Embarking on the journey of Management with Business Analytics at Bournemouth University has been nothing short of an adventure sprinkled with learning, growth, and, dare I say, a few thrilling surprises! The course has been an incredible blend of intellectual prowess, practical insights, and those golden nuggets of transferable skills that make every assignment feel like a triumph waiting to happen.

Now, let’s talk about a day that just buzzed with excitement! It was the 2023 Leadership Conference, where hashtags like #LEleadership2023 echoed through the walls, signaling a day packed with insights, inspiration, and a whole lot of learning.

Leadership Business Conference

Imagine this: a gathering of postgraduate business students, and industry leaders who are movers and shakers in their own right, all converging at the City Gate Church in Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth. We had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with luminaries like Hannah Powis, AFC Bournemouth’s Head of EDI and Engagement, the remarkable Dr. Lucy Sheppard-Marks, a BU Lecturer in Sports and Events Management, Cate Battson, the Global Marketing Manager at Mazars, and Anthony Woodhouse, the Chairperson at Hall and Woodhouse, among others.

The session wasn’t just an optional add-on to our curriculum; it was beautifully woven into our Leadership assignment, making it an indispensable part of our learning journey.

Now, let’s dive into the day’s lineup! The speakers, oh boy, they were the highlight reel of the day. We kicked off with Cate Battson, a BU alumnus, who weaved magic as she shared her leadership insights. Then, Dr. Lucy took us on a rollercoaster ride through the world of toxic leadership, giving us a front-row seat to her fascinating professional journey.

But wait, there’s more! A much-needed lunch break re-energized us for a power-packed panel discussion on ‘Leadership and Diversity.’ Picture this: a panel with Hannah Powis, Ben Redgell, BD’s Social Media Manager, and Sandra Sheahan, the Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Director at Merlin Entertainments. Their stories and experiences were not just enlightening; they were game-changers.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, Anthony Woodhouse took us through his leadership development journey, leaving us inspired and awestruck.

Ah, but here’s where the fun truly unfolded! A quiz competition wrapped up the day, testing our learning from the sessions. Sadly, my quiz skills didn’t win me a prize, but the joy on my friend’s face when they did was priceless!

In essence, the day was an adventure, a delight, and an eye-opener. The Business faculty at Bournemouth University orchestrated an industry-standard conference that not only met expectations but surpassed them with a touch of elegance. It was an unforgettable experience, one that I’ll cherish as a cornerstone of my journey through this vibrant academic landscape.

Find out more

Find more about the Bournemouth University Business School here