With over 220 alumni and students registered to join in person and a further 180 online, this annual event once again gave alumni the opportunity to reconnect with the School for a day of learning and the chance to network with fellow alumni, staff and current students.
The event was opened by our Dean, Professor Gavin Jack, who welcomed alumni and took the opportunity to share the School’s updated mission and vision, which was the result of extensive consultation across the student, staff and alumni communities.
He also recognised the many ways in which alumni continue to support the School, with over half of those registered having volunteered at some point. In particular, he highlighted the success of the Alumni Mentoring Programme, which last year achieved a Quality Award accreditation from the Scottish Mentoring Network - a testament to the dedication and collaboration of all involved and a reflection of the School’s strong coaching culture.
He then introduced the first speaker of the day, Duncan Chapple (MSc by Research 2021), who leads Analyst Relations at Elisa Industriq, an industrial software group operating across manufacturing, telecoms, semiconductor production and energy. He has spent two decades watching how analysts and operators talk past each other about the future of work so was the perfect speaker to kickstart the day.
Following refreshments and networking on the concourse, attendees had a choice of two sessions.
Reframing sustainability
The first of these on ‘Reframing sustainability’ was led by Katerina Chatziioannou-Faulds, UEBS Student Development Manager; where she was joined by Dr Bernice Maxton-Lee, UEBS Executive Education Lecturer - Climate and Sustainability; Vishal Kumar (MSc Climate Change Finance and Investment 2023) Associate Director at Canbury Insights; and Kathryn Dapré (MBA 2018) Head of Sustainability at CALA Group.
They discussed reframing sustainability amidst global crises, emphasising its business and environmental importance.
They also explored AI's role in sustainability, emphasising education, risk management, and strategic thinking to inspire action. Sir David Attenborough's influence was also highlighted as pivotal in engaging public interest.
Health and wellbeing at work
The parallel session on offer focused on ‘Reimagining health and wellbeing at work’ with Dr Jakov Jandric, Nick Oliver Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour; in conversation with Claire Sarafilovic (EMBA 2025), Director at AtkinsRéalis, who specialises in creating inclusive work environments.
During the wide-ranging session, they discussed challenges like hidden health issues, the need for supportive management, and the importance of fostering multigenerational teams.
Audience members then had the choice of two further sessions.
Embracing entrepreneurial futures
In the auditorium, Dr Samuel Mwaura, UEBS Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, led a panel featuring three alumni entrepreneurs: Giselle Gonzales (MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation 2019) CEO and Founder of EqualReach; Nathalie Digrintaki (MA Business with Enterprise and Innovation 2025) Founder of SkydiveRigs; and Alejandra Dancuart (MSc Human Resource Management 2020) Co-founder & PR at SurGlobal, who joined us virtually from Peru!
They discussed AI's impact on job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities and shared insights into overcoming challenges in innovation, the importance of resilience, and how to leverage technology for community impact.
Upskilling the workforce of the future
A highly interactive session was also on offer on ‘Upskilling the workforce of the future: from AI awareness to capability’ led by Elaine Lee (MBA 2002) and Tania Argente-Morgan, both Principal Consultants at Capco.
They demonstrated how well-structured AI prompting can be tailored to a specific industry or business challenge, and transformed into a short, engaging podcast update.
There was much energy and enthusiasm in the room, with participants actively contributing ideas, exploring use cases, and engaging in discussion around the practical application of AI.
Reimagining the future of work
The day was concluded with a final panel session on ‘Reimagining the future of work for everyone’ led by Amanda Singleton, UEBS Deputy Director of MBA programmes, where she was joined by Catherine Muirden (Master of Arts 1984), Chair of the National Galleries of Scotland; Naomi Walker (MBA 2023), Head of HR at Standard Life; as well as Duncan Chapple who had opened the day.
Together, they explored how AI can enhance human creativity and the importance of maintaining authenticity. They highlighted multigenerational collaboration and lifelong learning as vital in adapting to evolving work environments. Discussions also touched on the role of leadership in navigating AI integration and the challenges and opportunities it presents, leaving us with much to contemplate in terms of how we all embrace the future of work.
Missed the event?
If you missed the event and would like to watch the recordings, please contact the Alumni Team on alumni@business-school.ed.ac.uk with your full name, programme and graduation year.
- View more photos from the event on Flickr.
- For more content from the day, follow UEBS Alumni on LinkedIn.