About Susanna Kempe
A graduate of Cambridge University, Susanna’s professional experience includes over 15 years in senior leadership roles in international B2B and learning businesses. Susanna began her career at the Institute for International Research (IIR) where she first worked with Lord Laidlaw, rising to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). When IIR, which was the world’s largest organiser of commercial conferences, was acquired by Informa plc in 2005 Susanna was appointed CMO of the enlarged group and also led the public company’s investor relations programmes. She subsequently joined Emap Ltd as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and CEO of Emap Networks, that group’s conferences business. Later she became CEO of the fashion industry forecaster WGSN and was latterly Group Content and Marketing Partner of the leading strategy consultancy Brunswick Group. A German-American raised and educated in the UK and a committed internationalist, Susanna has been involved in globally trading businesses throughout her career, directing activity in the Americas, across continental Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Susanna has been extensively involved with education and professional development over many years. She was Head of Group Training and led the commercial acquisition and integration of a portfolio of corporate training businesses whilst at IIR; and created learning academies at both Informa and Emap. She believes experiencing and appreciating different cultures promotes better global understanding, creativity and leadership. She is passionate about the power of education to transform lives; and believes that we need to develop a new generation of diverse leaders who are curious, bold and devoted to decency, truthfulness, and innovation. Susanna is committed to diversity not only as a societal imperative but as a critical component of commercial success. As an advisor to the trustees of the Foundation, Susanna first learnt about its purpose and programmes before becoming its Chief Executive responsible for the Laidlaw Schools Trust, the Laidlaw Scholars and its other education programmes. Susanna read English and Philosophy at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. She has five half blues in swimming and water polo; and played netball and rowed for Newnham.
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The Leadership Lab: Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, FRSE
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Allyson Grace Chai Yi Jing
Psychology and Social Anthropology undergraduate student, University of St Andrews
Kate Ivanchenko
Student Employability Officer, Laidlaw Programme Coordinator, Trinity College Dublin
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Laidlaw Foundation Trustees Programme Management Laidlaw Conference 2019 OpportunitiesRecent Discussions
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Anuj (AJ) Manchanda
Lester B. Pearson and Laidlaw Scholar at the University of Toronto, University of Toronto
Recent Comments
Beautiful. Powerful. Exquisite, Thank you so much for sharing.
Every time I read an LiA reflection I think I cannot be more impressed or moved, and then I read this. And tbqh, I am a mess. Typing in tears is really not ideal. From setting such thoughtful SMART goals including prepping from January through to refusing to take the easy option and cancelling the show, you have demonstrated not only how to make the most of your LiA experience, but also how to give and grow the most; in short, how to be a good leader. I am so delighted that you had such an amazing experience; obviously for you and for SOS, but mostly for those students whose lives you have changed forever. I am so glad SOS want to roll out your work. Perhaps you can coach some Laidlaw Scholars to go next year and continue your incredible work.
Having had the enormous privilege of watching your students present, it is very clear to me that you have absolutely inspired them to do - and be - more than they could ever have dreamed of before this summer.
I am reminded reading your beautiful reflection of the fact that the view from the top of a mountain that you have hiked is always infinitely more fabulous than the one that you drove up. By having to overcome so many challenges, and work so hard for your students to succeed, the reward is all the greater. Congratulations Brandon and thanks for sharing such a wonderful journey.
Having had the great privilege of watching those presentations, I can attest to the fact that you achieved truly remarkable results. Your takeaways are invaluable life lessons - and fundamental to success in any walk of life. HUGE congrats!
Another powerful, insightful and totally mesmerising post - thank you! I love the way you have interspersed the stunning safari photos through the piece; zeroed in on a specific value and capacity and clearly signposted each segment of reflection and learning. I am sure that the teenagers will miss you dreadfully and very much hope that SOS and future Laidlaw Scholars can continue to build on the great work you have initiated.
Hi Youness, I missed the interview on the live stream and would love to hear it. Do you know if they recorded it?
Always.
BTW - I shared it with the SOS Villages HQ too. Hope that was ok. I wanted them to be aware of the great work that you are doing and start thinking about how it could be scaled and sustained.
Hi Youness, I missed the interview on the live stream and would love to hear it. Do you know if they recorded it?
It is fantastic. You are a natural broadcaster. The description of the games that foster self-regulation and empathy is so clear and compelling. I love the concept of a "lens of curiosity". So thrilled to hear about your future plans for staying engaged with them. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Youness, I missed the interview on the live stream and would love to hear it. Do you know if they recorded it?