Honorary doctorate for ex-IoD director in recognition of his mentoring work
A FORMER regional director at the Institute of Directors in the West Midlands has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Wolverhampton.
John Phillips has worked for the University of Wolverhampton as a volunteer for the past six years, heading up a mentoring scheme for students studying business-related subjects.
After receiving the honour, Mr Phillips praised the many members of the IoD who had given up their time to help students.
He congratulated everyone who had graduated in 2017 and shared some of his favourite tips for a successful business career.
He said: “In the long run, the most valuable thing any of us have is our personal integrity. Always do what you say you are going to do, build your reputation, be truthful, treat your employees and customers well.
“If you do this, generally speaking, your goodwill will be repaid many times over and sometimes in ways you would never have expected.
“Having spent 23 years with the Institute of Directors I met a lot of successful business leaders.
“The one thing they all had in common was a real passion and genuine enthusiasm for what they did.
“See if you can identify this passion in others and try to mirror it in your own activity.
“Remember it’s not confined to big business. It exists in the smallest and most simple of business ventures which can sometimes be very profitable
“Very importantly for all of you who have graduated today, you must never stop learning. Even when you get to my age.
“Finally, you will face difficult times. Be true to yourself, fight hard for the things you really believe in and never give up.”
For more details about the IoD’s student mentoring programme, contact John Phillips at john@compliancestudio. co.uk or via linkedin