London alumni welcomed to special academic insight and networking event
On Thursday 14th May Leeds University Business School hosted London alumni to hear Professor Alessandro Biraglia exploring how influence has evolved from ancient Pompeii to today’s AI‑driven ads.
The event welcomed back alumni from across the years, from a variety of subjects and degrees, and a wide range of careers and walks of life, to the setting of Wallacespace Clerkenwell Green in the heart of London. Following the presentation guests were able to network over refreshments, reconnecting and sharing memories of Leeds, making new connections, and meet with members of the Leeds University Business School Alumni Team.
Attendees heard first-hand from Professor Alessandro Biraglia, Professor of Marketing and Behavioural Science at Leeds University Business School, about how the core challenges of trust, belief, and decision‑making have remained remarkably consistent across time - from election slogans painted on Roman walls to the medieval trade of relics, to today’s fast‑paced environment shaped by digital media and AI.
This engaging discussion explored why people believe, buy, and follow, and how these longstanding dynamics can help organisations navigate influence more effectively in business.
Reflecting on delivering this interactive session at the event, Professor Biraglia said “I think the energy and curiosity of the alumni in the room made the event a success. Seeing people connect ancient forms of communication with today’s technologies sparked conversations that were imaginative and yet deeply human. It was a reminder that every technological shift, no matter how revolutionary, is ultimately about people finding new ways to share knowledge and understand one another.”
Olivia Blythman, Alumni Relations Manager at Leeds University Business School, said: “It was so good to chat to so many LUBS and University of Leeds alumni, reminisce about Leeds, network and share more information about benefits and opportunities to get involved with us. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and I am already looking forward to our next London alumni event and being able to connect with our alumni community based there.”
Find out more about the benefits of being part of the Business School alumni community
