Don't Compromise!

Deena Ingham
(read Deena’s guest article)

Deena Ingham is a hackademic – in true terms. The hack stems from 30 years in newspaper, radio and TV journalism, including work with the BBC, Sky and Reuters, while the academic develops, runs and teaches journalism degrees at the University of Bedfordshire where journalism courses came second nationally for student satisfaction this year -proving that UoB undergraduates are a discerning bunch!

One of the main focuses of Deena’s work in Higher Education is encouraging lifelong learning – getting people to recognise that it is never too late to learn a skill or develop an academic approach that will prove life-changing. Graduates who never had enough faith in their own abilities to believe they could achieve are transformed, and that in itself is inspiring and hugely satisfying.

Questions and Answers

What’s the most valuable lesson you have learned, and who do you have to thank for it?
Be yourself – my children

If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give them?
Don’t panic – it’ll all turn out fine in the end

What is the single thing you still most need to learn?
Time management

What do you hope your legacy will be?
That I made someone’s life better at some point

What is the most surprising thing you’ve ever discovered about yourself?
That it’s never too late to learn

What one thing do you think every organisation would most benefit from doing, or doing differently?
Effective communication

What is your worst habit?
Cynically raising my eyebrow – according to my daughters!