Bayes Business School Alumni Forum explores re-thinking business in a transforming world

More than 200 members of the Bayes Business School community, including alumni, students and staff, came together for an afternoon of masterclasses, keynotes talks, panel discussions and networking at the Bayes Alumni Forum – which returned following a successful inaugural event last year.

This year’s event focussed on global uncertainty and the transformations that businesses and leaders are making to navigate developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and shifting political discourse around the world.

The day began with three masterclass sessions – exploring the importance of critical thinking, how to successfully conquer imposter syndrome, and how to invest wisely in an unpredictable global market.

Professor André Spicer, Dean of Bayes, gave a welcoming speech to alumni before an inspiring presentation from Kay Myo, an MSc Actuarial Management student and recipient of this year’s Iain Allen Bursary that supports Indian and South East Asian postgraduate actuarial students. Kay spoke about her early career journey and challenges, outlining her ambition to become Myanmar’s first fully qualified actuary .

“AI is perfect for generating chaos… the biggest danger is not believing the wrong thing, but not believing at all”

Alberto López Valenzuela (Executive MBA 2021), Honorary Visiting Professor at Bayes then delivered an engaging keynote examining the global AI race, and how strategies to successfully steal a march in its implementation differ across the globe. Alberto compared wide-ranging regulatory frameworks and approaches of the United States, China and the European Union, before exploring the risks and opportunities that automation carries.

The biggest opportunity, he said, was in improving public health and using machines to enhance humanity, rather than allowing them to replace human jobs outright.

Concurrent breakout sessions then focussed on a variety of real-world issues affecting today’s leaders, led by Bayes experts, alumni and external guests who came in to share their experience in respective fields:

• “Strategic clarity: Making business decisions like scientists”; Professor Elena Novelli
• “Sustainability in times of a political backlash”; Dr Itziar Castelló
• “Navigating disruption: How climate change and technology are hanging the insurance industry”; Dr Simone Krummaker
• “Risk exposure for companies from the impact of trade regulation on global supply chains”; Professor ManMohan Sodhi
• “How AI is changing the asset management industry”; Dr Natasa Todorovic Zrilic
• “Leaders of tomorrow”; Alex Skailes

“Planning is more important than the plan”

The event closed with a second keynote from Sir David Omand, former Permanent Secretary of the Home Office, who delivered a vivid talk and Q&A about the importance of preparation for crises, particularly in times of vulnerability.

Sir David discussed differences between emergencies, crises and disasters, and stressed the importance for leaders to get the right people around them and form a strong team of specialists to find solutions.

Alumni were then given the opportunity to make new connections and catch up with old classmates at a special evening reception, held at the prestigious Ironmongers’ Hall which also featured a live jazz band.

Professor Spicer said he was delighted to reconnect with so many returning faces.

“The Bayes Alumni Forum is an important flagship event in our calendar, bringing alumni together to discuss global business challenges,” he said.

“The world is changing, and strong leadership is needed to overcome this uncertainty and harness possible opportunities.

“It was great to meet with so many alumni again, hear stories from their time at Bayes and about their exciting journeys since graduation.

“My thanks go to everyone who joined us, our wonderful speakers and panellists, and the Bayes alumni team for putting together such a strong event.”

Helen Nicholson, Head of Bayes Alumni Relations, said the day provided excellent learning opportunities.

“It was wonderful to see our vibrant community reliving old memories with course friends and tutors, while gaining valuable insights from a programme of engaging speakers.

“The event provides our alumni with the chance to come back to London, reconnect with former peers, build new connections, and hear from leading voices on issues of the day that are impacting the way the world does business.

"It is also a wonderful opportunity for alumni to meet our current students, and the leaders of tomorrow.”

Bayes alumni have access to a range of resources, including further study, global networking opportunities and award-winning careers support.

Learn more about the Bayes Alumni community and register for upcoming events.