MX (Masters Extra) programme

The Masters Extra (MX) programme is designed specifically for taught masters students in the University of St Andrews Business School and focuses on careers, and personal and professional development. This series of talks, networking opportunities and activities includes guest lectures from leading academics and experienced managers.

Through regular attendance, participants can enhance their career opportunities and earn a Certificate in Career Development. To qualify for a certificate, students must attend a minimum of four MX sessions in each semester.

MX is an integrated programme between the Business School, CEED (Centre for Educational Enhancement and Development) and the University Careers Centre.

MX sessions after Orientation Week are presented on Wednesdays and include 30 minutes for Q and A.
Usually, sessions are held:

at 4pm
in person
in Gateway LR 3/4.

Any variations to this schedule will be sent via email.

Outline schedule 2024-2025 Semester 2

Open all

Wednesday 29 January 2025

Martin Purbrick, Consultant, Analyst, Writer Director, Purbrick & Associates

Illicit markets and organised crime pose significant challenges to businesses, extending beyond predictable operational risks and often posing strategic, financial and reputational risks. From counterfeit products to illegal online markets, these hidden threats undermine legitimate business operations and pose difficult questions for risk management.

This talk will explore real-world examples, such as Intel Corporation's battle against rampant product counterfeiting and alteration in the 1990s and 2000s. Intel faced a thriving grey market for overclocked microprocessors – devices modified to falsely appear as higher-performing models and sold at discounts that undercut the legal market. Traditional solutions, such as enforcement and working with local governments, failed to resolve the issue. Instead, Intel and other technology companies turned to technological innovations that rendered such counterfeiting obsolete.

The discussion will then examine modern-day challenges like illegal online betting and gambling markets – borderless operations beyond the reach of regulators that generate massive profits for organised crime while undermining legal businesses and causing social harm.

Join us for another informative MX talk and explore how companies can tackle these hidden risks and protect their operations in an increasingly interconnected world.
Wednesday 5 February 2025

Dr David Woodcock, Vice President - Research and Analytics, WNS Global Services

As the world of work becomes ever more complex, data and analytics can help support informed decision making. In this talk Dr David Woodcock will talk through his experience of how global companies are using data and analytics to drive growth and reduce cost and risk.

Dr Woodcock is a Corporate Vice President at WNS Global Services, an outsourcer supporting some of the world’s best known brands with analytics, finance, operations and more. He leads sales operations and enablement bringing data and research to support growth.

He studied with us here in St Andrews as both an undergraduate and postgraduate. The work from his Chemistry PhD achieved 10 academic papers and has been cited more than 700 times to date.

Through his career he has worked in a variety of research, analytics and data leadership roles in manufacturing, consulting and financial services.
Wednesday 12 February 2025

David Pennino, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, LogicSource

Most startups fail, and even brilliant ideas often don't make it. What differentiates those that survive and grow from those that don't? In this talk, Dave Pennino, CEO and founder of LogicSource, will share his journey of building a $500MM market cap business from a simple idea initially captured in just 16 PowerPoint slides. Today, his company, which includes a retained professional services (BPO) business, a 5-module SaaS platform, and a data business, employs over 400 people and continues to grow. Dave will walk through the key milestones in the company's evolution, including six private equity raises, six rounds of venture and later-stage debt deals, and an economic development deal with the state of Connecticut, along with the challenges faced – including lawsuits.

Dave’s goal is to share an authentic perspective of the entrepreneurial journey – including the highs and lows, and the pitfalls that often lead to failure. He will share the personal lessons and principles that have guided his decision-making throughout this journey, offering insights on resilience, strategic thinking, and the mindset needed to navigate the complexities of building a successful business. This talk will provide valuable takeaways for anyone considering entrepreneurship, helping them understand what it truly takes to survive and thrive in the startup world.

Dave has over 20 years’ experience in the services and outsourcing industry, including roles as a senior executive at Williams Lea Group, Scient, and Gartner. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Franklin & Marshall College.
Wednesday 26 February 2025

Daniel Bayram, Strategic Partnerships Representative, Kognity AB, Sweden

This session will explore impact-driven work and how it can lead to personal fulfillment and societal impact. Starting with the task of defining what 'something that matters' means, the session will discuss the realities of working in impact-driven organisations, and highlight the challenges and rewards. Finally, the session will provide those seeking to align their careers with meaningful goals with an outline of actionable next steps.

