Simon Papiernik

Available

Virtual & In-person

Open to roles as

Bio

I've worked in the Civil Engineering sector for over 20 years. My career has mainly been in the Water sector and during that time I have worked on many projects relating to water and waste water treatment, dam safety works and large reservoir works. One of the highlights was building the new reservoir at Hanchurch which provides storage of drinking water for most of Stoke-on-Trent. Throughout my career I've manage to stay located in Stoke-on-Trent. I work with many different Engineering professions as part of the solutions that we develop so anyone interested in STEM subjects could be interested in the water sector. This year i expect to become a Fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers. I'm also a committee member of the Pipeline Industry Guild midlands branch

spapiernik@coffeygroup.com

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Igniting Futures

A Speaking in Schools Program in Stoke-on-Trent

This innovative program brings inspiring individuals from diverse career paths to schools across Stoke-on-Trent, fostering student inspiration and broadening their horizons. Through engaging presentations, real-life stories, and interactive Q&A sessions, participants gain valuable insights into the world of work.
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Key Features:

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Diverse Speakers: The program features a wide range of professionals, including entrepreneurs, musicians, and business leaders, This exposure allows students to explore diverse career paths and discover hidden passions.
‍Authentic Narratives: Speakers share personal anecdotes, challenges faced, and the lessons learned along their journeys. These authentic narratives provide valuable life lessons and demonstrate the importance of resilience, perseverance, and embracing challenges.
‍Interactive Engagement: Q&A sessions and interactive activities encourage active student participation, allowing them to ask questions, share their aspirations, and connect with the speakers on a personal level.
‍Aspirational Focus: The program emphasises the importance of setting goals, pursuing passions, and believing in one's potential. It empowers students to take ownership of their futures and strive for excellence.

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Impact:

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‍By providing students with real-world perspectives and inspiring role models, the "Speaking in Schools" program in Stoke-on-Trent aims to ignite a passion for learning, broaden career aspirations, and equip students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their future with purpose and determination.

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Access the speaker directory

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Require access?

The speaker directory is available exclusively for schools in Stoke-on-Trent. If you would like access please send your name, your role, school name and school address to nicky@madeinstoke.com

Speaker directory

Simply choose a speaker, fill in your event details, and reach out to them directly.
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* Note, Made in Stoke does not arrange bookings, we only put you in contact with the speaker.

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Abigail Beddows

Available

Virtual

Topics

Performing Arts, Visual Arts

I left Soke in 2012, when I was 18, to study Event Management at the University of Greenwich. From here I went on to work for the official VIP for Adele's UK and European 25 tour, the James Bond No Time to Die Premiere and more recently Taylor Swifts The Eras Tour.

abigailbeddows@hotmail.co.uk

Adrian Jones

Available

In-person

Topics

Leisure & Tourism, Marketing, Hospitality Management

Worked for Merlin Entertainments for over 30 years and started at Alton Towers and ended up managing over 30 sites in North America and led the team that opened LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Also the only Brit who has acted as Chairman of Visit Orlando, the largest Destination Marketing Organisation in North Anerica. Also had a short stint as CEO of Zipworld in North Wales.

adrianjones8@outlook.com

Alex Gwilt

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Criminal Justice

I moved from Stoke-on-Trent to California 10 years ago (werrington/leek area mostly), I’m 34 and am currently a Police SWAT Officer for San Diego Police Department, a big city department that oversees about 1.4 million people. I have actually been back and giving a few different talks in schools already, mostly about aspirational paths and motivating to be the best you can be. I’m happy to also give any talks on job specific stuff.

