Alumni Ignite AiQ

Three inspiring alumni returned to Alleyn’s to empower Year 12s with invaluable insights into shaping the world as we want it to be. Lucy Owen (Dutton’s 1997), Jason Knight (Spurgeon’s 1989), and Zoë Miller (Roper’s 2015) shared their experiences in shaping culture, directing technology for good, and driving the change, as part of the new Alleyn’s Intelligence Quotient (AiQ) course. 

Lucy Owen, a seasoned creative producer, emphasised the power of storytelling and its ability to impact lives. She shared her work as Executive Producer of RIP SENI: the graffiti confronting the UK mental health crisis, a documentary highlighting the tragic death of Olaseni Lewis which was central to the instigation of Seni’s Law. Lucy spoke of the value of collaborating effectively to tell stories honestly to make social change. 

Strategy Director Jason Knight focused on the potential of digital tools and the importance of perseverance in one's career. He shared his journey from artist manager to brand and advertising management and utilising technology through delivering immersive events. 

Zoë Miller inspired students with her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges she faced while building a start-up social enterprise, Bloody Brilliant Pads, with a mission to play a part in revolutionising periods through completely plastic-free reusable pads. 

Year 12s gained a huge amount from the sessions designed to help them develop the cultural, emotional, ethical and moral intelligence they need to navigate an AI world. 

After hearing Zoë speak, William in Year 12 said:  

“I gathered a greater understanding about what it takes to run a business and start a social enterprise in a real-life sense and the inevitability of setbacks and failures provides motivation to succeed while doing something good for the planet.” 

A huge thank you to Lucy, Jason and Zoë for returning to Alleyn’s and providing Year 12s with valuable insights, motivation, and a deeper understanding of the AI world.