Meet the Regional Chair for the Europe Alumni Network.
Sanjiv Patel is Chief Transformation Officer at Sanjiv Speaks, a Board Advisor and TED Speaker.
Sanjiv drives transformation in individuals and teams, to lead with clarity, confidence, authenticity and impact through workshops and training sessions. He is an advocate for wellness and is often featured on local and international news as a Thought Leader. He’s worked on projects with the likes of BT Group, Microsoft, Max Ventures and an iconic multicultural project in the UAE. He is also a TED speaker and is actively involved in providing content for globally recognised innovation programmes.
Sanjiv is widely recognised for his leadership and service, having been named one of the Most Influential British Indian Leaders and honoured with the inaugural WBS Alumni Core Award. He has also been invited to be a keynote speaker at The House of Commons where he shared insights on Mental Health and Wellbeing with his renowned 3Rs framework. His impact extends beyond the professional sphere, where during the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a 48-hour Cycleathon, rallying others to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for frontline services support to help with oxygen supply in India.
A WBS alum with a longstanding commitment to the School, Sanjiv was a founding mentor of the now award-winning WBS Global Mentoring Programme. During his eight-year tenure as Chair of the Mentoring Committee, he played a pivotal role in building a globally connected and inclusive alumni network.
In addition to his advisory roles, Sanjiv runs a boutique financial services practice and is the host of his own podcast Just Another Lens - a series dedicated to real people, real stories and their real insights. With over 1.5 million views in Season one and presence across leading podcast platforms, his show is yet another reflection of his commitment to authentic dialogue and meaningful connection.
What motivated you to take on the role of chair for the regional alumni network?
“I am a firm believer in fostering the growth of both individuals and teams to help them shine with clarity and authenticity. Having navigated challenges that got to the heart of who I am, personally and professionally, inspired me to channel that through a pilot mentoring programme initiated by a small group of Warwick Business School alumni in 2009. That was the start of a journey to build a truly global alumni community, based on a shared sense of belonging, a community that supported each other and fostered lifelong growth.
“My commitment to building stronger networks and vibrant alumni communities worldwide has now led me to take on the role of Regional Chair for Europe. This position allows me to further strengthen alumni engagement, foster meaningful connections, and create opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, as a member of the WBS Global Advisory Board, I am privileged to contribute to shaping the institution’s strategic direction.”
What are some of your proudest achievements?
“One of my proudest achievements was the 10 years celebration of the Global Mentoring Programme, a truly global event with engagement from across the world. A look back and celebration of the Mentors and the impact on their Mentees over this time.
“The opportunities we were able to create for both our Alumni and the Business School along the way were phenomenal. This was the start of the journey to what we are now seeing today with Regional Alumni Communities established across the World, from China, Singapore and India, to the UAE, Africa and North America.”
What do you enjoy most about being part of the alumni community?
“I particularly enjoy that this community is based on values. At the heart of it, its strength is the power of people who step up to make things happen. To share their time, experience and connections to co-create shared experiences for others. How alumni from diverse backgrounds come together, exchange ideas, and support each other in their professional and personal journeys. Being a bridge to contribute to this dynamic ecosystem, where lifelong learning and growth continue beyond the classroom, is something I deeply value. I find great joy in seeing others succeed and knowing that, in some way, I have helped facilitate that growth.”
What is your vision for the regional alumni network?
“Now, in my role as Regional Chair, my vision is to continue building a network that feels like a lifelong home, a place where alumni can show up authentically, share generously, and grow together. I see myself as a facilitator and bridge, bringing together the existing Alumni Networks as one Regional Team connecting ideas and individuals across borders, cultures, and career stages. Transformation. Clarity. Confidence. Community.
You get access to a space that grows with you. You find others who are walking similar paths or completely different ones that stretch your thinking. You give back. You learn. And most importantly, you don’t have to pretend.”
What are the key goals you hope to achieve?
What benefits and value do you see alumni gaining from the network?
“At its best, this network becomes more than just a directory, it becomes a lifeline. From career opportunities and mentoring, to thought leadership and international collaboration, alumni will gain:
What advice would you give to alumni looking to get more involved with the network?
“Start small. Show up. Say hello.
“You don’t need a role or a title to make an impact, you just need the willingness to lean in. Share your story. Ask for help. Offer help. This is your network. And it’s better when you’re part of it.
“Let’s make this community more than just a network. Let’s make it a space where growth, generosity and humanity come first.”
Join the Europe Alumni Network LinkedIn groups:
UK Alumni Network
Midlands Alumni Network
Germany Alumni Network
Meet the Regional Chair for the India Alumni Network
Introducing Dr. Hamad Buamim, Regional Chair for the UAE Alumni Network.
Introducing WBS Regional Chair for Africa, Angela Aneke.
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