alexgwilt89@gmail.com

Governor

Amanda Donald

Available

In-person

Topics

Ambition & Achievement, Local Opportunities, Personal Growth & New Experiences

I have been retired for nine years after a 35-year career in the NHS and Social Care. After leaving university, I was fortunate to be accepted onto the NHS management scheme. I went on to spend over ten years as a Director at Board level, gaining extensive senior leadership and operational experience across the NHS and, more recently, managing social care staff as well. I have overseen budgets of over £70 million and managed more than 1,000 staff. Alongside operational delivery, I have extensive experience in corporate governance and strategic development. I have significant experience in speaking to and engaging with staff, volunteers, and the public. My various roles have required close partnership work with the voluntary and independent sectors, as well as other public organisations. Born in Burslem, I was fortunate to reach Director/Board level while working locally across Staffordshire and Cheshire. Since retiring, I have continued to contribute to the local community as a Non-Executive member for local organisations and as a volunteer factory tour guide in the ceramics industry. Retirement has also given me the opportunity to explore new experiences and develop skills I hadn’t before—canoeing, paddleboarding, choirs, bowling, and painting, to name a few. Life is there for us all to experience in new and different ways.

amanda.donald59@gmail.com

Benn Thomas

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Global Opportunities, Expanding Horizons, Ambition & Growth

Contact reconversion by submitting on HubSpot Form "Speaking in schools form" Page submitted on: Speaking in Schools Email: benncameronthomas@hotmail.com First Name: Benn Last Name: Thomas LinkedIn Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benncameronthomas Provide us with a brief outline of your journey up to now:: Raised on a council estate in Knutton. Passed a few GCSEs, but failed two of three A-levels before (somehow) talking my way into being accepted by the University of Leeds as a mature student. Went on to study under and post-grad international politics before becoming a diplomat at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office - subsequently worked in Afghanistan, the UN, in Washington DC during Trump's Presidency and most recently in China. Currently based in London.

benncameronthomas@hotmail.com

Birgit Allport

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

General Inspiration

Born in Germany, moved to stoke in 2010 and im determined to bring more community spirit and cohesion to Stoke. I founded a small charity to support the less fortunate and lonely members of our community. A smile and a little bit of kindness can go a long way. I am a versatile leader with a background in history and business admin, experienced as a former school lead NUS delegate and elected trustee. I am currently serving as CEO of a charity. With expertise in history studies and international affairs I am sure I can contribute to Made in Stoke. Stoke is mu home and it made me a Stokie.

allport.birgit@gmail.com

Governor

Cllr. Abi Brown

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Public Sector Leadership

I was first elected to Stoke-on-Trent City Council in 2010 and have been Leader of the Council since May 2019, as well as holding the Corporate Resources, Strategy & Partnerships portfolio. Alongside my current role, I am also the Chairman of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s housing company, Fortior. I am Chairman of the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone project board, one of the most successful EZs in the country, a project I have led since inception. I also led Stoke-on-Trent’s shortlisted bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021. A familiar speaker at regional and national events, my interests include all aspects of regeneration. I balance being a councillor with looking after her two school-age children and naughty pet dog.

abi.brown@stoke.gov.uk

Craig Hughes

Available

In-person

Topics

General Inspiration

Left school with no qualifications, joined the RAF became an electronics engineer had a wonderful time left the military but continued education and completed a HNC in Business Studies, completed a MBO and purchased a Telecommunications Company, sold it years later to Daisy Communications and now I help businesses to improve operations and growth.

craig.w.hughes70@gmail.com

Dave Bebb

Available

In-person

Topics

Law, Construction

I grew up in Loggerheads and went to school in Madeley and then Fenton Sixth Form College. University and work took me away from the area at the age of 18 (as it did many of my friends) but I still return regularly to see family. My wife is also from Stoke but I met her at a house warming party in London - I recognised her accent and the rest, they say, is history

dbebb@fenwickelliott.com

Governor

Dwain McDonald

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Logistics, Business, Strategy, Entrepreneurship

I am a seasoned professional with a deep connection to Stoke-on-Trent, having raised my family here and now being a proud grandad. I was also a proud Holden Lane High School attendee until 1982. With a rich background in logistics and parcels, particularly with DPD, I bring extensive global advisory experience to Made in Stoke. I am passionate about fostering community growth and connectivity and am dedicated to driving positive change in Stoke. I am excited to contribute my expertise and work alongside local partners to achieve the initiative's vision for a thriving Stoke-on-Trent.

