Career Insights from Sir James Duddridge KCMG

What does it take to build a successful career across industries, continents, and public service?

Join us for an engaging conversation with our distinguished alumnus Sir James Duddridge (BA Government, University of Essex), former MP and government minister.

Having been in the Parliament for 20 years, Sir James served under three Prime Ministers and worked in Downing Street, Whitehall, and across Africa as Minister for Africa at the Foreign Office. He also worked with international institutions including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the United Nations.

What does it take to go from managing banking operations in Africa (his job prior to entering Parliament), to working alongside three Prime Ministers in Downing Street? Sir James will reflect on the challenges, turning points, and relationships that shaped his journey from international banking and entrepreneurship to the heart of government.

Come hear what his experiences have taught him about earning trust, making decisions under pressure, and building connections across cultures and industries.