Date/Timing: Monday 24th of March 2025: 9:15 AM – 3:55 PM

Venue: Room M- TR401/TR 402/TR 403/TR 404/TR 405 – LG  

Theme: Bridging the Skills Gap: Aligning Academic Learning with Industry Needs and ensuring clarity of respective roles in skills development.

Please note the following programme is subject to change.

Date/Timing: Wednesday 26th of March 2025: 9:15 AM – 3:55 PM

Venue: Room 322

Theme: Bridging the Skills Gap: Aligning Academic Learning with Industry Needs and ensuring clarity of respective roles in skills development.

Please note the following programme is subject to change.

Michael Doolin: Keynote Speaker for Birmingham

Michael Doolin, a seasoned HR business leader with over 35 years of experience, founded Clover HR in 2017 with a vision to infuse real value into businesses. Before establishing the business, Michael held influential roles as HR Director at prominent companies such as DPD, PwC, and British Airways. He’s an expert in the areas of recruitment, HR employment law, reorganisation and change, HR infrastructure, and policy and procedure development, with a real passion in advocating the importance of employee engagement.

Emmanuel Asuquo: Keynote Speaker for London Moorgate

Emmanuel is a qualified Financial Adviser with over 15 years in the industry and stands as a beacon of financial literacy. Renowned for captivating talks that have reached over 50,000 people nationwide; he has graced major media platforms and served as a financial expert on BBC Radio, Channel 4, Jeremy Vine and ITV, putting him in the homes of millions of viewers across the UK. The Founder of the Eman Effect and a partner at Belvedere Wealth Management, he empowers individuals, families, and businesses towards financial independence. Emmanuel is also the author of the Amazon bestseller, "Get Your Money Right," which demystifies finance and promotes a healthy money mindset. As an ambassador for the NSPCC, Prince's Trust, and My Bnk, Emmanuel is committed to imparting financial wisdom, breaking the chains of economic hardship through financial education and becoming the financial adviser to the nation.

David Gessing

David is an award-winning Mortgage Broker and Specialist Finance Associate Director at LDN Finance. With extensive expertise in the mortgage market and home-buying process, he has guided hundreds of first-time buyers, home movers, and property investors through their property journeys. David is passionate about providing tailored financial solutions and simplifying complex mortgage transactions. His industry knowledge and client-focused approach make him a trusted expert in property finance.

Ali Soufan

Ali is a London-based social media marketing consultant with a diverse background of skills across marketing and AI. He obtained a BSc in Computer Science and AI from The University of Nottingham and an MSc in Entrepreneurship from UCL. He previously worked at Deloitte as an Analyst across business, data, and marketing functions, and began his freelancing career working with the Saudi Arabian consultancy Strategic Gears on a Ministry of Media project. His recent clients include a seven-figure e-commerce brand based out of Amsterdam, influencers and content creators, and London-based marketing agencies. Ali has also been creating content on TikTok across multiple accounts for a few years now, using the power of personal branding to attract clients and build his network.

Matthew Selman

Matthew Selman is a corporate fitness & wellbeing advisor, mental health & motivational orator, and Director of Level Up Incorporated, a learning & development company supporting young people through career advisement and personal growth, grounded in Christian faith. Inspired by the film Concussion, he studied psychology at Brunel University London, where he also became a personal trainer. He is now pursuing a Master’s in Neuroscience & Psychology of Mental Health at King’s College London. His passion for fitness and mental health led to a role at HSBC as a Fitness & Wellbeing Advisor, where delivering seminars ignited his speaking career.

