Lead with purpose, shape the future

Insights for higher education leaders

The demands on higher education leaders continue to evolve. Explore expert insights on executive careers, leadership development, governance, organisational change and executive recruitment within universities. Whether you're aspiring to your first senior leadership role or preparing for your next executive appointment, discover guidance to help you lead with impact and confidence.

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An illustration of a manager working at a laptop

How to Hire Managers at a University

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 29.07.2026

Discover how universities can improve recruitment, identify talent and recruit effective leaders for long-term success
Two people shaking hands in front of a window used to illustrate a partnership

Strategic Outsourcing and the Modern University

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 23.07.2026

Discover the pros and cons of using external organisations for recruitment, for REF consultancies, and external examiner roles
A man standing with his hands in his pockets

How to Choose the Right Leadership Style

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 16.03.2020

Discover practical leadership skills to inspire teams, build resilience and become a more effective leader
Two people talking one with a note and another with a question mark above the head to illustrate mentoring

The Joys and Pitfalls of Mentoring

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 31.10.2019

Explore the benefits of mentoring in higher education, from career development to leadership and staff retention
An illustration of a man and his reflection looking in a mirror

Identifying and Developing Talent in Higher Education

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 24.09.2019

Discover how universities can identify, develop and retain staff through effective talent management
A man stood with one foot crossed over the other and a small graph to illustrate success

The Art of Leading in Times of Uncertainty

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 03.07.2019

Discover how leadership strategies can help to inspire teams, support through change, and build success.
Image of three people with thought bubbles representing a discussion

How to Learn the Craft of Coaching

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 22.05.2019

Discover how coaching skills can help higher education professionals develop leadership, development and career success
A individuals sat at a table shaking hands representing a negotiation taking place

Negotiation as a Core Skill for Universities

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 13.03.2019

Discover why negotiation skills are essential for university leaders, partnerships, policy influence and student success
A person holder a frame of an individual with two other frames in the image. Illustrating trying to manage dispersed teams

Managing the Dispersed University

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 15.11.2018

Discover how universities can engage dispersed students, alumni, and communities through digital learning, partnership and innovation
A man looking at a board with a team hierarchy

Building Systemic Resilience Into Your University

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 21.08.2018

How universities can build systemic resilience to mitigate and recover from adversity. From agile responsivity to managing narratives.
A man pensively looking into a void contemplating the current issues in postgraduate provision

Current Issues in Postgraduate Provision

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 20.10.2017

Discover the current issues in Postgraduate provision including quality assurance, post-university earnings, and state-backed loans.
A woman with a legal letter representing the new Trade Union Act 2017

The New Trade Union Act and the University

Mikayla Marriott-Smith | 18.09.2017

Learn about the new Trade Union Act passed into law, including the planned changes and possible affect for universities