Henley Blogs

Sam Meets… Simon Grosse

Whiteknights at the University of Reading is a home for many; students, academics; small businesses, even ducks and swans. One organisation that truly considers Whiteknights as home is a business called Foundation SP, a business based at the enterprise centre in Early gate. Foundation SP is an award-winning Technology Company that provides dynamic technology solutions….

The Blame Game

I’m a firm believer that the key to success is to focus on what you can control and to let go of what you can’t. Sounds obvious, but every day most of us will be faced with examples where this rules goes out of the window and instead the ugly face of blame rears its…

Should we fear the dark side of automation?

Industry and Higher Education must work together to enlighten each other about the future World of Work “Have you ever heard of bearer bonds?” asked my taxi driver. I had to admit that I hadn’t. He went on to explain that bearer bonds were one of the ways to transfer money from organisation to organisation…

My Flexible MBA: 6 Months In

Around this time last year, Facebook (which seems to know me unnervingly well) insisted that I answer a question. I say it “insisted” because I tried to resist: yes, I’d been browsing MBA programmes and researching the effects of identity in the workplace, but no it was not a good time. In fact, by any…

Is the #MeToo Movement the Tip of the Iceberg?

It has been startling and infuriating over the last few months to see the emergence of story after story of women being sexually exploited by men in the workplace, whether that is the movie industry, music, the arts or indeed any other organisation or industry. The movement started as a result of the revelations in…

Having time to contemplate – and the contradictions that arise

Research and practice on energy, resilience or well-being tell us that stepping away from the treadmill of work for a distinct period helps us recharge our batteries. And this is crucial in order for us to thrive, enjoy, find purpose and perform well in the long run. All fine, but what to do if you…

Once in a lifetime – doing an MBA (part 1)

Are you smart enough? I spent more than 10 years in C-suite jobs in the music industry. I didn’t get there by being smart, or using my know-how alone. A lot of it involved using my heart, not just my head, trusting my gut and also a little sprinkling of luck. Being in the right…

Easter Events & Escapes

Whether you’re feeling festive or just need a break from studying, there’s plenty going on around Reading to keep you occupied over the Easter holidays. If you’re on campus and haven’t signed up for the Easter Café event happening at Park Lounge, Wednesday 28th March between 12-2pm, there’s still time! Your Halls Life is serving…

The postgraduate field trip experience!

Our Marketing postgraduate students are currently on a study field trip in Lugano, Switzerland. We caught up with Maria-Anna, one of the students, to find out how she is finding the opportunity to work with international companies… What preparation did you have to do before the trip? We had to prepare for two presentations; one…

Universities Business Challenge: the Grand Final

This article was written on the day of the final by Dr Carol Padgett, Head of Undergraduate Programmes at Henley Business School. The journey to the final began at the start of the autumn term when I met students to tell them about the benefits of competing in the Universities Business Challenge. I promised them…

Mental Health in the Workplace and the Connectivity Paradox

A recent study shows that at work, at least one in four people experience mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Although a range of factors of course contribute to psychological problems, the growing use of technology may well play a significant role. As organisations drive towards digitisation, telework and working within virtual teams…

Varsity: what is it & who takes part?

As the end of term creeps up on us, one of the biggest events at the University of Reading is about to take place, Varsity! Every year we compete against Oxford Brookes in a gruelling day of sporting competitions, from Rugby to Archery, everybody gets involved in the team spirit. To get excited for the…

Winter Olympics for freelancers

Why do people become freelancers & which one of their knowings deserves a gold medal? Have you ever asked yourself whether it’s what you know or who you know that makes you a successful freelancer? Or have you actually considered taking the why into consideration? Do people choose to become freelancers or is the choice made for…