You have an incredible 30-year connection to Imperial. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen at the Business School and wider University during that time?

Yes, it’s hard to believe it’s been that long! I started my Full-Time MBA in 1995, almost exactly 30 years ago before business tools like mobile phones, social media, and even email became widespread.

The Business School back then was still very much finding its feet. At the time, it was known as the Management School and was part of the Engineering Faculty. Fast-forward to today, and it is a world-leading Business School that is a separate faculty within Imperial.

Experiencing that evolution, from a small department to a globally recognised Business School has been amazing. Its role within the University has grown in prominence and importance. I recently saw a BBC article that described Imperial as a leading institution in “science, technology, engineering, medicine and business” underlining that business education has become an integral part of Imperial’s identity.

I think everyone who is connected to the Business School is extremely proud of that journey.

Do you have a favourite stand-out Imperial memory?

There are honestly so many. When you’re involved with somewhere like Imperial, you get to see a lot of amazing developments and activities. But if I had to pick one, it would have to be an event in 2016, where Imperial celebrated 25 years since Britain's first astronaut in space.

Helen Sharman, who works in the Department of Chemistry at Imperial, was the first British person in space in 1991. Astronauts from all over the world came to Imperial to mark the 25-year anniversary, and there was even a live link to Tim Peake who was, at that time, on the International Space Station.

If you ever want to feel humbled, stand in a room full of astronauts! That was definitely a stand-out moment for me.

You have been Chair of the Alumni Advisory Council for 12 years. What are you most proud of during that time?

One area I do feel particularly proud of is the Council’s role in supporting the development of the undergraduate programme at the Business School.

Historically, the Business School had always focused on postgraduate education. Undergraduate programmes were seen as the realm of the wider University, and it wasn’t something the Business School had ever really done. So, when the School proposed launching an undergraduate programme, it had to make a very strong case to do so.

I remember the Council meeting where it was presented to us. The Council members were so enthusiastic in providing input. Many of them had children who might be interested in studying business, giving it a truly personal connection. We could only discuss it for a limited time during the meeting, but afterwards, several members continued the conversation with the staff that were developing the programme.

Of course, the Council was just one stakeholder contributing to the process, but I think we did so in a very positive and constructive way. In its inaugural year it was the second most subscribed undergraduate course across the entire University. It has been such a success and is something I’m very proud to have been a part of.

Reflecting now, I also feel proud of helping to shape a Council with a strong identity and that works well as a team. At the end of the day, the AAC isn’t about any one person. My role was to make sure meetings run smoothly, to motivate, and to make people feel included. I hope that is something I have achieved.

What do you see as the biggest opportunity for the AAC in the coming years?

One of the most significant developments is the creation of task forces, where Council members and other alumni can collaborate outside of the Council meetings to get involved in key issues. It’s something we have wanted to do for a while, and it will provide a fantastic opportunity for alumni to get involved with specific initiatives such as lifelong learning, philanthropy or community engagement.

The University and the Business School really value the voices of the alumni community. So, if anyone is wondering how to get involved, I’d strongly encourage them to join one of these task forces.

What have your learnt from this role?

It’s always interesting chairing a group of talented volunteers. Whilst I have previous experience of this, each group is unique, and the dynamics are very different to chairing meetings in a business setting.

What has really struck me is the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved. We all lead busy lives, and yet we are all giving up our time and energy to help. It’s so important to respect the time and goodwill that volunteers offer. That goodwill can take time to build, and it’s important to recognise it, value it and appreciate it.

If I had to sum it up, I’d say the role has taught me a deeper understanding and appreciation of volunteering, and the strength of community that comes with it.

The other thing I’d add is around chairing itself. I think I’ve become better at it during the 12-year period. You learn to be a better facilitator, a better listener, to be inclusive and to motivate people. All those skills have definitely helped me.

Do you have any advice for alumni thinking of volunteering?

Don’t over think it. A lot of people hesitate to put themselves forward because they think, ‘What do I have to offer? What if other things get in the way?’, but everyone has something of value to offer.

There are so many ways to get involved with the Business School and make a real difference. Imagine your own life without education and then imagine helping someone else to experience what you’ve had. Is there any better incentive than that?

Volunteering is also a great way to continue your own personal and professional development. As I mentioned earlier, I learnt a lot during my time as Chair, and I know other volunteers have shared a similar experience. They enjoy giving back while developing personally from the experience. They learn new skills, gain insights into what’s happening at Imperial, build up their knowledge and their network. There’s a real sense of fulfilment, and a feel-good factor too.

So I’d say: don’t hesitate. Get in touch. Everyone has something valuable to give, and you will learn a lot along the way.

What message would you share with fellow alumni about the impact their collective giving can have on Imperial?

I’ve been a donor for many years, and I come from a time and place when education was largely free. It’s impossible to overstate the value of education, both personally and for society as a whole. But education isn’t free, and we need to find the funds to ensure people have access to it.

Giving doesn’t have to be in the form of a large gift. All the smaller contributions together add up to something powerful.

We’ve all benefited from an Imperial education, and it’s meant a lot to us. One of the best ways to understand the impact is to speak to someone who has benefited from a scholarship or read their testimonies. Their stories show what a difference the support has made to their lives.

What does it mean to you personally to be a part of the Imperial alumni community?

When you’re working in a job or a particular role, your perspective can become quite narrow, whether that’s because of your sector or your specific function. But being part of a community like Imperial really broadens your horizons. You’re interacting with people from all over the world and learning about things outside of your own professional sphere.

If someone asked me why they should get involved or attend an event, I’d say, you’ll learn so much just by stepping outside your usual field and getting involved with something completely different. Otherwise, we all risk becoming too narrow in our focus.

How do you hope your future relationship with the Business School and Imperial continues?

I’m still very much connected to Imperial - I remain a member of the Business School’s Advisory Board, and I will continue to be a donor to support its many great initiatives.

It’s so important to have a learning mindset and I want to keep expanding my horizons. Where better to keep learning than by staying connected with one of the world’s best educational institutions?

I would always encourage people not just to focus on what’s happening at the Business School, but to keep that connection with the wider University. We live in a world with many challenging issues, and seeing the work that is being done at Imperial makes me feel proud, positive, and hopeful for the future.

If you could sum up your time as Chair in three words, what would they be?

Pride. Joy. Belonging.