Nottingham Business School Business Leaders

Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast Episode 65 Dr Anino Emuwa – Why women leaders face unconscious bias SUMMARY Dr Anino Emuwa is an entrepreneur, academic and thought leader. She is also a passionate advocate for women in leadership. In Episode 65 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast, Dr Anino talks to Visiting Honorary Professor Mike Sassi about the unconscious bias faced by women leaders. She also highlights how AI is reinforcing centuries-old stereotypes – and explains why gender-balanced leadership benefits everyone in society. INTRODUCTION • Dr. Anino Emuwa is a distinguished international management consultant, renowned for her expertise in women's leadership, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies. • She has more than 25 years of experience spanning corporate banking, consulting, and academia. She has significantly contributed to promoting gender diversity and leadership excellence globally. • She is founder and Managing Director of the Avandis Consulting, a strategy and financial advisory firm based in France, specialising in empowering leaders and entrepreneurs. • Dr Anino is also founder of 100 Women@Davos, a global community of women leaders, collaborating with the World Economic Forum to foster leadership and innovation. • She is also founder of the African Women CEOs Network, a pan-African platform connecting over 500 women CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and leadership. • Dr Anino has served on the board of Nottingham Trent University since 2022. • She has a Doctorate in Business Administration from Nottingham Business School, focusing on women's leadership and entrepreneurship; an MBA from Cranfield School of Management; and a BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics. • She serves on the Expert Advisory Group on Diversity and Inclusion of the Institute of Directors and holds a Fellowship of the Chartered Management Institute. • Dr Anino was born in Nigeria and has lived and worked in six countries. She is fluent in English and French. • Since 2023 she has been a LinkedIn Top Voice (invitation-only group of professional experts, worldwide) on Gender Equity. Her posts are extremely well read. TEN LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS from Dr Anino Emuwa 1. Leadership is about creating value for others… "Leadership is not about personal glory but about driving positive change." 2. Early role models are important… "Growing up with my mother [a senior lawyer], I considered it completely normal that a woman could have a successful professional career." 3. Effective leadership combines assertiveness with empathy… “There’s a misconception that certain leadership qualities like assertiveness and decisiveness are inherently masculine. Research shows that both men and women possess these traits.” 4. Unconscious biases affect perceptions of leadership… "There’s an experiment in schools where children are asked to draw a scientist, an astronaut, or a surgeon… and 90 per cent draw men." 5. Diverse leadership teams perform better… “Studies from organisations like McKinsey have shown that companies with gender-balanced leadership perform better." 6. Despite their qualifications, women face leadership bias… “This unconscious bias means women are often overlooked for leadership roles even when they have the requisite skills and potential." 7. Gender equality impacts societal well-being beyond work… "In more gender-equal societies, even male suicide rates are lower. This shows that inclusivity and balanced leadership have benefits that extend beyond just individual companies." 8. Women must develop robust professional networks... "Women very often do not have the kinds of networks that are essential in business. They frequently end up growing their businesses alone." 9. Everyone should advocate for inclusive AI development… "Unless we’re very careful, AI can institutionalise gender biases from historical data." 10. Women make good leaders… "Women need to be confident in their ability to lead – and I’m passionate about helping them realise that." RELATED LINKS • Dr Anino Emuwa is a LinkedIn Top Voice, for gender equity. [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdr-anino-emuwa%2F&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7Cde98cc43b604423e505d08dd7ad433f5%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638801774006964372%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=AavZxFJyQDTQGoHS4Rl5QYFEqZNR%2BznK624%2BKZ8Jgv8%3D&reserved=0] • Dr Anino is a member of the Institute of Directors, where she serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Group. [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iod.com%2Fresources%2Finclusion-and-diversity%2Fdr-animo-emuwa%2F&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7Cde98cc43b604423e505d08dd7ad433f5%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638801774006986802%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8dfO3xNhFki3Gzw%2B5gP4qJRWKA%2BIV4xjAD%2BGwWzEaAk%3D&reserved=0] • Dr