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 private 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 seminar was an unprecedented and unique opportunity for me to engage in deep discussions with a diverse group of leaders that I would not typically come across in my professional and social lives. Debating with thoughtful, diverging perspectives really helped me grow as a leader .”
Pierre Mercier
Managing Director and Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group
People
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
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 a senior business executive with extensive experience building and turning around businesses internationally. She has worked in finance, crisis communications
Laura Lauder
Laura Lauder (Aspen Advisor) is venture philanthropist in Silicon Valley, focused on leadership, education, and Jewish community areas. She joined her husband Gary in their
Charlotte Leslie
Charlotte Leslie (Trustee) is a former Conservative MP and Managing Director of the Conservative Middle East Council (CMEC), building UK – MENA relationships and enabling
Amelia Loveday
Amelia Loveday is Aspen UK’s Programme Officer. Before joining the organisation in February 2020, she worked with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and
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 (CEO) is the Managing Director of the Aspen Initiative in the UK. She’s a CEO with an exceptional track record of delivering change
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
Ed Williams
Ed Williams (Chairman of the Board of Trustees) is the President and CEO of Edelman EMEA. Prior to that he led Edelman UK and Ireland
“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)