Lordwin Anim

Having inspired countless young minds, students, and corporate professionals from such prestigious organizations as Salesforce, The Prince’s Trust, and VaynerMedia – and formerly serving in esteemed roles at Microsoft and as a dedicated secondary school teacher – Lordwin Anim is on a transformative mission. He is driven by a profound belief that every individual is uniquely gifted and imbued with intrinsic value, making them an answer and a vital solution to the pressing questions and urgent problems of our generation His approach is not merely about self-discovery but about maximising the potential that lies within everyone, thereby fostering a more effective society and creating a more fulfilling life for everyone. His dynamic sessions are designed to help you uncover the hidden treasures within, often leaving you wondering, "What if I am capable of more than I ever imagined?" Join Lordwin on this journey of self-realization and empowerment. Discover the profound impact you can make when you truly harness the unique gifts you possess. Are you ready to unveil the treasure within you? The adventure of your lifetime awaits.

Jonathan Reid

Jonathan Reid is the founder of Reidentify, a podcast agency helping brands and individuals amplify their income, influence, and impact through leveraged podcasting. As a public speaker, he shares his journey, insights, and strategies on his podcast Vitamin U and delivers impactful talks at events and top companies across the UK.

Robert Klutse

Robert Klutse is an international public speaker and renowned public speaking coach, dedicated to helping business owners overcome their fear of public speaking. With a wealth of experience, he empowers professionals to communicate with confidence and impact. In addition to his coaching expertise, Robert is a corporate professional, serving as a project manager at one of the world's largest tech companies. Passionate about people, leadership development, and faith, he is committed to inspiring others to reach their full potential. His dynamic approach and deep industry knowledge make him a sought-after mentor and speaker on global stages.

Rebecca Schrod

Rebecca leads the Graduate Recruitment & Trainee Development Team at an international law firm, Reed Smith. She is responsible for attracting, recruiting and developing the firm’s future talent, as well as focusing on DEI and the firm’s SQE programme. Prior to Reed Smith, Rebecca spent 8 years working in Higher Education, including at the University of Law.

Julian Greenaway

Julian is a Regulatory Compliance Manager at HSBC, a global financial institution. His niche is Equities trading, commonly known as stocks and shares trading. He has an educational background in law, and a background in martial arts. Julian has undertaken several business ventures over the past 5-6 years.

Usman Ghani

Usman Ghani Yousuf is a finance professional and career mentor dedicated to helping international students navigate the UK job market. With an MSc in Finance and experience across investment management, treasury, and analytics, he has secured competitive roles while overcoming the challenges of being an international graduate. Through mentoring and sharing strategic insights, he has helped others unlock opportunities and grow with confidence. He believes that by guiding others, we not only help individuals succeed but also contribute to a stronger, more inclusive society. Passionate about leveraging AI in career development, Usman is committed to driving impact through knowledge-sharing and continuous learning.

Dr Andres Perez Ruiz

Dr Andres Perez Ruiz, Associate Professor, is a senior academic leader currently serving as the Director of The University of Law Business School (ULBS), with over two decades of experience in academia and leadership roles within a variety of business schools and activities spanning three continents. His journey in academia began after a successful career as a Barrister, where he transitioned to executive management roles at the c-suite level within the dynamic tourism, real estate, and internet industries. In 2000, Dr Perez redirected his career path towards higher education, assuming the role of Director of Programmes at the Malaga campus of San Telmo Business School in Spain, with activities in South Spain and Morocco, and close links with schools in South America. His international experience expanded as he ventured to the UK in 2014, serving as the MBA Programme Manager and Dubai MBA Director at Cass Business School, now known as Bayes Business School (City, University of London), renowned globally for its excellence in business education, top ranking positions and triple crown accreditation. Since May 2019, Dr Perez has led The University of Law Business School, overseeing its academic and executive strategies across multiple campuses including London Bloomsbury, Moorgate, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Online. Additionally, the ULBS extends its reach through partnerships in Germany. Dr Perez holds a distinguished educational background comprising a BSc in Economics and Business, an LLB, an MBA, and a PhD in Business, with a thesis focused on Strategy in Business Schools, and a Doctorate in Education at UCL (EdD), with a thesis investigating the collaboration between industry and business schools in the UK. As an academic, Dr Perez specialises in Services Strategic Management, employing the case method to impart knowledge and foster critical thinking among students. His dedication to innovative teaching methodologies was acknowledged in 2019 when he was shortlisted for the Academic Impact Awards at City University in the Most Innovative Teaching category. He has also co-authored a book with acclaimed IESE Professor Luis Huete and contributed numerous articles and cases to the academic discourse. Dr Perez chairs The University of Law Research Proposal Committee and the Business School Senior Management Team. He has recently been awarded as GUS Fellow, with a project aimed to foster the use of the case method across universities in India, Canada and the UK. Dr Andres Perez's commitment to excellence in education and his extensive contributions to academia exemplify his passion for shaping future business leaders and fostering impactful collaborations between academia and industry.

