In this episode, we discuss alumni programmes.

Are these just feel good and self-serving exercises to make professional services management teams feel that they are staying in touch with people who they no longer employ, or are they actually a two-way street where those who take part get benefits as well?

We consider questions including:

• What is the purpose of an alumni programme?
• Is there any evidence that they have created a return on investment for the firm?
• Can any firm start an alumni programme or are there factors that make them more successful for some firms than others?
• If you want to start a programme, where should you start; and
• What is the future of alumni programmes?

I am joined by Wendy Goodridge and Richard Morrogh.

Wendy has 16 years of experience building alumni communities. She has established and led successful alumni programmes at several prestigious institutions including at Grant Thornton and is now the Global Head of Alumni Relations at international law firm Mayer Brown.

Richard was a former Managing Director in Citibank’s Corporate and Investment Bank and Alumni Director responsible for successfully building its EMEA alumni program, at the personal request of CEO post-2012. He is also a graduate of Cambridge University onto whose Alumni Advisory Board he was also appointed in October 2023.

James Stringer is a former BD Director and now trainer, consultant and coach on business development and bids.