Anino is an international management consultant. She founded the company Avandis Consulting [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.everywoman.com%2Fmy-development%2Fday-life-international-management-consultant-dr-anino-emuwa%2F&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7Cde98cc43b604423e505d08dd7ad433f5%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638801774006999504%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4lr3WOiIILhqgPwlw66Mlfc%2FxLPUZQsk0YVC6Ym2v2g%3D&reserved=0] If you enjoyed this episode NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with Dr Anino Emuwa, listen to previous episodes with… * City banker Dr Heather Melville OBE [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=utfy1p4cho] * The Chair of the English Football Association Debbie Hewitt MBE [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=ezag749mo5] * The founder of the School of Artisan Food Alison Swan Parente MBE [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=av728r43ez] * The CEO of the Chartered Institute of Management Ann Francke OBE [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=tv91d66a60]

Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast Episode 64 Anton Roe – How the best companies grow their own future leaders SUMMARY Anton Roe first joined the fledgling MHR payroll software company as an apprentice, on a £27-a-week Youth Training Scheme. More than 30 years later, Anton is now the company’s CEO – and MHR software pays the salary of more than three million people across Britain. In Episode 64 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast, Anton tells Visiting Honorary Professor Mike Sassi about his rise from tech trainee to strategic leader. He passionately believes that chief execs are only as good as the teams of colleagues they build around them. Which is how the best companies nurture talented staff – and grow their own future leaders. INTRODUCTION • Anton Roe is Chief Executive at Nottingham-based HR, payroll and finance technology company MHR International. • MHR manages human resources for companies, councils, universities and Government departments – including Admiral, Trailfinders, Companies House and the National Gallery. • The company employs more than 900 people, has more than 1,400 customers and provides payroll services to more than three million people. • Anton started at the company as an apprentice analyst, on a Youth Training Scheme, back in the 1990s. • He was appointed Chief Exec in 2017 when the company’s turnover was £50m and it employed 600 people. Today turnover has increased to more than £134m – and in 2024 MHR took on a 900th staff member. • In 2021 MHR was granted a prestigious Royal Warrant for the supply of Payroll and HR Systems to the Royal Household. • In 2024 MHR was one of the Sunday Times’ 100 best places to work in Britain. • MHR was founded by John Mills, in 1984, as Midland Software Limited. His daughter Jessica Mills was appointed Chairman in 2021. LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS 1. Strong leadership means everyone understands what you’re trying to do… “We’ve tried to make sure that what we’re trying to achieve and why it’s so important is absolutely crystal clear and people are on that journey with us.” 2. Good leaders tailor communication for different roles in the business… “How we talk to a team of salespeople is not the [same] way we talk to a team of software engineers or consultants.” 3. You can build a successful career within one company by constantly evolving… “If you’re prepared to move with the times, take on board new ideas, not be afraid of change… absolutely you can [build a career in a single company].” 4. Success in leadership depends on trusting and empowering your team… “No manager, no matter how capable they are, can survive if they haven’t built a good team of people around them... All good business leaders surround themselves with people who’ve got skills they don’t have. No person is an island." 5. Effective problem-solvers understand the challenge… “First port of call is to absolutely understand what the problem is before you rush to the solution.” 6. Successful leaders embrace continuous learning… “I needed to push myself into areas that maybe I wasn’t necessarily comfortable with. Also not be afraid to accept that the skills I had were quickly getting out of date.” 7. Long-term investment creates stability and reduces friction in leadership decision-making… “We reinvest 20 per cent of our turnover back into the business… my job is to make sure we spend that money effectively, but we’re constantly moving the company forward.” 8. Don’t be afraid to delay decisions if something isn’t ready… “[On one occasion] I should have had a grown-up conversation about a software project not being ready to be released to customers, rather than worrying about hitting a date. I learned my lesson!” 