Guest Speakers

Hazel Joseph is Deputy Director of Care and Registered Manager at Hammerson House, overseeing a 116-bed care home and leading a team of over 200 staff. Originally from Guyana, [Name] began her nursing career at 17 and has built extensive experience across surgical, elderly, and health and social care settings in Guyana, Montserrat, and the UK. She has progressed through roles including Senior Lead Nurse, Clinical Lead Nurse, Unit Manager, and Registered Manager, complementing her practical experience with a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care. Passionate about elderly care, mentoring, and professional development, she continues to drive quality improvements and inspire the next generation of care professionals.

Kirstine McDowall is Voluntary Services Manager at Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, a role she has held since 2023 after joining the trust in 2015 as a Recovery College tutor and later working as a community health coach. With a background in Business Studies and experience in account management, she first returned to work through volunteering after a period of ill health. This journey, shaped her passion for supporting others to do the same. She now leads volunteering programmes that help people gain skills, confidence, and wellbeing while preparing for careers in health and social care.

Pradip is a highly experienced senior leader with an MBA in International Health Services Management and an extensive career within the National Health Service (NHS). He has a proven track record in operational management, clinical safety, performance, and financial governance, alongside significant expertise in programme management, service redesign, and change management. With well-established leadership skills, Pradip is passionate about coaching and developing individuals, helping them grow based on their strengths and interests. As a regular speaker at our events, he shares valuable insights on leadership, healthcare management, and career development, inspiring students to pursue impactful careers in the health and management sectors.

Banin Oozeerally, is an experienced FCCA, ATT (Fellow) and CTA- and qualified professional, with a mixed tax background, working with individuals and owner-managed businesses, particularly within the media and entertainment industry. She also serves on the ATT Council and chairs the CIOT/ATT London Branch.

As guest speaker, Banin delivered an engaging guest lecture to ARU London Finance and Accounting students, providing valuable insights into careers in tax. She introduced students to the diverse career opportunities within the tax profession, explained the day-to-day responsibilities of a tax adviser, and shared practical advice on developing a successful career in the industry. The session also offered students an opportunity to learn about the skills, qualifications and professional pathways required to succeed in the field of taxation.

Jack Rigg is a Wealth Adviser at Fintuity, an FCA-regulated financial planning firm. He specialises in helping professionals understand their workplace pensions and make informed financial decisions through clear, personalised advice. With professional qualifications including DipFA and CPFA, Jack is passionate about improving financial literacy and empowering individuals to plan confidently for their future. 

Jack delivered an engaging session to Finance and Accounting students on careers in financial planning and wealth management. Drawing on his experience as a Wealth Adviser at Fintuity, an FCA-regulated financial planning firm, Jack provided students with valuable insights into the role of a Financial Wealth Adviser, the skills and qualifications required to succeed in the profession, and the importance of helping clients make informed financial decisions. 

Klaus Schwarzkopf is the CEO of Your Metamorphosis Limited and Technical Director at Automate Rev AI, with 30 years of software engineering experience and a degree from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. He advises SMEs across the UK and DACH region on AI and automation, helping business owners reclaim time, reduce costs, and scale operations. His latest book, 80/20 Automation Blueprint: How Small Businesses Use AI and Automation to Reclaim Time, Cut Costs, and Scale Operations, provides leaders with a practical framework for identifying the 20 per cent of processes that drive 80 per cent of results. 

As a guest Lecturer at ARU London, Klaus was able to support Finance and Accounting students to develop a clear understanding of how automation is transforming finance workflows, how AI is delivering measurable ROI in back-office operations, and the practical skills employers increasingly expect from graduates entering today's AI-driven workplace. 

Antony manages AICPA & CIMA’s partnerships with educational institutions across London and the South East, working with employers to create opportunities for aspiring professionals and promoting the value of becoming a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). A graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Economics and History and an MSc in Economic History, he combines academic expertise with industry insight to support the next generation of finance leaders. As a regular guest speaker at our events, Antony shares valuable career advice and guidance on professional pathways, making him an excellent point of contact for students interested in accounting, finance, and management.

Hassan Gohar is Head of Finance and Company Secretary at Royal Greenland UK, where he combines leadership in financial management with a commitment to mentoring future talent. An alumnus of Anglia Ruskin University, he began his career with the support of the Employer Engagement Team and has since held senior roles including Finance Manager at FedEx UK and Ireland. Known for his positive and supportive approach, Hassan continues to give back by guiding the next generation of finance professionals as they navigate their careers.

Benjamin Vis is the founder of Panthera Consultancy, bringing nearly a decade of experience in the financial industry across relationship management, business development, financial structuring, and credit applications. He helps businesses navigate complex financial landscapes by providing strategic guidance and tailored solutions. Under his leadership, Panthera Consultancy goes beyond conventional financial services, offering personalised support in growth financing, cash flow management, and foreign exchange solutions. Known for building strong client partnerships, Benjamin combines deep expertise with a commitment to long-term success, helping businesses optimise strategies and achieve sustainable growth.

Paul Flowers is an experienced business professional with a solid background in retail construction, industry, and business development within the accounting sector. He currently serves as a Business Development Executive at the Institute of Financial Accountants, where he supports strategic growth and stakeholder engagement. He also brings significant public sector experience, having held voluntary leadership roles including Critical Friend to the Head of School and Chair of a Governing Body, contributing to effective governance and oversight.

