Alumni Business magazine 2017-18

BUSINESS SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

ALUMNI BUSINESS

2018 ISSUE

THE BUSINESS SCHOOL MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS

GLOBAL NETWORKS How Exeter’s influence is felt all around the world

Graduates secure €50,000 prize for startup

A Business School academic has triggered a revolution

Representing the Business School in China

Exeter graduates in India get together for three alumni reunions

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17 CREDITS Writer/Editors: Josh Papanicola, Jo Cole, Sophie Fogden, Kerra Maddern and Sharna Smith.

Editorial Team: Josh Papanicola, Beth Cossey, David Watson and Emma Clark.

Design: University of Exeter Design Studio.

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Photography: Will Dolphin and Lumi Ladele.

Many thanks to all the alumni, students, staff and supporters who have contributed to this edition of Alumni Business.

The views expressed are not necessarily those of the University of Exeter. All details correct at the time of going to press.

Large print: Please visit www.exeter.ac.uk/ magazine to view a version of this magazine that you can enlarge on screen.

Alternatively contact us at: alumni@exeter.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1392 723141 if you would like a copy in large text.

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THE BUSINESS SCHOOL MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS

A FOREWORD FROM

PROFESSOR DAVID BRUCE ALLEN Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean, University of Exeter Business School I am delighted to introduce you to the 2018 edition of Alumni Business, a publication which highlights the latest developments at the University of Exeter Business School and its thriving Alumni Association.

Since joining the School in 2016, I have witnessed the great impact of our alumni and supporters’ generosity in enabling us to continue to develop across many areas; enhancing the student experience and our reputation across the globe. We continue to develop as a leading Business School, with a growing MBA, new opportunities for Executive Education and a relaunch of our Exeter Centre for Leadership on the horizon.

We have also achieved many milestones over the recent period, including securing both our EQUIS and AMBA accreditations for a further five years.

These are both truly exceptional results which were only made possible with the support of our alumni, and which we especially value as the School aims to cement its status within the top 1% of business schools internationally by achieving the ‘triple crown’ of accreditations (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB).

Our MBA programme topped a global ranking of ‘Better World’ programmes, compiled by the magazine Corporate Knights, according to which Exeter has the best MBA in the world devoted to environmental and social issues. Also, our MSc International Management once again featured in the Financial Times’ Masters in Management league table in 15th place in the UK, and 83rd in the world.

Our latest graduates are also performing exceptionally well, highlighted by the Business School’s fantastic result in the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey. The survey found that 89.3% were already in graduate employment or postgraduate study six months after graduating, which places us 7th in the UK. As an Exeter alumnus, your relationship with us does not end on graduation day.

Wherever you are in the world, we hope to support you in your pursuits after Exeter; whether this be through access to lifelong learning, careers support, professional networking at events, or keeping you up-to-date with our latest research activity.

I hope you enjoy reading Alumni Business and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

exeter.ac.uk/alumni

Introducing

THE ADVISORY GROUP Our graduates are our best ambassadors, and at Exeter we are very fortunate to have so many alumni who are willing to use their experience to provide advocacy, access and advice to the rest of the Exeter community, whether it be providing mentorship to our students, hosting events for alumni, or using their industry insight to help form our curricula.

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he Business School Alumni Association (BSAA) Advisory Group guides the School in the development of its alumni services and alumni engagement activities. Consisting of eight members from different disciplines, year groups and industries/sectors, they act as lightning rods to sound out peers and provide

their feedback, ensuring that the BSAA network remains rewarding and engaging.

Originally founded as the Economics at Exeter Graduates’ Association (EEGA), by a small group of 1960s Exeter alumni in collaboration with Economics academic Dr Fred Meyer, EEGA later became

BEEGA to also incorporate Business,

and as of 2008, the association came to be known as the BSAA. Today, the BSAA

is a global network of Exeter alumni who

can support one another, and the Business School, in their ongoing professional development.

WHO’S WHO?

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Angela Boulton

Stephanie Lindan

Colin Fletcher

One Planet MBA 2012 Technology Strategy Consultant, Accenture Strategy

One Planet MBA 2016 Management Consultancy Manager, Accenture

Economics 1966, MA Economics 1968 Fellow, SAMI Consulting

Being a member of the BSAA AG has allowed me to engage with the wider Exeter community and to learn about the different career journeys our alumni have taken.

Thanks to my involvement in the BSAA, I had the pleasure to welcome one of our PhD candidates into my previous company, where she completed part of her research around innovation in the Financial Services Industry. Her insight was pivotal for the company, while at the same time this experience provided her with direct industry experience to contextualise her research findings.

I strongly encourage my fellow colleagues to engage with the Business School community, as there are always spaces where our experience, time and effort can make a substantial difference to recent graduates and to our wider alumni community.

As a new member to the group, I look forward to supporting the Business School’s alumni community from the perspective of a recent postgraduate. My personal interest lies at the intersection of innovation and technology, and through the University of Exeter Business School MBA’s focus on emerging business models I’ve been able to appreciate how technology can disrupt the marketplace and create change for good.

My MBA knowledge with blockchain, big data and artificial intelligence has opened many doors. At the Business School, the MBA programme as a whole allowed me to identify opportunities in the marketplace to create value for companies while solving global business challenges.

