Donna Whitehead, CEO at University of Brighton: Can Grit, Humour and a Chicken Shop Get You to the Top?

Episode Guest

Donna Whitehead is the Vice Chancellor and CEO of the University of Brighton. A proud working-class leader from Hartlepool, Donna brings a bold, purpose-driven vision to higher education.

Episode Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

1:22 From Council Estate to CEO

2:59 Donna’s First Job: Paper Round Hustle

4:23 Learning Discipline and Drive

6:01 “Shy Bairns Get Nowt”: Grit as a Mindset

7:08 Pride in Her Hartlepool Roots

8:42 Imposter Syndrome and Black Tie Moments

10:53 Getting Sacked and Bouncing Back

12:08 The Life Event That Changed Everything

13:33 Failing College, Then Trying Again

14:59 Studying Law and Seeing a Bigger World

16:33 From No Map to Leading a University

17:44 Why Education Became Her Purpose

19:06 What a University CEO Really Does

20:45 Brighton’s 10-Year Vision: Equity & Enterprise

22:31 A Day in the Life of Donna Whitehead

24:35 What Brighton Has Taught Her About Life

26:02 Never Compromise Your Values

27:07 Deputy CEO vs CEO: The Real Difference

28:31 What Donna Would Study Today

29:40 Why Choose University of Brighton?

30:55 Careers in Education: Donna’s Call to Action

32:07 Quickfire Round: Mascots, Boss Phrases & Icons

34:10 Donna’s Message to Students, CEOs & the World

35:47 Donna’s Duvet Flip – What Gets Her Up

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