Building Influence and Inspiring Action Workshop

12pm – 1pm BST, 31 March 2025 ‐ 1 hour

Room: Hall 11b

Pre-Conference Activities

In today’s dynamic professional landscape, leadership is not just about holding a title—it’s about influence, visibility, and the ability to drive meaningful action. This interactive career and professional development session is designed to equip early career researchers, postgraduate students, and emerging leaders with the skills to navigate career challenges, develop their leadership voice, and build influential networks.

Through a blend of interactive discussions, problem-solving exercises, and action learning sets, attendees will explore:

• Collaborative Problem-Solving – Addressing real-world challenges through strategic thinking and group discussion.
• Vision, Visibility, and Voice – Understanding how to articulate career aspirations and position oneself for leadership.
• Sponsorship Relationships – Identifying and leveraging key professional connections for career progression.
• Action Learning Set – Applying insights in real-time to develop practical career strategies.
• Networking to Collaboration – Moving beyond traditional networking to build meaningful, lasting professional partnerships.

Leave with practical strategies for career advancement, new professional connections, and a stronger understanding of how to build influence within their field.

Speakers

Dr Blessing Mbaebie Oyedemi

University of Middlesex

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Dr Blessing Mbaebie Oyedemi

University of Middlesex

Dr Blessing Oyedemi is a lecturer in Biosciences at Middlesex University and a researcher in microbiology and antimicrobial resistance. Her career is a testament to resilience, influence, and advocacy for inclusion in science. Dr Oyedemi is a passionate advocate for leadership, access to education, and inclusivity in STEM. She has shared her work on education and gender equity at the University of Cambridge School of Sciences Gender Conference, an opportunity that led to her meeting the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to discuss the importance of broadening access to science and education. Through her work, Dr Oyedemi empowers the next generation of researchers and leaders, ensuring that doors remain open for all aspiring scientists—regardless of background, identity, or circumstance.