Nick Lawrence

With over 35 years of diverse industry experience, I bring a unique perspective to my role as a Senior Lecturer in Business and Management. My career has spanned multinational corporations, international enterprises, and local SMEs, allowing me to successfully drive strategic growth, navigate complex regulatory environments, and contribute to mergers and acquisitions. My experience in financial management, strategic planning, and business development provides valuable insights into aligning business strategies with financial objectives across a range of industries.

In academia, I am dedicated to bridging the gap between industry and education, ensuring that students and apprentices develop practical skills and a strategic mindset for success as responsible leaders. My teaching journey spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and corporate levels, where I have led modules on Developing Strategic Leaders and Managers, Personal and Professional Development, and Research and Consultancy Methods. I have also contributed to curriculum development, including designing online courses and a Level 4 foundational module, which has equipped over 200 first-year students with essential academic skills and industry knowledge.

At the core of my teaching philosophy is the belief in fostering strategic leaders through a constructivist approach. I create a collaborative learning environment where students co-construct knowledge, supported by the scaffolding necessary to enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. My focus extends beyond academic success to career progression and employability, ensuring students are prepared for the challenges of a dynamic business landscape.

Additionally, I have contributed to the development of an inclusive academic community through my leadership of the Global MBA Course, where I organized cultural and professional events to enrich students’ educational experiences and foster connections across diverse backgrounds.

With extensive experience across a diverse international business landscape, I bring a unique perspective to the classroom. As a Senior Lecturer in Business and Management, I am passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry. My goal is to ensure that students and apprentices develop the practical skills and strategic mindset necessary for success as responsible leaders in today’s dynamic business environment.

My teaching journey spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and corporate levels, enabling me to develop a deep understanding of diverse learning needs. I have honed my ability to deliver impactful and inclusive learning experiences through roles such as Module Lead for programs like the Senior Leader Apprenticeship, Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, Research and Consultancy Methods to postgraduates, and Responsible and Ethical Business Practice. My contributions to curriculum development include designing online courses, demonstrates my adaptability to evolving educational landscapes. I also led the design of a Level 4 module for first-year students, which set the stage for their academic and professional development by equipping them with essential academic skills and industry knowledge, grounded in academic theory. This module, spanning multiple courses and departments, served as the first academic experience for over 200 students and aimed to prepare them for their continued learning journey whilst maintaining an engaging and enjoyable learning experience.

At the heart of my teaching philosophy is a commitment to encouraging strategic leaders and building their confidence. Adopting a constructivist approach, I foster a collaborative learning environment where students and apprentices actively co-construct their knowledge through dialogue, reflection, and application. By providing the necessary scaffolding and support, I empower them to build upon their existing understanding and develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills essential for success in today’s complex business world.

My focus extends beyond academic achievement to improving employability and career progression, ensuring that they are work-ready, world-ready, and future-ready. Through designing and delivering modules centred on responsible leadership development, as well as supervising dissertations and work-based projects, my goal is to equip students with the tools they need to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and become responsible, ethical leaders capable of making a positive impact on society.

In my role as Level Lead for the Global MBA Course, I took pride in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for international students. I led initiatives to foster a sense of belonging by organising both professional and social events that bridged cultural diversity. Activities such as visits to Manchester Airport, Manchester United Football Ground, Cadbury World, as well as bowling, festivals, and cultural celebrations were designed to enrich students’ experiences and strengthen their connections within a diverse academic community. These efforts not only enhanced their professional network but also contributed to a well-rounded and engaging educational experience.

With over 35 years of experience in diverse industries and roles, I have a proven track record of driving strategic growth and innovation. My career has spanned multinational corporations, international enterprises, and local SMEs, demonstrating my adaptability to various business environments.

As a New Business Coordinator, I played a key role in establishing strategic partnerships and supply networks between Belgium and Poland during the challenging post-Soviet transition in Eastern Europe. My successful efforts in securing import licenses, Joint Venture registrations, and foreign investment share capital in a post-communist bureaucracy demonstrated my ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.

