Alison Edgar, speaker and expert in improving performance has received an honorary doctorate from Bournemouth University in recognition of her support for business.
A champion for inclusivity, Alison believes that nothing should hold you back from achieving your goals, be it age, race, gender or disability.
She grew up as part of a working-class family in their council flat in Clydebank. Having struggled at school due to undiagnosed dyslexia, Alison left with no qualifications but drew on her strong people skills to lead a successful career in hospitality and then corporate sales.
In 2011, Alison launched her own company providing sales, customer service and leadership training. She became known as ‘The Entrepreneur’s Godmother’ by mentoring leading entrepreneurs and advising government on small business issues. She has also delivered a TEDx speech and published two best-selling books on personal and professional development.
In 2020 she was made an MBE for her services to entrepreneurship and business.
Recalling the moment she was offered her award, Alison said, “When the email arrived to tell me about the honorary doctorate, I burst into tears. I genuinely could not believe it, for someone who struggled with education to get this amazing honour was just beyond my comprehension.”
When asked about what more businesses can do to become more inclusive, she added, “A lot of businesses try to get people who are different to conform to the normal. But I think there is no such thing as normal. So I think it is about understanding people a little bit better, getting them to acknowledge what their superpowers are and then working together.”
Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Bournemouth University said, “"At BU we are focussed on supporting our local businesses and developing the entrepreneurs to meet our local economy needs; we also believe in challenging marginalisation and disadvantage. These ambitions are reflected in Alison's own journey. She did lot let anything hold back her determination to succeed in business and now helps so many others to follow in her footsteps, regardless of their background.
"She will be an inspiration to our students, staff and graduates and I am proud to welcome her to the BU community."
Alison Edgar received her Honorary Doctorate in Education at the graduation ceremony for BU's Business school students on 5 November. There is a double celebration for her family as her son Connor will be graduating from BU's Faculty of Science and Technology later in the week.
