Alumna Sandy Gill inspires students with insights on leadership, transformation and career growth
Alumna Sandy Gill inspires students with insights on leadership, transformation and career growth
From a student at the University of Liverpool Management School to a successful business owner and Head of Transformation at Buckinghamshire New University, Sandy Gill has charted an inspiring and dynamic career path. Recently returning to campus to share her journey, she offered students invaluable insights on leadership, transformation and building a CEO mindset.
During her time at the University of Liverpool, Sandy studied Business Economics, achieving First Class Honours. She was an active member of the academic community, serving as Chair of the Management School Academic Scrutiny Panel and a three-year consecutive Faculty Representative. Reflecting on her university experience, Sandy credited the financial support she received through the Liverpool Bursary as instrumental in allowing her to fully immerse herself in her studies and extracurricular activities.
“The support I received from the University gave me the breathing space I needed in my first year to truly immerse myself in university life. It allowed me to focus on both my studies and the incredible opportunities available, without feeling like I was missing out. Having that support also instilled a sense of responsibility in me - to make full use of my time at Liverpool and give back to the community, my studies, and my own personal growth. The bursary, in particular, felt like more than just financial aid; it was a reminder that I had a responsibility to make the most of my experience.”
Following graduation, Sandy embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, founding SITONI’s Kitchen. As a key figure in the business, she played an integral role in its establishment, leading cross-functional projects, launching multiple sites and successfully developing subsidiary brands that contributed significantly to the company’s revenue.
Her passion for transformation and leadership development ultimately led her to her current role as Head of Transformation at Buckinghamshire New University, where she specialises in driving change initiatives across the Hospitality, F&B, and Education sectors.
Returning to the Management School for International Women’s Day, Sandy engaged with students about leadership, communication, and her non-linear career journey.
“I had a fantastic day at the University of Liverpool, where I was warmly welcomed by the Management School to speak with students about leadership, communications, and my career journey for International Women’s Day. It felt a little surreal reflecting on life post-graduation many years later as an alum - the ups, downs, adventures, and the non-linear path that has shaped my experience.”
Her talk focused on developing a CEO mindset, transformational leadership, leading change, empowering teams and the importance of building a strong network. She encouraged students to be curious, authentic and proactive in their career paths.
One student, Mika Vassen, a first year Marketing student, shared their reflections on the talk:
“Sandy presented an alternative approach to starting a career, different from the traditional graduate scheme route. She highlighted the significance of combining different passions and skills to identify a role that is right for you. This perspective prompted me to think more deeply about the diverse career possibilities available after university. Sandy also shared practical advice on effective communication in the workplace, particularly how to tailor your approach depending on your audience. This advice will be useful when preparing for future interviews and when adjusting my communication style to suit different roles and professional environments.”
For Sandy, giving back to the university and sharing her experiences is a deeply meaningful endeavour.
“I’ve always believed in paying it forward. Having people from different backgrounds come and speak at university was incredibly valuable for me as a student, so I knew that even though I’m still early in my own journey, my experiences might inspire others. Giving back also allows me to maintain my relationship with the University. Since I graduated just before COVID, there was a period where we couldn’t stay as connected as we would have liked. Being involved now gives me the chance to reconnect with the place where I grew and developed so much.”
Reflecting on her return to campus, Sandy was inspired by the energy and engagement of the students:
“What stood out to me was how buzzing the campus was. After COVID, it’s easy to feel like student engagement has dipped, but seeing the Management School filled with productive conversations was incredible. Liverpool truly is building future leaders, you can see it in the Career Coaches in the Career Studio, and in the proactive questions students ask. The fact that so many first years attended my talk just shows how eager they are to grow and develop into self-aware, driven individuals.”
A huge thank you to Sandy, who as an active alumni volunteer, continues to inspire the next generation of leaders at the University of Liverpool.
If you are a University of Liverpool graduate and interested in volunteering your time, please visit our webpage.