Stephanie Hussels appointed inaugural Sir Peter Cullum Chair in Entrepreneurship
Stephanie Hussels has been appointed as Bayes Business School’s inaugural Sir Peter Cullum Chair in Entrepreneurship.
Professor Hussels joins Bayes from Cranfield University, where she spent almost 20 years in leadership roles spanning entrepreneurship education, research and business engagement.
As Director of the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship and Director of Theme for Business Transformation and Growth, Professor Hussels founded 'VentureDay' and the Cranfield Seed Fund, as well as helping to establish one of the UK’s leading university entrepreneurship centres that still supports thousands of entrepreneurs and small-medium enterprises (SMEs). In addition, she has taught entrepreneurship across executive, MBA, and doctoral programmes, and is internationally recognised for translating entrepreneurship research into practice.
Commenting on her appointment, Professor Hussels said people and their ideas have the power to make a big difference.
“Entrepreneurship has always fascinated me because it is ultimately about people and their ideas, resilience and determination to create something that makes a difference,” she said.
“Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside founders at every stage of their journey, from students with a first idea to entrepreneurs building and successfully exiting international businesses.
“What continues to inspire me is seeing individuals turn uncertainty into opportunity, and recognising the transformative impact entrepreneurship can have not only on businesses, but communities and society as well.
“Helping entrepreneurs realise their potential has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”
Bayes Business School is a consistent high-flyer in global rankings, boasting strength in entrepreneurship education from undergraduate level through to MBA. This commitment to entrepreneurship is reflected in initiatives such as the virtual Museum of Entrepreneurship, founded by Professor Stefania Zerbinati at Bayes, which collects and celebrates entrepreneurial diversity, and was exhibited at the IKEA Museum in Sweden earlier this year.
Professor Hussels will work alongside colleagues across Bayes and CityVentures, bringing together the School’s community with founders and policymakers to create an integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem. The new role aims to mobilise Bayes’ teaching, research and executive education strengths, and location in the heart of London’s tech and finance centre, to further strengthen its position as a leading hub for entrepreneurship.
“Bayes has an outstanding reputation for excellence in entrepreneurship research and education,” Professor Hussels continued.
“It is also uniquely positioned at the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems. The opportunity to become the inaugural Sir Peter Cullum Chair in Entrepreneurship is incredibly exciting because it combines academic excellence with the opportunity to build something for the future.
“My ambition is to ensure that entrepreneurship is not simply something we teach, but something our students and alumni experience throughout their time at Bayes and beyond.
“I want to bring together research, teaching, alumni, founders, investors and industry to create an even stronger entrepreneurial community, and for Bayes to become the first place that aspiring entrepreneurs, established businesses and investors think of when they seek world-class entrepreneurship expertise.”
A series of events and emerging technologies have shifted the entrepreneurial landscape drastically in recent years. In spite of this, Professor Hussels said building a business should still be an attractive proposition.
“Young entrepreneurs are entering a world that is changing faster than ever. Technologies like artificial intelligence are creating incredible opportunities, while global uncertainty, access to finance and rapidly evolving markets present significant challenges.
“Success today is less about having all the answers and more about being adaptable, resilient and willing to learn continuously.
“At the same time, I believe there has never been a better moment to build a business.
“Entrepreneurs now have access to technology, networks, knowledge and global markets in ways that were unimaginable even a decade ago. Those who thrive will combine innovation with purpose, remain close to their customers, and build businesses that create long-term value for both society and the economy.
"I look forward to helping Bayes students, alumni and partners seize those opportunities together.”
