Saturday, 28th February 2026
1:30 – 4:00pm
Ratcliffe Building, London Business School, Regents Park, London NW1 4RG
Speed Mentoring 2026
Speed Mentoring
We are excited to inform you of our flagship WOHAA event: Speed Mentoring 2026.
Now in its 14th year, this unique event brings together professionals from approximately 40 different industries for an afternoon of fast-paced, honest career conversations.
Students will have the opportunity to move between tables every 15 minutes, hearing from inspiring mentors and asking the questions that matter to you.
FREE for WOHAA 2025/26 participants, and something we would love for you to take full advantage of.
Non-WOHAA students are welcome to attend for a £10 fee
We have a wide array of mentors coming from the industries below, with more being confirmed:
Accountancy, Finance, Law, Medicine/Health, PR/Events, Entrepreneurship/Business/Startup, Languages, Oxbridge, Economics, Politics, Engineering, Technology, Music and Drama, Journalism and Writing, Design and Fashion, Health and Fitness, Travel, and International Study.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore future careers and build connections!
Tickets are on a First Come First Served Basis
Why we run speed mentoring?
“It is always an ambitious task to get as many mentors as possible in one room who represent a broad range of careers – this year we were delighted to host wonderful mentors from a variety of backgrounds. The below “industry” names don’t do enough justice to the breadth and depth of experiences these mentors have. Many have taken gap years, switched degrees, or not had any degrees at all,” says Smruti Sri Ram, organiser of the event. “And that’s perfectly fine! Life and the world of work is not straightforward, and it is important to recognise all aspects of work that enrich you – that improve your mind, body, our planet, and our general wellbeing -it’s not all about your pay slip at the end of the month.”
Professor - Simona Botti
Awarded Professor of Marketing at London Business School, Simona teaches Brand Management, co-teaches PhD seminars in Consumer Behaviour and Decision Making, and co-leads the Strategic Branding executive program. She received the MBA Best Teacher Award and the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2017 and served as Department Chair (2019–2023).
Previously, she was Assistant Professor at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. She holds a BA from Bocconi University and an MBA and PhD from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Her research focuses on consumer behaviour and decision making, particularly how perceived personal control affects well-being. Her work has received 25 awards, including the 2022 American Marketing Association TechSIG-Lazaridis Prize and multiple honours from the Journal of Consumer Research. She currently serves as Associate Editor at the Journal of Consumer Research and the Journal of Marketing.
Smruti Sriram - Business & Entrepreneurship
Hi I am Smruti, and I am delighted to present the 14th Speed Mentoring for Wings of Hope. I went to school in London, and took a gap year (in which my friends and I started WOHAA, along with my parents!) I studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the University of Oxford and now help run a sustainable business called Supreme Creations / Bags of Ethics. I work with beauty, design, luxury, retail, and fashion brands to create sustainable packaging. The mission is to encourage businesses and consumers to switch from single-use to reuse. I have a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from London Business School. My passion lies in working with young people, women in leadership, and nature. My current project is called Green Tree Badge aiming to get 1 million young children to learn more about the amazing world of trees.
Dr. Joey Blunt – Doctor & Entrepreneur
I am a private GP in London. I previously worked for the NHS and trained in London and Buckinghamshire. I earned a degree in politics at Cambridge University before studying medicine at Manchester University as a graduate student. I am now embarking on an entrepreneurial venture involving tech and medicine.
Katy Wickremsinghe - Communications & Art
Katy Wickremesinghe, Founder KTW & The Wick: Award-winning British Sri Lankan entrepreneur, Katy Wickremesinghe is Founder of The Wick & KTW – a content hub and consultancy - bridging the gap between art, business, and culture, ‘connecting culturally curious’ audiences. She works with global brands, institutions, and collectors to build cultural equity and expand access to the art market. Through The Wick she creates expert content and creative solutions, making art and culture more inclusive and accessible. Driven by a commitment to education and diversity she is a Trustee of the Royal Academy, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Dulwich Picture Gallery and a regular commentator. Katy attended Sydenham High School GDST from 7 – 18 and following this achieved a BA in History from the University of Warwick as well as a Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma from C.I.M. Photo Credit: RANKIN.