Patrick Johnson

Patrick is Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Success, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Law and joined in January 2021 after working for 20 years at the University of Manchester. He is a member of the University Executive Board and has specific responsibility for the student experience. EDI, Wellbeing, Student Support Services, Employability, the Students’ Union and Widening Participation fall under his remit. Patrick also has over a decade of experience in the field of careers information, advice and guidance. This role included working with major graduate employers to develop ‘Positive Action’ initiatives such as mentoring and internships targeted at underrepresented groups, to help increase their employability.

Aruna Verma

Aruna Verma is a distinguished lawyer, associate professor, and Campus Dean at The University of Law, Moorgate. With a strong background in legal education and practice, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of legal professionals. Aruna is known for her contributions to legal scholarship, mentorship, and commitment to advancing diversity in the legal profession. Her leadership ensures that the Moorgate campus remains a hub for aspiring solicitors and barristers. Aruna also sits as a Chair at The Valuation Tribunal and the Chair of Governors at a local school. Aruna is a trained mediator and online dispute resolution specialist.

John Watkin: Panel Discussion Moderator

John Watkins is a qualified Chartered Accountant who spent 15 years in a professional services firm as a business adviser, department head and running the learning and development directorate. John designed recruitment processes for school-leaver entry, graduate roles and experienced hire and oversaw the professional training and personal skills development of all staff. Initially he brought his experience of the employer perspective into Higher Education by supporting the development of university skills and employability awards, before moving into the sector and spending three years as Director of Careers Service at the University of Surrey. John took up his current role as Director of Employability at the University of Law in the summer of 2015. He has responsibility for supporting students as they consider their career options and navigate recruitment processes as well as ensuring that academic learning is complemented by enhancement of the skills demanded by employers for optimal performance in the workplace. John also contributed to the work of the Surrey Employment and Skills Board as Deputy Chair from its inception in 2013 until 2021 when it was re-branded. The Board had representatives from employers, local authorities, schools, colleges and Universities with an ambition to raise skills levels to meet the current and future needs of businesses. John was Runner Up in the Amateur Sports Commentator of the Year as a teenager and spends much of his working week ‘broadcasting’ in front of a wide range of audiences. He is actively involved with his local Cricket Club and a Governor at a Girls Independent School.

Emma Croom

Prior to her work in the HE sector, Emma enjoyed a successful B2C business career for over 25 years as a senior leader within 4 large multi-national corporations, including 9 years as a freelance Business Consultant. Her industries experience is largely in service industries, including Financial Services, Retailing and other Consumer Services, although she has also worked in Consumer Durables within the Motor, Cycling and Home Décor sectors, with physical products/ brands. Areas of specialism include: Consumer Marketing and Branding, Corporate Strategy, Business Planning, Buying and Merchandising and related commercial business disciplines. She also has experience in leading matters of Corporate Governance and Regulatory Compliance.

Shabnam Sheikh-Waseem

Before joining HE, Shabnam has worked in customer facing roles for national organisations. She has extensive experience in the home moving industry from marketing homes through to 1:1 consultations and setting up purchase programmes suitable for clients. One of her roles has been a QA assisting with standardisation across international partners to ensure consistency of programmes. She has a number of years of experience in the insurance industry, playing a part as B-C and B-B offering packages tailored to customer requirements following regulations and current policies in place. Areas of specialism include: Corporate Governance, Regulatory compliance, marketing & Sales and QA.