Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.
Serial university starter.
What do you like most about your job?
The opportunity to do something new within a sector that is challenged by legacy, tradition and archaic systems – and to drive real change. And to transform young people’s lives, of course…
Best work trip/Worst work trip?
Difficult, as there have been so many. Corny as it sounds, perhaps my best trip is the first trip I ever made – to Cyprus, the British Council Clearing Fair in August 2007. I had just started as Europe officer at London Metropolitan University, and it was my first time ever to travel for work. I can still remember walking into my poolside hotel room in the Hilton Park and pinching myself. I couldn’t believe my luck!
I met some great people that trip (again, poolside, and there may have been some cocktails involved) but mostly, it was a first realisation of how the work we do within this industry really matters. So I guess it was a trip of great promise – and in hindsight, one that cemented my subsequent career, and passion for what I do.
Worst – I could talk about being tear-gassed in Istanbul, stuck in a riot in the West Bank, ducking underneath the passenger seat of a car at a traffic light in Karachi for fear of standing out (as a blonde female) and being mugged, losing my luggage for a total of three months on a simple work trip to Berlin, being pushed against a wall by a frisky, groping male at a conference party who mistook my smile and friendliness for consent… but ultimately we are the sum of all our experiences and even the not-so-good ones make for good reflections and stories to tell.
If you could learn a language instantly, which would you pick and why?
Spanish. I am now at day 1,565 of Duolingo and still struggling. My husband and I got stuck in Spain during the pandemic and randomly ended up buying a house there, so we have been going back and forth a lot ever since. It would make my life a lot easier if I could instantly become fluent.
What makes you get up in the morning?
Birds singing outside my window. An over-enthusiastic dog named Ted Hilton. The sense of duty to complete my Spanish Duolingo lesson (see above).
Champion/cheerleader which we should all follow and why?
So many! In all honesty, I have met so many great people over the years, along the way – some of whom are now very close friends. I think all of us are doing our part in making a difference. But if I were to give one shoutout – one that’s only fitting considering this is The PIE – it’s Amy Baker. From humble beginnings around a kitchen table to what The PIE has grown into now, all with such grace, humility, great insight and kindness, and by building a kick-a*se team.
Best international ed conference and why
I loved the Innovative Universities Summit hosted in Korea by the New Challenge Foundation last year. Not only did it bring together some fascinating, passionate global leaders in the international higher education innovation space, the format was brilliant – intimate, lots of space for meaningful dialogue, and extra-curricular activities such as Makgeolli making and rainforest walks on the island of Jeju. It was possibly also the only four-day conference I ever attended where they gave us a weekend off in the middle to do our own thing. How civilised!
Worst conference food/beverage experience
I must admit, at any big conference such as NAFSA or ICEF or EAIE, I tend to sneak out for lunch. Not only do I despise the queues and the mediocre buffets, but I also like to take that moment in the day to NOT make small talk and find a nice place for lunch to enjoy a meal and glass of wine in silence.
Book or podcast recommendation for others in the sector?
I don’t really peruse any sector-related content, but I can recommend anyone to stick a copy of Alan Watts’ book of quotes There is never anything but the present in their travel bag. A reminder of how we can all benefit to pause and ground ourselves a little bit more in the here and now rather than rushing off to the next thing and find joy in the small things around us. To quote: “Instant coffee is a well-deserved punishment for being in a hurry to reach the future”. Amen.
Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you
It’ll have to be The School of Innovation, an aspiring new university-in-the-making that I am currently consulting for as fractional co-CEO. An ambitious project aiming to launch with a first pilot cohort in the fall of 2025, TSOI is building a new university solely focused on the study, advancement and application of innovation.
