George Imafidon is not just a name — it’s a rising force in engineering, diversity advocacy, and youth empowerment. From his roots in South London to becoming an award-winning mechanical engineer and advisor to Sir Lewis Hamilton, Imafidon’s story is both inspiring and impactful. As a champion for underrepresented communities in STEM and a performance engineer in one of the world’s most innovative electric racing teams, he exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and excellence.
Early Life and Education
George Imafidon was born and raised in Peckham, a culturally rich yet economically challenged part of South London. Growing up in a working-class Nigerian family, he quickly learned the values of resilience, hard work, and community. As a teenager, he was fascinated by how things worked — from fixing broken bikes in his neighborhood to understanding machines in greater detail.
His academic journey led him to University College London (UCL), where he pursued Mechanical Engineering with Programming. Imafidon graduated with first-class honors, a testament not only to his intelligence but to his determination and dedication. While at UCL, he stood out not just academically, but also as a proactive student committed to engineering for social good.
Motivez: Bridging the Opportunity Gap in STEM
One of George Imafidon’s most impactful ventures is Motivez, a social enterprise he co-founded to support 14–25-year-olds from underrepresented backgrounds. The goal? To provide access to mentorship, work experience, and career pathways in STEM and innovation.
Motivez was launched before George even completed university. It wasn’t just a passion project — it was a response to a glaring need he saw in his community. Young people, especially those from minority ethnic groups or disadvantaged areas, lacked access to the opportunities needed to break into STEM fields. Imafidon wanted to change that.
Today, Motivez has supported over 8,000 young people and collaborated with organizations like Google, Rolls-Royce, and JP Morgan to create real, tangible career pipelines. It has become a movement, demonstrating how inclusive innovation can fuel long-term change.
The Motorsport Connection: Team X44 and Lewis Hamilton
George Imafidon’s love for engineering and sustainable technology found an exciting application in motorsport. In 2020, he was recruited as a Performance Engineer for Team X44 Vida Carbon Racing, Sir Lewis Hamilton’s Extreme E electric off-road racing team. Extreme E is a pioneering motorsport series using electric SUVs to race in remote environments affected by climate change — raising awareness and driving innovation in green technology.
In this role, George worked closely with engineers and drivers, analyzing vehicle performance, optimizing setups, and integrating cutting-edge software solutions to gain competitive advantages. His work not only contributed to the team’s performance but also aligned with his passion for sustainability and ethical innovation.
George’s involvement with Team X44 also led to his appointment as a board member of the Hamilton Commission, a research project founded by Lewis Hamilton and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The commission’s aim was to understand why Black people are underrepresented in UK motorsport and how to address this imbalance. Imafidon’s contributions, backed by his lived experience and engineering expertise, were vital to the commission’s findings and recommendations.
Recognitions and Awards
George Imafidon’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, he was named Young Engineer of the Year by the Royal Academy of Engineering, a prestigious honor recognizing his outstanding work across engineering disciplines and social impact.
In 2023, he received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to STEM and youth empowerment. This recognition wasn’t just about technical excellence — it highlighted his unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and societal progress.
These awards reflect a broader trend: George Imafidon is a new kind of engineer. One who blends technical brilliance with social consciousness.
Serving on Boards and Influencing Policy
Beyond engineering and youth work, Imafidon is a respected voice in policy and philanthropy. He currently serves on the boards of several organizations, including:
-
Co-op Foundation – supporting fair access to education and employment
-
Amos Bursary – mentoring high-achieving young men of African and Caribbean descent
-
One Young World – a global platform for young leaders
Through these roles, he helps shape strategies for greater inclusion and long-term impact. He also advocates for a future where organizations are not only more diverse but actively anti-racist and socially responsible.
Engineering for the Future
George Imafidon is passionate about the future of engineering — one that is inclusive, sustainable, and dynamic. He’s a firm believer that innovation can’t thrive in echo chambers. Diverse teams bring better solutions, particularly in solving global challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and equitable infrastructure.
Whether it’s designing fuel-efficient components for Rolls-Royce engines or developing real-time analytics tools for electric racing, Imafidon’s approach to engineering always prioritizes ethics and sustainability. His goal is not just to innovate, but to inspire the next generation of changemakers to do the same.
Leadership Style and Personal Philosophy
What sets George apart is not just his professional achievements, but his leadership style. He believes in servant leadership — empowering others, listening deeply, and creating systems that enable collective growth. His humility and authenticity resonate with young people, engineers, and executives alike.
In his own words, “Some decisions change your life. Others change your legacy.” George Imafidon is clearly focused on legacy. His story is one of service, vision, and resilience — a story that continues to evolve.
A Role Model for Aspiring Engineers
Representation matters, and for many young people in the UK and beyond, George Imafidon is a symbol of what’s possible. He is proof that excellence is not confined to elite circles, and that engineering can be a force for social good.
He is frequently invited to speak at universities, innovation summits, and corporate events. In every forum, his message is consistent: “Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. Our job is to bridge that gap.”
Future Plans and Vision
Looking ahead, George Imafidon remains committed to expanding Motivez’s reach, influencing public policy around STEM access, and leading innovation in sustainable technology and motorsport.
He envisions a world where youth from all walks of life have access to high-quality education, mentorship, and careers in technology. Where sustainability and equity go hand-in-hand. And where engineers are seen not just as problem-solvers, but as architects of a better, fairer world.
Conclusion
George Imafidon is a standout figure — not just in engineering, but in social innovation and youth advocacy. His journey from Peckham to palace recognition embodies the transformative power of purpose-driven work. With each step, he’s reshaping what engineering looks like, who gets to participate, and how much of a difference it can truly make.