dwain@madeinstoke.com

Gavin Williams

Available

Virtually & In-person

Topics

General Inspiration

I am a lawyer specialising in mergers and acquisitions. I have extensive experience of cross-border corporate transactions, including public company takeovers, private mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, public securities offerings, capital reconstructions and demergers. I act for financial investors, corporates and investment banks and speaks English, French and Spanish. I play a role in leading the firm's coverage of Brexit for clients. I am regularly commenting on international trade and investment, cross-border M&A, Brexit and related issues in the media.

gavin.williams@hsf.com

Glenn Handforth

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Public Sector Leadership

I run a small management consultancy – The Ideas Facility, supporting organisations through their strategy; leadership; management; people development and brand communications challenges. I am a creative brand communication specialist, with Director level experience in leading strategy development and implementation projects with some of the UK’s foremost organisations. I am a qualified coach, and for nearly ten years, I have been the Chair of Trustees at YMCA North Staffordshire. I am also a Member Trustee of a Learning Trust and previously, acted as a High School Governor for over ten years.

glenn@theideasfacility.com

Joe Sparrow

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Music Industry

Born and raised in May Bank, near Newcastle, now living in Berlin. I'm an artist, journalist, lecturer and broadcaster; and work mostly in the music industry. I'm editor of the music industry news, research, and analysis platform Music Ally (https://musically.com), a platform used by major labels, publishers, music streaming platforms, and also by thousands of DIY/Indie artists and labels. I also work with emerging artists to develop their careers and lecture at BIMM University in Berlin. I’ve also worked in UK radio, music PR, and radio plugging, and organised/operated music industry events at SXSW, The Great Escape, Most Wanted: Music, and Tech Open Air. For more info please see my website, https://terelinck.com Schools attended: May Bank Infants School St. Margaret’s Junior School, Wolstanton Newcastle under Lyme School Newcastle College (Art department)

joe@terelinck.com

Trustee

Justine Simons OBE

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Public Sector Leadership, Cultural Management

I was born in Stoke on Trent and went to Ash Green Primary School in Trentham, where I joined a dance group that changed her life. It sparked my interest in creativity. I worked in lots of different arts organisations and grew interested in the broader story about art, politics and cities. I took a job at London’s City Hall and has worked with Mayors from both sides of the political spectrum overseeing London’s cultural strategy, encompassing fashion, art, design, film, music, theatre and dance. I founded the World Cities Culture Forum, a major global leadership initiative on culture involving 40 world cities. I also set up the Fourth Plinth Commission, the UK’s most talked-about sculpture prize and put the first statue of a woman in Parliament Square (Millicent Fawcett). I was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty The Queen for my work championing culture in London.

On file

Lyane Bartlett

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Business & Entrepreneurship

I started in a Data role straight out of university, developing my career across a couple of different organisations before becoming Head of IT and Data for Novus Property Solutions. This developed my data knowledge into heading up infrastructure, applications and cyber too. As a women in IT/Data as well as construction I am really keen to get more girls into the digital career paths and would welcome any opportunities to speak in schools about these career paths. I am also a governor for Stoke on Trent 6th form college.

lyaneb353@gmail.com

Governor

Mark Gregory

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Business Leadership

I am the Chief Economist for EY in the UK, responsible for advising public and private sector clients on the implications of the economic outlook. Before joining Ernst & Young, I was Global Head of Business Development and Strategy for Wireless at IBM. I have worked in over 40 countries ranging from Argentina to Papua New Guinea. My interests include macroeconomic forecasting, business strategy and planning, regulation and competition policy, industrial strategy and the economics of sport and especially football. I regularly present at schools and universities on economics and the opportunities for careers as a professional economist and in the accounting profession.

