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Cleaning and leadership
A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece about how several women from history and mythology have inspired how I think about leadership. This time I want to write about the connection between leadership and cleaning. When I was a student studying for an MA in printmaking at Chelsea School of Art, I used to… →
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Beyond Bedlam: Richard Dadd, Creativity and the Power of Nature
As Chair of Maudsley Charity, I was invited to the Royal Academy’s exhibition ‘Beyond Bedlam’, exploring the life and work of Richard Dadd. Best known today for his extraordinary paintings, Dadd experienced a psychotic episode while travelling through Egypt, Syria and North Africa before returning to England, where he tragically killed his father. It is… →
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The only way out is through
This thought has been milling around in my mind for some time now. What resonates with me is how it illustrates the way we make change, how we continue to address climate change, and how that in turn impacts inequality and social justice. For some time, I have felt we are caught in a position… →
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Courage and pragmatism: keeping EDI at the heart of the university
On Wednesday 25 March, I was pleased to take part in a panel on Courage and Pragmatism at the Advance HE Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference. Chaired by Alistair Jarvis, CEO of Advance HE, the session brought together a range of perspectives. We heard a powerful keynote from Donna Whitehead , Vice-Chancellor of the University… →
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Towards a more creative society
Creativity is at the heart of all we do at Goldsmiths: in the students who come to learn here and the ways we teach them; in our research agendas and practice; and in how we try to conceive of – and bring into being – a better, fairer society. The energy on campus is palpable… →
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Seeking answers to today’s big questions
The start of a new academic year has always brought the anticipation of the new as well as some familiar rhythms: it is a moment of renewal and reassurance. After the last few years it may be time to add another element: uncertainty brought about by external factors. Autumn 2022 sees us again living through… →
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The Wonkhe Show
I was delighted to be a guest last week on the end of term recording of the Wonkhe show – the excellent podcast dedicated to all things higher education. Joined by fellow guests Alex Favier, Director of Global and Political Affairs at the University of Nottingham, and Wonkhe’s Associate Editor David Kernohan, we talked over… →
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Women in universities
Today, 8th March, is International Women’s Day. It’s a date that has always stood out for me in the calendar as a chance not just to celebrate the achievements of women and their contribution to society, but to take stock of the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality. This year… →
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The Spirit Level
The Fashion Reader is a series where I explore the books that have influenced, inspired and intrigued me. I share stories about writers who have provided that creative spark, those who have shaped my beliefs and those who have simply been a pleasure to read. With some, the link to fashion will be obvious, with… →