TEDxAston University

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Avni Ahuja

  Head of Sales and Operations, Apparel Group India

  Avni Ahuja is an Aston Business School MBA alumna whose career has taken her across countries, industries and leadership roles. Now Head of Sales and Operations at Apparel Group India, Avni previously served as Business Development Director at Common Purpose, where she worked with leaders across sectors to build collaboration, inclusive leadership and meaningful social impact. Her professional journey has also spanned sales, communications, operations and fashion. Having moved to Birmingham to study at Aston before later returning to India, Avni brings a perspective shaped by ambition, transition and learning how to move forward when the next step is not always obvious.

• Dileep Marway

  Vice President of Engineering, PebblePad

  Dileep Marway is Vice President of Engineering at PebblePad and an Aston University alumnus with more than 19 years of experience in technology and engineering leadership. His career has combined deep technical expertise with a focus on people, culture and creating high-performing teams. At PebblePad, he is responsible for the health, scalability and sustainability of its global SaaS platform. Having begun his Aston journey studying Pharmacy before discovering that his real passion lay in computing, Dileep’s career reflects the value of changing direction, continuing to learn and following where your strengths take you.

• Kameese Davis

  Founder, Nylah’s Naturals

  Kameese Davis is an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Nylah’s Naturals, a British haircare brand focused on science-led solutions for textured hair and scalp health. After appearing on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, Kameese went on to build Nylah’s into a seven-figure business, securing significant investment and listings with major UK retailers including Boots, Superdrug and Selfridges. She is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, representation and building businesses that challenge established markets.

• Professor Helen Higson OBE DL

  Deputy Dean, Aston Business School

  Professor Helen Higson OBE DL is Professor of Higher Education Learning and Management and Associate Dean at Aston Business School. Over a career spanning more than four decades in higher education, Helen has held a number of senior leadership roles at Aston, including Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Her work has focused particularly on employability, work-based learning, widening participation and the transformative role of education. A National Teaching Fellow and trained executive coach, Helen was awarded an OBE for services to higher education and has also served as Deputy Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands.

• Professor Tim Grant

  Professor of Forensic Linguistics and Founding Director, Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics

  Professor Tim Grant is one of the world’s leading forensic linguists and the founding director of the Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics. His work explores how language can provide evidence in investigations involving everything from threatening messages and online abuse to murder and terrorism. He has acted as an expert in criminal, civil and commercial cases and received an NCA Commendation for his contribution to a major criminal investigation. In 2025, Tim was awarded Aston University’s Chancellor’s Medal for his service to the University and his discipline. He also co-hosts the Writing Wrongs podcast, exploring real cases where language has played a crucial role in the pursuit of justice.

• Sharon Thompson JP FIoL

  Public Service Leader, Executive Coach and Speaker

  Sharon Thompson JP FIoL is a public service leader, executive coach and speaker who has spent more than two decades working in local government. She served as the first female Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands and as Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, where her responsibilities have included economic development, skills, housing and major regeneration. During her political career, Sharon has provided leadership across major regeneration programmes and initiatives designed to improve housing and opportunities for communities across Birmingham. A Fellow of the Institute of Leadership, her work is rooted in social mobility, inclusive growth and leadership grounded in lived experience.