The world in which we live, work and do business is changing rapidly. Global trends such as the growth of digital technologies and AI, climate change, and economic and political turbulence are driving changes in the attitudes of consumers and employees, and the need for product and service innovation and new ways of working. This means that, as employers and leaders, we need to transform our organisations and ourselves to better support productivity, people and planet.
This year’s alumni conference will focus on how leaders might drive transformation to ensure organisational, individual and societal resilience. Bringing together academics and business leaders, we will explore themes relating to transformation for competitive advantage, sustainability, employee engagement and individual career success.
Agenda
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Time |
Session details |
|---|---|
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08:30-09:00 |
Registration |
|
09:00-09:10 |
Welcome and contextualising the day Conference Chair: Professor Emma Parry, Professor of Human Resource Management and Head of the Changing World of Work Group |
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09:10-10:00 |
Keynote speaker: Transforming tomorrow starts with us Antony Jenkins CBE (MBA 1988, Honorary Graduate 2015), Chair and CEO, 10x Banking Founder |
|
10:00-10:20 |
Break |
|
10:20-11:20 |
Transforming organisational culture panel Chair: Dr Deirdre Anderson (MRes Management Research 2004, PhD in School of Management 2008), Director of Gender, Leadership and Inclusion Research Centre
Professor Doyin Atewologun (MRes in Management Research 2008, PhD in the School of Management 2011), CEO and Founder of Delta Carrie Cushing (MSc in International Human Resource Management 2012), Chief People Officer, NextEnergy Group |
|
11:20-12:20 |
Navigating disruption: Rethinking strategy for a changing world Chair: Professor Kevin Morrell, Rowlands Chair in Transformational Strategy Professor Andrey Pavlov (MRes Management Research 2006, PhD in Leadership and Management 2011), Professor of Strategy and Performance |
|
12:20-13:20 |
Lunch |
|
13:20-13:25 |
School of Management update Professor Lynette Ryals OBE (PhD in School of Management 2002), Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dean, Cranfield School of Management |
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13:25-14:25 |
Transforming resilience for the future Chair: Professor David Denyer, Professor of Leadership and Organisational Change Rick Cudworth, Board and Executive Director, Resilience First Building resilience is no longer optional – it’s a critical capability for organisations navigating constant volatility and change. Yet many struggle with vague definitions, leaving them unprepared for future challenges. In this session, Resilience First and Cranfield University discuss a practical Model for Organisational Resilience designed to help organisations navigate disruption, sustain long-term success, and adapt effectively to future challenges. |
|
14:25-15:25 |
Growing business sustainably panel Chair: Professor Stephanie Hussels, Director of Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship |
|
15:25-15:55 |
Break |
|
15:55-16:55 |
Keynote speaker: Leading organisational change Warren will draw on his experience leading Rolls-Royce through a period of major modernisation, rationalisation, setting up a fossil fuel-based business for a net zero world alongside challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic and a painfully weak balance sheet. Whilst contrasting and comparing with the leading ARM through an intense period of growth and change, Warren will explore effective strategies for steering organisations through uncertainty. This session offers valuable lessons for leaders looking to inspire transformation and growth in today’s dynamic business environment. |
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16:55-17:00 |
Closing remarks |
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17:00-18:00 |
Drinks reception |
Conference Chair - Professor Emma Parry
Professor of Human Resource Management and Head of the Changing World of Work Group
Emma is Professor of Human Resource Management (HRM) and Head of the Changing World of Work Group. She is a recognised expert in HRM, particularly in relation to the impact of the changing external context on work, the workplace and the workforce. She was named in the Most Influential HR Thinkers by HR Magazine in 2022 and has worked with a range of organisations across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors to help them to take a more evidence-based approach to considering the future of work.
Emma is a Fellow of the British Academy of Management and Academy of Social Sciences, Academic Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and an Honorary Fellow of the Institute for Employment Studies. She is currently the Chair of the British Academy of Management and Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Human Resource Management. Emma has authored or edited several books in the areas of HRM and the changing world of work and has published numerous academic papers and practice focused articles in these areas. She is regularly invited to speak on these topics at scholarly and industry conferences, and to comment on relevant issues for media outlets.
Contact us
Alumni Relations and Development - Cranfield University
Email: alumni@cranfield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1234 754456
www.cranfield.ac.uk/alumni
Previous conferences
Helpful information
Accommodation
Please contact the Cranfield Management Development Centre directly on +44 (0)1234 752709 for accommodation bookings. When booking, quote “alumni” to receive a special rate.
Directions and parking
For directions to the venue please visit our how to find us page. On reaching the campus please follow the signs for AIRC parking.
Please note that the parking scheme in place at Cranfield University does not apply to attendees for this event.
Dress code
The conference is designed to be informal and relaxed, therefore casual dress is appropriate during the day.
Local taxi numbers
Milton Keynes
Skyline: 01908 222 111
Bedford
Skyline: 01234 555 555
Anglia Cars: 01234 320 032
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