways to stand out. University wasn’t just a degree - it was a transformative journey that gave him the confidence and clarity to pursue his mission.

Now, as a founder and changemaker, Kevin continues to build bridges for others - creating pathways that turn potential into possibility. Earlier this year, Kevin was recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours List; for his unwavering commitment to empowering young people through Bridging Barriers. It’s a huge achievement, placing him alongside some of the country’s most recognised changemakers. For someone who once felt like university wasn’t for him, and who risked job security to chase a purpose-driven path, it’s nothing short of incredible!

And yet, for Kevin, this honour isn’t about status — it’s about impact. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when you stay true to your vision, even when no one else can see it yet.

"Embrace failure and adversity — you’ll be thankful for it in the future.” - Kevin O, BEM

Kevin’s story is exactly why we started Ultimately Uni. Because no matter your unique journey – the ups, the pivots, the failures, the comebacks – your story deserves to be shared, seen and celebrated. Kevin’s ultimate success came from embracing every part of his path, and it’s proof that where you start doesn’t define where you can go.

Kevin’s Ultimate Tip: “Embrace failure and adversity – you’ll be thankful for it in the future.”

Kevin’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line. Sometimes, the very moments that feel like failure are the ones that shape us the most. Keep going. Keep believing. Your breakthrough might just be around the corner.

Get in touch with Kevin below:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/kevinosei

Insta _ @BridgingBarriersUK

Insta -  @KevinOsei_

Email - Kevin@bridgingbarriers.co.uk 

Website - www.bridgingbarriers.co.uk