The free online events are a brilliant opportunity for anyone interested in leadership to gain knowledge and insight

New series of Leading Edge Fireside Chats to ‘dig deeper into fascinating leadership stories’

Leaders from a wide range of backgrounds will reflect on the challenges, innovations and insights underpinning their careers for the new series of Leading Edge Fireside Chats.

The Leading Edge Fireside Chats are free online events open to all, including current MBAs, alumni, and local stakeholders

They are organised through The Exeter MBA and hosted by Ciara Eastell OBE, an organisational change consultant and Professor of Practice at the University of Exeter Business School.

The new series of Leading Edge Fireside Chats aims to dig deeper into the fascinating leadership stories of the guest speakers, providing an invaluable window into the formative experiences that shaped them as leaders. 

The series kicks off on 28 March with Melanie Keen, Director of the Wellcome Collection, who will talk about her career in the arts and cultural sector and how her leadership style has changed over the past 10 years in the face of an ever-changing external environment.

Then, on 25 April, the disability advocate, broadcaster and cultural consultant Andrew Miller MBE will share his story of raising the profile of disability over the past 30 years and talk about his mission to democratise the creative industries by championing inclusion and representation.

The final Fireside Chat in the series, on 23 May, will be given by Dr Fiona McNae, Managing Partner at InSites Consulting, who will look back at her leadership journey as an entrepreneur, scientist and expert in helping brands and organisations answer the toughest questions through thoughtful and provocative conversations.

Ciara Eastell said: “I’m looking forward to hearing from these unique and inspiring leaders, who have a story to tell, advice to share and a lesson we can all learn from. This is a brilliant opportunity for anyone interested in leadership to gain knowledge and insight from some of the best.”

The Leading Edge Fireside Chats are organised through the University of Exeter Business School’s flagship MBA programme The Exeter MBA.

Jackie Bagnall, Director of The Exeter MBA, said: “Our MBA learning community is committed to hosting events with exceptional speakers and fresh perspectives on issues pivotal to leading responsible businesses.

“The latest series of our successful Leading Edge Fireside Chats promises to continue sparking debate and fuelling the imagination. Anyone interested in big ideas and new perspectives should join us.”

Register for The Leading Edge - Fireside Chat Series 2022 here.

Date: 7 March 2022