Sarah is an experienced commercial Events Manager with a strong track record of income generation and programme delivery in membership organisations. Since graduating in 2005, she has managed events across industries including education, publishing, design, and legal, delivering award ceremonies, exhibitions, conferences, training workshops, certified courses, and webinars. She values the collaborative nature of membership bodies, where volunteers shape event content, and is particularly passionate about promoting access to the legal profession and supporting initiatives that encourage greater diversity within the industry.

Robert Cartmell is a highly experienced Director and legal consultant, specialising in trusts, wills, estate planning, and asset protection. With a background in managing a multi-disciplinary legal firm, he now provides expert consulting services to law firms, focusing on inheritance tax planning, probate, and trust management. Through ProTrust Consulting Ltd, Robert supports professionals and clients alike in navigating complex estate matters with clarity and precision. He is client focused and committed to delivering tailored solutions that protect assets and facilitate smooth wealth transfer. Additionally, Robert is dedicated to educating legal professionals to enhance their understanding of trusts and estate planning options.

Harun Matin is a criminal defence solicitor and head of the criminal defence department at Cases Solicitors. Since qualifying in 2011, he has built extensive experience in criminal law, including extradition and high-level advocacy, while mentoring aspiring solicitors through structured training and practical guidance. Harun’s career journey, from paralegal roles to managing large criminal teams, reflects his dedication to professional development, leadership, and advancing access to justice. Passionate about supporting the next generation of lawyers, he maintains strong links with universities and provides insights into legal pathways, career progression, and the skills needed to succeed in criminal law.

Ben began working in technology consulting 10 years ago, focused in the Microsoft business applications space. Having spent time supporting clients in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Ben is now focused on leading KPMG’s UK Public Sector Microsoft practice spending most of his time in Central Government and Higher Education. With Microsoft’s investment in the rights to OpenAI, creators of Chat GPT, Ben’s time is more and more spent on helping organisations and their people navigate the future of their industries in the context of AI. 

Elizabeth Solaru is a renowned luxury expert with over 20 years of experience working with global celebrities, UHNWIs, and royalty. A former microbiologist and head-hunter turned entrepreneur, she built an international reputation as a celebrity cake designer before expanding into luxury consulting and authorship. Her books, Opulencia and The Luxpreneur: How to Start and Build a Successful Luxury Brand, share insights into luxury sales and brand building, drawing on her deep understanding of discerning clients. Elizabeth has collaborated with leading brands including Fendi, spoken at global organisations such as JP Morgan and Ernst & Young, and appeared on major TV networks including BBC, Channel 4, and Sky Living. Recognised among the world’s “Masterful 100” luxury experts, she continues to be a leading voice in luxury business and client relations.

Glyn is the owner and director of Radfield Home Care Camden, Islington & Haringey. With over 40 years of international business experience, including a 25-year career at Goldman Sachs and senior leadership roles in a global hedge fund, Glyn has successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship, launching Eden Park Homes and now leading in the social care sector. His journey from global finance to community care offers students valuable insights into resilience, leadership, and career adaptability.

Priscilla Sousa is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in driving business performance, digital transformation, and software delivery. Passionate about technology, innovation, and user-centered design, she combines strategic insight with hands-on expertise across the full software lifecycle. A certified Agile and SAFe practitioner, she also brings strong capabilities in business analysis, UX/UI, and project management. Priscilla holds a First-Class Honours Degree in Finance and Accounting from Anglia Ruskin University and is fluent in English, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish. She is also deeply committed to supporting students and emerging professionals in their growth.

Gemma Adair is the founder of Riada Consultancy and a specialist in helping Microsoft Business Applications (now AI Business Solutions) partners accelerate their go-to-market success. With over 15 years’ experience working for and alongside Microsoft partners, she combines technical fluency with deep knowledge of co-sell strategies, solution plays, and partner programs. Beyond consultancy, she is a trustee of the Aleto Foundation and founder of Connect2Collab, an event supporting SMEs. Passionate about simplifying complex ecosystems, Gemma provides practical frameworks and field-tested strategies to help partners align with Microsoft, scale campaigns, and deliver measurable impact.

Julien is an international bilingual business transformation advisor with 20 years of experience helping companies enhance commercial and marketing initiatives across EMEA, the UK, and the Americas. He has advised C-level executives, boards, and SMEs on strategic planning and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy, while leading digital transformation and change management in complex organisations. A seasoned corporate trainer and coach, he has worked with global brands including Goodyear, Hilton, and Copa Airlines. Alongside his consultancy work, he has over 15 years of academic experience at leading Colombian universities, where he lectures in marketing, sales, CRM, and GTM strategy, while mentoring students and entrepreneurs.

Fiona Belk is an experienced Human Resources professional and the founder of Unlocking Strengths Ltd. and 1 Hour Project. She has a strong track record as a Talent Development and HR Business Partner across industries including investment banking, energy, and telecoms. Fiona specialises in training programme design, executive development, performance improvement, and career development, combining practical HR expertise with academic qualifications in coaching, mentoring, counselling, and psychology. Passionate about unlocking potential, she helps organisations and individuals enhance performance, develop leadership, and achieve meaningful growth.