Professor Elaine Limond MBA MSc SFHEA CMgr MCMI

Vice Dean, Business School

Elaine, Vice Dean of the Business School at University College Birmingham and a professor of sports education, is dedicated to the development of talented young professionals and is, today, a respected leadership coach and mentor skilled in building high performance company cultures across the region, alongside her role at the University. Elaine has now also embarked on undertaking a DBA, further enriching her extensive expertise and commitment to advancing business practices and leadership development. 

Elaine first started inspiring young people to reach their goals as a sports lecturer at college and degree level at University College Birmingham, where she was instrumental in the design of the curriculum and was selected to join the senior management team. Alongside this, she excelled as a performance coach for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and England under 20 team, gaining an MSc in coaching from Loughborough University. 

Combining her excellence in leadership and guiding others to reach their potential, Elaine diversified into business coaching, achieving her executive MBA from Aston University. This led to Elaine leading on the development of University College Birmingham’s own executive MBA, supporting professionals to take their leadership skills to a higher level in a more flexible way. Elaine also volunteers as an independent college governor and is a project lead for the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, an external examiner and a lead assessor for the Office for Students. 

Avni Ahuja

Business Development Director, Common Purpose

As a Development Director at Common Purpose, Avni Ahuja convenes leaders across industries and sectors, helping them break social and cultural boundaries through cross-sector collaboration. Her work focuses on creating leadership programmes that promote inclusivity and empower professionals to drive impactful change. Avni's efforts extend beyond business development to a deep commitment to building legacy through good leadership that reflects diverse voices and experiences.

A first-generation MBA graduate from Aston University, Avni draws from her years of experience in PR, communications, and fashion to cultivate strategic partnerships. Her background enables her to connect with stakeholders from various fields and nurture relationships that foster innovation and long-term development.

A key leader at Common Purpose for the Midlands region, Avni is actively contributing to initiatives that support the growth and development of young professionals in the region. She believes in the power of diverse leadership to shape the future and is actively involved in the next Birmingham Legacy Programme, where she collaborates with key stakeholders to create impactful opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Through her role, she works to create a lasting impact that transcends business boundaries and fosters cultural and social understanding.

Her dedication to mentoring and supporting others is driven by her own journey as a leader and her belief in the importance of cross-boundary collaboration. Avni is focused on creating inclusive spaces where all leaders feel empowered to harness their unique perspectives, resulting in sustainable, innovative, and transformative change.

Rhoda Numan

Early Careers Lead, Gymshark

As the Early Careers Lead at Gymshark, I focus on developing and supporting graduates and placement students throughout their career journeys.

I’m passionate about helping young professionals unlock their full potential and excel in their careers. I truly believe that by investing in the next generation of talent, we not only support their success but also contribute to the overall growth of the business.