S2: Episode 1 | Building a Highly Skilled Workforce for Economic Recovery

Wendy sits down with Professor Catherine Ross, Chief Scientific Officer, Scottish Government and Non-Executive Director Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Greg McCann, Executive Director of FinTrU North West and Dr Shirley Barrett, Acting Head of Department of Global Business and Enterprise, Ulster University Business School to examine the latest trends influencing health and wellbeing in business, and how companies can create healthier, more supportive work environments. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Ulster University Derry ~ Londonderry campus.

Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming a common thread in our daily life, revolutionising how we work, live, and interact. Wendy Austin sits down with leading academics and industry experts to explore how AI is transforming industries, and the challenges and opportunities that it presents to business.

Stimulating entrepreneurship remains an important challenge for Northern Ireland. In this episode, the first in a brand new series, former BBC broadcaster and journalist Wendy Austin is joined by a diverse panel of experts; Marie Doyle, Partner, Deloitte, Mat Hunter, Co-CEO, Plus X and Tim Mescon, Visiting Professor, Ulster University Business School, for an insightful discussion on the topic. You will hear from a diverse panel of experts who will discuss the topic of entrepreneurship in both a global and local context. The podcast was recorded in-front of a small live audience at the new Academy Restaurant at Ulster University Belfast Campus on 24th October 2023. 

In this episode, we explore how SKILL UP, a fully funded skills programme, is helping thousands of people across Northern Ireland take their career and business to the next level – featuring Graeme Wilkinson, Director of Skills, Department for the Economy, Joanne Ferguson, Director, CME Group, Emer Maguire, award-winning Musical Comedian and Sean O Fithcheallaigh, Design Engineer, Sensata Technologies. (Panel event and podcast recording) 

In this episode, we hear best practice and guidance from leading experts and practitioners on the front line of sustainable business in Northern Ireland - featuring Chris Martin, Head of Sustainability UK, Danske Bank, Brian Reid, CEO, Deli lites and Lynsey Hollywood, Senior Lecturer at Ulster University Business School.

Accessing and keeping the right talent is one of the most challenging issues currently facing businesses today. Join our special guests to explore the strategies leaders can use to build more engaged and energised workforces.  Featuring René Carayol MBE, globally recognised keynote speaker and executive coach, Caroline van der Feltz, HR Director, Danske Bank, and Judith Wylie, Senior Lecturer, Ulster University Business School.  

Recorded live at Ulster University’s new Belfast campus, in this episode Wendy Austin explores how Degree Apprenticeships are being used by local employers within the services sectors to attract, engage and upskill talent. Featuring Andy McKibbin (Partner, Deloitte), Rory McFadden (Senior Analyst, Deloitte), Darren Burrows (Founder and CEO, Funds-Axis), Stacey Irvine-Herald (Senior HR Business Partner, Danske Bank) and Clark Barnes (Project Analyst, Danske Bank).

In this episode, Wendy Austin sits down with Justin Urquhart Stewart, Co-Founder of Seven Investment Management and Business Commentator, Professor Gillian Armstrong, Associate Dean, Development and Partnerships (Domestic), Ulster University Business School and Kevin Kelly, Co-Owner of the Management and Leadership Network to explore leadership trends and what this means for managers and leaders in Northern Ireland. This episode was recorded live at Ulster University's new Belfast campus ahead of the Management and Leadership Network's 20th Anniversary Gala.

What is the future for a sustainable higher education?In this episode recorded live at the new Academy Restaurant (Ulster University), Wendy Austin speaks to Stephen Spinelli, President of Babson College, Tina Mc Kenzie, Chair, FSB, Roger Pollen, Head of External Affairs NI, FSB and Professor Mark Durkin, Executive Dean at the Ulster University Business School to discuss the future of higher education and the value of strategic partnerships in this new era.

From bridging higher level skills gaps to improving organisational productivity, Degree Apprenticeships provide valuable opportunities to recruit new talent and upskill in key sectors of the economy. In this episode, host Wendy Austin speaks to Deborah Stevenson, People and Operations Director at PwC UK, Judith Wylie, Senior Lecturer at Ulster University Business School, Dermot Dempster, Managing Director, Clonallon Laboratories LTD and former apprentice, Johnny Mooney, Consultant, Deloitte to help demystify the world of degree-level apprenticeships for young people and businesses.