Plenary 2 - Navigating Personal Change

Presenter: Lesley O'Keeffe, Registrar

Institution: Brunel University London

Plenary two will be presented by Lesley O'Keeffe, Registrar, Brunel University London. 

Lesley has worked in Higher Education for over 20 years in both student residences and more recently in Student and Academic Services. Her current position includes overall responsibility for the Directorate of Student and Academic Services, which as well as the departments in the directorate name, include Library Services, Apprenticeships, Academic Skills and Business Support (which covers funding, records and SITs data management). Lesley is currently the professional development lead for ARC (Academic Registrars’ Council). She spends time mentoring women to help them navigate their careers, and runs the Aspiring Academic Registrar training course. 

Outside of work, Lesley is a Doctoral Researcher for a Doctorate in Education with a special interest in the Awarding Gap.

In this plenary, we delve into the essential components of personal growth, offering insights and practical strategies for those seeking positive change in their lives.

Discover the benefits of having a mentor or coach, gaining valuable perspectives and guidance. Uncover the art of building robust networks that foster professional and personal development. Take a moment to reflect on the power of self-awareness and learn practical methods to incorporate reflection into your daily routine.

Resilience, a cornerstone of personal change, is explored, with strategies to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger. Demystify the notion of professional development, as we showcase its positive impact on career progression and share stories that break down the stigma surrounding continuous learning.

Lesley will promote a positive attitude towards personal growth and empower you to navigate the currents of change for your future.

Download: Slides

Download: Professional Development Self Assessment