As a student at Exeter, I gained an invaluable grounding in economics and a wider interest in current affairs, and over the years I have always welcomed the opportunity to share views with and learn from the work and experience of members of the department and fellow alumni, many of whom have proved to be really good and enduring friends.

Like many others who have received help and support during their careers, I want to give something in return. Assisting the Business School’s Alumni Association has given me the opportunity to support the University itself, which I am delighted to see go from strength to strength, as well as helping to develop a broad network of support and exchange of experiences and ideas for alumni at all stages of their on-going personal and professional development.

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THE BUSINESS SCHOOL MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS

Erika Kedvessy

Adam Zuber

Nigel Primmer

Business and Management 2013 Client Executive, GAM

Management with Leadership with European Study 2012, Microsoft

Economics 1977

As an alumna and previous Business School Ambassador of the University of Exeter, l learnt early on the importance of networking, interaction and exchange to support one’s professional and personal development.

It is with utmost enthusiasm and vigour I have joined the BSAA to be a part of an association that will mentor, contribute, shape and participate in the progress and growth of the Exeter community. I look forward to sharing, collaborating, developing and learning from my fellow alumni with the increased involvement in the BSAA AG.

Being involved in the Business School Alumni Association continues to be a very exciting journey!

From my experience, you have the opportunity to engage with new industry peers, learn about interesting trends, discuss relevant business issues as well as build and develop new professional alumni relationships across a range of sectors. Our committee works best by helping to cultivate our business alumni eco-system around the world by bringing us all together through this unique network.

It’s wonderful to be involved with this special community and it’s very rewarding to support the Business School and continue to see the progress that the school is making on the global stage, going from strength to strength. A fantastic way to gain a view into new perspectives, build great connections and share ideas.”

I like to keep in touch with the Business School through its alumni network, and help organise and promote events that bring together alumni from all over the world.

They all have in common the University of Exeter, which was – and still is – very highly regarded for its business programmes. Maintaining involvement with the Business School creates networking and business opportunities, contributes to continued learning, and provides practical experience to current students and graduates. Whilst events are often held closer to where alumni now live and work, it also provides an excuse to re-visit a beautiful part of the country. It’s rewarding to be associated with a Business School which is still seen as one of the best in the UK, if not the world.

Martin Wright Board of International Advisors

Geography 1977 Chief Executive, CKRe Ltd

Over the years I have been a member of many networks and groups but none have been anywhere near as consistent in meeting my expectations. At every event I meet somebody new, learn something I did not know or are able to share and help others with some of my business experiences.

Every person in the Group has a personal, shared and always happy bond as an alumnus, so it couldn’t be easier to make connections. Time well spent, always in a convivial environment and it’s difficult to think of a reason why anybody would not wish to be a member.

Ben Norris Psychology 1999 Assistant Director, Numeritas Ltd

Supporting the University as an alumni volunteer is something I find hugely rewarding. Giving talks to students is a great way to keep in touch and catch up with fellow graduates but, more importantly, it offers a unique opportunity to inspire and motivate the graduates of the future.

Working alongside the Alumni Association Advisory Group, the Business School also has a Board of International Advisors, which includes many prominent leaders from private and public sector businesses and organisations. They advise the Business School on matters of strategic importance, helping to ensure its continued growth and success.

Exeter alumnus Henry Staunton (Economics & Statistics 1970) is the current Chair of the Board, and is currently Chairman of the Phoenix Group and WH Smith. He is also a non-executive director of Capital and Counties.

exeter.ac.uk/alumni

Review

BUSINESS SCHOOL Your round up of news and developments from around the Business School.

Business School retains status as one of the world’s elite institutions with EQUIS and AMBA

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he University of Exeter Business School has been successful in retaining two prestigious accreditations for the maximum term of five years.

The European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) have awarded the School the EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) accreditation for five years, making the Business School one of only 18 institutions within the UK to currently hold this level of endorsement from the International Assessors. EQUIS is a leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration.

To gain the prestigious EQUIS status, institutions must demonstrate the highest quality in all their activities. Assessors

look at all the activities of an institution, including research, e-learning units, student engagement, alumni and corporate connections and also community outreach.

They accredit institutions which are innovative and have an international focus.

Furthermore, the Business School’s MBA programme has retained its endorsement from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), receiving the highest award possible of five years accreditation.

AMBA is the impartial authority on postgraduate management education with its accreditation service seen as the global standard for all MBA, DBA and Masters degrees, currently accrediting programmes from the top 2% of business schools in over 70 countries.

Exeter’s MBA best in world devoted to environmental and social issues, according to new league table

The University of Exeter Business School has topped a new global ranking of ‘Better World’ MBA programmes.

The Better World rankings recognise courses which equip their graduates to understand sustainability issues. The University of Exeter was recognised as the world-leader because of the sustainability content of its MBA and the high volume of research carried out by its academics in this area. A total of 134 MBA programmes were evaluated, nine per cent more than in 2016.

Professor David Bruce Allen, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Business School said: “We’re very proud to top the 6

Better World rankings; it reflects our commitment to good business practice as the foundation for innovation and sustained growth. Our Exeter MBA is global and diverse.

Our MBA students and academic staff engage with business, government and civil society organisations to achieve positive change. This is a truly exciting time for the Exeter MBA and we are honoured to be recognised for our contribution to the excellent work being done worldwide to meet the global sustainability challenge.”