Ekta – Healthcare & Pharmacy
Having studied pharmacy at King's College London, I am now a community pharmacist. The profession requires you not only to be an expert in medicines but also to provide as many services as possible to your patients including Smoking Cessation, Vaccinations and treating the new Pharmacy First service to name a few. Pharmacies have taken on many important roles to help ease the burden off GPs and hospitals so you play a valuable role within primary care in the NHS. I’ve always enjoyed science and received A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths.
Outside of Pharmacy I enjoy travelling around the world which you are able to do with more flexible hours as a locum.
I have chosen the community path in pharmacy but I will also discuss the other exciting options available when graduating with a degree in Pharmacy! Please also remember as with any career… Do what you love. If you fall out of love with one path you can always explore others. Look forward to meeting you all.
Paul – Finance & International Business
Paul was born and lived in Geneva (Switzerland) until the age of sixteen and then moved to the United Kingdom in 2018. He studied Finance at the London Business School in 2024, he currently works in finance in London at Goldman Sachs and prior to that he has done multiple internships in the world of banking and finance. He looks forward to meeting you at the event!
Rupal – Education & Career Guidance
Hi I’m Rupal. I’m the founder and lead tutor at Big Brains Tuition. I studied in London, have degrees in Business and Law and then went on to start my own business. It can be really daunting at school, thinking about what to do for the rest of your life but in reality, we all change careers many times. The career you start with is normally just the first step onto a pathway of different occupations and choices. Focus on the subjects that bring out the best in you, follow the opportunities that make you feel excited and bring you a sense of purpose. Come and visit for me for guidance on education, university choices, career prospects, well-being and a big dose of motivation!
Anita Chagar – English Literature & Aviation
Hi! I’m Anita, and I work at Heathrow Airport. I studied English Literature at the University of Warwick before joining the Teach First programme to train up and qualify as a Secondary School English Teacher. After spending two years teaching, I worked for Teach First as a graduate recruitment assessor whilst completing my Masters in Education Leadership (part-time) with the University of Warwick. In 2019, I secured a place on the Heathrow Airport graduate scheme, where I completed rotational placements across different areas of the business including Expansion (Airspace), Operations (Security) and Solutions (Business Change). I have worked in several teams around the airport since, including in Operational Airline Engagement, Commercial Strategic Partnerships and Baggage Infrastructure, as well as leading one of our Diversity Networks which won two Trailblazer awards (2023, Race Equality Matters). I now work on developing and delivering our H8 Business Plan – where we have set out £10bn of spend over the next five years to improve the world’s most connected airport (2024 & 2025, OAG) for the future.
Kyra Cornwall – Law: Barrister & Cambridge
Kyra Cornwall is a leading barrister at 1 Hare Court specialising in complex, high-value matrimonial finance cases. She advises and represents clients in international disputes involving marital agreements, trusts, corporate structures and jurisdictional challenges, and has appeared in significant cases before the High Court and Court of Appeal. Kyra is consistently ranked in Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500 and Doyle’s Guide for her expertise in family law. A graduate of Christ’s College, Cambridge, Kyra was called to the Bar in 2011 and has built a practice at the forefront of financial remedies work. She is passionate about sharing an honest insight into life at the Bar — from developing courtroom confidence to navigating the challenges of a demanding but rewarding profession. Outside her practice, she enjoys ballet, music, travel and the outdoors.
ABHINAV – ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
My name is Abhinav and I am a big enthusiast of learning things, big or small. By profession, I am an Additive Manufacturing Engineer at Alloyed - a company that specialises in metal 3D printing. My degree in Materials Science from Oxford combined with my passion for automotive design gives me my professional specialities in 3D-modelling and chemical processing. I am looking forward to helping you elevate your professional presentation to the next level! I was a winner of the Wings of Hope Achievement Award many years ago, and delighted to be back to volunteer.
Amber – Law: Solicitor
I am currently a lawyer at Latham & Watkins where I advise clients on a wide range of corporate matters. Before qualifying as a lawyer, I attended the City of London School for Girls, where I particularly enjoyed studying History, Politics and English Literature. After school, I studied Law at the University of Nottingham, and following university, travelled for six months throughout Australia and South-east Asia before completing the Legal Practice Course and beginning my two-year legal training contact. Outside of work, I enjoy dining and exploring new restaurants, socialising with friends and attending Reformer Pilates classes.
