Honoured to speak at the 20th Anniversary of "Disrupting for Good" on Necker Island,
hosted by Sir Richard Branson & Virgin Unite in 2024, Julian ‘The Ultrapreneur’ Hall is a
prominent figure in entrepreneurship education.
Featured in Forbes, he is the founder of the multi-award-winning Ultra Education CIC, a
social enterprise dedicated to using entrepreneurship as a vehicle to enhance the life
chances of children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Julian began his entrepreneurial journey at just 18 years old, drawing on his background in
technology and investment banking. He is also a best-selling author, having written three
business books.
As an Honorary Associate and Entrepreneur in Residence at The Open University, Julian
has co-written three academic degrees in entrepreneurship. He is also the creator of the
UK’s first mobile game for children’s entrepreneurship, Start-up Dash, and YoBuDi, the
world’s first youth business marketplace.
His contributions extend to being an entrepreneur in residence at some of the UK's top
schools, where he pioneers the integration of entrepreneurship into the curriculum. A
recipient of the inaugural Virgin Unite Founders Award, Julian has been endorsed by Sir
Richard Branson.
He has also been granted Freedom of the City, is a freeman of the Company of
Entrepreneurs, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Additionally, he is a member of
the Association of Business Mentors and the Shakespeare Globe Council, and he
co-founded UkBlackTech.
Julian has been recognised by the British Citizen Award, receiving a medal for his services
to education.More...
Leanne Howe
Educator
Verified
Leanne Howe is a highly respected and dedicated educator with a passion for driving educational success and fostering intellectual growth. With a career spanning over two decades, she has honed her skills in educational settings. With a background in business leanne has delivered business and economics education and still does for a higher education institution in the UK. Leanne moved into education and is responsible for curriculum development initial teacher education, developing teacher education and teaching and staff development. Her expertise is impetigo and practice and especially in the advancement of technology particular use of generative AI. Leanne is undertaking a doctorate in education with the focus of research on the use of generator AI for inclusive education.
Leanne has experience in business in the area of marketing strategic development strategic management and still uses these skills as a director trustee of a charity . Has particular expertise in training and development developing strategic plans marketing plans and business plans as well as developing business solutions particularly those in this sector of education. Leanne also holds an MBA.More...
Amy Nicholas
Associate Lecturer@The Open University
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Amy Nicholas
Remote Career Aspirant | Healthcare, Education, & Charity Sector Professional
Amy Nicholas is an accomplished professional with a diverse background spanning healthcare, education, and mental health support. Based in the UK, Amy excels in remote and hybrid roles, leveraging her strong organisational, leadership, and technical skills to deliver outstanding results across various sectors.
With a career foundation in nursing, Amy has cultivated extensive expertise in women’s health, emergency care, and chronic condition management. She has held leadership roles in both clinical and academic settings, such as her current position as an Associate Lecturer for The Open University’s Pre-Registration Nursing Programme. Amy’s experience extends to education, where she teaches nursing and science subjects to students of varying levels.
Amy’s technical proficiency includes advanced skills in data analysis, quality assurance, and the use of applications such as Word, Excel, SPSS, and EMIS. She is also a highly skilled typist, capable of typing 80 words per minute. Her commitment to mental health support is evidenced by her voluntary roles as a mental health listener and counselor, utilizing CBT and coaching techniques to assist individuals in need.
Core Competencies:
• Advanced clinical practice in healthcare settings
• Educational tutoring, assessment, and individual learning needs support
• Quality assurance, auditing, and policy development
• Leadership in team coordination, patient flow, and operational safety
• Mental health advocacy and counseling skills
Educational Achievements:
Amy holds an MA in Advanced Clinical Practice from Bournemouth University and a PGDip in Psychology from Northumbria University. She also has a BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing and multiple certifications in counseling, mental health first aid, cognitive behavioral therapy, and leadership. Her academic foundation underscores her ability to integrate clinical expertise with teaching, mentorship, and administrative responsibiliMore...
Shahar Shamir
Junior Project Manager
Verified
A problem solving project manager, with 10 years experience in Process improvement, training & mentoring with an "Everything Is Possible" mindset .
Passionate about workflow optimization by delegation.
I am skilled in organizing tasks, managing team resources, and leading groups to ensure that projects are completed on time. Despite being in a junior role, I have a record of impressive leadership skills and the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently. my ability to communicate effectively with team members contributes to the successful completion of projects. My continuous learning mindset and dedication to improving My skills are a valuable asset to any team.
I have also developed and implemented project plans, consistently meeting project objectives. You have proven your ability to work with diverse teams, fostering a collaborative environment that boosts productivity. Additionally, you have shown strong problem-solving skills, resolving project issues promptly and efficientlyMore...
Hayley Reece
Business Improvement Consultant
Verified
Innovative, customer focused, commercially minded, improvement driven.
