Aston means business

Tomorrow’s boardroom superstars are emerging from executive leadership apprenticeships at Aston Business School. Discover more about the Masters-level programme from Terry Hodgetts, director of Corporate Client Solutions, and Dr Lloyd Parsons, director of the MBA and Chartered Management Institute programmes.

Dr Xiaoshuang Lin, an expert in leadership at Aston Business School, explains how Gareth Southgate is a perfect example of 'humble leadership'. She says the England football manager’s humility, empathy and willingness to admit mistakes is what many businesses need, along with 'servant leaders', such as Mother Theresa. However, she warned that businesses will sometimes need tougher leaders as well.

Dr Geoff Parkes discusses new research by Aston Business School that proves how SMEs embracing language capabilities are 30% more successful at exporting. Rob Mannion, founder of e-commerce platform B2B.Store, says his business is now reaping benefits of languages investment, starting with its first overseas client in Mexico.

Prasanta Dey, professor of operations and information management at Aston Business School, explains how his Low Carbon SMEs project is set to save 6,000 tonnes of CO2– more than five times its initial target. Lee Cole, managing director of Paint 360, just one of the 165 companies involved, and Jamal Lea, project manager of Low Carbon SMEs, discuss details of the achievements to date.

Dr Mark Prince, a senior lecturer in mechanical engineering at Aston University, explains how 3D printing provided a vital solution to a medical problem caused by COVID-19. Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Beltagui, a lecturer in operations and information management at Aston Business School, says ‘Imagination is the only limit’ for additive manufacturing’s future, which is already used to make hearing aids, dental crowns and hips.