Alumni UK Live Programme and Speakers

Why the future's bright: essentials for fostering hope and belonging in life and work

Tuesday 11 February, 9.00 - 10.00AM GMT

This session will consider our mindset in relation to our own individual futures and our collective trajectory as a human race. Is everything getting worse or is there good reason for hope and optimism? We will consider three things:

• Wellbeing: how can we grow working environments where that enable people to thrive?
• Inclusion: how can we break down the categories that lead to division and create inclusive spaces that affirm the value of every single human?
• Leadership: what does equitable leadership look like and how can we each become more effective in positively impacting those around us?

Keynote speaker:

• Peter Radford, Public Speaker, Teacher and Author

Thriving in tomorrow’s workforce: future-proofing your career path

Tuesday 11 February, 11.00AM - 12.00PM GMT

As the dynamics of employment markets are evolving, the skills required to thrive in your career are shifting. This session will offer a look at how individuals can adapt to a rapidly changing job market, emphasising the importance of building transferable skills, leveraging emerging technologies and committing to lifelong learning for multi-industry employability. Through real-life examples from UK alumni, attendees will gain practical insights into navigating evolving career landscapes and staying relevant to help support you in long-term career resilience in the face of change.

Speakers:

• Imru Al Qays Talha Jebril, Co-Managing Partner, A&K Advisors (Session Chair)
• Adonis Americanos, Managing Director, TCS
• Hasiba Amin, Co-Founder, Citizens' Aid Collective
• Kim Bui, Freelance writer
• Seher Syman, Founder, Ask Consulting

The changing creative industries landscape: in conversation with Professor Sara Pepper OBE and Rehana Mughal

Tuesday 11 February, 1.00 - 2.00PM GMT

Professor Sara Pepper OBE, Co-Director of the Centre for the Creative Economy at Cardiff University shares her insights about how the creative industries are evolving the jobs that exist within the sector. Participants will learn what they need to do to respond to the changing nature of the employment of this sector.

Speakers:

• Rehana Mughal, Director of Creative Economy, British Council
• Professor Sara Pepper OBE, Co-Director of the Centre for the Creative Economy at Cardiff University

Your future is waiting: empowering graduates for the job market

Tuesday 11 February, 3.00 - 4.00PM GMT

This session is designed for international final-year students and early-stage alumni who want to gain insights and guidance on navigating the job market after graduation. Learn what to expect during your job search and receive practical tips to effectively prepare for your employment journey. Hear firsthand experiences from alumni who have successfully transitioned into their careers, sharing valuable advice and strategies to help make this important transition smoother and more successful.

Speakers:

• David Gee, Head of Global Employability, University of the West of England and Founder, GradLink UK (Session Chair)
• Lusiné Manukyan, Executive Director (CEO), Health for Armenia
• Rawan F. Taha, Research, Assessment, Monitoring and Reporting Officer, United Nations World Food Programme
• Urvashi Prasad, Director, Office of Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog, Government of India

AI and the future of work: staying ahead in a tech driven world

Wednesday 12 February, 9.00 - 10.00AM GMT

AI is rapidly becoming an essential tool across industries, transforming how we approach productivity, project management, time tracking, and collaboration—especially in remote and hybrid work environments. In this session, you’ll learn how to harness AI to enhance your work and position yourself as an innovative leader. We’ll explore practical strategies and tools to leverage AI for efficiency and effectiveness, offering real-world case studies of successful AI integration. These examples will provide valuable insights into staying competitive in the global market and adapting to the AI-driven changes reshaping the modern workplace.

Speakers:

• Aamna Qamar, Head of Product Development, EduFI (Private) Limited
• Fadi Bou Debs, Entrepreneur and Investor, Evolve Online App
• Gaurav Dnyanoba Somwanshi, CEO and Co-Founder, Emertech Innovations Pvt Ltd
• Nabeel Akmal Qadeer, CEO and Board member, Bench Matrix DirAction Skills
• Pandu Putra, Special Advisor for Digital Transformation to Indonesia's Minister for Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB)

Own your achievements: make your performance review count

Wednesday 12 February, 11.00AM - 12.00PM GMT

Performance reviews are a chance to highlight your value, set goals, and plan for your future. Join us for this webinar to learn practical tips and strategies to ace your review and take charge of your career.

What you’ll learn:

• Why Reviews Matter : See how a strong performance review can boost your career.
• Showcase Your Value : Learn how to highlight your impact and contributions.
• Speak Up for Your Goals : Discover authentic ways to advocate for your career growth.

If you're an employee or leader aiming to shine, this session will provide useful insights on preparation, sharing your accomplishments, and building your path forward. Don’t miss this chance to accelerate your career!

Speaker:

Tréasa Fitzgibbon, Career Expert, City CV

From challenges to opportunities: leveraging multi-generational perspectives

Wednesday 12 February, 1.00 - 2.00PM GMT

In today’s multigenerational workforce, where up to five generations coexist, fostering collaboration is essential. Each generation brings unique skills, perspectives, and expectations, creating both challenges and opportunities for leaders. Cultural attitudes toward age further complicate this dynamic.

This session will offer strategies for navigating these complexities, featuring international insights on leveraging the strengths of all employees. Topics include cultural perceptions of generations, the importance of open communication, age-inclusive programs, and valuing diverse experiences.

Join us to explore how to build a collaborative environment that empowers employees of all ages and drives organisational success.

Speakers:

• Chika Idoko, Deputy Global Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion British Council (Co-Chair)
• Jane Franklin, Deputy Head, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, British Council (Co-Chair)
• Adwait Phadke, Senior Manager Special Projects, Everest Industries Ltd
• Hauwa Liman, Technical Advisor to the Vice President of Nigeria on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact
• Teresa Baños, Trainer and Facilitator

Alumni as changemakers: how professional networks can advance sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Wednesday 12 February, 3.00 - 4.00PM GMT

In an interconnected world, alumni have the potential to become powerful agents of
change, using their networks to address critical global challenges and support the SDGs. In this session learn how you can leverage your professional network to amplify your impact and drive meaningful change. Hear from peers and learn more about successful alumni-led projects that have made tangible impact on SDGs.

Speakers:

• Stellah Bosire, Executive Director, Africa Centre for Health Systems and Gender Justice (Session Chair)
• Atir Guliyeva, Education specialist, Institute of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan
• Baris Alpasian, Professor of Economics, Social Science University of Ankara
• Sana Rasool, Carbon Market Specialist, Pakistan Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Coordination
• Siddharth Pillai, Education Programmes Advisor, Street Child