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THE BUSINESS SCHOOL MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS

Business Meets Philanthropy series launched by students

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upported by Woodford Investment, the Business Meets Philanthropy speaker series launched this year in a newly expanded format open to students across the University. The 2017/18 programme kicked off at the Mercure Southgate Hotel with Paul Pindar, the third longest serving FTSE 100 CEO, formerly at Capita, and current Chair of Purple Bricks online estate agency. An impressive businessman with a strong charity pedigree, Paul has a significant involvement with child literacy and spoke to a packed audience about his journey, and his goals in the charity world now, specifically within Child Literacy.

Paul’s wife, Sharon, who has an emotional link to Child Literacy, brought half of the room to tears with her heart-wrenching story and impressed upon the audience

the passion and commitment that Paul and Sharon have in their involvement in BeanStalk and their own charity endeavours. Both Paul and Sharon gave a fantastic insight into their journey from working in the City developing their leadership and business acumen, to now improving the charity world, and also fielded a great amount of questions from those in attendance.

spearheaded the launch of the events at Exeter in 2016, and the programme for 2017/18 is larger than ever, with speakers including Thomas Muirhead (Chief Executive of child.org) and Sir Stuart Etherington (CEO of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations and member of the Board at Charity Futures).

The Business Meets Philanthropy series aims to begin a conversation among Exeter students on alternative careers within Charity and Philanthropy. The series aims to have a big long-term impact and educate students on less common, but more rewarding careers with ideas focussed on helping society. Alumnus Jonathan Smith (LLB Law, 1981), Head of CSR at Woodford Investment,

CEO of Unilever addresses Exeter students, alumni and local business people

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aul Polman, Hon LLD, the Chief Executive Officer of Unilever visited the Business School to speak about the challenges facing business in a world that is changing so rapidly.

CEO since January 2009, under Mr Polman’s leadership Unilever has set out an ambitious vision to decouple growth from its environmental footprint while increasing its positive social impact. Mr Polman is also Chairman of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, a member of the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum and serves on the Board of the UN Global Compact.

Professor Nicolas Forsans, former Director of the MBA programme, said: “Our students are ambitious and creative and our world leading MBA programme allows them to future proof their career by acquiring an innovative mindset for a world that is being transformed by digital and technology.

“The MBA helps people manage the fast pace of change in their organisations so they thrive in our ever-evolving economies. We look forward to welcoming hundreds of the world’s most talented people to the course in the years ahead.” exeter.ac.uk/alumni

Review

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Our look at the latest activities from our thriving Business School Alumni Association, as well as the impact that Business School graduates are having on the world.

Chief Economist of the Bank of England talks to alumni at the Stock Exchange

The Business School Alumni Association hosted a special reception at the London Stock Exchange, where guest speaker, Andy Haldane, Chief Economist of the Bank of England, spoke about the 2008 financial crisis, Brexit and the Bank of England’s reaction to these events.

Guests enjoyed a detailed analysis of developments since the beginning of the recession, as well as a 5,000 year data showcase demonstrating how interest rates are currently the lowest they’ve ever been in history. As well as networking over drinks and canapés, alumni also got the chance to hear from Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Business School, Professor David Bruce Allen, and pose their questions to Andy in a Q&A session.

Graduates secure €50,000 prize for startup KOMPAS, co-founded by two alumni while studying at Exeter, has secured €50,000 as the overall winner of Visa’s Everywhere Initiative at Money 20/20 in Copenhagen.

Tom Charman (Economics and Politics with European Study, 2016) and Olivia Higgs (Economics with German and Mandarin Chinese, 2016) have grown the KOMPAS team to 14 people, including a number of other Exeter graduates.

Visa’s Executive Vice President, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Jim McCarthy, awarded three companies €25,000 with one being awarded the overall winner and securing a further €25,000 at this year’s conference.

London based company KOMPAS, using Artificial Intelligence to personalise the travel experience, was announced the overall winner, taking home a total of €50,000 in prize money.

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CEO of KOMPAS Tom Charman said “I believe what made KOMPAS stand out from the other contestants, was both a combination of the technology we’re building, but also our ability to integrate with Visa services; providing a completely personalised experience for our end user”.

KOMPAS intend to use the money they won in Copenhagen to begin operations in new cities, while running a pilot with

Tom Charman (CEO of KOMPAS) receives his award Visa that looks into the personalisation of their customers. Their goal is to make it easier for the best of the city to get its moment in the sun, no matter the size, and advertising budget of the company in question.

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THE BUSINESS SCHOOL MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS

Record number of graduates returning to the Business School to volunteer We are delighted to report that in both of the last two academic years Exeter alumni have given over 1,000 hours in volunteering time to support the Business School and its students.

Volunteers have been involved in a wider variety of activities than ever, both in the UK and abroad. In Exeter, graduates are returning to campus to give guest lectures, conduct mock interviews and take part in student society events. For example, 10 alumni from different sectors attended our Business and Finance Society’s annual dinner, with each hosting a table full of students who are aiming for a future career in their area.

