Professor Antonina Pereira | Why People-Centered Leadership Still Works (Even in a Crisis)

In this episode, Julian sits down with Professor Antonina Pereira, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Chichester, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership in higher education. Antonina shares her powerful "constant gardener" metaphor for leadership—the daily work of pruning, planting, and tending that never stops. She discusses the mounting complexities facing universities today, from frozen tuition fees that haven't kept pace with costs to the shift in student expectations since fees were introduced in 2012. Despite financial pressures that have seen fees remain largely static while operational costs have soared, Antonina emphasises that her non-negotiable remains putting people at the center of every decision, whether that's supporting staff development or ensuring students receive a transformative education rather than simply a transactional degree.

Throughout the conversation, Antonina reveals what makes the University of Chichester special—its unapologetically small size that allows leaders to know students by name at graduation, and its commitment to helping every student thrive regardless of their entry grades. She discusses the importance of developing leadership capabilities in higher education, as many academics step into management roles without formal training. Looking ahead with hope despite sector challenges, Antonina shares her vision for 2027 and beyond, grounded in understanding what makes Chichester unique: a cathedral group university that develops programmes in collaboration with industry, provides exceptional levels of support, and ensures students exit with far more than a degree—they leave with a well-rounded education prepared for the challenges of the world. Her passion for enabling people to achieve their goals, whether students or staff, shines through as the driving force behind her leadership approach.

 

Connect with Antonina: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-antonina-pereira-94468b95/ Website:  https://www.chi.ac.uk/     ##########

 

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: [e-mail]

 

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

 

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