Describe yourself in three words or phrases.
Compassionate, life-long learner and champion of young people.
What do you like most about your job?
I’ve been in the university sector for more than 20 years and I’ve always loved it, but when I worked in-house, there were limited opportunities to engage with stakeholders outside your own organisation. Since moving to Mammoth, I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to work on projects across multiple universities, both those in the UK and abroad. It’s allowed me to build many new relationships and share expertise with the benefit of a global lens; it feels like I have more of an umbrella view than I did before.
Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you.
We’ve recently started working with three North American universities – one in Canada and two in the US – and it’s been fascinating to see how institutions on the other side of the pond are adapting to the shifting global landscape. Obviously, the US is facing very country-specific political challenges at the moment, so that creates an immediate impetus to prove the value of their brands. At a broader level, universities across all areas of the developed world are watching closely as newer institutions in countries such as China challenge the established status quo – working out the best approach for each territory is hugely rewarding and often inspires ideas that translate across borders.
For example, one of our new clients treats alumni and current students as co-owners of its brand, therefore maintaining a continuous process of recruiting and harnessing brand ambassadors. Most institutions are not as active in this type of engagement as they could be, but could benefit greatly from such an approach, especially when it comes to fundraising and student enrolment.
What’s a piece of work you’re proud of – and what did it teach you?
The achievement I’m most proud of is managing to complete an MBA while also working full time and looking after a toddler. For me, continuous learning is much more than a nice to have – it’s fundamental for our forward momentum. Learning is how we uncover the truth; it shows us who we are and what’s important.
Continuous learning is much more than a nice to have – it’s fundamental for our forward momentum
What’s a small daily habit that helps you in your work?
Waking up early. I realised a little while ago that if I let my day start with a toddler wake-up call, the feeling that the day was not my own would linger and so would the sense of not being entirely in control. I decided to take back control of how my day starts, even if that means a 5am alarm. As well as putting me back in the driver’s seat and setting me up for a good day, I’m also convinced it makes me a cheerier mum in the morning.
What’s one change you’d like to see in your sector over the next few years?
I’d like to see a more long-term and joined-up approach to international student migration. In recent years, we’ve seen a number of knee jerk and/or unexpected policy changes that have damaged confidence in international education. When governments change the rules too frequently, it makes it difficult for students and universities alike to plan ahead. This poses a risk to both student mobility and the wider university ecosystem.
What idea, book, podcast or conversation has stayed with you recently?
The big theme that’s been emerging from my conversations with young people lately is AI and how the world is going to be transformed by it. People my age are probably going to make it to retirement without the impact being too great, but I really worry about what it means for young people across the world and how we can best support them with a transition of such significant scale. How can we even hope to help people through that journey when we’ve no concept of what that’s going to look like? I don’t have the answer, but I believe the world of work is going to look very different in future, especially when it comes to entry level jobs.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in this field?
Be kind and expect kindness in return. It’s good advice for life in general and should not be put to one side in a work environment.
