The Careers Beyond Academia Seminar Series provides PhD students and Early Career Researchers with realistic, experience-based insights into career pathways outside academia. Through invited talks from professionals working across industry and organisations, the series helps researchers understand how to successfully transition their skills and expertise into impactful roles beyond the university environment. The speakers will discuss their career journey, advice for researchers considering careers beyond academia, skills and competencies valued in industry and organisations, and career opportunities.

Speaker

Nana Akande, Director of Data Products and Services, Royal Mail Group

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Biography

Nana Akande is a transformational data leader redefining how organisations harness data for real impact. As Director of Data Products and Services at Royal Mail, she is driving a large-scale shift turning data into a strategic asset that powers smarter decisions, operational efficiency, and long-term growth. With over 15 years' experience across transport, highways, consultancy, and postal services, Nana is known for leading through complexity, building high-performing teams, modernising legacy environments, and delivering change that sticks.

Her impact has earned industry-wide recognition, including being named in the DataIQ 100 Future Leaders 2025. She has amplified her influence on global stages, speaking at Google's Future Women in Tech panel to champion greater representation and progression for women in the industry. In 2025, she delivered a keynote at Qlik's annual conference in the United States, sharing the transformation sotry of ROyal Mail through data. In 2026, she further cements her standing as a trusted industry leader, serving on the judging panel for the prestigious everywoman in Technology Awards 2026.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Nana is a mother of three who exemplifies modern leadership balancing ambition and family while breaking barriers for women in data and technology. A passionate advocate for inclusion and growth, she leads with resilience, clarity, and purpose, proving that data, when done right, is not just technical but transformational and a career path open to all.

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Registration

Everyone is welcome to attend from the University of Cambridge - the seminar is particularly aimed at PhD students and Early Career Researchers. Registration is essential.

Registration - Deadline Monday 11th May, 9 am

Cancellation and No-shows

Please let us know as soon as possible if your plans have changed and you are no longer able to attend. We operate a waiting list for spaces. You should note our Cancellation and No-Show policy, summarised below.

• Delegates who have registered to attend but did not turn up to the event on the day, may be charged a conference fee.

• Charges may be given if less than 7 days' notice is given to the conference organisers.