As a Sales Manager at The Electric Studio Ltd, I played a central role in the successful launch of our company's proprietary Sign Studio Plus software in the US market. My efforts contributed significantly to the software's rapid adoption and market penetration in the US, ultimately leading to the company's acquisition by CADlink Technology Corporation in the early nineties. This experience provided valuable insights into mergers and acquisitions and allowed me to adapt to a larger, more complex corporate structure.

My experience in financial management spans roles such as Purchase Ledger for a multinational organisation and Accountant/Company Secretary for a UK-based SME. In these positions, I oversaw financial accounting, HR compliance, and administration. Additionally, as part of my role as a financial analyst, I assisted high-tech R&D startups to secure funding through both dilutional (Venture Capitalist investment) and non-dilutional (government grants, including Innovate UK and European Horizon 2020) sources. This experience demonstrates my ability to drive innovation and growth by aligning financial strategies with the strategic objectives of technology-focused businesses.

As a member of the senior leadership team of a UK SME and as a strategic management consultant for my own company, I have focused on developing and implementing effective strategies across all business sectors. To inform my strategic planning, I have employed a variety of analytical frameworks, including PESTEL analysis, stakeholder analysis, SWOT analysis, Porter's Five Forces, and balanced scorecard. I assisted with setting organisational goals and strategies, as well as developing, maintaining, and reporting on their performance using these tools. This approach has enabled me to ensure that our strategies are aligned with our overall business objectives and are being executed effectively.

In addition, I successfully project managed the SME to achieve ISO 9001, ISO 27001, and the European Foundation for Quality Management Recognised for Excellence 5-Stars (the smallest company at that time to achieve this distinction). I also played a key role in developing and implementing a corporate social responsibility strategy, demonstrating my commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices.

I am intensely fascinated by the intricate dynamics of psychopathy, particularly within corporate environments. My research delves into psychopathy, corporate psychopathy, and successful psychopathy, exploring how these traits manifest and can be harnessed positively. Psychopathy is often misunderstood as solely negative, characterised by antisocial behaviour, lack of empathy, and impulsivity. However, I am interested in shining a light on the adaptive aspects of psychopathic traits, especially in organisational settings.

In corporate psychopathy, individuals with psychopathic traits often hold influential positions. These individuals are confident, strategic thinkers, and often exhibit resilience under pressure. My focus is on understanding how these traits can contribute positively to leadership and decision-making, fostering environments where bold and strategic thinking is valued.

The concept of successful psychopathy is particularly interesting to me. These individuals, while possessing psychopathic traits, do not engage in criminal activities. Instead, they use their traits to excel in high-pressure, competitive fields. Their ability to remain calm under pressure, make strategic decisions, and persuade others can be incredibly beneficial in leadership roles. By exploring these positive aspects, I aim to reduce the stigma associated with psychopathic traits and highlight their potential contributions to organisational success.

I am equally passionate about the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and education, particularly in creating inclusive learning environments and bespoke learning programs. By integrating AI into pedagogy and andragogy, we can revolutionise how we teach and learn. For undergraduate, postgraduate, and apprentice programs, AI offers unparalleled opportunities to tailor educational content to individual needs, providing personalised learning experiences that adapt to each student's pace and style.

In pedagogy, AI can enhance the learning experience through intelligent tutoring systems, automated assessment and feedback, and personalised learning paths. For andragogy, AI can support adult learners by designing custom learning programs that align with their career goals and learning preferences. Lifelong learning becomes more accessible with AI, offering up-to-date resources and continuous skill development.

Integrating AI into curricula would allow us to create interactive and immersive learning environments. For undergraduates, AI can increase engagement and understanding. In postgraduate programs, AI can facilitate advanced research and collaboration. Apprentice programs could benefit from practical training simulations, real-time feedback, and skill assessments, ensuring comprehensive preparation for career progression.