9. Let passion for your industry fuel your leadership… “I get excited by opportunities… AI is going to present so many opportunities for people to do so many things differently.” RELATED LINKS • Anton Roe is CEO of MHR International. The company website is here… [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmhrglobal.com%2Fuk%2Fen%2Fabout-us%2Fleadership-team%2Fanton-roe&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C47d25c3207b949fb15c308dd6e259c39%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638787830063511855%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BuokUCyTR8qFspMwn9cvl5wyo1tjKLYq8uhEDHn4fDg%3D&reserved=0] • Anton Roe’s LinkedIn profile is here… [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fantonroe%2F%3ForiginalSubdomain%3Duk&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C47d25c3207b949fb15c308dd6e259c39%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638787830063530741%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yFdEtGoZDIhecQG4vSzrxB7bFLZyZe2lCaAitG9pK2g%3D&reserved=0] • Anton Roe’s profile on business website The Org is here… [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheorg.com%2Forg%2Fmhr%2Forg-chart%2Fanton-roe%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C47d25c3207b949fb15c308dd6e259c39%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638787830063542966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=f7PQdShJ%2BRw2DgQlX6sQI5x69954bnIyh4RQJ1SJjos%3D&reserved=0] If you enjoyed this episode NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with Anton Roe, listen to previous episodes with… • the former VP of Manufacturing at Toyota Europe Marvin Cooke OBE [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=zkf4klnhrx] • the former CEO of e-commerce fashion retailer ASOS Nick Beighton [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=42pd2445c2] • the Chief Marketing Officer at Boots UK Pete Markey [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=5qqpxut795]

Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast Episode 63 SUMMARY Rob Barker – The importance of rational optimism Rob Barker is an entrepreneur, adviser and investor in the international fitness industry. He started his career as a sales rep with Precor – one of the world’s largest suppliers of gym equipment – rising to the rank of President. He then led the team that sold Precor to American fitness giant Peloton for $420m. Rob is now an investor in, among others, billion-dollar fitness tech company EGYM. In Episode 63 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast, Rob tells Visiting Honorary Professor Mike Sassi how he stays optimistic, leads by example… and tries to improve his performance by 15 per cent every year! INTRODUCTION • Rob Barker grew up in Maidenhead and was the first member of his family to go to university. He graduated from Nottingham Trent in 1988. • In his teens and 20s, he was an international-standard rower. • Rob started with American fitness equipment company Precor as a sales representative in London. • He went on to hold various leadership roles, including European Managing Director and eventually President of Precor, overseeing global operations and spearheading innovation in fitness and commercial gym equipment. • In 2020, Rob led Precor’s acquisition by Peloton for $420 million. He served as a senior executive at Peloton post-acquisition. • In 2022 he left Peloton to start a new career as investor in, and advisor to, multiple health and fitness technology firms. • He currently works closely with Munich-based EGYM, a billion-dollar fitness tech company integrating AI into health clubs. He also supports Holmes Place, a premium European health club chain. • Rob has relocated to Portugal with his family and is still an enthusiastic endurance athlete, participating in Ironman triathlons LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Leadership takeaways from Episode 63 of the NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast, with entrepreneur, investor and leisure industry leader Rob Barker. 1. Rational optimism is a leadership mindset… "Rational optimism was the phrase I used all the time – and still do. You need to see things for truly what they are. No sugar coating. But at the same time, always be optimistic that tomorrow is going to be better because of your actions today." 2. Make sure you are surrounded by strong people… "The more senior I got, the more I realized that all of my success was actually in the agency of others... Most successful leaders will surround themselves with people that are better than them – and feel comfortable about it." 3. Candid communication is important… "One thing that was missing at Peloton, is that that didn’t have a culture of candidness that would allow others to come up with a different opinion." 