Two hundred business leaders from across the North West took part in Lancaster University Management School’s (LUMS) first online Masterclass last week.

Entrepreneur and founder of Fusion Future, Mike Ryan, hosted the online event which launched LUMS’ 2020 Masterclass series, run in partnership with NatWest.

As a ‘digital futurist’, Mike eats, lives and breathes future thinking and captivated his virtual audience by discussing how businesses accelerated 10 years in the space of 10 weeks, and examined how previous pandemics influenced our future.

LUMS’ Dean, Professor Angus Laing, said: “Mike’s insight offered participants the chance to pause and reflect, and consider important next moves as both business and workers adapt to new operating models that are emerging. As we all make sense of this new normality, his astute advice around re-calibrating and considering green, digital futures is so important and was well received by all.”

LUMS’ Leadership Insights Series, supported by NatWest, will take a different form this year – with masterclasses moving online to ensure professionals from SMEs and large organisations can continue to safely access inspiring lectures, and network with peers. The series continues with video interviews with entrepreneurs and business leaders conducted by Vikas Shah, one of the UK's highest-profile entrepreneurs and business commentators.

The first Leadership Insight interview with Louise Fowler, from Davenport Strategies, will be released on 1 October 2020. Louise Fowler is one of the UK’s most successful business leaders. She launched the British Airways Executive Club, then the first beds on a plane which revolutionised business travel and propelled BA to the top of the travel service industry. Louise will be sharing her key insights on marketing, leadership and the importance of innovation.

To find out more about the series , visit https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lums/business/masterclasses/