On file

Martyn Irvine

Available

In-person

Topics

Military Service, Business & Entrepreneurship, Career Development

Joined the British Army aged 16 and left at 28 to pursue a career as a professional football coach. Served 3 tours of duty to an Iraq and Afghanistan. Now a full time football coach, own my own coaching business and work for Stoke City and The FA

martynirvine@yahoo.co.uk

Michaela Burn

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Automotive Industry, Business Leadership

I am the Vice President of Michelin Experiences for the Europe North region. I am currently responsible for establishing, leading and growing the business line around the themes of travel, gastronomy and the experience economy and also a member of the Management Board for the region.

michaela.burn@michelin.com

Nathan Waldron

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

General Inspiration, Business

From starting with nothing to building up business for the new generation

nathan.waldron@mandg.com

Nathan Gray

Available

Virtual

Topics

Aviation & Test Piloting, Author

Made in Stoke. Fighter pilot and test pilot. Author of Hazard Spectrum - life in the danger zone.

hazardspectrum@gmail.com

Phil Drew

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Higher Education, Public Sector Leadership, Business Leadership

I am a Partner at Brunswick, a critical issues advisory firm, where I advise the leaders of some of the world's largest companies on how they can use their unique skills and scale to address global problems. From fighting climate change, reducing global obesity to tackling human trafficking. Before this, I directed communications for Climate Week, a campaign backed by Al Gore, Kofi Annan, Sir Paul McCartney, and Sir David Attenborough. I was born in Stoke-on-Trent and grew up in Norton and Stockton Brook. I studied English at Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge. My writings have published in the Financial Times, The Times, Harvard Business Review and the Wall Street Journal. I am a trustee of Dramatic Need, a children's arts charity operating in Rwanda and South Africa supported by the film director Danny Boyle. I have worked with Benedict Cumberbatch, Nicole Kidman, and Eddie Redmayne as part of this mission.

On file

Philip Johnson

Available

In-person

Topics

General Inspiration, in poetry form

I attended St. Thomas's RC primary in Stoke in the late 60's and St. Joseph's College RC Trent Vale in the early 70's. I recently sent a schools assembly to every primary and high school in the city which introduced all the key potteries characters from the last 100 years so some of these would certainly be referenced. I'd include one or two child-appropriate poems on themes such as 'don't give up on your dreams' or 'how do you want to be remembered' or poems with a specific Stoke theme. Then I'd move onto the city's image, this would be based on perceptions - some unfair and others very positive - gleaned from tourists I used to take around the city pre-Covid. (Many of these overseas tourists had lovely things to say about Stoke) I would also include some experiences from my 40 year teaching career, I only do occasional supply work nowadays, this would be mainly lighthearted but also with a message of 'let's enhance the city - let's elevate the city'. There would be some audience participation too. Thank you so much for considering me!

philipjohnson2009@hotmail.com

Prof. David Amigoni

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Higher Education, Public Sector Leadership, Cultural Management

I grew up in a part of the country where it was still possible to fail the 11-Plus: and I did. But I was always good at writing, and I loved reading, and so the fact that I went to a secondary modern school did not (entirely) stop me from getting to university. University was the making of me, where I did a degree in English and History. I then went to study as Masters at Keele University, where I now work: I specialised in Victorian Literature and cultural history – which continues to be the basis for my research expertise. I’ve been awarded a chair (my professor title) because of the work I’ve published on Victorian Literature (on Victorian life-writing and Victorian science – I especially love the writings of Charles Darwin). Besides, I did what some people call (a bit disparagingly) ‘admin’: I ran degree programmes, departments, institutes. This became the basis for the PVC leadership role I do (and love) now.

d.amigoni@keele.ac.uk

Prof. Trevor McMillan OBE

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Higher Education

I am from a mining village in County Durham. At Lancaster University, I studied Biological Sciences and then did a PhD at the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital in London. I was a full-time cancer researcher for 11 years studying how cancer spreads and how it could be treated. I also researched how high levels of sunlight can damage our bodies and potentially lead to cancer. I then went back to Lancaster University, where I taught Biomedical Sciences as well as leading many developments, including the formation of a Medical School. I came to Keele University in 2014, and in 2015 I became Vice-Chancellor. In this role, I oversee activities on the university as well as representing the university externally around Staffordshire and beyond.

