Inaugural Professorial Lecture — Chi Maher

Professor Chi Maher is Professor of Public Policy, Entrepreneurship & Human Resource Management at Ravensbourne University London. She brings over 25 years of international experience across academia and industry, working with diverse student backgrounds, supervising doctoral students, and managing strategic institutional and social enterprise partnerships. Passionate about bridging research with real-world impact, she has led and contributed to many projects focusing on social entrepreneurship, public policy, human-resource management, and sustainable organisational development.

It is both a privilege and a deeply humbling moment to stand before you today for my inaugural professorial lecture. I would like to thank each and every one of you for taking time out of your busy lives to be here this evening. This occasion is not just a personal milestone; it is a celebration of the collective effort, support, and collaboration that have shaped my industry and academic career experiences that have contributed to my appointment to a professorial role at Ravensbourne University.

Careers are no longer approached as stable or static. Instead, they are understood as complex, dynamic, and ever-evolving processes that cross national, international, and organisational boundaries. In a world defined by rapid technological change, shifting job markets, public policy developments, AI advancements, and evolving professional expectations, the responsibility for managing one’s career has never been more critical or more personal.

This inaugural lecture explores the urgency and opportunity embedded in contemporary career management. Career management is the process that enables individuals to design and implement plans and strategies to help them achieve their future career goals. Furthermore, proactive career planning, educational qualifications, work experience, continuous learning and development, self- motivation, adaptability to organisational needs, and alignment with core organisational values and missions empower individuals to pursue their career goals with confidence.

This lecture does not purport to provide an exhaustive explanation of all the factors that shape and constrain career management in the 21st century. However, every effort has been made to include key factors identified during fieldwork. It is essential for individuals to take ownership of their future career trajectories, in line with their personal needs and aspirations, by actively pursuing career opportunities both within and beyond their organisations.

• Explore research at the intersection of policy, entrepreneurship and human resources.
• Hear from a senior academic with deep experience in social enterprise and organisational development.
• Gain insight into how academic research can translate into societal and business impact.
• Network with staff, students, and professionals interested in entrepreneurship, policy, HR, and social innovation.

• Venue: R1 CEET — final room confirmation TBC
• Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Admission: Free with registration
• Audience: Students, staff, external guests, industry partners, and anyone interested in entrepreneurship, policy, HR, business and social impact

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Host or Publisher Ravensbourne University London KER