Our volunteers have also been flying the flag for Exeter abroad, with alumni ambassadors speaking to Exeter applicants at Offer-Holder Visit Days, and others

Alumni volunteers at the Business and Finance Society annual dinner: Jonathan Smith, Oliver Jupp, Boris Sipkovsky, Robert Chapman, Greg Edwards, Adrian Coy, Gustav Lindberg, Philip Thitchener, James Edge and Alexander Falconer hosting events in their countries for fellow alumni.

Some activities are carried out remotely too; for instance many alumni are allowing students to complete research

projects at their company, whilst others complete ‘profiles’ from the comfort of their own home, detailing their career history to date and then featuring on our website to inspire the next generation of graduates.

Alumni presentation ‘made me want to study at Exeter’

Alumni have continued to volunteer their time as ambassadors at Open Days, and recently three graduates made a particularly big impact giving advice to prospective students and their parents.

Jo Goodall (BA Business and Management 2012) who is now a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, Chris Williams (BA Business and Management with Industrial Experience 2014), currently working as Area Operations Manager at Citibase, and Hannah Walker (BA Business and Management with Industrial Experience 2014) who is a Project Manager at Sims Hilditch, all acted as ambassadors at the undergraduate Open Day on 3 June.

Chris and Hannah also gave presentations to packed lecture theatres about their Exeter student experience,

their experience of the Business and Management programme, their year of Industrial Experience and their career paths since graduating.

The feedback from Open Day visitors was extremely positive with attendees praising the ‘enthusiasm’, ‘energy’ and ‘brilliant, engaging presentations’.

One student even said: “Quality of presentation made me want to study at Exeter!!! It was enthusiastic, informative and practical. Was very impressed that an alum came back to speak!”

Chris Williams, Hannah Walker, Professor David Boughey and Jo Goodall Chris said: “I had such a fantastic all round experience at Exeter that I love the opportunity to give something back to the University. Helping motivated and ambitious prospective students to understand more about university life and more specifically the business school is a rewarding experience in itself.” exeter.ac.uk/alumni

Transforming tourist attractions USING VIRTUAL REALITY AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

Main picture: Canon Mike Williams trying technology at Exeter Cathedral Inset: Professor Andi Smart, University of Exeter Business School 10

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THE BUSINESS SCHOOL MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS

The visitor experience to historic attractions in Britain and France is set to be transformed as experts work to use virtual reality and digital technology to revolutionise visits to historic locations.

Historians, academics, designers and architects will help tourist destinations use virtual reality headsets, tablets and smartphones to bring history to life, meet characters from the past and explore artefacts that are otherwise inaccessible.

It is hoped the research will lead to a 20 per cent increase in visitor numbers in heritage sites taking part in the project.

Having access to new digital technology will lead to try new ways of operating businesses to increase revenue and visitor numbers.

Tourism is worth more than £10bn a year to the economy in the South West alone. The project, called VISTA AR, aims to help heritage attractions use virtual reality and apps which can encourage more people to visit and return to historical and cultural sites.

Experts will help them understand how technology can drive visitor experience and help them run the attraction in the most effective way.

There will be new ways developed of collecting information about where visitors spend the most time during their visit.

Those working on the €7.8 million project, led by the University of Exeter, will develop a range of virtual and augmented reality resources which will be trialled by tourist attractions in the South West and in Northern France. This includes smaller sites, who would otherwise not have been able to afford to use expensive equipment.

This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund from the France (Channel) Interreg Programme.

The first places to test the technology will be Exeter Cathedral and Fougères Castle in Brittany. They will be followed by the National Trust Tin Coast in Cornwall, the South West Coastal Path and the Lorient Submarine Museum and the Gardens of Valloires in France.

In Exeter Cathedral visitors can expect an augmented reality game based on the astronomical clock.

The carvings of angels playing instruments in the Minstrel Gallery will also be animated. Visitors to the Tin Coast will be able to use virtual reality helmets to experience what it would have been like to work at Botallack Mine, the location used to film the popular BBC Poldark series. Those walking along the South West Coast Path will be able to use technology to find out more about the area’s maritime and coastal heritage.

The project was launched at Exeter Cathedral, where those who run heritage attractions will be able to try virtual and augmented reality and digital technology equipment.

The resources will eventually be available through a cloud platform so other UK and French heritage attractions will be able to use them, and adapt them for their own specific needs. There will be a library of images and designs for attractions to create their own apps, or online tours, and they will just need to add their individual content. Heritage sites will be encouraged to upload the digital resources they have created for visitors to the cloud, so the online library will become larger as more businesses use it.

The resources will also include software tools so businesses can better analyse visitor feedback – for example by helping them more easily categorise comments left on review sites. There will be other software which allows customers to record verbal feedback on their experience, immediately after they have finished their visit.

Professor Andi Smart, from the University of Exeter Business School, who is leading the project, said: “This is a unique opportunity to capitalise on the wealth of cultural heritage assets found on both sides of the channel. Expertise from Britain and France will be used to help those running tourist attractions enhance the visitor experience and also the business model they use. It gives those in the tourist industry the opportunity to explore digital possibilities which are otherwise largely cost prohibitive.”

Laurence Blyth, Marketing Manager at Exeter Cathedral, said: “Bringing our shared heritage to life through new technologies is an important part of how we tell our story. We’re all very proud that Exeter Cathedral will be at the forefront of this new project, and can’t wait to introduce it to our visitors when the time comes.”

