The Boardroom - meet the speakers 2025
Meet the globally leading alumni who'll be delivering masterclasses at The Boardroom 2025, and learn more about what each session will cover.
Welcome to The Boardroom 2025
Thursday 28 August, 6-7pm
This opening session marks the official start of The Boardroom 2025 programme and will begin with a welcome address from Lizzie Ruse, Head of Alumni Volunteering at the University. You will be guided through the programme's structure, key speakers, and event logistics, and introduced to the core skills that will help you make the most of your experience. The session also provides a valuable opportunity to connect with your fellow graduates, and begin building the network that will support your journey throughout the programme and beyond.
Global Consulting and the Power of Behavioural Science
Jez Groom (BSc Biochemistry, 1991) - Founder & International CEO of Cowry Consulting
Tuesday 2 September, 6-7pm
Meet Jez Groom, a world-renowned behavioural science practitioner. With over 14 years of experience, Jez has pioneered real-world solutions to drive impactful behaviour change - from deterring crime with baby-faced murals, to improving hygiene in unexpected places.
As the author of Ripple: The Big Effects of Small Behaviour Changes in Business and an Honorary Research Fellow at City University London, Jez will share invaluable insights on how behavioural science can revolutionise global consulting and empower organisations to create meaningful change at scale.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leader at the forefront of this transformative field!
Leading Complex Projects: Lessons from clinical trials for any career path
Thursday 4 September, 6-7pm
Meet Sarah Flude, an expert in leading complex clinical trials across a range of therapeutic areas. With a career built on delivering high-quality projects with diverse teams and rigorous standards, Sarah brings a wealth of experience in research design, governance, and project management.
Now a Research and Development Manager at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, she's passionate about improving healthcare and will share practical lessons on planning, collaboration, and problem-solving. These aren't just for clinical research - Sarah's insights will help you tackle ambitious projects in any professional field.
Don't miss this chance to learn transferable skills from a seasoned leader.
Sarah Flude (BA Social Policy, 2016 & MA Social Research, 2017) - Research and Development Manager at Sheffield Children's Teaching Hospital
Designing a Better World: Leadership Lessons from Sustainable Innovation
Nikita Bansal (MA Sustainable Architecture, 2018) - Senior Sustainability Consultant at Hilson Moran
Tuesday 9 September, 6-7pm
Join Nikita Bansal for an insightful session on sustainable leadership, focusing on enhancing human health, well-being, and building performance.
With a passion for creating sustainable, people-centered spaces, Nikita will share how her technical expertise in the built environment illustrates broader leadership principles applicable to any field. Learn the business case for sustainability, and gain practical advice on how new graduates can integrate responsible leadership into their careers from day one.
This is a chance to discover how you can contribute to a better future, no matter your profession!
Navigating Tomorrow: Leadership in Tech for the Next Generation
Thursday 11 September, 6-7pm
Join Bella Abrams, CTO of JISC, for a deep dive into leadership within the technology landscape of the education and public sectors.
Explore how technology serves as a catalyst for national progress in education, research, and innovation. Bella will share the unique challenges and rewarding opportunities of leading IT and data services in large-scale institutions, and the skills needed to drive meaningful digital transformation, foster resilience, and ensure operational excellence.
Don't miss this chance to learn from a leader at the forefront of driving digital transformation and innovation within the public and education sectors.
Bella Abrams (BA History, 1999 & Executive MBA, 2011) - Group Chief Technology Officer at Jisc
Marketing, Media and Making an Impact
Lucie Cave (BA English Literature, 1995) - Chief Creative Officer at Bauer Media, and Jason Spencer (BA Philosophy, 1995) - Business Development Director at ITV
Tuesday 16 September, 6-7pm
Gain invaluable insights into leadership in media and marketing from two distinguished alumni: a Chief Creative Officer and a Business Development Director.
This candid conversation will bridge creative vision with commercial strategy, revealing key leadership qualities and adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry.
