Serving as the master of ceremonies is always an honor, but stepping onto the stage at this year’s Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Forum (OSEF) was something special. The energy in the room was electric from the first moment, setting the tone for a day full of inspiration and insight. While every panel, speaker, and session brought unique value, a few moments stood out as truly unforgettable:
Greg Jackson’s keynote
Greg’s passion for Octopus Energy and its mission to revolutionize clean energy was nothing short of contagious. He spoke with raw honesty, offering an unfiltered glimpse into his founder journey and the deeper purpose driving his work. One sentiment that stuck with me was his take on the well-known saying: 'People won’t remember what you said, but how you made them feel.' In this case, I can confidently say that both the lessons and insights from Greg’s session, along with the inspiration he sparked, will stay with me long after his keynote.
Expert panel on space
Space has always felt like a distant enigma to me, far removed from my everyday world. Listening to the panel on space exploration; however, filled me with awe for the innovative strides humanity is making. From unlocking the next frontier of exploration and tourism to reshaping what’s possible, the session left me curious and eager to learn more. What resonated most was the spirit of collaboration - this isn’t a solo journey; it’s a collective mission.
Community and connection
While the sessions were incredible, what left the deepest impression on me was the sense of connection and camaraderie. Every conversation with founders, investors, and fellow students brought fresh ideas and renewed energy. People didn’t hesitate to offer advice, open their networks, or share their wisdom. At Oxford Saïd, we often say, 'impact from within,' and at OSEF, that mantra came to life.
Final thoughts
Walking off that stage, I couldn’t help but reflect on how OSEF blends inspiration with action. It’s not just about ideas, it’s about the people who bring them to life, the energy that drives them forward, and the shared commitment to creating real-world impact. No matter where I end up next year, I know I’ll be back for this conference. After all, what’s better than being part of a place where curiosity, collaboration, and impact collide?
