Rupert Hoogewerf is the Chairman and Chief Researcher of the Hurun Report, China's Global Rich List, and in this episode we hear about the origins of the Hurun Report and Rupert's journey as an entrepreneur. Rupert has spent 22 years researching billionaires and Unicorns (billion dollar-valued start-up companies) so he knows a thing or two about what makes a successful entrepreneur. Thankfully, he was happy to share his insights for the final episode of the series. This one is not to be missed ..read more

Laure Fraval has 30 years' experience in HR and change management with some of the biggest investment banks in the world. Now running her own consultancy, we discuss some of the challenges that companies - and people - face when implementing change. We also explore the importance of organisational culture and Laure reveals some of the methods she uses to see the real culture of an organisation behind the buzzwords and corporate branding, and Laure shares my favourite ever networking story that ends with a meeting I guarantee you won't see coming ..read more

Isabella studied Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham, graduating in 2019 before joining AlphaSights, a leading provider of knowledge on-demand, as an Associate and progressing to Manager. Isobelle studied Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham, graduating in 2019 before joining AlphaSights as an Associate and progressing to Manager. Sounds similar? Think again. This week we explore the experiences of two Durham graduates who arrived at their destination in different ways, showing that there is more than one route to success. We also get an insight into the recruitment processes of a globa ..read more

Tobi Bello has 10 years’ experience in the business of sport. Starting at Durham where he studied Sports Science, he went on to complete a Masters in the US and work in football and tennis with the New York Red Bulls and the United States Tennis Association before some time with UNICEF and then his current role at a global sports brand. In this episode we hear Tobi’s story as he talks us through some the highlights of a career in the business of sport, and we see how every step you take really does lead you towards your greatness ..read more

In the final episode of series one I speak with Nicola Short for a special two part episode. Nicola is the Managing Director of Redu group and a recent Durham University Business School MBA. In Part One we discuss Nicola's 28 years of industry experience, with Nicola leading us through her career to date. We find out about how she’s really carved out her own path, not being afraid to pivot and change direction when an exciting opportunity came her way. We also talk about life as an MD and Nicola gives us what I think is a really valuable insight that you might not expect. Enjoy Part One ..read more

In Part Two of our season finale with Nicola Short we dive right into the MBA and Nicola's motivations for deciding to go back to the classroom. We also discuss impostor syndrome, something I know a lot of people have experience of and Nicola was really honest about her own. We get Nicola's tips for overcoming self doubt and the "crisis of confidence" that can come with a big change such as a new job or starting an MBA. Nicola is a huge advocate for women in business and we explore this as well as the coronavirus pandemic, how she got her current role with Redu Group (spoiler alert – she met ..read more

Dr David Brauer from Pittsburgh USA completed a DBA at Durham University Business School in 2015 and his career since then has come as a direct result. He started a business, Priority Bridge, off the back of his doctoral thesis and he's also an academic, taking roles at Universities in the UK and USA, including at Durham. Listen this week as we discuss his decision to study at Durham, how he decided to start his company and the importance of cultural fit during the hiring process. We also explore his multiple academic roles and one of the favourite topics in this podcast - building and maintai ..read more

Shirin Gerami has made an impact. Joining the triathlon society whilst studying at Durham, she went on to be the first woman to represent Iran in the sport of triathlon at a World Championships in London in 2013. Shirin is an example of someone who is able to push past the word "impossible" and discover what is actually possible through persistence, passion and grit. Listen as we discuss her time at University and her entry into the sport that would become her career. We talk about the moment she received approval to represent Iran (the night before the race itself!) and her approach to racing ..read more

This week i speak to Hans Geffert, a graduate from the most recent MBA program in 2018/19. Hans is now back in his native Australia and is working in a social policy role for the Queensland government on strategic projects relating to issues such as concussion in sport and the impact of the coronavirus. As a recent graduate I was keen to speak to Hans about his experience on the MBA program and his approach to life afterwards, including how it felt when the job search began and some of the key factors in the decision-making process when deciding where in the world to live and work. It was grea ..read more

This week I catch up with Anna Champion from her current base in Vietnam. Anna is Head of Early Careers Learning at Jardine Matheson, a family owned conglomerate who she describes as the “best unknown company in the world” with around 450,000 employees worldwide, primarily in Asia. Anna is from Durham University’s “Class of 2000” and she tells me about the initial difficulties she had in securing that elusive first graduate role, before going on to set up graduate schemes and hiring graduates herself for companies including Barclays and Jardines around the world. The irony isn’t lost on Anna a ..read more