Meet the member – Networks and Urban Systems Centre (NUSC)

Meet the Member: Steven Brown on Open Strategy, Multi-Sector Leadership, and Research with Real-World Impact

On 11 December 2025 By Natasha Lawlor-Morrison In Leadership, Meet the member, Open Strategy

Following a ten-year career in the British Army, Steven Brown’s business career took centre stage. With over 20 years of senior leadership experience in industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics and global logistics, Steven brings a broad range of experience to his research. He completed an MBA in 2007, an experience which first got him thinking about the possibility of pursuing research further. Now, as a PhD student at the University of Greenwich, Steven is diving deep into the evolving field of Open Strategy—bringing both curiosity and humility to the process.

Meet the Member: Ibukun Joy Lawal.

On 26 November 2025 By Natasha Lawlor-Morrison In Meet the member

“Many people assume that AI adoption in higher education is mainly about technology, choosing the right tools or systems. But what often surprises people is how much the human element matters. My research shows that leadership style, trust, and the relationship between leaders and followers can make or break successful AI implementation. It’s not just about having innovative technology; it’s about whether people feel empowered, supported, and confident enough to engage with it. In many ways, the success of AI in universities depends far more on people than on the machines themselves.”

Dr Jingxi Huang on Sustainability, Psychology, and the Power of Small Changes

On 5 November 2025 By Natasha Lawlor-Morrison In Meet the member

At the heart of NUSC’s interdisciplinary mission is a commitment to tackling urban challenges through diverse perspectives. Dr Jingxi Huang, a researcher in consumer behaviour and sustainability, embodies this spirit with her unique blend of marketing insight and psychological depth. Jingxi’s passion for sustainability goes beyond academic theory. “It’s a long-term challenge that affects both our generation and the next,” she explains.

Meet the Member: Neal Layton on Flexible Work, Real-World Insight, and a PhD with Purpose

On 21 October 2025 By Natasha Lawlor-Morrison In Meet the member

Meet Neal Layton, one of our newest PhD Students. For Neal, pursuing a PhD isn’t just an academic milestone—it’s a meaningful way to round off a dynamic career that’s spanned consultancy, leadership, and even a stint in a banking start-up. “I loved the research during my Master’s” he says. “This felt like a great way to finish working life ahead of retirement.”