In our final episode of Unfinished Business, we hear from John Dodd, the Director of Satellite Maritime Safety at Inmarsat, responsible for the global safety of 1.9 million seafarers. His expertise, honed over a career spanning more than 25 years, has solidified Inmarsat’s reputation as a pioneer in maritime safety.

An industry leader in Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS), he oversees the current satellite safety services, develops and implements new satellite capabilities, and represents the organisation in regulatory forums such as the International Maritime Organisation (U.N.), World Meteorological Organisation, and International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO).

His career background ranges from an extensive career in UK Armed Forces to a motorbike stuntman. John’s journey also includes a pivotal chapter at Henley Business School, where he completed the Senior Leaders Apprenticeship and his MBA in 2023.

He is an advocate for personal development within the workplace and industry. Completing his MBA at Henley Business School, and receiving Outstanding Apprentice of the Year 2022, he as subsequently been awarded an Honour Doctor of Maritime Studies by SOLENT University Southampton in 2024.

Notably, his implementation of a new safety system at Inmarsat led to a staggering 400% increase in the use of search and rescue services by global authorities, underscoring his innovative approach and unwavering dedication. In 2023, he and his team also won the prestigious International Maritime Rescue Federation Award for Innovation and Technology in Maritime Search and Rescue. These awards are recognition of John’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in maritime safety.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dodd-4953b495/

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba

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Dr Yekemi Otaru, a petroleum engineer, was part-way through her Henley Executive MBA when she walked into a HR Director’s office and asked to move into marketing. Ever since, she has combined her strategic acumen with her heart for impact. Yekemi’s career journey is a testament to the power of personal development and strategic vision, resilience and reinvention.

She is an award-winning entrepreneur and CEO at Somebody Cares Scotland, an Aberdeen-based charity that supports over 13,000 people annually. In 2021, she was appointed the Chancellor of the University of the West of Scotland, making history as the first black woman to take up the role at a Scottish university.

Her impact in this role goes far beyond the ceremonial — she is a passionate ambassador for education, diversity, and innovation. Recognised for her contributions to higher education and entrepreneurship, Yekemi was awarded an honorary doctorate from UWS in 2022.

She’s also the founder and CEO of YO Ventures, a consultancy dedicated to strategic marketing and transformative learning programmes.

Yekemi’s entrepreneurial prowess shines through in her co-founding of Doqaru Limited, Scotland’s first multi-award-winning sales enablement consultancy. Under her leadership, the company has achieved groundbreaking results, earning accolades such as the Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

A published author, Yekemi’s 2016 book, The Smart Sceptic’s Guide to Social Media in Organisations, reflects her forward-thinking approach to digital transformation. Her passion for mentorship and advocacy for women in business has inspired many, and her achievements have secured her a place among Scotland’s most influential leaders.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yekemiotaru/

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba

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Rupert Douglas-Bate is a visionary leader in the intersection between humanitarian aid and technology. Rupert is the chairman and founder of Global MapAid, an organisation he established in 2003 after a fellowship at Stanford University, and under the sponsorship of Thomson Reuters foundation.

With a profound commitment to mapping the gaps in humanitarian and development aid, Rupert's work has notably impacted regions affected by crises, including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

A Henley business school MBA graduate of 2014, Rupert seamlessly blends his expertise in crisis management with the executive coaching, particularly focusing on AI and technology leaders.

Today, he divides his time between coaching AI executives and leading his AI centric NGO global map aid, which is currently dedicated to mapping groundwater to support Water well programming in Ethiopia.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupertdouglasbate/

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba

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Themba Baloyi (South Africa) says he came from an unlikely background, but he had the drive and motivation to make meaningful change for those around him. Now he is a distinguished business leader, investor and an entrepreneur.

Best known as the founder of Discovery Insure, his pioneering work in the insurance industry earned him the 2018 AABLA Entrepreneur of the Year Award and recognition as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader in 2015.

He is a fellow of the Aspen Institute Global Leadership Network and chairs the boards of JSE-listed Curro Holdings and the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation. He also serves on the boards of Africa Reinsurance Corporation of South Africa, JSE-listed Calgro M3, and previously held leadership roles with the Insurance Institute of Southern Africa and the South African Insurance Crime Bureau.

His passion for education is evident through his involvement with Henley Business School’s Academic Board and as chairman of ADF, an education-focused organisation.

His leadership is characterised by resilience, self-discipline, and a commitment to empowering South Africans through business and education.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thembalihle-themba-baloyi-3347755/

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba

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In our next episode, we meet Teresa Kemppi-Vasama (Finland), a seasoned leader with a deep foundation in corporate governance, strategy and family business excellence.

Teresa serves as Chair of the Board at Kemppi and holds key board positions at several organisations, including Cargo Tech and Calma. She holds a master’s degree in social psychology from the University of Helsinki and began her career as a change management consultant at Accenture. She later spent over a decade with the Finnish Red Cross, leading strategic initiatives and youth programs.

Teresa is known for her hands-on, strategic approach, successfully guiding generational transitions and ensuring the Kemppi legacy remains at the forefront of technology and sustainability. Her commitment to mentorship, innovation, and governance underscores her reputation as a transformative leader.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-kemppi-vasama-403869

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba

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In this episode, Dr Chris Dalton speaks with Nadia Nagamootoo (UK), an exceptional leader in organisational psychology, inclusion, and leadership development. She is a bestselling author and host of the popular podcast, ‘Why Care?’

A Henley business school MBA alumna from 2016, Nadia has profoundly impacted how organisations navigate the complexities of diversity, equity and inclusion in today's workplace.

As the founder and director of Avenir consulting, Nadia has spent nearly a decade empowering organisations to embed meaningful inclusion into their cultures. Through her innovative “Beyond Discomfort” model, she helps leaders address the underlying beliefs and emotions that often hinder progress in equity and inclusion, and her work has been instrumental in transforming organisations across industries and creating environments where everyone can truly thrive.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-nagamootoo-she-her-98436613/?originalSubdomain=uk

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba

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Celebrated Jazz musician Nomfundo Xaluva (Cape Town), talks to Chris about growing up during apartheid in South Africa, and explains the influence it had on her identity and her music.

Nomfundo Xaluva (Henley MBA Alumnus) is a multi-award winning Jazz vocalist, composer and academic and she has released 2 albums under the Universal Music Group. Nomfudo is a senior lecturer in Jazz Studies at UCT’s South African College of Music where she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies (Cum Laude) and later the Henley MBA in South Africa.

As an educator, she headed the Vocal Department at the prestigious Cape Academy of Performing Arts and is now the former Vice Chairman of the SAMRO Foundation Board.

Nomfundo’s research interests lie in the intersection where the art of music meets the world of business as well as the repositioning of South African Jazz in the academy. She is a member of the UCT Next Generation Professoriate programme.

Nomfundo Xaluva | LinkedIn

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba

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In this episode Rupa Datta (London) explains the concept of a ‘portfolio’ career and lifestyle, plus an exploration into public speaking, and its deeper link to ‘finding your voice’.

Rupa Datta (Henley MBA Alumnus) identifies herself as a ‘Career Explorer’ having launched a portfolio career towards the end of her time at Henley Business School. Rupa remains committed to ongoing personal and professional development in addition to commercial roles over the last decade, setting up Portfolio People in 2014. This has included communication, oracy, and training, most recently working with the English-Speaking Union facilitating youth competitions and adult training design.

Rupa has spent a great deal of time with an organisation called Toastmasters International where she has served in various leadership roles and held the office of District Director UK South in 2022-2023.

Rupa Datta | LinkedIn

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba

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