Daniel Bayram is a project manager and development practitioner with over nine years of experience addressing economic and social challenges through employment, education and entrepreneurship initiatives. Throughout his career, he has tackled development issues from diverse perspectives, working with organisations across the public sector, youth associations, social enterprises, start-ups, foundations, international NGOs and multilateral bodies.
Wednesday 12 March 2025
Dr Robert Kilgour, CEO, Dow Investments Plc

Join Dr Robert D Kilgour as he reflects on his remarkable 50-year entrepreneurial journey in this engaging and insightful MX talk. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr Kilgour will share key lessons on spotting opportunities, navigating uncertainty and embracing change. He’ll discuss the importance of self-awareness and reflexivity, while offering tips on building, managing and leveraging teams to achieve the best possible results.

Expect practical advice on balancing passions with business, managing reputation, 'kissing frogs' and steering clear of greed. This session promises valuable insights, no matter your future career plans or aspirations.

Robert is an experienced entrepreneur who:
- founded Four Seasons Health Care, opening its first care home in May 1989 in Fife
- founded, and is Chairman of Renaissance Care which currently operates 18 care homes throughout Scotland
- co-founded and is still a Director of NW Security Group, video and security systems specialists
- is Advisory Board Director of E2E, a worldwide community of circa 24,000 entrepreneurs
- is Advisory Council Member of the Jobs Foundation
- is co-founder and Ambassador of Local Recovery, a Scotland-wide campaign group of over 10,000 active supporters working at improving Scottish local community facilities
- co-founded and launched The Museum of Prime Minister with historian and educator Sir Anthony Seldon
- founded the Social Care Foundation to encourage and support much needed social care reform
- was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Stirling in 2023 for his 'outstanding contribution to entrepreneurship and philanthropy'.
Robert’s long history of involvement with Macmillan Cancer Support includes chairing an appeal that made possible the building of a hospice in Fife and personally donating the funds to enable the establishment of the first Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre in 2007. There are now 171 such centres throughout the UK interfacing with close to 300,000 people a year.
Wednesday 19 March 2025 Booth Lecture Theatre, Medical Sciences
Ewan Brown, CBE, with Deputy Principal Professor Brad MacKay

In this session, Ewan Brown will reflect on his career and discuss the recently published book, Corporate Ego – where the board of a company becomes of one mind.

Ewan was educated at Perth Academy and the University of St Andrews. He was an executive director of Noble Grossart, merchant bankers, for over 35 years and a non-executive director for a further 14 years.

His past directorships include:
- Scottish Financial Enterprise (chair)
- Entrepreneurial Scotland
- Lloyds TSB Scotland (chair)
- Lloyds TSB Group
- Wood Group
- Stagecoach Group
- Dunedin Income Growth Investment Trust (chair)
- Aberdeen Trust
- Scottish Widows Bank
- Scottish Transport Group
- Scottish Development Finance.
Ewan has been:
- honorary professor of finance at Heriot-Watt University
- senior governor of University of St Andrews
- treasurer of the Royal Society of Edinburgh
- depute chair of the Edinburgh International Festival
- chair of Creative Scotland
- Master of the Royal Company of Edinburgh Merchants.
Other previous appointments include:
- Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
- Council of Assembly of the Church of Scotland
- Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland
- Royal Scottish Academy Foundation
- Court of Heriot-Watt University.
He received a CBE for services to public life in Scotland and was knighted for services to business, public life and philanthropy.

Outline schedule 2024-2025 Semester 1

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Thursday 12 September 2024 3pm In person: Physics A
Wednesday 18 September 2024 3pm In person: Booth Lecture Theatre

Film screening, strategy overview and reception

Join fellow students and staff for this inaugural event of the Masters Extra (MX) series 2024.

The session will begin with an exclusive screening of 'Beyond Zero', a documentary that chronicles the journey of Interface, a global flooring company, and its visionary founder as they embark on a strategy to eliminate their environmental footprint. The film offers a rich insight into the challenges and tensions related to embracing sustainable strategy.

