Stephen Hester Inspires the Next Generation of Business Leaders
Cronton Sixth Form College students, studying A levels in Business, Accounting, Economics and Government and Politics, last week had the opportunity to gain a revealing insight into the business and banking world with a talk from the CEO of RSA Insurance Group, Stephen Hester.
The event was organised with Speakers for Schools, a UK independent charity which provides schools and colleges with talks from industry leading professionals. Stephen attended the college as he aims to inspire and provide knowledge to the next generation of business leaders.
Following an introduction from College Principal Mary Murphy, Stephen discussed his lengthy career with the students. A range of topics were covered, including life happiness and work, succeeding in business, and the banking world. Advice was provided on how to succeed in your job, stressing the importance of certain qualities; intelligence, communication skills, focus, discipline and drive.
A question and answer session took place in which students had the opportunity to ask Stephen challenging questions on controversial topics, including the 2008/2009 financial crisis when Stephen was CEO of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group.
Stephen ended with some career guidance for the students, “You have to focus on the foundations of business. It’s hard to be happy and fulfilled if your work life isn’t happy and fulfilled. A job stretches you in every way; socially, intellectually and emotionally.”
Student Feedback from the event has been very positive; Business student Gabrielle Crosby commented, “Stephan Hester’s point about happiness and fulfilment was very inspirational and has motivated me to stretch myself in order to work to the best of my abilities at this present time in order to pave a better path for me tomorrow.”
Helen Chappell, curriculum manager at Cronton Sixth Form and event organiser, said, “Stephen’s talk to our AS and A2 students inspired them to consider what they might want to pursue in later life; he gave sound advice on choosing a career which you enjoy, and in which you have talent, to ensure personal and social happiness. His insight into his own life and career was fascinating and certainly gave our students a lot to think about.”