Broadcast: Events
The MBA Speaker Series | Entrepreneurial Chronicles
We are excited to invite you to our Spring MBA Speaker Series, Entrepreneurial Chronicles. Join us for an engaging session featuring Dr Tej Samani, CEO and Founder of Performance Learning, as he shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the lessons he has learned along the way. The discussion will be facilitated by Jeremy Jacobs, Sussex MBA Entrepreneur in Residence and Founder of Cookie Jar and Corn Cobs. Together, they will they will explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons that shape entrepreneurial success. Do not miss this unique opportunity to learn from two accomplished entrepreneurs and gain fresh perspectives to inspire your own professional path forward.
The event will happen on Thursday, February 20 from 5pm to 6pm in person in G-36. Coffee and teas will be provided.
The Sussex MBA Speaker Series represents a curation of talks that delve deeply into emerging issues which affect business and society and provide an opportunity to hear the personal career journeys and lessons learnt of inspiring business leaders. Keynote speakers are typically Sussex MBA Alumni who share their knowledge and expertise and answer the questions from the audience. The series run three times per year – in November, February and May.
The Speakers
Dr Tej Samani, CEO and Founder of Performance Learning
Over a decade ago, Dr Tej Samani founded Performance Learning Technologies, inspired by his school struggles and subsequent career in professional tennis. Today, his platform has evolved into a cutting-edge AI-driven technology and framework transforming education and justice across four countries. Serving private and state educational institutions. The Ministry of Justice also embraces Performance Learning Technologies to develop critical and employability skills for young offenders in the criminal justice sector. Dr Tej’s pioneering research established an algorithm that predicts pupil exam results, rehabilitation pathways in young offenders and career pathways for graduates through the bridge between AI and behavioural analytics.
Under Dr Tej’s leadership, Performance Learning leads the charge in AI for Good, delivering technology that promotes fairness, inclusivity, and impact in schools, prisons, and home learning environments. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, the platform addresses critical challenges in education and rehabilitation, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to succeed. His journey has led to the creation of a Level 3 Diploma, regulated by OFQUAL, underscoring his influential role in shaping education and publishing 4 academic papers in established journals such as AIED and Mind, Brain and Education.
Dr Tej has been featured in the Financial Times, BBC World News, Forbes, TES, and Techwire, to name a few.
Jeremy Jacobs, Founder of Cookie Jar & Corn Cobs
Jeremy is an accomplished entrepreneur with 18 years of experience. He started a cupcake business for his Mum while simultaneously building a corporate career in digital marketing in London. Together, they successfully expanded their venture, Raise Bakery, into a million-pound-per-year food manufacturing business, supplying renowned brands such as Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. Unfortunately, in 2021, Jeremy had to close the business due to a complete loss of turnover overnight during the pandemic.
Presently, Jeremy has two businesses. His first venture, Cookie Jar, operates as a consultancy, coaching, and training company, providing support to small and medium-sized businesses. His second endeavour, Corn Cobs, is a digital marketing agency specializing in paid media advertising. Jeremy is an alumnus of the ÃûæÂÖ±²¥, having completed his MBA in early 2021. He actively contributes to the MBA program as their Entrepreneur in Residence.
Jeremy is also the host and founder of the "How Not to Run a Business" podcast, which aims to normalize conversations around failure, mental health, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. He embraces his identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and is enhanced with ADHD. Currently residing in ÃûæÂÖ±²¥, Jeremy shares his life with his husband and their two dogs.