4. Be aware of potential opportunities… "I was working at a leisure centre that had the first gym in Maidenhead. Olympic gold medallist Steve Redgrave opened it… and it was just a squash court, but it was packed! I thought, ‘I'll tell you what the next big wave is in this industry. It's going to be around working out indoors, on machines. I need to get into that.’" 5. Leaders embrace continuous learning… "I created my own training plan, just like a rowing coach would... I started reading marketing books, put myself on the Charter Institute of Marketing, spoke to people and found the gaps [in my learning]." 6. Hard work matters as much as raw talent… "You can always ‘out-work’ people. Including 95% of the people you compete with for jobs.” 7. Successful leaders are visible – and lead by example… "As a leader, you’re always on deck. Your behaviours, your approach, and your actions will always be observed. And the more senior job you get, the higher the radio tower. But you have to start with your own personal performance." 8. Don’t let fear stop you taking big opportunities… "I turned down a job in my earlier career because I was too scared that I might fail. Even though things turned out great, I promised myself I’d never do that again." 9. Always be striving to improve, even when you’re successful… "A lot of people take their foot off the gas when they get to about 30… but if I worked it out that if I just got better 15% every year, [by now] I’d be 268 times better." 10. And Rob’s advice for would-be leaders? "Stay humble. Respect everyone. Seek mentorship – and coaching. But [most of all] be optimistic. Be rationally optimistic! " RELATED LINKS • Rob Barker is an investor, entrepreneur and advisor to the international fitness industry. His LinkedIn profile is here… [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Frob-barker-55004616%2F%3ForiginalSubdomain%3Dpt&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C33b3279adfa44f8b93bf08dd609cdb01%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638772949010996267%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=R3NRKva2vJQ5CrTww5E8xc0UQgX%2FhV1NsdO2lRKMvB8%3D&reserved=0] • As President of Precor, Rob Barker gave a long and detailed YouTube interview about the challenges facing the fitness industry, post-COVID… [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DhW6g8zcDKhw&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C33b3279adfa44f8b93bf08dd609cdb01%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638772949011018783%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=k1ufbDRbzQ1jO%2FaLtIjZnKFB93z3eunXDKi7kRHJSUI%3D&reserved=0] • Rob Barker’s recent guest lecture at Nottingham Trent is here… [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnottinghamtrentuniversity.wistia.com%2Fmedias%2Fmhj55h4jp5&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C33b3279adfa44f8b93bf08dd609cdb01%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638772949011039601%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=TUWUt6Oh4cgLG9U9HLGxWBGNLbBSLwKl3hBpdFGlaG0%3D&reserved=0] If you enjoyed this episode NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with Rob Barker, listen to previous episodes with… • the Managing Director of Seiko UK David Edwards [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=ewy8qno33q] • the Chief Marketing Officer of Boots UK Pete Markey [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?utm_term=NBS&utm_medium=ShortURL&utm_source=ShortURL&utm_campaign=businessleaders&wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=5qqpxut795] • the former VP of Manufacturing at Toyota Europe Marvin Cooke OBE [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=zkf4klnhrx]

Episode 62 Sarah Ellis – Making ‘squiggly careers’ better for everyone SUMMARY Sarah Ellis is co-founder of the pioneering Amazing If company that is revolutionising the way in which people view their careers. She and her business partner Helen Tupper have written two Sunday Times best-selling books about their innovative Squiggly Careers theory. They also host the hugely popular Squiggly Careers podcast. In Episode 62 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast, Sarah tells Visiting Honorary Professor Mike Sassi about recognising that the traditional career ladder no longer exists... and embracing squiggly careers. INTRODUCTION • Sarah Ellis is co-founder (with her business partner Helen Tupper) of Amazing If, a company dedicated to helping people navigate modern, "squiggly careers” through coaching, workshops, and resources. • She is also co-author (with Helen Tupper) of two Sunday Times bestsellers, focusing on career development, adaptability, and professional growth. • Sarah co-hosts the Squiggly Careers podcast, providing career insights, practical advice, and interviews with industry leaders. • Sarah and Helen developed the Squiggly Careers framework, redefining career progression beyond traditional corporate ladders. • Sarah Ellis has worked in leadership roles at several major companies, including Sainsbury’s, Barclays and