Inspired Business University of Derby

Jon is the founder and owner of Hot House Music Schools. A University of Derby alumnus, he was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2019 for services to music education. We talk to Jon about his personal journey and how a creative education develops the soft skills needed in this flexible modern business world.

Find out more about our Inspired Business podcast guests at derby.ac.uk/inspired-business

Abbi runs Darley Dance Productions, a dance and entertainment company. She was Marketing Derby’s Rising Star in 2019 and she advises University of Derby students on life as a freelancer. We talk about her personal journey and how creative passion can create business magic, whatever your industry. 


Find out more about our Inspired Business podcast guests at derby.ac.uk/inspired-business

Trevor is former Chief Economist at Lloyds Bank, and is now a consultant economist and Visiting Professor at the University of Derby. He specialises in economic analysis encompassing ‘big data’. We talk about how this can benefit businesses large and small, and the need for new jobs and new skills in the digital world. And Brexit. 
Find out more about our Inspired Business podcast guests at derby.ac.uk/inspired-business

Dean is the founder and owner of Derby sportswear firm HUUB. He grew HUUB from the spark of an idea about using technology and research in clothing design to enhance performance. We talk about his journey and the importance of agility in the modern business world. 


Find out more about our Inspired Business podcast guests at derby.ac.uk/inspired-business

Nicole is a Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Specialist at global infrastructure giant AECOM. A University of Derby Zoology graduate, her professional brief is to leave the environment in a better state than it was when she found it. The daughter of a world-renowned snake expert, she recounts her personal journey and explains why being sustainable can be good for business.


Find out more about our Inspired Business podcast guests at derby.ac.uk/inspired-business

Richard Gerver is an expert on the art of leadership. A former Derbyshire head teacher (and University of Derby alumnus), he now travels the world as a renowned speaker whose advice is sought by global commercial giants. We talk about his personal journey and what makes a good leader.


"Leadership is about empowerment. Leadership is about identifying the talents and abilities in others, inspiring them, giving them a sense of purpose and then letting them off the leash and letting them run with stuff."