PRACTITIONERS IN RESIDENCE
“When it comes to opportunities, I learn endlessly from being in conversation and partnership with the next generation of change-makers, innovators and thinkers. Another huge opportunity is the profile of being attached to such a prestigious, well‑regarded institution as King’s College; it is nothing short of a privilege.” How do you view your role in terms of contributing to the development of future business leaders? “I would hope that some of the conversations and interactions I’ve been involved in have given people courage to think outside the box, explore problems laterally and ask hard questions. Another point that I’ve tried to get across is the importance of knowing which issues to pick up and which to let go, along with the idea of ‘winning the war, not the battle’. I try my best to encourage big-picture thinking. “As someone who is a natural disruptor and innovator, I am very open about some of my learning curves and how I have solved problems or pushed boundaries. I’d also like to point out that not all of these learnings are purely positive or wrapped in glory; any career that makes a mark or breaks new ground is bound to contain what seem like awful mistakes at the time, but which later turn out to be essential lessons in growth. “All in all, I am extremely proud and honoured to have met so many extraordinary minds. I look forward to carrying on in the role, as I regard students as some of the most powerful individuals on earth. In fact, a number of the greatest moments of civil progress – and other types of advancements – in recent history have come about because of students’ courage and fearlessness to fight for their beliefs, serving as a never- ending source of fuel and inspiration.”
platforms and titles – in various countries. I bring a global, resourceful, innovative and agile outlook. I hope that makes it easier to find common ground in terms of the broad make-up of a student cohort, coming from so many different walks of life. “In addition, I have always worked independently – even when I was on the payroll at a blue-chip global organisation, it was as a creative strategist, so I’ve never had to kowtow to corporate demands. That ability to speak the truth, not having to worry about losing a bonus, pension or promotion, means I can be very direct about the reality of life at the intersection of innovation, new media, technology and climate.” How do you think executive- in-residence programmes can enhance student learning? “Having access to practical industry experts is critical to complement what students learn from a theoretical perspective. “It also helps them learn how to network and build professional relationships while there is still the buffer of education, so there is almost zero risk and a lot to gain. I always say to mentees that they must make all their mistakes on my watch. I give constructive feedback all the time, helping them to understand what the consequences might be in the real world. I feel that we have a duty to let them know what it’s like out there in the field, but in a kind and empathetic way.”
MARY FELLOWES Founder of sustainable innovation consultancy for apparel and textiles GreenWith Studio and climate innovator; executive fellow at King’s Business School, King’s College London What inspired you to become an executive in residence? “First off, completing a programme at Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainable Business Leadership. Second, working for a few years with the British Fashion Council on public-private sector engagement, where I authored a white paper on the circular economy and the role that technology plays in empowering consumers as citizens. “Additionally, I took on the role to set up my business for longevity and success; I knew we had to be engaged consistently with the change-makers of tomorrow. From the minute we opened GreenWith Studio in 2021, we’ve been involved in a number of partnerships and accelerator programmes with universities and colleges. A few years back, King’s College Business School approached me to be involved in activations around marketing and the circular economy. They then generously suggested an executive fellowship.” What unique perspectives and experiences do you believe you can bring to the classroom? “Over the past 25 years, I have worked on every continent, been published in multiple languages and built products and organisations – including brands, media
What are the challenges and opportunities of being an executive in residence?
“One challenge is always wishing I had time to take on more programmes, initiatives or collaborations. Another is finding incredible talent and wishing I had a vast payroll or unlimited resources so I could find a way to work with them.
Ambition • ISSUE 2 • 2026 37
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