Amidst the sweltering heatwave just over a week ago, 120 passionate Associates representing universities from across the UK descended upon the idyllic Bath Spa University for the KTP Associates’ Conference 2023.

The two-day event, thoughtfully curated around the theme of Story, offered delegates a valuable platform to explore the importance of narrative in building and sustaining a successful personal brand and business.

Setting the scene for this annual celebration of knowledge transfer, innovation, and career development, Professor John Strachan, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research and Enterprise at Bath Spa University provided the Welcome Address.

“Stories are the very embodiment of KTP and the fundamental form of knowledge exchange”.

Richard Lamb, KTP Programme Manager followed with an enthusiastic keynote on what makes KTP "the largest and longest-running knowledge exchange programme in the world” and how storytelling has helped shape its narrative. “Over the next few days, our stories have the opportunity to intertwine and influence each other, so tell each other your stories!”

Richard reminded everyone that there was plenty of fun to be had throughout the conference, jokingly declaring however that there would be “no formal dancing”. Despite the abundant talent and intellect in the room, Ceili dancing is apparently not KTP Associates’ strong suit as discovered at last year’s conference in Paisley.

A special video message from Historian, Author, Broadcaster and KTP Ambassador, Suzannah Lipscombe further built upon the conference theme as she spoke of how “stories can spring people into transformational change”. As a former KTP Associate, Suzannah has first-hand experience of the power of KTP and as an Author and Broadcaster, understands the vital importance of storytelling.

Shifting from the mode of thought to the mode of feeling, Professor Bambo Soyinka, Professor of Story and AHRC Programme Director for Story brought the concept of the ‘narrative CV’ to life with inspiring examples of how storytelling can be used to build a personal brand, encouraging delegates to embark on a journey towards creating a narrative-driven career.

An enjoyable and thought-provoking exercise followed. Unpacking the stories we tell about ourselves, who were are and what we're capable of, we explored IKIGAI, the Japanese art of finding meaning in your life.

“A role isn’t something that you are, it is something that you are going to play”.

Dr Simon Strange introduced the Story Society, a research centre at Bath Spa University that explores the power of stories to make a difference in the world. A team of Story Associates helped facilitate interactive workshops in the afternoon, including my chosen workshop, ‘Storytelling through Film’ delivered in the university’s state-of-the-art TV studios. We were coached in professional storytelling techniques and then invited to prepare a 1 minute “pitch” for a hypothetical job. We were asked to think about the role, the unique qualities you need to bring to the role and how you will use film to enhance those unique qualities.

Thankfully, the programme allowed some free time to explore the campus grounds and tranquil surroundings. The historic listed buildings, sweeping parklands and lake within the Newton Park campus exudes a sense of serenity and academic charm that demands to be admired. 

The evening concluded with a Gala Dinner, and a keynote from Andy Reid, Founder of Genius Box. Andy offered a refreshing take on problem solving with his “5 Tips to Help You Be More Innovative” covering attitude, skills, leadership, environment, and behaviour.

Grainne-Rose, KTP Associate with Queen’s University Belfast and Somerville Fit-Out found Andy’s emphasis on the power of small, consistent efforts and the importance of starting without waiting for perfection, encouraging. The discussion of how our environment impacts our problem-solving abilities led Grainne-Rose to realise that she is most successful when working collaboratively in-person with colleagues.

“Andy’s talk left me with a fresh motivation to reflect on how I can better replicate my everyday problem-solving behaviours and attitudes within the context of my KTP project.”

Day Two

Expanding the storytelling skills learned on day one, the second day of the programme looked at wider professional contexts. A roundtable discussion between business figures Richard Godfrey of Rocketmakers Software and Lucy Paine of techSPARK, and KTN Advisors, Russ Bromley and Ian Heywood gave delegates an opportunity to hear the stories behind the headlines in peoples’ careers and how being able to articulate those stories has shaped their career trajectories.

‘Reinvention, Regeneration and Reflection’ was the topic that led to engaging discussions of how failure should be viewed as a valuable asset for innovation. The panel emphasised that failure is not the end but a critical turning point, a springboard for transitioning to a new phase known as the "second curve." Recognising the initial downward first curve as a signal for self-reinvention and a rich source of insights for the next phase of growth.

Rohit Avadhani, KTP Associate with Queen’s University Belfast and WD Meats found the conversations incredibly timely; “I was reading a very similar book on self-actualisation and reinvention by Charles Handy and found a lot of the information relatable and useful.”

Focusing on the practical skills needed for a successful KTP, the afternoon comprised of workshops facilitated by KTN. One workshop in particular, 'An Associates Professional Development Journey', led by Dr Ian Heywood and Carla Resendiz, a former Bath Spa University KTP Associate, delved into the world of possibility that comes with a KTP Associate's development budget. With a focus on how to get the most from this budget, across all stages of the KTP project, this interactive session blended participant exchanges with facilitator guidance to inspire delegates to develop their own personal development programme which balances professional accreditation with academic and business needs. 

Inspired by the stories of others and enlightened by their own practice of storytelling skills, delegates will undoubtedly have left the conference with the key to unlock their professional potential, armed with a clear understanding of how storytelling can be a useful skill in professional settings. Bath Spa University’s expertise in creativity and connectivity proved to perfectly compliment the theme of ‘story’ on which the conference was centred.

Special acknowledgements to the conference organisers, Sarah Priston, Head of Research Support and Louise Maythorne, Knowledge Exchange Manager at Bath Spa University.

About KTP

KTP is a government-funded program that facilitates collaboration between businesses and academic institutions by placing highly skilled graduates (KTP Associates) within companies to work on specific projects that require expertise.

About the KTP Associates Conference

The KTP Associates' Conference serves as a platform for KTP Associates to come together, share their experiences, showcase their projects, and learn from one another. It typically includes keynote speakers, workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities. The conference focuses on topics related to knowledge transfer, innovation, and the practical application of academic knowledge in a business context. It provides a valuable opportunity for KTP Associates to enhance their skills, exchange ideas, and contribute to the overall success of the KTP program.

_{Pictured above, from left to right; Queen's KTP Associates Grainne-Rose Murphy, Ansu Mary Alex, and Rohit Avadhani.}

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