Learn practical skills and mindsets essential for any graduating student aiming for success in today's fast-paced creative and commercial landscape.
Fostering Inclusive Workplaces: A Judge's Journey
Thursday 18 September, 6-7pm
How can you contribute to a truly inclusive future? Join Amanda Stevens, a Master Judge in the Queens Bench at the Ministry of Justice, for a powerful discussion on building Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) in the workplace.
Having forged an unconventional path to her esteemed position, Amanda offers unparalleled insights into the challenges and triumphs of fostering diverse environments.
This session will go beyond theory, equipping you with the understanding and tools to actively shape workplaces where everyone belongs and can thrive, all while exploring values-based leadership and the importance of managing yourself and others effectively on this crucial journey.
Master Amanda Stevens (Economics, Social History, & Geography, 1981) - Master in the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court
Taste of Success: An entrepreneur's story
Tendai Taruvinga (MArch Architecture, 2016) - Founder of Veafy
Tuesday 23 September, 6-7pm
Join an inspiring session with British entrepreneur, chef, and University of Sheffield graduate, Tendai Taruvinga, founder of Veafy - a plant-based food brand revolutionising African cuisine with technology.
After a career pivot in 2019, Tendai blended his passion for authentic cooking with digital innovation to deliver delicious, vegan-friendly African meals across the UK.
An award-winning food tech pioneer and recipient of Innovate UK's Young Innovators Award, Tendai champions sustainability and diversity in the food industry. Discover how he's making culturally rich, plant-based cuisine more accessible through tech-driven solutions.
From Campus to Campaigns: Public Affairs & Partnerships
Thursday 25 September, 6-7pm
Join us for an insightful journey with Luke Impett, who transitioned from graduate internships to the heart of government and major national campaigns.
Working in the Civil Service at the Cabinet Office, Luke built expertise in constitutional relations, trade, and devolution. He played a key role in significant events such as Scottish Independence, Brexit, and the COVID-19 response. Embracing his passion for travel, he now leads public affairs and partnerships for Northern Europe at Airbnb.
Discover how his diverse experience, from high-level policy to global tech, shaped his dynamic career. Learn invaluable lessons on navigating complex landscapes and building impactful relationships in public affairs.
Luke Impett (BA Politics & History, 2010) - Senior Public Affairs and Partnerships Lead at Airbnb
Crafting Your Story of Impact and Influence
Adeola Solanke (BA English Literature, 1984) - Founder and Writer/Producer at Spora Stories
Tuesday 30 September, 6-7pm
This masterclass, led by distinguished alumna, playwright, and lecturer Ade Solanke, explores the powerful link between storytelling and leadership. Drawing from her journey from Sheffield to Hollywood, Ade will show how crafting compelling narratives applies to shaping your professional path, leading change, and building connections.
Learn to articulate your vision and inspire others by understanding your career's 'plot points' and influence. Ade will discuss how promoting untold stories, as with Spora Stories, drives innovation and inclusion.
Discover strategies to 'write your own script' for success, overcome challenges, and communicate your unique value. Empower yourself to author your professional journey and lead with purpose.
Beyond the CV: Standing Out in the Age of AI
Thursday 2 October, 6-7pm
Join Danielle Clark, a Global Talent Leader at eBay with a wealth of experience across the entire talent lifecycle, for a dynamic session designed to help you launch your careers.
With a purpose to help people reach their full potential, Danielle's career spans recruitment, talent management consulting with leading firms, and heading in-house talent teams at Adobe, Fastly, and eBay. She's an expert in connecting every aspect of the talent lifecycle to drive business performance.
Danielle will share her insider knowledge on how to stand out to recruiters in today's competitive landscape. Discover how AI is evolving our understanding of skills and work, and learn practical strategies to showcase your unique value.
Danielle Clark (BA History and American Studies, 2003), Global Talent Leader at eBay
