The Westminster Business School (WBS) at the University of Westminster recently hosted Vision 2025: Insights from Business Giants on 25 February. This event brought together industry professionals and WBS students, where students had the opportunity to learn about financial management, leadership, generational workplace behaviours, AI's impact on careers and workplace preparation.
This event is funded by the Quintin Hogg Trust and is the first phase of the project titled Next-Gen Business Leaders: Empowering Students through Engagement and Experience. This initiative is designed to enhance student engagement through experiential learning, leadership development and industry collaboration. By integrating student-led activities such as a Business Conference or Leadership and Management Hackathon, the project provides valuable opportunities for WBS students to develop critical skills in teamwork, problem-solving and strategic thinking. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, it fosters inclusivity, professional growth and real-world business experience, ensuring long-term impact for students, faculty and industry partners.
Guest speakers at the event shared valuable insights on navigating the modern business landscape, covering a variety of topics. Founder of the award-winning global platform bizNis International, Farah London shared insights on leadership and resilience in business and advised entrepreneurs to persist when seeking investment as rejection is part of the journey. Her key message was that confidence, perseverance, and continuous growth are key to success. Finance BSc Honours and Finance and Accounting MSc graduate Taha Kaawan provided perspectives on finance and investment strategies. Stephanie Easton, Business Management (Human Resource Management) BA Honours and Human Resource Management MA alumna, focused on HR, leadership development and coaching, while technology strategist and founder advisor Maxim Cramer and entrepreneurial technology leader Matt Collins delved into technology, AI innovations and entrepreneurial strategies. Chandani Radia Bola, Visiting Lecturer at Westminster, shared expertise on marketing, commercial strategy and business growth, and Amit Patel, Creative Director at Experience Haus, highlighted the skills needed to thrive in the digital creative economy while everyone discussed how to be prepared and aware when students look for jobs once they graduate in the near future.
The Q&A session concluding the talks included engaging discussions with students asking practical career-related questions and industry-specific inquiries. One key takeaway was the importance of adaptability and self-awareness as speakers emphasised surrounding oneself with the right people, being proactive and taking advantage of opportunities. A critical discussion revolved around AI’s impact on the banking industry and how businesses must evolve to stay ahead. When asked about career progression, speakers highlighted the value of patience, continuous learning and strategic career moves. The event provided students with actionable career advice and real-world industry perspectives, empowering them with the confidence to take control of their professional journeys.
Nwe Zin Shaung, Lecturer at the School of Management and Marketing, is incredibly proud to have organised Vision 2025 and is delighted by its success. She said: “Vision 2025 was a resounding success, bringing together leading industry professionals and ambitious students for insightful discussions on the evolving business landscape. The event provided a platform for students not only to gain valuable knowledge but also to engage directly with experts, ask meaningful questions and build their professional networks. Seeing students leave with a clearer sense of direction and motivation to take charge of their careers was truly rewarding. These discussions play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. I am excited to create more events like this in the future and encourage everyone to stay updated through university communications. The next event, a Mini-Hackathon, will take place on 11 June, so keep an eye on your emails for more details!”
This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Business and Management courses at Westminster.
Related articles
