Which Schools and/or Institutes are you part of?

I'm part of Keele Business School.

What is your role within research?

I am engaged in research that cut across all the research institutes at Keele University. Previously, I held the position of Co-Research Cluster Lead for the People Organisations Enterprise and Technology (POET) research cluster at the Business School between 2021 and 2023. Currently, I serve as the Research Seminar Co-ordinator for the Business School.

In recognition of my contributions to research, I received the Academy of Management award for 'Best Reviewer' in the Entrepreneurship Division in 2015. Moreover, in 2022, a co-authored paper I was involved in won one of the 'Best Paper Awards' in the Social Issues in Management Division at the Academy of Management. Just last month, another co-authored paper of mine was selected as a Best Paper Award Finalist in the field of Enterprise Education at the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference.

Can you tell us a bit about your role at Keele? What does a typical day look like for you?

As an academic, a typical day is spent between research, teaching, engagement, and admin duties. I am currently Co-Director of Recruitment for Keele Business School, and head of Staffordshire Black Business Network, so I have duties that relate to those roles too.

As an academic, the most fulfilling aspect of my role is the opportunity to engage in diverse and stimulating intellectual pursuits. I find immense satisfaction in conducting research, delving into unexplored areas of knowledge, and contributing new insights to my field.

Moreover, the ability to impart knowledge and mentor students is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing their growth, intellectual curiosity, and seeing them succeed academically and professionally brings me great joy. Additionally, the collaborative nature of academia, where I can exchange ideas with colleagues and work on interdisciplinary projects, is something I truly cherish.

Overall, the continual pursuit of knowledge and the ability to make meaningful contributions to my field and the academic community are what I find most gratifying about being an academic.

What is your background? How did first get involved in research?

I have extensive experience spanning research, teaching and practice in entrepreneurship, international business, and business management, totaling over a decade.

I founded my first business while pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Economics at Babcock University. Following my graduation, I embarked on a career at Zenith Bank Plc, achieving 1st Place in the National Trainee Orientation Programme and earning recognition as the most outstanding team player.

In 2009, I departed from Zenith Bank to pursue an MSc in International Economics at the University of Birmingham. Subsequently, I attained a PhD from Aston Business School, Aston University. At Aston University, I also served as a Research Assistant. From 2016 to 2021, I held a lecturing position at Staffordshire University. During this time, I undertook research and joined Keele University in 2021 where I have continued my involvement in research.

My journey into academic research commenced during the final year of my BSc (Hons) in Economics at Babcock University when I undertook a dissertation. As both an entrepreneur and a banker, I engaged in various forms of research before making crucial financial decisions.

I rekindled my interest in academic research during my MSc in International Economics at the University of Birmingham, and it became a full-time pursuit during my PhD at Aston Business School, Aston University. Since then, I have remained actively engaged in academic research.

Please tell us about research projects you are involved with.

I am a Guest Editor on a Special Issue on Climate Change: Public Policy and Business Strategy Perspectives. I am also currently involved with projects investigating how entrepreneurs use informal networks in times of crises, bricolage, entrepreneurial intention in higher education, and relation centrism and generalised trust for firms' perception of corruption.

I have recently concluded a British Academy grant focusing on exploring the specific challenges encountered by BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. This research delved into their strategies for sustaining their businesses amid these challenges and their interactions with financial and regional support systems. Additionally, I served as the Principal Investigator for a grant studying the potential contributions of BAME-owned SMEs in deprived areas toward the UK’s Net-Zero agenda.

My research interests span across various areas including bricolage, relation centrism, ingroup and outgroup dynamics, reduction of transaction costs in international business, institutional voids, the economics of entrepreneurship, strategy, and technology's role in business. I am also passionate about poverty reduction and philosophy. Over the years, I have successfully supervised both PhD and DBA students and contributed to the Encyclopaedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN, 2020).