Experienced in Public Sector and Local Government project management, commissioning and service improvement.
Experienced startup #1 employee and SME, developed services and products and client base which attracted £125m investment.More...
Jonathan Jewell
Associate Lecturer@The Open University
Verified
A versatile professional bridging education, technology, and strategic communication. I develop and deliver engaging content – including PR and communications materials – to enhance educational programmes, support technology implementation, and build stakeholder engagement. I specialize in blended learning approaches, process improvement, and crafting compelling narratives to communicate complex information effectively. Committed to fostering positive change and impactful communication within educational settings.More...
Thecla Mbenga
Team Manager@The Open University
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Thecla Mbenga is currently serving as a Student Recruitment and Support Advisor Team Manager at The Open University, a leading online learning and research institution. With a solid background in customer care/service and management, she has extensive experience in overseeing daily operations and coordinating team activities. Prior to her role at The Open University, Thecla has held various leadership positions, demonstrating her strong strategic planning and project management skills. She has a proven track record in improving operational efficiency and productivity. Thecla is known for her ability to foster a collaborative environment, encouraging innovation and professional growth among her team members. Her passion for education, combined with her leadership skills, makes her a pivotal part of The Open University's success.More...
Sandra Chakunte
Team Manager@The Open University
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Faizan Saeed
Junior Information Analyst@The Open University
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👨🎓 Fresh graduate who aspires to become a data analyst. Moving from a non-technical background to a technical field has been challenging but it keeps me motivated.
👨🏫 I love to teach and I plan to teach analytical tools to college going students in the future so they can have a headstart in their careers.More...
Reagan Salt
Part time Student@The Open University
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I’m a part time Business Management student specialising in finance and accounting. I am looking to gain working experience in the industry to advance my career opportunities.More...
Sally Warner
Student@The open university
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Sally Warner is currently a student at The Open University, an institution known for its distance learning and flexible study programs. She is pursuing her degree with a focus on her chosen field. Sally is hardworking and dedicated, often going the extra mile in her studies. She is also active in various student organizations, showcasing her leadership and teamwork skills. Sally's commitment to her education and personal growth is commendable. She is a promising student with a bright future ahead.More...
With over 14 years of experience as a project manager, I have successfully delivered a range of projects and programmes for public sector, higher education, and commercial clients. I specialise in operational, systems implementation, and business change projects, applying PRINCE2® and Agile methodologies and best practices.
As a project manager at Smitton Consulting, I work on challenging and rewarding projects that require strong project controls and scheduling skills, as well as effective stakeholder management and communication. I enjoy working with a broad range of SMEs and stakeholders, and leading and upskilling project teams, to deliver high-quality outcomes and value for clients.More...
Samuel Lukes
Staff Software Engineer@Doctolib
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I am code craftsman with over 10 years of experience developing high-quality software across various domains. My expertise primarily lies in distributed systems utilizing diverse tech stacks (Java 6–14, Node.js, Ruby on Rails).
I am currently seeking part-time freelance opportunities (evenings/weekends), ranging from resolving specific technical issues to providing architectural guidance or engaging in long-term development projects.More...
Ivan Dunn
Senior Integration Engineer@LGC
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Ivan Dunn is a highly skilled professional currently serving as a Senior Integration Engineer at LGC Company. With a robust background in engineering and technology, Ivan has dedicated more than two decades of his career to developing innovative solutions for complex technical problems and optimizing system performance.
His areas of expertise include system integration, data modelling and process optimisation.
Ivan holds a Master's degree in Software Engineering and regularly enhances his skills through continuous learning and professional improvement.
He has also been involved with lecturing at undergraduate and postgraduate level in subjects such as Software Engineering, Database design and Connected Systems.
His analytical thinking, coupled with excellent teamwork and communication skills, make him a valuable asset to the LGC team.More...
Daniel Birch
Creative Director@UserXD
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As the Creative Director at UserXD, I have successfully led a team of designers to create intuitive and user-friendly digital experiences. I have implemented innovative design strategies that significantly improved user engagement and satisfaction. My UX/UI design expertise has resulted in award-winning projects and a substantial increase in our client base. Additionally, I have facilitated numerous workshops and training sessions, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the team.
I specialise in user lead research and design, helping with digital experiences across product/SaaS and web.More...
Allison Collier
CEO@Allison Collier Leadership
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As Allison Collier, CEO at Allison Collier Leadership, I have successfully established a leadership consulting firm that has helped numerous businesses and individuals enhance their leadership skills. I have designed and implemented innovative leadership programs, workshops, and coaching sessions that have significantly improved the performance and productivity of various organizations. I am also recognized for my thought leadership in the field, with several published articles and speaking engagements at industry events. I have a proven track record of transforming leadership styles, fostering positive work cultures, and driving organizational success.More...