In our final episode of Unfinished Business, we hear from John Dodd, the Director of Satellite Maritime Safety at Inmarsat, responsible for the global safety of 1.9 million seafarers. His expertise, honed over a career spanning more than 25 years, has solidified Inmarsat’s reputation as a pioneer in maritime safety.

An industry leader in Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS), he oversees the current satellite safety services, develops and implements new satellite capabilities, and represents the organisation in regulatory forums such as the International Maritime Organisation (U.N.), World Meteorological Organisation, and International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO).

His career background ranges from an extensive career in UK Armed Forces to a motorbike stuntman. John’s journey also includes a pivotal chapter at Henley Business School, where he completed the Senior Leaders Apprenticeship and his MBA in 2023.

He is an advocate for personal development within the workplace and industry. Completing his MBA at Henley Business School, and receiving Outstanding Apprentice of the Year 2022, he as subsequently been awarded an Honour Doctor of Maritime Studies by SOLENT University Southampton in 2024.

Notably, his implementation of a new safety system at Inmarsat led to a staggering 400% increase in the use of search and rescue services by global authorities, underscoring his innovative approach and unwavering dedication. In 2023, he and his team also won the prestigious International Maritime Rescue Federation Award for Innovation and Technology in Maritime Search and Rescue. These awards are recognition of John’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in maritime safety.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dodd-4953b495/

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba

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Dr Yekemi Otaru, a petroleum engineer, was part-way through her Henley Executive MBA when she walked into a HR Director’s office and asked to move into marketing. Ever since, she has combined her strategic acumen with her heart for impact. Yekemi’s career journey is a testament to the power of personal development and strategic vision, resilience and reinvention.

She is an award-winning entrepreneur and CEO at Somebody Cares Scotland, an Aberdeen-based charity that supports over 13,000 people annually. In 2021, she was appointed the Chancellor of the University of the West of Scotland, making history as the first black woman to take up the role at a Scottish university.

Her impact in this role goes far beyond the ceremonial — she is a passionate ambassador for education, diversity, and innovation. Recognised for her contributions to higher education and entrepreneurship, Yekemi was awarded an honorary doctorate from UWS in 2022.

She’s also the founder and CEO of YO Ventures, a consultancy dedicated to strategic marketing and transformative learning programmes.

Yekemi’s entrepreneurial prowess shines through in her co-founding of Doqaru Limited, Scotland’s first multi-award-winning sales enablement consultancy. Under her leadership, the company has achieved groundbreaking results, earning accolades such as the Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

A published author, Yekemi’s 2016 book, The Smart Sceptic’s Guide to Social Media in Organisations, reflects her forward-thinking approach to digital transformation. Her passion for mentorship and advocacy for women in business has inspired many, and her achievements have secured her a place among Scotland’s most influential leaders.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yekemiotaru/

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba

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Rupert Douglas-Bate is a visionary leader in the intersection between humanitarian aid and technology. Rupert is the chairman and founder of Global MapAid, an organisation he established in 2003 after a fellowship at Stanford University, and under the sponsorship of Thomson Reuters foundation.

With a profound commitment to mapping the gaps in humanitarian and development aid, Rupert's work has notably impacted regions affected by crises, including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

A Henley business school MBA graduate of 2014, Rupert seamlessly blends his expertise in crisis management with the executive coaching, particularly focusing on AI and technology leaders.

Today, he divides his time between coaching AI executives and leading his AI centric NGO global map aid, which is currently dedicated to mapping groundwater to support Water well programming in Ethiopia.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupertdouglasbate/

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.