The project will run for four years, with the online tools ready to test next year. Tourist attractions can sign up at vista-ar@exeter. ac.uk to be kept up-to-date with developments and project events.

exeter.ac.uk/alumni

THE MINDFULNESS REVOLUTION A Business School academic has triggered a revolution among inmates in some of Kenya’s most notorious prisons, with mindfulness at its core. The programme’s influence is now spreading to institutions across the country and beyond the prison walls.

In a Kenyan high security prison, a table has been turned over and a small fire started deliberately.

A prison riot about to get underway? The start of a siege?

It is actually a revolution taking place, a root and branches transformation within the four walls of Naivasha Prison – but one that doesn’t involve violence, lockdowns, or prisoners raging at their circumstances.

In fact, this revolution is centred around the very opposite – positivity, calm and forgiveness.

The fire is contained within a bowl and pieces of paper are the only things going up in flames. Leading the mindfulness session, working alongside seasoned criminals who are often incarcerated for life, is Dr Inmaculada Adarves-Yorno from the Business School.

To date, Inma has worked with more than 600 inmates and staff at some of Kenya’s top security institutions, teaching them the skills of accelerated mindfulness. Like a ripple on a pond, the impact has reached far wider to more than 1,000. The prisoners and warders whom she has taught have taken on the role of teachers and mentors themselves, in order to spread mindfulness to others, both within and beyond the prison. The prisoners, many of whom have no hope of parole, now bear witness to astonishing changes: “I’m in prison but for the first time I am free,” said one, while another reported: “life has meaning.”

“The impact has been beyond my wildest dreams,” said Inma, who credits this success to a willingness by everyone to say yes to all opportunities and embrace it.

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Her journey began in April 2015 when she was asked by the African Prisons Programme to work with six senior leaders from Kenyan prisons, in the UK. The APP aims to develop leaders and make prisons places of positive transformation.

The workshop was a success and it was a natural progression for her to travel to Kenya to run workshops with other staff and inmates.

• 82% have reduced the amount of alcohol being consumed

“I’m just a piece in the puzzle.

I’m doing my bit and others are doing their bit. There are a lot of heroes in this revolution”

Communications are developing too.

Relationships with family members outside are improving. One prisoner is now the Mindful Rapper, spreading the word to reach fellow inmates in a different way blogs.exeter.ac.uk/innerrehabilitation/ blog/2017/09/12/the-mindful-anthem A new consortium between the Kenyan prison and probation services and a non-governmental organisation called the Delancey Street Foundation, aims to take the mindfulness training to those on probation. A group of former prisoners is working with young people to help prevent them from getting involved in crime in the first place.

Dr Inmaculada Adarves-Yorno

“The first time I went I only thought I was going once, then the inmates said ‘please come again’,” said Inma. “It’s not that I had a plan – the plan was co-created for their needs and commitment. It makes me feel good. It is a luxury to be in the middle of this, even if I didn’t plan it.”

Those taking part in the mindfulness programme report a personal transformation – reduced feelings of anger, fear and stress, an ability to forgive themselves and others, the opportunity to become positive role models and show fewer aggressive behaviours.

“Their view has moved from ‘I’m an inmate,’ to ‘I’m a Mindful Leader.’ Their respect has improved, they engage better, they are more motivated. They are a beacon to people outside the prison.”

The statistics reflect this transformation: • 84% can now manage their emotions better

• 85% have reduced the amount of drugs they were taking

• 97% have gone on to train others • 84% reported a fewer number of aggressive incidents with others

“One of the guards told me that his job has become much easier,” Inma explained.

“There’s no conflict, there are no disputes.

People are just doing what they have to do.

The guards have fewer problems.”

Inma and her dedicated team, have also set up a Crowdfunding campaign to support the initiative with the funds to be split three ways: for the prisons projects, to support the probation consortium and assist mindfulness outreach for young people. The Business School has already donated four computers and a printer towards the programme.

Inma remains modest about all that has been achieved: “I don’t see myself as a hero, I’m just a piece in the puzzle,” said Inma. “I’m doing my bit and others are doing their bit. There are a lot of heroes in this revolution – I just started it.”

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THE BUSINESS SCHOOL MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS

Inmates at a Kenyan prison wearing bracelets which symbolise their new mindful leader identities.

“I may never leave prison but I’m free now”

How to become more Mindful Choose regular times (e.g. breakfast, your commute, at the gym) to consider your thoughts and emotions.

Through awareness, observe and describe feelings without reaction or judgement.

Apply the 3cs: n CURIOUS

Allow surprise and wonder as you become aware of your true self n COURAGEOUS

Face negative things, or areas you are not happy with n COMPASSION

Accept what you discover without judgement. To change what you find you must first accept it

Kenyan prisoner on the Mindful Leader Programme

Linking a new community Inma took bracelets to the original accelerated mindfulness participants, which were made by her children Amber and Aeas and their school friends. The growing numbers on the programme meant there were too many to make for the women’s prison, so the men of Naivasha Prison made them as a gift.

Now those women are planning to create bracelets for girls on remand who are joining the programme. The bracelets are a positive symbol bonding the prisoners together. “It means they are part of a new community,” said Inma.

