In Office Hours with The Open University

The Open University

What does it really take to build a successful business, especially with the support of an Open University degree?  Hosted by Elijah Akinfenwa, a current Business Management student and entrepreneur running his own growing business, this podcast dives deep into the careers of OU alumni who have risen to become CEOs and industry leaders. Each episode explores their study experience at The Open University, the career paths they followed, and the opportunities and challenges that shaped their journey to the top. Elijah uncovers practical insights, real‑world advice, and powerful lessons in leadership, strategy, and resilience - all focused on understanding what truly makes businesses successful. Perfect for business students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about how an OU degree can unlock high‑level career success, this podcast offers inspiration, guidance, and behind‑the‑scenes stories from CEOs who once studied exactly where you are today.

Episodes

  1. 14 May

    The CEO Who's Making Education Accessible to Millions

    Julian Hall, Entrepreneur in Residence at The Open University and CEO of Ultra Education, shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey in this week's episode - from starting a fashion business at 18 years old to building Ultra Education, a social enterprise helping young people develop an entrepreneurial mindset and future-ready employability skills. Julian shares practical advice for students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to find their calling in business, leadership, or creative industries. Whether you’re studying a Business Management degree, exploring online learning, or looking for motivation to start your next chapter, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. What was your biggest takeaway from Julian’s advice? Let us know in the comments 👇 #TheOpenUniversity #BusinessManagement #OnlineLearning #EntrepreneurPodcast #BusinessPodcast #Mindset #Motivation #InOfficeHours #CEO #Entrepreneur For more content from The Open University, follow us on Instagram: @TheOpenUniversity If you want to kickstart your uni journey, explore our course option and apply now: www.open.ac.uk

    The CEO Who's Making Education Accessible to Millions

  2. 20 Apr

    From MBA student to CEO

    Jack Harrington, CEO of the British Academy of Management, shares how he went from studying at The Open University to leading a major organisation. Today, he works closely with trustees, government, and universities to drive strategy, grow income, and expand influence across the higher education sector.​ ​ In this week’s episode, host Elijah sits down with Jack to explore his OU journey, the impact of his MBA, and how it helped him step into a CEO role. If you're considering an MBA or looking to advance your career in management, this is one you won’t want to miss.​ ​ 💬 Got questions about Jack’s journey or our business courses? Drop them in the comments below! For more content from The Open University, follow us on Instagram: @TheOpenUniversity If you want to kickstart your uni journey, explore our course option and apply now: www.open.ac.uk

    From MBA student to CEO

  3. 7 Apr

    The CEO Building a Greener Future with her OU Degree

    Ruby Raut, CEO of WUKA and OU Environmental Science and Health alumni, takes us through her sustainable business journey and how she hopes it will make the world a better place.​ ​ Ruby grew up in Nepal, which inspires her work in making menstruation positive, taboo-free and environmentally-friendly. After launching Wuka in 2018, she was listed in the 2019 Top Women in Femtech and was part of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business UK Alumni 🌍​ ​ In this episode of In Office Hours, host Elijah explores Ruby's career path, from studying Environmental Sciences at the OU to becoming a successful business owner and CEO, championing sustainability in menstrual products. Do you have a questions for Ruby? Let us know in the comments 👇​ ​ #Femtech #Entrepreneur #EnvironmentalScience #TheOpenUniversity For more content from The Open University, follow us on Instagram: @TheOpenUniversity If you want to kickstart your uni journey, explore our course option and apply now: www.open.ac.uk

    The CEO Building a Greener Future with her OU Degree

  4. 19 Mar

    CEO Who Used Psychology to Build a Chocolate Empire

    Andrew Newlands, founder of award-winning confectionery company Monty Bojangles, built a business worth £18.5 million and credits online learning with transforming the way he leads. As an Open University Psychology graduate, Andrew's story is one of the most compelling career development journeys you'll hear; studying through a newborn, a scaling business, and an industry that doesn't stop for anyone.​ ​ In this episode of In Office Hours, we delve into how business psychology became Andrew's secret weapon, not just for understanding people, but for building the kind of culture that wins the King's Award for Enterprise.​ ​ 🎓 Thinking about flexible study that fits around your working life? Find out more at open.ac.uk​ ​ 💬 Got a question for a future guest? Drop it in the comments.​ ​ #TheOpenUniversity #BusinessPsychology #OnlineLearning #EntrepreneurPodcast #BusinessPodcast #Mindset #Motivation #InOfficeHours #CEO #Psychology For more content from The Open University, follow us on Instagram: @TheOpenUniversity If you want to kickstart your uni journey, explore our course option and apply now: www.open.ac.uk

    CEO Who Used Psychology to Build a Chocolate Empire
  • 4 Episodes

About

What does it really take to build a successful business, especially with the support of an Open University degree?  Hosted by Elijah Akinfenwa, a current Business Management student and entrepreneur running his own growing business, this podcast dives deep into the careers of OU alumni who have risen to become CEOs and industry leaders. Each episode explores their study experience at The Open University, the career paths they followed, and the opportunities and challenges that shaped their journey to the top. Elijah uncovers practical insights, real‑world advice, and powerful lessons in leadership, strategy, and resilience - all focused on understanding what truly makes businesses successful. Perfect for business students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about how an OU degree can unlock high‑level career success, this podcast offers inspiration, guidance, and behind‑the‑scenes stories from CEOs who once studied exactly where you are today.

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