Boots. • Amazing If works with several global brands, including Microsoft, Unilever, and British Airways, on career development and employee growth. • The company also advocates for internal career mobility, encouraging organizations to help employees "squiggle and stay." • Sarah and Helen are passionate about continuous learning, believing in experimenting, embracing mistakes, and taking ownership of career growth. • Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper first met when they were both undergraduates at the Nottingham Business School. LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS from Sarah Ellis, co-founder of the Amazing if company 1. The traditional Career Ladder is outdated “We develop in different directions. We're unlearning and relearning all the time. There are more opportunities – but there are also more obstacles. Nobody climbs the ladder in a predictable way.” 2. Mentorship is often key for career development “People should think of mentoring informally. Ask yourself, what do I want to learn? And then think, who can help me?” 3. Clarity gives your ideas and actions impact “I would rather people know one thing, know it well and know how to use it… rather than five things where they're kind of ‘all over the place’.” 4. Serendipity can shape careers “There was a brilliant lady called Lisa Thomas… She said to me, ‘Why are you not doing Amazing If full-time?’ And I realised I didn’t have a good answer. I remember thinking, ‘I'm going to be working for a long time, and I’ll always regret it if I don’t give this a go.’” 5. Own your mistakes “Every mistake you make at Amazing If, you share with everyone in the company. It’s never a problem, and it works brilliantly.” 6. Partnerships strengthen leadership “[Co-owner] Helen [Tupper] and I are really different… But what we have in common are our values. And that makes a huge difference in running a company together.” 7. Create, don’t wait! “Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do. Figure out what you’re interested in and take the initiative.” 8. Self-reflection is the key to personal growth “Ask yourself, what matters most? If you can answer that, you can make better decisions, prioritise effectively, and communicate clearly.” 9. Leaders should always be willing to share their career journeys “We assume leaders had a master plan. That’s never true. They’ve said yes to opportunities, done things that scared them, and learned along the way.” 10. Curiosity fuels career progression “Any opportunity you get to spend time with people who are different from you and outside of ‘your ordinary life’ is so useful to broaden your thinking.” 11. Leadership is about enabling others “The best thing a leader can do is create opportunities for others. Help them ‘squiggle and stay’ rather than feel stuck or wait for promotions that may never come.” 12. Learn from every experience “Never live the same year twice. You can stick in the same job but always be thinking about how you can grow and learn.” RELATED LINKS • Sarah Ellis is co-founder – with Helen Tupper – of the Amazing If company [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazingif.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C5ed028b158614eadf22508dd5450e1cd%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638759428554111914%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QBd4Qa92JYdwgvvIIguzBMsnqpPa7DO1r4KAh%2B9Uf8o%3D&reserved=0] • In 2021, Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper delivered a seminal TED Talk about Squiggly Careers [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ted.com%2Ftalks%2Fsarah_ellis_and_helen_tupper_the_best_career_path_isn_t_always_a_straight_line&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C5ed028b158614eadf22508dd5450e1cd%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638759428554131754%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=d4SDDDQFvZ%2FPU7fLIovqkWyGRNxSQqxoWJs3aMSyuRg%3D&reserved=0], inspiring millions with insights on career growth and adaptability. It has been watched by two million people. • In 2024 Sarah Ellis was named on the Women in Leadership Power List [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.managementtodaywomenleadershiplist.com%2Fpower-list-2024&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C5ed028b158614eadf22508dd5450e1cd%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638759428554144881%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=tONRPVB2a8qoQAC9GqsVaw%2BWxl16eUufBdTSlVnWG30%3D&reserved=0], showcasing top female business leaders in the UK. If you enjoyed this episode NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with Sarah Ellis, listen to previous episodes with… • the CEO of Nottingham Building Society Sue Hayes [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=2efczzzgua] • the Chief Marketing Officer of Boots UK Pete Markey [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?utm_term=NBS&utm_medium=ShortURL&utm_source=ShortURL&utm_campaign=businessleaders&wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=5qqpxut795] • former Vice President of Manufacturing at Toyota Europe Marvin Cooke OBE [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast]

