Emma Rego Speaking at Santander x The King’s Trust
I recently had the privilege of speaking at the very first webinar hosted by The King’s Trust for colleagues at Santander UK, marking the beginning of their new partnership. I shared my personal journey and the profound impact The King’s Trust has had on my life, a story shaped by resilience, creativity, and finding the right support at the right time.
Growing up, school often felt like a challenging place for me. I experienced bullying and frequently felt misunderstood. I was a creative young person navigating environments that didn’t always recognise or nurture sensitivity, individuality, or emotional safety. While I flourished in creative subjects, more rigid structures left me feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and quietly out of place.
After leaving school, my path was far from linear. I faced rejection from universities, worked tirelessly as a freelancer in London, and poured my energy into helping businesses grow, often without pay. Eventually, I returned home to reset. It was then that my mum introduced me to The King’s Trust Enterprise Programme, a moment that would change everything.
For the first time, I was surrounded by people who believed in me. I was supported not just in business, but in confidence, mindset, and self-belief. From that foundation, REGO Advertising & Marketing Agency and The Emma Rego Project were born. What I might have spent years learning elsewhere, I gained in weeks through practical guidance, encouragement, and community.
That is why partnerships like this one matter so deeply. The King’s Trust creates space for people to grow without judgement, opening doors for young people who simply need someone to believe in them. My story is just one of many, and it stands as proof that unconventional paths can lead to meaningful success.
Asking for help is not a weakness. It is often the first step towards real change. When we support one another and value creativity, individuality, and resilience, we create futures that once felt impossible.