Jayen Halai – Data Science & Machine Learning
I am a Data Scientist working at Meta in London, specialising in experimentation and machine learning. After completing my A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths, and Physics at King's College London Mathematics School, I joined Meta's Data Science apprenticeship. During this 18-month programme, I rotated across multiple teams and developed the skills in stats and predictive analytics that I use every day in my current role. In the world of data, the work is changing incredibly fast with the use of AI, so you're constantly having to learn and adapt, but it means you can work on a lot more interesting projects at a much faster pace. Outside of the office, I spend time volunteering at various charities - and when I'm not doing that, I love to cycle!
Blake Falk – Business Strategy & Studying in the USA
Blake Falk is currently a Principal at Amazon MGM Studios, supporting strategy for the studio’s original TV and film productions globally. His experience includes three years as a strategy consultant at Bain & Company in London, as well as three years as an actuary in Chicago. He earned his MBA from London Business School (2018) and graduated with a degree in economics from UNC-Chapel Hill (2013)
Sunny Sareen - Healthcare Careers: Including Dentistry
Sunny Sareen qualified from King’s College London and has a keen interest in teaching, professional development, and leadership in dentistry. He has served as an Honorary Clinical Tutor at King’s College Hospital, gaining valuable insight into lifelong learning and mentoring. An Educational Supervisor since 2014, Sunny leads and guides Foundation Dentists to reach their full potential. He is passionate about continuous learning and has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Education, a Certificate in Mentoring and Coaching, and a Master’s in Dental Law and Ethics. Clinically, Sunny has a special interest in orthodontics and is an Invisalign provider, helping create beautiful, confident smiles. He is also passionate about cosmetic dentistry and endodontics. Outside dentistry, he enjoys spending time with family, playing football and cricket, and travelling.
Phillip Blatchly – Law: Barrister
Phillip Blatchly is a barrister at 1 Hare Court specialising in complex family finance cases, often involving substantial businesses, international assets and difficult questions about fairness when relationships break down. He acts in high-stakes disputes in the High Court and on appeal, both in the UK and overseas. Phillip is ranked Band 1 in Chambers & Partners and recognised as a Leading Junior in The Legal 500 and Doyle’s Guide, where he is praised for persuasive advocacy, strategic agility on his feet, and a strong command of financial detail. He sits on chambers’ pupillage and tenancy committee, giving him insight into what makes a strong applicant, and is keen to show students that the Bar is demanding but genuinely rewarding — and increasingly accessible to those with ability, resilience and curiosity. Outside work, Phillip enjoys boxing, keeping fit, travelling and good wine
Sanjay Sareen - Healthcare Careers: Including Dentistry
Sanjay Sareen qualified from King’s College London and has a special interest in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He developed a passion for dental implants early in his career and has trained under some of the world’s leading implantologists. He has also completed a one-year certificate in Cosmetic Dentistry and Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry. Sanjay adopts a holistic approach to patient care and particularly enjoys treating nervous patients and children. With extensive experience across both NHS and private practice, he remains committed to continuous professional development through ongoing education and training. For over 12 years, Sanjay has served as an Educational Supervisor for the Basildon Scheme with Health Education East of England, where he teaches, mentors, and assesses Foundation Dentists. He is passionate about developing young dentists into confident, competent, and compassionate practitioners. In addition, he is an active member of the Essex Local Dental Committees, contributing to wider professional development, local dental policy, and leadership within the profession. Outside dentistry, Sanjay enjoys watching films, exploring London, socialising with friends, and staying active through sports
Dr Ravi Gill – Psychology and Mental Wellbeing
With a Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology and 15+ years across NHS, occupational health and private practice, she specialises in:
• Boundaries & communication
• Nervous system regulation
• Stress & burnout recovery
• Confidence rebuilding
• Values-led leadership
• Identity transitions
Her work is trauma-informed, compassionate and practical. She supports women navigating major life transitions — motherhood, career shifts, visibility fears, burnout — helping them rebuild confidence from the inside out.
Karim – Trainee Doctor & Fitness Coach
I’m currently working as a fitness coach and nutritionist at Riverside Fitness House, a private training studio dedicated to improving clients’ quality of life through evidence-based exercise and nutrition strategies. I’m also a medical student entering my fourth year, which has given me a deeper insight into how the body functions, adapts, and responds to both illness and lifestyle changes. This medical knowledge directly enhances the way I support my clients—helping me bridge the gap between medicine, fitness, and nutrition to deliver a more holistic approach to health.
