About
Aspen UK is part of a global network of Aspen Institutes, which for over 70 years have inspired and empowered leaders around the world.
The UK is experiencing corrosive levels of political, social, and cultural division. There is a deep need for values-driven leadership, and respectful conversations that bring people together.
We believe that bridging divides does not happen by papering over them, but rather by helping people to see all sides and have better arguments. Disagreement can be constructive, exhilarating, and intellectually expanding, rather than threatening, polarising, and entropic.
All our activities provide an environment where participants can learn with and from people who might have fundamentally different views and life experiences. We use the unique Aspen method of text-based and professionally guided conversations which help people reflect on their leadership skills, debate and confront their own ideas and values, and explore effective solutions to pressing social issues.
Our leadership seminars provide space for discussion on potentially polarising topics, and encourage attendees to learn with and from other influential leaders from different worlds and beliefs.
Our public events demonstrate the process of understanding another’s perspective. They celebrate the joy of debate, discussion, and disagreement on key topics, while maintaining respect and integrity.
We are committed to building communities of actively engaged and enlightened leaders, inspiring them to work for the common good.
“The Aspen seminar didn’t only help me to revisit and rethink the values shaping my environment, but it also provided a space for an inspiring and fun exchange of ideas.”
Rita Dayoub
Health in conflicts specialist and Academy Fellow at Chatham House
People
Katy Blake Burch-Hudson
Katy Blake Burch-Hudson is the Senior Programme Officer at Aspen UK. She came to Aspen UK after completing a MSc in Global Affairs at King’s
Beth Brookes
Beth Brookes is the Programme and Events Officer at Aspen UK. Before joining the organisation, she worked internationally in start-ups, non-profits, academia, the private sector,
Olly Chapman
Olivier (Olly) Chapman is the Director of Seminars at Aspen UK. He has a background in managing world-renowned executive education programmes for professional bodies and
Toby Coppel
Toby Coppel (Trustee) is a co-founder and partner at Mosaic Ventures, a European venture capital firm managing $300 million and focused on early stage investing. Toby
Marisa Drew
Marisa Drew (Trustee) is the Chief Sustainability Officer for Credit Suisse and the Global Head of the Sustainability Strategy, Advisory & Finance Group. She is
Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca Edwards joined the Aspen Institute UK on its internship programme and is now Programme & Events Executive as she concurrently completes her Master’s. Following
Elliot Gerson
Elliot Gerson (Aspen Advisor) is the executive vice president at the Aspen Institute responsible for its Policy Programmes, its Public Programmes and its relations with
Zelmira Koch Polk
Zelmira Koch Polk (Trustee) is the managing director of the Hearth Advisors, a global education and healthcare advisory firm specialised in building and turning around businesses.
Laura Lauder
Laura Lauder (Aspen Advisor) is a venture philanthropist in Silicon Valley, focused on leadership, education, and Jewish community areas. She joined her husband Gary in
Pierre Mercier
Pierre Mercier (Trustee) is a Managing Director and Senior Partner of the BCG (The Boston Consulting Group) which he joined in 2001 in Paris after
Vanessa Neill
Vanessa Neill (Aspen Sustainability and ESG Advisor) is a strategic communications consultant. She advises global public and private companies on their organic and transitional growth
Penny Richards
Penny Richards is the CEO of the Aspen Institute in the UK. She’s a leader with an exceptional track record of delivering change and meaningful
Helen Protheroe
Helen Protheroe (Trustee) is a Director of the Royal College of Art and Executive Director of RCA USA. An experienced executive with a national and
Nizam Uddin OBE
Nizam Uddin OBE (Trustee) is Chief Strategy Officer of algbra, a technology-based financial ecosystem dedicated to global financial inclusion by focusing on the underserved and
Octavius Weston
Octavius Weston is a Programme Officer at Aspen UK. Prior to joining Aspen UK, he worked as a Research Assistant at the Department of Defence
“Leaders are increasingly confronted with moral dilemmas not technocratic problems. These seminars address head on these moral questions, providing structured space for reflection, and help individuals to understand their own moral compass. It’s a life changing experience.”
Sir Stuart Etherington
Chief Executive, The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)