The Power of ‘Why’
Talks-on-the-Hill 2025
Wednesday 12 February - 5:30pm - Boyd Campbell Hall
SPEAKERS
Cllr Peter Smallwood OBE
Former President of the National Conservative Convention and Ruislip Councillor
Peter is a Councillor in Ruislip, Hillingdon, and a former National President and Vice President of the Conservative Party. He now leads the party’s national training and development programme and works internationally with centre-right parties to deliver training across the world. He serves on multiple council committees, is a member of the Hillingdon Safer Neighbourhood Board, a trustee of the Union of Brunel Students, and a school governor. In recognition of his public and political service, he was awarded an OBE in the 2025 New Year’s Honours.
Simon Barcessat
Executive Partner at IBM
Simon is an Executive Partner working for IBM Consulting. His team are experts in business strategy, technology, and industry processes who help clients succeed and grow through digital transformations. Simon joined IBM as a graduate in 1999 and over the last 25 years has led transformation programmes globally that have enabled businesses to leverage technology to achieve to achieve their business outcomes. In the last 5 years Simon has focused his energy in the UK healthcare sector, supporting the NHS to provide improved digital channels for citizens. In addition to this, Simon is the Executive sponsor for the IBM Consulting graduate programme in the UK, helping to grow the industry talent of the future.
Richard Clarke
Teacher of Biology and Ex-Professional Rower
Richard began rowing at the age of 14. After finishing secondary school, he joined the University of London Boat Club, where he won the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta. His talent and dedication propelled him to represent Great Britain at the U23 World Championships, earning a silver medal. In 2016, he secured gold at the World University Games. While working at John Lyon School, Richard continued training, shifting his focus to coastal rowing. His perseverance paid off with a bronze medal at the 2021 World Rowing Coastal Finals in Portugal, followed by a gold at the 2022 World Championships.
SPEAKERS
Joseph-Benjamin Cumberbatch (OL)
Winner of Channel 4 and Netflix Production Crazy Delicious, Founder of Kitchen with Cumbers
Joseph-Benjamin is Head of EDI, a Biology teacher and the founder of Kitchen with Cumbers. Passionate about education and exclusivity, he works to foster a diverse and supportive learning environment. Alongside his role in education, JosephBenjamin combines his love for food and community engagement through Kitchen with Cumbers, where he explores the intersection of science, culture, and cuisine.
Sandeep Nahata
Managing Director at TalenTeam Ltd
Sandeep, based in Northwest London, is an experienced entrepreneur and a respected leader in Learning and Skills Technology, with over 20 years of expertise. As the founder of TalenTeam, Sandeep has worked with organisations across various industries, including Pharmaceuticals, Technology, Aviation, and Finance, to enhance their approach to learning and development. His passion for innovation and dedication to helping others grow have established him as a leading authority in his field.
Abdul-Kareem Salam
Lower Sixth pupil at John Lyon
Abdul-Kareem is currently studying Further Maths, Maths, Physics and Chemistry for his A-Levels. He hopes to pursue engineering in the future and has always liked exploring new and interesting concepts. He likes to compliment his studies with sport, playing hockey for the 1st XI.
We are proud to present our seventh annual lecture series: Talks-on-the-Hill. This event is organised by our ‘Excellence Programme’ and brings together the John Lyon School community and the Harrow-on-the-Hill local community.
A series of short and interesting academic talks will be delivered on this year’s theme: ‘The Power of Why’.
The talks will be delivered over two sessions; complimentary food and drinks will be served during the interval.
We look forward to welcoming pupils, parents, guardians, family members, staff, governors and Old Lyonians as well as our neighbours. We would also like to thank the Head, for her support of the event.
Talk Titles
Cllr Peter Smallwood OBE - Leadership in Politics and Public Service
Simon Barcessat - Why Generative Artificial Intelligence Will Change the World
Richard Clarke - Why I Never Rowed in the Olympics
Joseph-Benjamin Cumberbatch (OL) - Why Diversity, Food and Science Matter
Sandeep Nahata - The Power of Why: Uncovering Purpose in Lifelong Learning
Abdul-Kareem Salam - Why Questioning the Impossible is Important
John Lyon School Senior School Middle Road, Harrow-on-the-Hill, London, HA2 0HN 020 8515 9400
office@johnlyon.org www.johnlyon.org