Dr Ben Hobbs
MBA, BA (Hons)
Expertise
Current positions
Senior Lecturer
Centre for Innovation
Contact
Press and media
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Biography
As an award-winning 'pracademic' with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of academia and industry, I thrive on bridging the gap between academic insights and real-world impact.
My expertise lies in strategic entrepreneurship, where I specialise in solving complex problems and driving innovation through strategic partnerships and ventures. My career began with a first-class bachelor's degree and an MBA, followed by a successful tenure at one of the UK's most enterprising insurers. Whilst there, I rose through the ranks, building several cross-functional departments and several innovative products, departing as their Head of Business Development - Innovation and Partnerships.
Next, I returned to academia to earn a PhD in Strategic Entrepreneurship. Today, I work as a Senior Lecturer, Programme Director, and Team Lead at the University of Bristol's Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
My expertise lies in strategic entrepreneurship, where I specialise in solving complex problems and driving innovation through strategic partnerships and ventures. My career began with a first-class bachelor's degree and an MBA, followed by a successful tenure at one of the UK's most enterprising insurers. Whilst there, I rose through the ranks, building several cross-functional departments and several innovative products, departing as their Head of Business Development - Innovation and Partnerships.
Next, I returned to academia to earn a PhD in Strategic Entrepreneurship. Today, I work as a Senior Lecturer, Programme Director, and Team Lead at the University of Bristol's Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Research interests
My research is interested in how the 'somewhat successful' majority of companies can achieve a sustained period of superior performance.
- My primary focus is on the proper alignment of strategy and entrepreneurial efforts.
- My secondary focus is on how HRM behaviours are configured to achieve high performance.
Publications
Recent publications
09/05/2024Building Entrepreneurial Behaviours within a Corporate Settings
Darth Vader Ethics
Building a Brand that Resonates on an Emotional Level
Insurance Innovators Summit 2019
Thesis
Teaching
As Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Programme Director for our Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, my core commitment lies in empowering students for genuine, real-world success.
My teaching philosophy is simple: I believe that the best way to learn is by doing. (That mastery comes from practice.) That’s why I focus my efforts on transforming the traditional classroom dynamics through fostering immersive classroom experiences and authentic assessment (that excludes exams); to prepare students for the complexities of the professional world. A cornerstone of this approach is the deliberate design of team-based units, which are crucial enablers for developing superior communication, cooperation, and ultimately, sophisticated problem-solving capabilities that are vital for future leaders and highly sought after by employers.
Personally, I have been honoured to receive nominations for the University's prestigious Outstanding Teaching Award for each of the past three years. However, I truly believe that my impact, and the success of our students, comes from working with an extraordinary team. Across the CfIE, we have delivered exceptional student outcomes, which has positioned our school amongst the very best across the University of Bristol. This includes exceptional employability results and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that leads to our students creating start-ups at ten times the national average.
I believe that when you join us, you don't just gain a qualification; you become a part of a vibrant entrepreneurial community. This community will support you, inspire you, and connect you with opportunities long after your graduation.
My teaching philosophy is simple: I believe that the best way to learn is by doing. (That mastery comes from practice.) That’s why I focus my efforts on transforming the traditional classroom dynamics through fostering immersive classroom experiences and authentic assessment (that excludes exams); to prepare students for the complexities of the professional world. A cornerstone of this approach is the deliberate design of team-based units, which are crucial enablers for developing superior communication, cooperation, and ultimately, sophisticated problem-solving capabilities that are vital for future leaders and highly sought after by employers.
Personally, I have been honoured to receive nominations for the University's prestigious Outstanding Teaching Award for each of the past three years. However, I truly believe that my impact, and the success of our students, comes from working with an extraordinary team. Across the CfIE, we have delivered exceptional student outcomes, which has positioned our school amongst the very best across the University of Bristol. This includes exceptional employability results and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that leads to our students creating start-ups at ten times the national average.
I believe that when you join us, you don't just gain a qualification; you become a part of a vibrant entrepreneurial community. This community will support you, inspire you, and connect you with opportunities long after your graduation.