Following the screening, the Dean of the Business School will present a brief overview of the new School strategy and the role of sustainability in the School. This is your opportunity to learn how the School plans to integrate sustainable practices into curriculum and operations. You'll also have the chance to ask questions and engage in discussions about School strategy and sustainability initiatives.

The event will conclude with a drinks and nibbles reception, providing the perfect setting for getting to know other students and faculty.
Wednesday 25 September 2024 4pm In person

Florentyna Smith, Principal at Starburst

Are you curious about how the space sector connects with innovation beyond just rockets and satellites? Join an engaging event which will explore the evolving role of innovation intermediaries – those who bridge industries and drive collaboration – by examining how open innovation and collective action are reshaping sectors like defence and space. The session will discuss how this shift challenges traditional competitive strategies, opens up new opportunities for knowledge sharing, and can reframe the use of technologies for social good over profit. Whether you're interested in space or other fields, this session will shed light on the skills and challenges of becoming a key connector in the world of innovation.
Wednesday 2 October 2024 4pm In person

Dr Stephan Rinck, Technology Specialist for Consultancies and Global Systems Integrators IBM Deutschland GmbH

2023 started a new era for artificial intelligence (AI). Since that time a wave of technological innovation is taking various industries by storm and has become the top discussion point for AI – generative AI, made popular by ChatGPT.

The rapidly advancing AI capability is on its way to revolutionising every aspect of an enterprise. The ability to access data has leveled the playing field and brought every enterprise a unique possibility of progress.

Stephan Rinck's MX talk will refer to recent research from IBM's Institute of Business Value (IBV). Stephan will illustrate the presentation with examples from several IBM clients – showing the context and relevancy of AI for enterprises.
Wednesday 9 October 2024 4pm In person

Barclay Milne, Director Of Engineering at Shure

Why do some companies consistently provide great products or services to their customers, almost as if it’s in their DNA, while others - despite employing very talented people - fail to hit the target? When the difference between such success and failure can be so pivotal to the commercial success of a company, knowing and acting on the answers to this question can hardly be of more fundamental importance to entrepreneurs, investors, senior management, and indeed any stakeholder of an organisation. Shure has been making microphones for almost 100 years and is said to be the preferred brand for musicians and sound professionals at the top of their game. In this talk, Milne will explain why innovative products and services can only come from companies who have deep empathy with their customers and understand how to nurture and manage innovation as a commercial process at the beating heart of their business.
Wednesday 16 October 2024 4pm In person

Carlos Ferraz, Chairman of Skywire Australia

Carlos Ferraz is a seasoned global entrepreneur with 12 startups and 4 successful exits. He will share his journey from building and managing businesses in the fast-paced IT and mobile computing market to pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). This talk will explore the intersection of practical innovation and academic rigor, offering insights into how entrepreneurial experiences can shape and enhance scholarly pursuits. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a future academic, or simply curious about the fusion of business and research, this session aims to provide valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways.
Wednesday 30 October 2024 4pm In person

Jim Campbell, Assistant Director, Careers Centre, University of St Andrews

Attend this event to find out more about the graduate job market in the UK. The session will cover common recruitment timelines and effective job search strategies, and provide tips on how to perform well in a typical recruitment process. It will also draw upon the experiences of international graduates who have previously sought employment in the UK via the Graduate route visa or the Skilled Worker visa.
Wednesday 6 November 2024 4pm In person

Sharad Vishvanath, Partner and SVP Global Enterprise Client Leader, AON

Drawing on real life examples, this interactive session will focus on how consulting can be a force for good, e.g. through Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory or Environmental, social and governance (ESG) advisory. It will detail some of the realities of the consulting profession and what it takes to be successful in a consulting career.
Wednesday 20 November 2024 4pm In person

Dr William Crossan, Assistant Professor of Sports Management, Charles University, Prague

Dr Crossan's research focuses on the phenomenon of globalisation and sport migration, and values-based leadership in sport coaching. His book Czech sport migration: push and pull variations between sports and cultures was published in August 2024.

He will speak on the topic, 'Disconnected networks: understanding and optimising sport migration networks in semi-periphery countries – an overview of the effects and ramifications of sport migration across five sports'.