t.j.mcmillan@keele.ac.uk

Rebecca de Lacy

Available

In-person

Topics

Fashion & Design

Born (1979) & raised in Trent Vale. I spent most of my time outside school between St.Teresa Church and the M.A.C or Jubilee Working Men’s Club (Dad worked at the Michelin Tyre Factory & Irish mother). Around the mid 90’s I developed a serious interest in art, music, fashion and design and with the encouragement from some brilliant teachers and scepticism/fear of my family I applied to study BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University in 1997. A first generation student I completed my degree in 2001 and built a successful career (14yrs) in Apparel Design within the Outdoor, Sportswear and Streetwear market, specializing in men’s performance outerwear. I transitioned into academia, becoming a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design at MMU in 2016. Recently working as the academic lead on a collaborative project (you may recognise :) with Belstaff and our final year students who’s work was exhibited at the centenary event in Stoke, May 2024. I live in Manchester with my own family and would describe myself as a part-time fashion design activist through the projects I run within my own community.

rebeccaledgar@yahoo.com

Rees Davis-Campbell

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Higher Education & Opportunities, Integrity & Relationships, Personal Development

I was born into the foster care system, and adopted by the age of 5 to parents that were not suitable to raise children. I was sent away to Africa in my teens to learn discipline and complete my GCSEs, came back to the UK battled homelessness and loss of a parent. Had a child and stumbled from job to job. At 26 I decided something in my life needed to change and thus I went to university. Since graduating I have launched a skin care brand, supported children in care through the first star programme for the past 4 years and now I am launching a community interest company Bee N spired, which dedicates it self to empowering and supporting young people in foster care, those at risk of incarceration and those estranged from their parents (all things I was as a child) through hands on applied STEAM workshops

rdcampbell728@gmail.com

Richard Buxton

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Business Leadership

I am the Manager for the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) which means overseeing the budget and its expenditure within the district through events, initiatives and investments and delivering the BID's strategy over the five-year team. My background includes being the former National Sales Director for Genuine Solutions (Chemicals) Ltd, the owner of The Hippy Hippy Shake Co. Ltd., and the lead organiser for the local Lymelight Music Festival. Most significantly, I come with plenty of BID experience. He was formerly a Director of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and a member of the original Steering Group, but most recently I have been the BID Manager for Hemel Hempstead.

bidmanager@stokeontrentbid.co.uk

Simon Papiernik

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Civil Engineering, Water Sector

I've worked in the Civil Engineering sector for over 20 years. My career has mainly been in the Water sector and during that time I have worked on many projects relating to water and waste water treatment, dam safety works and large reservoir works. One of the highlights was building the new reservoir at Hanchurch which provides storage of drinking water for most of Stoke-on-Trent. Throughout my career I've manage to stay located in Stoke-on-Trent. I work with many different Engineering professions as part of the solutions that we develop so anyone interested in STEM subjects could be interested in the water sector. This year i expect to become a Fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers. I'm also a committee member of the Pipeline Industry Guild midlands branch

spapiernik@coffeygroup.com

Stephen Brassington

Available

Virtual & In-person

Topics

Law

Born on London Road in Stoke. Attended Alleynes Hogh Wchool in Stone, University at UCL London and later qualified as barrister, which has been my career for 30 years.

stephenbrassington@2harecourt.com

Trustee

Zachary Lewis

Available

In-person

Topics

Product Design

After a rocky end to university life due to the 2020 pandemic, my classmates and i were left in a state of disrepair with no options and no guidence. For many, graduating from university and taking that step into the big bad grown-up world is exciting, however, with well-experienced workers losing their jobs due to cutbacks and finance issues caused by COVID, it was near impossible to find somewhere willing to take on anyone. This is where i founded my own industrial design consultancy, based in stoke on trent. Without a background in business, i reached out to a few placed for help and guidance hoping that someone would offer a helping hand. I received no response, no help and was more determined then ever to get my venture off the ground. With years of what seemed like an endless stream of hurdles, i can proudly say that i have spent the last four years building something that one day i hope to use to help others fulfil their dreams and break free of the reliant nature we all seem to condition ourselves with.

zaclewis98@outlook.com

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