Want to learn more? There are plenty of courses, apps and TED Talks to inspire

exeter.ac.uk/alumni

CORNWALL

in focus

With the first BSc Business class set to graduate from Penryn Campus in 2018, we take a look at developments.

BSc Business Professor leads in research project examining food and circular economy in the South West Professor Steffen Boehm, Professor of Organisation and Sustainability is leading on a research project exploring the opportunities and challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) food and drink processors in the South West transition into circular economy.

Circular economy in this context refers to how businesses can retain and circulate maximum value from resources during use, eliminate avoidable waste, and reuse or recycle unavoidable waste. The research project focuses on bakery and dairy

processors, which are two of the largest food industries in the local area.

Professor Steffen Boehm teaches the second year module ‘Research for Inquiry’ on the BSc Business, and his research focuses largely on environmental sustainability. More details about the project, which is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), can be found at:

www.circularfood.net

Student secures supplier relationship management internship with Cornwall Council

A BSc Business student has secured a placement researching supplier relationship management (SRM) at Cornwall Council.

SRM refers to strategic planning and management of all interaction with third party organisations that supply goods or services to a given organisation.

“The aim of the project with Cornwall Council was to research whether a robust and proportional supplier relationship management programme could be used by the Council to build stronger relationships with their suppliers and drive value for money”, said intern, James Kettlewell.

In this role, James undertook a literature review on the many approaches to supplier relationship management, as well as interviewing different businesses who had already established a supplier relationship management process. James presented his findings in a final report to senior officers at the Council.

“I decided to apply for the internship as it provided me with the exciting opportunity to work with the largest employer in Cornwall. The internship was challenging, requiring me to become specialised in a whole new subject area beyond what I had learnt in lectures.

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However, the Council were extremely flexible, so that I could fit my work experience around my studies. ” Kieran Topping, Service Director (Commercial), at Cornwall Council, said “The project that James undertook for us as part of his BSc Business has helped to steer the Council’s approach to Supplier Relationship Management. We were particularly impressed with how quickly he picked up a new and complex subject area.

The report he provided at the end of his placement was informative, concise and of a very high quality.”

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THE BUSINESS SCHOOL MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS

BSc Business student secures placement with Cornish company, Ultramed

One of the unique features of the BSc Business programme is the integrated work placements, which complement and expand on the content learnt in class.

BSc Business student, Aula Ourtashi, secured a placement with a Penryn small company, Ultramed, who provide pioneering health technology.

Aula’s placement was to help with the exporting of the ‘MyPreOp’ programme – an online preoperative assessment allowing patients to complete their health assessment from the comfort of their own home. Aula has been assessing the United Arab Emirates market, which has the potential for Ultramed to launch their programme in. Aula also attended a meeting with the Saudi British Joint

Business Council, helping with company networking, and the process of exporting the programme. Originally from Dubai, Aula, is also using her language skills to translate the English programme into Arabic.

“I chose my placement with Ultramed because it is a unique experience to work with a start-up, rather than an established company with set systems and practices in place. Start-ups often mean learning curves, so it is an exciting environment to work in”, said Aula. “I feel my opinion was valued more in a small team. The opportunity

to go to London and meet with the UK Executive Director of the Saudi British Joint business council was a great networking opportunity and not something that would be offered by every internship.”

Anne Davidson, Chief Operations Officer at Ultramed, said: “Aula has undoubtedly made a great contribution to Ultramed in the course of her placement. She has researched extremely useful information and produced helpful reports which complement, add value and will be of ongoing benefit to Ultramed’s work with the Department of International Trade.”

The Business Society host Sir Tim Smit, founder of the Eden Project Last year, Penryn’s student Business Society hosted Sir Tim Smit, KBE, Hon LLD, founder of the Eden Project. The Eden Project is a Cornish educational charity and tourist attraction hosting the largest rainforest in captivity within the biomes.

Penryn Campus’ Business Society is an extra-curricular group, aimed at business students or students with an interest in business. The society hosts regular events, speakers and socials for members inspired by entrepreneurs and businesses of all areas.

Since the Eden Project opened, it has attracted millions of visitors and generated over £1bn for the local economy. Tim provided an insight into his interesting life and highlighted the need to lead by example, to stick with principles but to move out of your comfort zone.

The evening provided a unique opportunity for Business Society members to ask questions to the creator of one of the country’s most successful social enterprises.

The Eden Project, based in Cornwall, has provided many positive experiences for BSc Business students. Previously, BSc Business students visited the Eden Project as part of their introductory Bootcamp and 2nd year BSc Business student, Alizee Lawson completed a work placement with the Eden Project working in their Access Department.

exeter.ac.uk/alumni

REPRESENTING THE BUSINESS SCHOOL

in China

EXETER CHINA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

With a large and ever-growing community of over 4,000 Business School alumni in China, the popularity of the Exeter China Alumni Association – or ECAA, has risen sharply in recent years.

Since it was founded in 2012, the group and its members have organised events across China along the themes of employability, networking and also enticing prospective students to follow the same journey they have in coming to study at Exeter.

Run by a committee of ambitious and dedicated alumni volunteers, the group now has regional chapters across the country, in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Wenjie Lee (President of the ECAA)

Wenjie, (MSc Accounting and Finance 2012), is currently working as a Manager at Investment Bank Headquarters of Everbright Securities Co., Ltd. in Shanghai. An Exeter Country Contact ambassador for China, he helped establish the ECAA in his year of graduation and has led it from strength to strength since.

