Be prepared to step up in challenging times, Bayes Dean tells graduates

Bayes Dean speaks at winter graduation ceremony

Amidst the celebrations at the Barbican, Dean Professor Andre Spicer reminded those graduating from Bayes this week that more challenging days are inevitable.

We will, he said, all face crises in our life – and the important thing is how we respond.

“Most graduation speeches point to the great opportunities laying over the horizon. But we all know that as well as opportunities, over the horizon lurk difficulties, challenges and times of crisis.”

He invoked two transport accidents – and the very different ways that the leaders involved in each responded.

After the cruise liner the Costas Concordia ran on to a reef in 2012, an accident which saw 12 people die, the captain (who was found to have caused the disaster) changed into civilian clothes and was safely back on shore before the vessel sank – via a lifeboat he ‘fell’ into.

Six years later, the pilot of a passenger plane on an internal flight in the US responded rather differently when an engine burst into flames – taking with it one of the aircraft’s windows.

“When the pilot realised what was going wrong, she communicated with air traffic control then started to descend sharply in the hope of stabilising the plane and making it to a nearby airport. She calmed panicking passengers by calming keeping them informed of her plan: ‘We are not going down, we are going to Philadelphia’.”

Remarkably, after safely landing the plane she went through the cabin shaking the hand of each passenger while looking in the eye – preventing a possibly dangerous stampede.

Avoid turning a crisis into a drama

Lessons for the graduates – and us all – he suggested, included taking responsibility during a crisis and communicating with those in their care.

Most of us will not captain a cruise ship or pilot a plane, but we will take on leadership roles which make us responsible for the lives and livelihoods of others. This is both a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. Part of that responsibility means being ready and able to face a crisis when it comes.”

Deserved recognition for retail boss and friend of Bayes

During the ceremony an honorary Doctor of Science degree was awarded to Alan Giles OBE, recognising his long career in retail and his support for Bayes.

The citation said: “The students and academic colleagues here at Bayes have benefitted enormously from Alan’s commitment and enthusiasm as an honorary visiting professor and a source of wise counsel. He has selflessly given his time to the students, alumni and academic staff of Bayes for more than 15 years.

“Alan was deputy chair of the advisory board of our unique Mergers & Acquisitions Research Centre and has been an amiable and thoughtful presence at School conferences and events. He has contributed to the development of several programmes, most notably our executive education courses for leaders in the NHS and policing.

“Above all he has been a truly passionate ambassador for Bayes Business School and City St George’s.”