We have a fantastic line-up of headline speakers for UHR26
We are delighted to introduce our headline speakers for this year’s conference. We’re excited to hear from bold and influential voices who bring fresh perspectives from across our sector and beyond. Their insights will challenge our thinking, spark new ideas and inspire us to reflect on and evolve our practice as we navigate the changing landscape of higher education and people leadership.
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Born with Cerebral Palsy, which affects the movement of his leg muscles, Nicolas was initially a wheelchair user. He endured years of gruelling, painful training so that by the age of 17 he could walk completely unaided. A huge achievement in itself, but this was just the first part of his unwavering determination to become a professional racing driver. Nicolas was told as a child that he would never walk due to his cerebral palsy and would spend his life reliant on a wheelchair. Not one to be told he cannot do things, with determination and gruelling training he not only walked unaided, but he started to realise his dream: to be a racing driver. In a notoriously competitive and tough sport, Nicolas has established himself as a potential future champion, an achievement in any context, but even more so for someone who was told as a child that he would never walk. As well as racing Nicolas is focused on sharing his inspirational story and his belief that your ambition is limited only by your attitude. Delivered in his genuine, down-to-earth, friendly manner, Nicolas’ keynotes recount his personal story of motivation, facing down challenges and overcoming adversity as well the lessons in teamwork that his sport has instilled.
Ritika’s journey is one of remarkable achievement and global impact. Born and raised in India, she pursued an MBA in the UK and successfully navigated the challenges as an immigrant to both Canada and the UK. With over 30 years of experience at Board level across three continents, Ritika has worked with senior stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. Driven by a passion for inclusion and innovation, Ritika founded Prabhaav Global, an organisation dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) for impactful leadership. As a CQ Certified Facilitator, CQ Fellow and Fellow at the Society of Leadership Fellows, Windsor Castle, she is a recognised authority in the field. Ritika's influence extends to her roles as a Strategic Advisory Board member for British Transport Police, Co-Chair of the Culture First Board at Essex Fire and Rescue Services, Trustee and Board Director at the 5% Club, and sought-after global keynote speaker.
Stuart is the creator of Live BIG®, a way of thinking and being that stops us from playing small. A highly sought-after global speaker, trainer, and coach, he takes big ideas and translates them into simple, practical steps that leaders can use to empower themselves and others to do more, be great, love life... and realise their full potential. He has worked in over 30 countries and personally trained over 25,000 leaders at companies ranging from Deloitte and Asda to the BBC and Virgin. Before creating Live BIG® in 2007, Stuart spent 15 years in the broadcast media business. He became the youngest ever Programme Director of a commercial radio station at 24 and soon after, Managing Director of a group of Big City music radio stations, where the Live BIG® Powers were first road tested. At the core of Stuart's work is a belief that we are capable of more than we realise. That we can all lead happy, fulfilled, and meaningful lives. And that work can be a place where people are empowered to achieve remarkable things. Audiences leave Stuart's sessions energised, inspired, and committed to taking action to lead better and live bigger.
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