“The ECAA was founded for the purpose of building a strong network of Exeter alumni living in China, keeping all alumni connected to their alma mater through various channels. We are committed to cultivating lifelong relationships between the University and alumni. We support the mission of the University of Exeter and in doing so we offer alumni opportunities for continued professional development, networking, and at the same time act as a communication platform and an online resource library.”

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Wenjie Lee, Professor Gabriele Vosseberg, Dr Bill Peng and alumni guests at the Accounting Employability Insight event in Shanghai Recently the first China alumni volunteer

hosted by two Business School staff,

recognise Exeter’s most dedicated Chinese

Professor Gabriele Vosseberg (Associate

awards ceremony took place in Shanghai to supporters.

The ceremony followed a successful

Accounting Employability Insight event

Dr Bill Peng (Head of Accounting) and Dean, International and Development).

Members of the ECAA have also continued to give more and more of their time towards

persuading prospective students to choose Exeter as their choice of University. Events like this one (pictured below) in Beijing see alumni, students and University staff get together to share Exeter experiences, answer any queries and hopefully meet the next generation of Exeter students.

University staff with guests at an event for Exeter offer-holders in Beijing

exeter.ac.uk/alumni

AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL With the first BSc Business class set to graduate from Penryn

A round up of our Business School alumni events across the globe THAILAND In Thailand, 57 Exeter graduates attended an alumni networking evening in Bangkok at the Ad Lib Hotel. Special thanks go to alumni volunteer Pongsawat Chuerattanakul (One Planet MBA 2014) who helped to organise the event.

INDIA In India, Exeter graduates got together for three alumni reunions – an evening networking event in New Delhi, a brunch event in Mumbai and a social event in Bangalore.

CHINA Five events were held in China in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Nanjing. Themes varied from Accounting, to Employability and Industry Insight, as well as an alumni volunteer awards ceremony to recognise our most active China alumni volunteers. Another event celebrated the 10 year partnership between Exeter and Nanjing University of Finance and Economics.

HONG KONG The Exeter Hong Kong Alumni Group (EHKAG) held their annual employability event at the LinkedIn headquarters.

This event saw alumni from a range of career sectors (law, finance, marketing and environment) present their career journeys since graduation from University of Exeter to an audience of local alumni, current students and prospective students. Special thanks to Chris Tang (Law 1996) for hosting this special event.

COLUMBIA In Colombia, Exeter graduates met in BogotĂĄ for a social event hosted

by Professor Gabriele Vosseberg (Associate Dean for International and Development) and Matt Davey (Business School Director of College Operations).

COLUMBIA

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CHINA

CHINA

CHINA HONG KONG

INDIA

THAILAND

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THE EXETER LEADERS FORUM A forum of thought leadership for established and aspiring leaders in the South West.

Over 20 years ago the University of Exeter established what is now known today as the Exeter Leaders Forum – a membershipbased group of leaders in Exeter and the wider South West, from all sectors, who meet several times a year to network and stay up-to-date with current trends in Leadership.

The Forum, now hosted by the Exeter Centre for Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School, provides a platform for both existing and aspiring leaders to exchange knowledge and develop ideas with not only peers from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, but also leading University academics in the field of leadership.

Mark Thompson, Co-Founder of Holoschange, speaks about leading change

Amongst the organisations to provide speakers have been the Met Office, IBM, Flybe, Lloyds Banking Group and even Dragons’ Den when Deborah Meaden spoke at the Forum’s 20th anniversary.

Last year the Forum hosted discussions on global policy challenges, inspiring leaders with finite resources, and maximising decision-making through effective data management – and this year’s programme kicked off on Streatham Campus at Reed Hall, where guest speaker Joanna Place, Chief Operating Officer at the Bank of England, addressed navigating the obstacles faced in leadership, including her experiences of the leadership challenges in the Bank of England.

Forum events are participative with members invited to openly exchange ideas

business-school.exeter.ac.uk/business/elf The Forum’s Summer Party focussed on the Dimensions of Success 20

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THE BUSINESS SCHOOL MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS

Want to join the discussion?

Become a member of the Exeter Leaders Forum As an Exeter Leaders Forum member you will receive: n Networking opportunities with key professionals in the

South West and our academic community

n Access to cutting edge research and how it may impact

and relate to business

n Invitations to networking events throughout the year n A 30% discount off the tuition fees for the Full Time

(12 months) and Executive (24–30 months) Exeter MBA programmes

Some of the questions debated at the first Exeter Leaders Forum of 2017/18 were: n How does social media change the game for leaders? n What set of core values might leaders share? n What makes women better leaders?

Hosted by the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean, David Allen, as well as Professors Will Harvey and Ruth Sealy, Co-Directors of the Exeter Centre for Leadership, guests split off into discussion groups over dinner, each group with a brief to tackle a certain issue.

If you would like to become a member of the Exeter Leaders Forum, or attend a taster event for free, please email business-school-events@exeter.ac.uk. There are Individual, Corporate and Pay As You Go memberships available and these can be purchased at a pro-rata cost at any time of the year.