Episode 61 Salma Tuqan – Cultural leadership at Nottingham Contemporary SUMMARY Salma Tuqan is Director of Nottingham Contemporary – one of Britain’s most prestigious galleries outside of London. She has worked with arts organistions all over the world, and for eight years was inaugural Curator of Middle Eastern Art at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. During Episode 61 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ podcast, Salma talks to Honorary Visiting Professor Mike Sassi about her cultural leadership, her Palestinian heritage and her fundamental faith in people. INTRODUCTION • Salma Tuqan has been Director of Nottingham Contemporary since 2023. She is a contemporary art and design curator and cultural strategist • In addition to her role at Nottingham Contemporary, she is also a board member at the Rivers Institute in New Orleans and a committee member of the Arab Image Foundation. • Salma spent eight years (2011 – 2019) as the inaugural Middle East Curator at London’s V&A Museum. • She was previously Head of Projects at Arts Dubai international art fair • Salma moved to Britain to go to school. She graduated from Cambridge University with BA and MA degrees in the History of Art. • She was born into a Palestinian family and spent her early years in Kuwait. Her father was brought up in Lebanon – her mother in Libya. LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS from Salma Tuqan On what underpins her leadership… “I fundamentally believe in people. That has carried through my whole career and into my leadership style." On having well-defined personal values… “I feel very strongly about equity, honesty, transparency and social justice. That lends itself hugely to the leadership principles I believe in… which are ultimately all about community." On running one of Britain’s most prestigious galleries outside of London… “It’s challenging, but it's also exciting… creating a diversity of income streams… not being wholly reliant on one source… really thinking about the creative capital that exists within the team." On the skills needed in her leadership role… “It’s about project management. It's about relationship building. It’s about collaboration, And it’s also about fundraising." On the importance of perspective… “[As a leader] you need to have an attitude of putting things in perspective, taking them in your stride. Rolling with things is important." On the importance of planning… “We're developing a business plan ‘til the end of the decade… future-proofing the organization. You need to leave something in a better place than where you found it." And advice for would-be leaders? “Know when to not take things too seriously! There are many instances in my career that I imagined were huge challenges or obstacles. Actually, many turned out to be blessings." RELATED LINKS • There’s more about Salma Tuqan on her website [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsalmatuqan.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C0fcf344d847e43f1043908dd50c10245%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638755512183695208%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mLpupQGIIP163ZOAbReU4pT31gThlyobLdt0T%2BYoYMI%3D&reserved=0] • Salma Tuqan’s LinkedIn pages are here [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fsalma-tuqan-59b7231a%2F&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C0fcf344d847e43f1043908dd50c10245%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638755512183715859%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=aS9d8IL%2BP4F3lVbQTg1PZ6ZLUhIFYF3M2R8arejX01I%3D&reserved=0] • Salma Tuqan is a selection committee member for 2025 Onassis AiR Open Call [https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.onassis.org%2Fpeople%2Fsalma-tuqan&data=05%7C02%7Celeanor.bradley%40ntu.ac.uk%7C0fcf344d847e43f1043908dd50c10245%7C8acbc2c5c8ed42c78169ba438a0dbe2f%7C1%7C0%7C638755512183729185%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1mrc%2BptGpsdYGQW%2BtX%2BJPj5cLjRiwe%2BGDb9E8JlP4%2Fw%3D&reserved=0] If you enjoyed this episode NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with Salma Tuqan, listen to previous episodes with… • the CEO of Nottingham Building Society Sue Hayes [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=2efczzzgua] • the Chief Marketing Officer of Boots UK Pete Markey [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast?utm_term=NBS&utm_medium=ShortURL&utm_source=ShortURL&utm_campaign=businessleaders&wchannelid=1l32jkbyn6&wmediaid=5qqpxut795] • former Vice President of Manufacturing at Toyota Europe Marvin Cooke OBE [https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/academic-schools/nottingham-business-school/business-leaders-podcast]