The website beam.org needs no introduction for it has received multiple awards and recognition for its social impact. It is the world’s first online platform that supports homeless people, refugees and prison-leavers to get off the streets and into careers they love, all through crowdfunded donations. The man behind this social cause is none other than Alex Stephany.

A British citizen, Alex was educated at Haberdashers Aske’s School and later at Oxford University where he graduated in the English language. When he was 19, he secured his first job as an English teacher in China. But soon he moved to law and began working at Clifford Chance, a British multinational law firm, where he didn’t survive long. After working for different companies and experimenting with various start-ups, he finally got into the parking app JustPark and became its CEO. JustPark connects drivers in search of parking with anyone who has a spare space — whether it is a private driveway or a public school. This service is able to generate millions of pounds annually for families and businesses.

Stephany was already a successful entrepreneur when he happened to meet a homeless man at his local tube station. He bought the man coffee and thermal socks and got to know a little about his life. But he realized that giving such temporary solace just wasn’t enough to make a real, tangible difference in his life.

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