Mr Lestyn Hughes

Doctor of Business Leadership

Where are you from?

United Kingdom. Born in Lancashire, but lived in Yorkshire for thirty years - I'm still the 'new boy' where I live.

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

The course was great - its one of the only DBL in the Country, so it interested me because it was innovative.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

The University pulled out all the stops to help me transition onto the first year of the DBL programme back in 2012. I only found out about the programme just before the 2012 intake, and I am very grateful to everyone at the University who went the extra mile to enable me to join the 2012 cohort.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The quality of the taught input was first class. The University facilities are superb. The attitude, approach and helpfulness of the lecturers and administrative staff has been fantastic.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

My research supervisor, Dr. Guy Brown has been a fantastic support and help throughout the programme. During the times when I couldn't 'see the wood for the trees', Guy was always able to bring a fresh perspective to enable me to make progress.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

All the lecturers who delivered the taught part of the programme were superb. They re-ignited my interest in learning and research, and, even though there was an awful lot of information to take in during the Professional Doctorate's taught weeks, they made it interesting, enjoyable and inspiring.

What is the best thing about your course?

The learning - I have definitely learned so much more than I previously knew about Leadership and Organiational Culture.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

When you reach a level of knowledge where you think you understand a lot . . . you don't - there's even more to come.

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

I would like to help Leaders and Company Boards to think critically about their Leadership, and shaping the futures of their companies by the influence of Leadership.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?

I have applied the concepts of Leadership accountability to an accountability framework for my company, so that Board Executives are able to reflect on their performance as Sponsors of major investment programmes.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

It's a great University. All of my experiences have been positive, and so I would highly recommend the University.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

I think my knowledge has increased, my ability to critically reflect has improved significantly, but that, because I am now more aware that there is so much more to know than I will ever know, my self awareness of the value of collective, rather than simply my own perspectives, has been enhanced greatly.