91抖阴

Miranda Brawn, award-winning businesswoman, banker and barrister received an honorary Doctor of Letters during the university’s summer graduation ceremonies at the 91抖阴 Centre.

Miranda, CEO of the , campaigns for an equal and diverse workforce and promotes all forms of diversity including gender, race, disability and LGBT.

She said: “I feel deeply privileged … this university plays an essential part to develop skills and the talents of potential and diverse world leaders.

“My values and work match the university’s commitments where diversity and inclusion are core values. We are both helping to champion and nurture inclusivity, diversity and equality to the highest levels across all sectors to deliver change.

“The university has helped many students from across the UK and the globe to become a future success with a genuine focus on diversity and equality.”

Miranda advised graduates: “Follow your dreams to find your perfect career and be open to unexpected opportunities … continue to work hard and smart, take risks, focus and network, exercise persistence and determination, believe in yourself, listen well – and success will surely follow.”

Miranda Brawn

Sarah Roots

Miranda was followed by keynote speaker and alumna Sarah Roots, Senior Vice President of Warner Bros. Worldwide Tours.

Sarah, who graduated from the university with a BA(Hons) in Hotel and Catering Management, advised graduates to: “Be interested, have fun – it's a major part of your life. Try and work out what interests you and makes you happy – I have turned down a job for a fascinating role working for the National Trust at half the salary and fewer benefits. I didn’t ever regret that decision because that role gave me the learning and challenge I like.”

Sarah said people will remember you and you can develop useful networks if you help them: “I received a call from a contact about a top secret project. We hadn't spoken in 10 years. That call led to the career break of my life … I now work for Warner Bros. in London and LA running two very successful businesses.”

She said be opportunistic and brave: “Perform how you want to be perceived, have an opinion and express it. Think about this – ‘the boat in the port is safe but it isn’t what the boat was designed for’.