Beth - Graphic Design & Brand Marketing
I'm a graphic designer and currently manage a team of designers creating marketing and social media content for a large fashion retailer. I went to school in Surrey and studied graphics, photography and maths. I then went on to the University of Leeds to study Graphic and Communication design, before getting my first design job designing children's books. From there, I got a job with a magazine publisher and then moved into the world of fashion where I've been for the last 8 years.
I love to travel, and the best experiences I've had were taking a break after uni to travel South and Central America for 6 months, then later taking a 3 month career break to cycle around Europe.
When I was at school I had no idea what I wanted to 'do', but I was very clear on what I didn't want to do and what didn't interest me, so most of my life choices have been made through a process of elimination. I'm still not quite sure what the next steps in my career will be, but I'll just keep working hard, being genuine and open to new opportunities.
Patrick McDonnell - Fashion Designer
Patrick McDowell studied at Central Saint Martins and worked at Burberry before launching their label at London Fashion Week in 2018, with a focus on creativity, sustainability, and circular design. They have since pioneered a made-to-order model using eco-conscious materials, offering redesign and repair services to promote a circular fashion economy. As a strong advocate for education, Patrick mentors students as a Global Ambassador for Graduate Fashion Week and supports scholarships and internships at Central Saint Martins.
In recognition of their work, Patrick was named to the 2025 Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 list and received the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. They have spoken at the United Nations on sustainable fashion, championing a responsible future for the industry.
“Sustainability is at the core of everything Patrick does, striving to reinvent luxury through a sustainable mindset.” — Anna Wintour, Vogue
Neha – Medicine
I am a Consultant Urological Surgeon working at The Royal London Hospital - Barts Health, with a subspecialty interest in female, functional and robotic reconstructive urology.
After obtaining A levels in Maths, Chemistry and Biology I studied medicine at the University of Leicester. I completed my higher surgical training in the London Deanery rotating through some of the most prestigious institutions including UCLH, St George’s and Guy’s Hospital and was awarded a gold medal for my performance in the FRCS (Urol) exam. I then spent some time in France further advancing my robotic reconstructive skills.
As a doctor / surgeon, work is a huge part of your life and for that reason you really need to love what you do. The blood, the sweat and the tears but also the joy and rewarding feeling from helping others. A satisfaction like no other.
Outside of work I enjoy exercising, binge watching thrillers and sleeping of course.
TONY – ENTREPRENEUR & FITNESS
“Hello, my name is Tony and I’m the founder of Riverside Fitness House, a personal training studio. I’ve been a personal trainer since the age of 17, now 31, so over a decade in the game! I studied sport science at Brunel University and I’m also a level 4 sports nutritionist.
We are now opening our second location. Come and speak to me if you are looking for a career in health and fitness or perhaps have an interest in starting your own business”
Grace Eminson - Civil Service Degree Apprentice
I completed my A-Levels last year to get 3 A*s, and have since been working for HM Revenue & Customs as a degree apprentice. Working in the civil service is something I’d always considered, so having the opportunity to earn money at 18 years old in a career that I’d always dreamt of is incredible. Plus, my degree is paid for, and I will have a guaranteed civil service job at the end of it!
I also took part in the Wings of Hope programme myself, becoming the overall winner with my younger sister in 2024. I valued the speed mentoring event highly when I attended it 2 years ago, so am keen to share my knowledge with the new generations of WOHAA.
FAQ
What do I need?
Notepad and pen for taking notes, drink and snack if required
Does my whole team need to attend?
No, this is a chance for you to network and learn from different experiences of those in a range of industries
Can my parent/guardian come?
Due to a limited spaces, we ask that you travel on your own or with your team members/teachers
DISCLAIMER
- This workshop is delivered by a volunteer for the charity and they are not held responsible for any decisions that any student, parent, guardian, or teacher takes as a consequence for the information given in it.
- The advice is strictly that of the individual providing it and is not related or representative of the institutions they have worked at, studied, or been associated with.
- The advice is strictly confidential and any personal information should not be miscommunicated or misrepresented in any format, anywhere, (please note that this includes but is not limited to verbal communication, written communication, and social media platforms)
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