Connect with us on social media: @ELF_Exeter Exeter Leaders Forum Exeter Leaders Forum

EXETER LEADERS

FORUM

ENTREPRENEURS NEED THREE THINGS TO SUCCEED… “Entrepreneurs ultimately need three things to succeed…”, says alumnus Chris Howard (Physics 2004), start-up guru and currently Founder of The Rattle – a tech enabled incubator for the music industry. “…talent at solving unsolved problems; an ability to manage risk, and one heck of a network. The first two are intrinsic for most good entrepreneurs. But the last – network – needs a strong base to build from.”

It is the importance of this strong base referred to by Chris which has led to the launch of the University of Exeter Entrepreneurs Network – a mutually supportive group for entrepreneurial Exeter alumni who care for and practice all things ‘startup’. Founders, freelancers, or those who aim to support entrepreneurs are all welcome, and the London-based network now already boasts a number of successful entrepreneurs amongst its members, with access to funding, space, mentorship and a wealth of experience to draw upon.

A surge in interest led to the group holding their first Entrepreneurs Network event at Runway East in Shoreditch, where 50 guests enjoyed an informal evening of networking and idea-sharing. Those in attendance were also treated to a panel discussion with an all-star roster of guests, who discussed contemporary challenges facing entrepreneurs and start-up ventures.

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The panel comprised Jeremy Evans, cofounder of Explaain, who featured in the 2016 Forbes 30 under 30; Julie Azharian (MBA Banking 1999), Head of Middle East HNWI at Qatar Islamic Bank; and Tom Carrington-Smith (Exercise and Sports Sciences 2011), Co-founder and CPO of Charlie HR. Chairing the panel was the effervescent Chris, with each member providing valuable advice and stimulating lively debate. Amongst the topics covered were; What is needed to establish a successful start-up business?

What does it take to secure funding and investors for start-up ventures? How do you bounce back from failure? And what challenges is the future going to bring?

“Exeter has a fantastic group of passionate and entrepreneurial alumni. With the speed and scope of business and tech increasing, this emerging network is a valuable source of knowledge for the group and to the student entrepreneur community at Exeter.”

Adam Lusby, Circular Economy Specialist at the Business School

As well as debate, the evening saw plenty of networking and community-building, all with the aim to share ideas, start-up stories and experience.

ENTREPRENEURS NETWORK

Chris, who was at the forefront of the network’s creation, does not doubt its importance to the Exeter graduate community.

“Having such determined and proactive alumni, it makes complete sense for the University of Exeter to mobilise its own network – to provide the strong base for those graduating hungry for entrepreneurial risk and oozing with problem-solving talent.”

The group are fully supported by the University’s Innovation Centre, and Emily Davies, Student Startup Manager, says “It is our ambition to create one of the most inspiring alumni communities in the UK dedicated to turning passion and talent into successful companies.”

The network coordinate meet-up events every few months and continue the conversation online through their Facebook group, University of Exeter Entrepreneur Network. All new members are welcome, with the objective being that it will provide a collaborative community, soft-landing support for new graduates who want to head to the capital, and a network of mentors and advisors to inspire the next generation of students on their entrepreneurial journey.

KEEP IN CONTACT

INTERESTED IN GIVING SOMETHING BACK?

Whether your contact or business details have changed or if you would simply like to let us know what you have been up to, we always love to hear from our alumni.

There are many ways that you can use your expertise and experience to have a massive impact here at Exeter, helping our students get the most from their time here and succeed after graduation.

Your Alumni Engagement Officers: Beth Cossey Tel: +44 (0) 1392 725084

How you can help; FROM HOME

Josh Papanicola Tel: +44 (0) 1392 726683

n You could choose to mentor a student and share your advice first hand with them

You can keep in touch with fellow alumni and hear about the latest news and events on social media:

n You could register for our eXepert scheme where you give careers advice online

@Exalumni

facebook.com/exeteralumni linkedin.com/company/university-of-exeter-alumni and

University of Exeter Business School Alumni (former SoBE)

Global Advancement, Northcote House, The Queens Drive, Exeter EX4 4QJ www.exeter.ac.uk/alumni

n You could provide us with a profile for the website, which offer students valuable insights into our alumni and their career successes FROM YOUR WORKPLACE n If you’d like to get involved through your work, we’re always looking for venues to host our events and facilitate networking within our alumni community n You might like to arrange a work experience placement for an Exeter student, or perhaps offer a student a research project n Or you could think about recruiting a student to work with you, as you know first-hand about the quality of candidates that the University produces ON CAMPUS n If you can spare a bit of time to return to Exeter, we are always on the lookout for people willing to conduct mock job interviews, to prepare our students for the real thing n You could opt to do a guest lecture for one of our academics or perhaps help them fulfil a piece of research by providing data and knowledge As a volunteer you will be fully supported by the Global Advancement team here at Exeter, so if you would like to discuss how you might be able to get involved please contact us at business-school-alumni@exeter.ac.uk THE DEAN’S FUND A gift to this area will be used according to greatest need, at the Dean’s discretion, to provide scholarships and other financial support for Business School students at Exeter.

To give an example; the Business School runs a ‘widening participation’ (WP) programme aimed at recruiting and supporting students from a broad range of backgrounds.

A gift to the Dean’s Fund could offer financial awards for these talented students, directly supporting those who need it most.

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BUSINESS SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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