CEO of Timpsons Offers Aston University Students Insights into Corporate Kindness and Management
The CEO of Timpson Ltd visited Aston University for a wide-ranging visit discussing management strategy and corporate kindness on Wednesday 13 March.
James Timpson OBE DL is chief executive of the retail business, which has over 2000 shops. He is also chancellor of Keele University, chair of the Prison Reform Trust and is the national chair of the Employment Advisory Board, which works closely with New Futures Network and the Ministry of Justice helping those in prison secure a job on release.
He was hosted for the day by the Department of Accounting at Aston Business School (ABS) and the research Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing.
James, who is also a visiting professor at the University, took part in a series of activities designed to inspire and educate students, faculty and staff. This included an interactive session with Aston Executive MBA students as part of an Aston Edge day, during which he provided an introduction to his business philosophy, before delving into an informal Q&A session covering topics such as VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) management and employee development.
He also met with final year undergraduate accounting students in small roundtable discussions, where he shared insights into careers, the concept of corporate kindness and the practical utilisation of accounting data in business management.
The visit culminated in an ‘in conversation’ event with Professor Mark Hart at the Enterprise Hub at Aston University’s corporate headquarters John Cadbury House in Birmingham city centre, where they discussed James’ approach to collaboration, profit and success, as well as his newly released book, The Happy Index: Lessons in Upside-Down Management.
Professor Andy Lymer, head of Department of Accounting at Aston University, said:
“It was fantastic to welcome James Timpson back to Aston University for his first such visit since November 2022.
“His commitment to corporate kindness and innovative leadership serves as an inspiration to our students and faculty.
“These sessions offer valuable perspectives for students preparing to enter the workforce.
“I was wonderful that the visit coincided the release of his latest book, The Happy Index, which explores the correlation between employee happiness and business success. This timely publication adds an extra dimension to his discussions, offering practical strategies for creating a healthier and more productive workforce.”