Inspiring Minds to Think Big 2025!

The latest instalment of the Inspiring Minds to Think Big series brought together a fantastic panel of industry leaders to discuss the topic of Driving Change. Held in the welcoming and informal setting of the Sixth Form café in the Harrison Centre, the evening saw a strong turnout of students, parents, and professionals eager to gain insights into the ever-evolving landscape of leadership and innovation.

Guests enjoyed drinks and canapés as they networked before the discussion commenced. Hosted by our dedicated Lower Sixth, RGS Foundation Ambassadors, the panel event featured expert advice from an array of distinguished professionals, each bringing unique perspectives on how to create meaningful impact in their respective fields – from medicine to management and coaching, across corporate, not-for profit and entrepreneurial sectors. Their thought-provoking insights set the stage for an engaging and dynamic conversation, which later opened up to questions from the audience.

The discussion ranged from personal experiences of driving change within organisations to the broader societal shifts shaping the future – and of course, the hot-topic of the impact of AI. The panellists shared invaluable advice and anecdotes on overcoming challenges, creativity in innovation and making a lasting difference by discussing how to bring stakeholders with you on any transformational journey, leaving attendees with plenty of food for thought.

Key points from each panellist:

Lia Ashlin (Consultant Neuropsychiatrist and digital health expert): It’s never too late to learn and consider the unintended consequences of change.

Craig Thornton (Director of Audit and Risk at SNG Housing): Attitude to change is key – being well equipped to think creatively to find opportunities to do things differently.

Francine De Stoppelaar (Healthcare leader and Honorary Associate Professor): Take a multidisciplinary approach to the process of driving change by employing the 3 Cs - communication, collaboration and commitment.

Philippe Guenet (Business and Tech Transformation Leader): Train your ability to think to be better than AI – that’s what innovation will be.

The event was yet another testament to the strength and importance of the RGS community. With such a wealth of knowledge and experience among our former students, parents and professional networks, events like these offer a valuable opportunity for Reigatians to formulate their own career journeys, learn from real-world examples, and navigate potential pitfalls with confidence.

A huge thank you to our panellists, our RGS Foundation Ambassadors, and everyone who attended for making the evening such a success. We look forward to the next Inspiring Minds to Think Big event and the continued exchange of ideas that help shape the future of Reigatians.

View the photo gallery here.

Our next Reigatian Hub event will be on 14 May 2025 at Dropkick Brewing in Dorking.