Our 'In Conversation' series features renowned speakers from the world of sport, business and culture who share an exclusive insight into their remarkable careers.
It provides an opportunity for you to hear directly about what inspired them and how they achieved such incredible success in their chosen field.
Our audience will have the opportunity to engage directly with our special guest speakers and ask questions during what will surely be a memorable evening out.
Events will be held at both Teesside University and at an exclusive location in London.
Tickets will be on a first come, first served basis.
Speakers for 2023/24 include Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Chief Creative Officer, acclaimed film director, writer and producer Franc Roddam, and former Ferrari F1 Race Engineer and now CEO & Founder of Smedley Group, Rob Smedley.
Each event is open to staff, students and members of the public.
20 Jun 6.30PM
Students' Union
As an acclaimed film director, businessman, screenwriter, television producer and publisher, Franc Roddam is behind some of the most iconic pieces of British popular culture.
Born in North Yorkshire Adele’s first novel - Playing Away - was published in 2000 and since then she has published 22 bestselling novels in 22 years, including the number one bestsellers Lies Lies Lies and Just My Luck. Over 4 million copies of Adele’s UK editions have been sold and she’s translated into 31 different languages.
In 2009 Adele was awarded an honorary doctorate of Letters from Teesside University and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2022 for Services to Literature.
Dom Carter is Publisher of The Sun, the biggest popular news brand in the UK and the fastest growing digital news brand in the US. He was also named Champion of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards last year, recognising his work encouraging action that will promote and increase social mobility.
The Sun is the #1 newsbrand in the UK, reaching more than 30 million readers each month across all its digital and print platforms. The Sun is famous for its campaigning journalism, celebrating heroes across society and giving voice to the voiceless. Working with editor-in-chief Victoria Newton, Dominic is focused on developing The Sun’s audience, products and revenues to their full potential as the brand embraces new social and video opportunities.
Dom doesn’t like to admit it but he has worked in the media for over 30 years in a variety of commercial and leadership roles and has been at the forefront of media transformation, as new technologies have impacted on where, when and how we all consume our news, information and entertainment.
Famed for his international rugby career, Rory Underwood holds the record of 49 tries for England and won seven caps for the British Lions touring Australia in 1989 and New Zealand in 1993. Rory started his rugby career at Middlesbrough RUFC, played first class rugby at Leicester Tigers for 14 years and was awarded an MBE in 1992 for services to rugby. He joined the Board of Leicester Tigers as a non-executive Director in November 2007.
Rory amassed 3,000 hours flying as a pilot during 18 years in the Royal Air Force (RAF). During his RAF career he was responsible for introducing crew resources management training.
In 2022 Rory was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from Teesside University.
