Laura delivering the guest lecture

Laura Aiken Delivers Inspirational Talk at UCW


23/07/2025

UCW welcomed Laura Aiken, founder of Thrive Leadership, to deliver an insightful and engaging talk on managing stress and developing resilience in the workplace. 

Learners from Criminology and Public Services were invited to attend the session, which focused on how individuals can strengthen their ability to cope during times of change, such as starting a new role or adapting to shifts within an organisation. Laura drew on her own experiences, having worked in engineering where she faced the pressures of high performance and eventually experienced burnout. Her story, and the decision to move into consultancy to help others facing similar challenges, offered a valuable perspective for students preparing for their own careers. 

Alongside sharing practical advice, Laura made the session interactive by speaking to each learner individually. She encouraged students to think about their personal understanding of stress and resilience, and to reflect on what they hoped to gain from the session. This personal approach gave learners the opportunity to explore their own mindset and consider how they might handle workplace pressures in the future. 

Events like this are part of UCW’s ongoing commitment to providing students with meaningful experiences that support both their academic and personal development. 

This guest speaker forms part of the Uniformed Services and Sport Careers Excellence Hub. University Centre Weston has ten sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields. 

You can find out more about Criminology and Public Services by clicking here!

 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available in the Weston College Group here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College Group has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College Group is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.