Navigating Change: leadership, creativity, and the future of publishing

Description

This event explores the dynamic evolution of the publishing and creative industries through the lens of Stephen's extensive experience. It delves into how technological advancements, sector strategies and leadership approaches are reshaping creative communities. Paying particular attention to engagement with UK Government through bodies such as the Creative Industries Council and regional growth in cities such as Bristol.

Hosted by Nikesh Shukla, award-winning novelist and screenwriter, the event will also address the continued technological developments and their implications for the creative sector; highlighting opportunities for innovation, collaboration and sustainable leadership in a rapidly changing cultural and economic landscape.

About Stephen

Stephen is Non-Executive Chair of Faber & Faber, one of the worlds leading independent literary publishing houses, where he was Chief Executive from 2001 to 2021.

Stephen grew up in the midlands and studied History at Bristol University. His career in publishing began in bookselling, after a mercifully brief period as the drummer in a rock band. He discovered his love of literature in his early twenties, and worked at Transworld, 4th Estate and HarperCollins in commercial and leadership roles before being appointed to run Faber in 2001.

Stephen also works closely with government and sits on the Creative Industries Council, where the UK Government and the Creative and Cultural sectors work together to seek ways to ensure that these sectors thrive. He also sat on the Creative Growth Task Force, informing the recent Sector Plan for the Creative industries.

He is a visiting Professor at City, University of London, chaired the social enterprise Creative Access, ensuring that there is access to all Creative Industries for all. He has also recently trained as a business coach runs his own coaching practice.

He remains a drummer in a 90s cover band, The Landline. He is married with two sons and lives in West London. In 2022 he was awarded an OBE for services to publishing.

About Nikesh

Nikesh Shukla won multiple awards for writing the short film 'Two Dosas' starring Himesh Patel and has contributed to writers’ rooms for major platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Prime, HBO and Sky. In 2024, he was selected as a Sundance Institute Fellow for their prestigious screenwriting lab.

Nikesh recently released the first book in his children’s book series, 'The Council Of Good Friends'. He is also the author of three YA novels: 'Run, Riot' (shortlisted for a National Book Award), 'The Boxer' (longlisted for the Carnegie Medal) and 'Stand Up'.

He is the author of 'Coconut Unlimited' (shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award), 'Meatspace' and the critically acclaimed 'The One Who Wrote Destiny'.  Nikesh’s book, 'Brown Baby: A Memoir Of Race, Family And Home' was longlisted for the Jhalak Prize and is in development to be a feature film. He has also written a book on writing called 'Your Story Matters', having taught creative writing for years at Faber Academy, Arvon Foundation, University Of Bristol, Bath Spa and various other places. Nikesh has mentored writers and helped launch the careers of people who have gone on to become bestsellers, award-winners and culture-shifters.

Nikesh is also the co-founder of The Good Literary Agency and has been recognised as one of Time Magazine’s cultural leaders, Foreign Policy magazine's 100 Global Thinkers and The Bookseller's 100 most influential people in publishing (2016 and in 2017). In 2024, he received the Malorie Blackman Impact Award at the Diverse Book Awards.

He is the editor of the bestselling essay collection 'The Good Immigrant', which won the reader's choice at the Books Are My Bag Awards. He also co-edited 'The Good Immigrant USA' with Chimene Suleyman, and a collection of writing by young people called 'Rife'. Nikesh has been a youth worker in Bristol, where he lives, an Observer Magazine columnist, done anti-racism work for a football club and takes his shoes off when visiting other people's houses.

About BDAS

The Bristol Distinguished Address Series (BDAS) is brought to you by UWE Bristol, and provides an opportunity to hear unique perspectives and insights from change makers, activists, entrepreneurs and people who have achieved amazing things in Bristol and beyond.

Programme

18:00 Arrival and registration in Foyer.

18:30 Event starts in Cinema 1 / livestream begins.

19:30 Q&A.

19:45 Event ends / livestream ends.

19:45–21:00 Networking and drinks.

Accessibility

UWE Bristol welcomes all abilities/disabilities, ages, ethnicities, and genders to our events. If you have any questions, concerns or additional requirements then please let us know, by contacting the Events Team at events@uwe.ac.uk, so that we can make your time at this event as comfortable as possible.

Venue information

Disabled parking: No

Step-free access: Yes

Accessible toilets: Yes

Assisted Listening: Yes

Guide/assistance dog-friendly: Yes

Quiet spaces available: Yes