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Jonathan Straight - CEES Enterprise Ambassador

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After 21 years building, scaling and exiting businesses, Leeds-based entrepreneur Jonathan Straight became an Enterprise Ambassador. Over the past 10 years he has shared his experiences to guide students with their business ideas, finding real purpose in mentoring others and seeing that ‘lightbulb’ moment. 

Leeds-based entrepreneur Jonathan Straight became an Enterprise Ambassador in 2015. He shares his stories and experiences to guide students with their business plans and ideas, finding real purpose in mentoring others.  

Giving back to students invested in their business education 

Entrepreneur Jonathan has owned, run and managed a number of successful businesses. After spending 21 years building, scaling and exiting businesses, he knew he wanted to take what he’d learnt and give back – using his experience in either a paid or voluntary capacity to help others. 

“It’s easy to find people who need entrepreneurial help. But I truly felt a group of students investing in their business education were the people I wanted to support,” Jonathan explains. “I did some research and discovered there was a group of Enterprise Ambassadors at the University of Leeds. I got in touch and I was invited to attend an ambassadors event. I’ve been involved in enterprise at the university ever since.” 

Mentoring students in the short and long term 

“I’ve helped so many different students to hugely varied extents over the years,” Jonathan says. “Yet a couple stick in my memory – for good reasons! One recent example is Alex Neish, who came to me with an advanced business idea. I suggested three to four simple changes to his business plan to help him get his concept to market without needing significant business investment. He’s since won money in a business competition, and kindly told me that wouldn’t have happened without my help.”  

Jonathan remembers another student who set up a business during his time at the University of Leeds. “I provided advice and although the business didn’t progress, we’ve kept in touch,” Jonathan shares. “He used me as a sounding board and asked for my views throughout his studies, so it’s been really interesting to see how he’s progressed. I’ve almost become a life mentor, which is very powerful.”

Sharing experiences to guide students’ ideas 

Jonathan speaks at ambassador events a couple of times a year, and invariably students get in contact for advice and mentoring. Often, this is a long-term relationship, where Jonathan can steer students’ business decisions in the right direction.  

“I get huge satisfaction from that ‘lightbulb’ moment students have when they see something a different way, and from inspiring them where I can by telling my story,” he says. “I also enjoy meeting students at ambassador dinners, where we’re seated with people we can have meaningful conversations with. I enjoy hearing different perspectives and learning how our ideas can complement each other.” 

Finding purpose and value by providing advice 

When the HELIX student innovation space opened, Jonathan suggested ambassadors spend time there periodically to advise students. He commits to half a day every month, when students can book a slot to come and talk to him. “HELIX is less formal than other university spaces, so it encourages students to have more honest conversations and receive input,” he adds.  

“You might stop having a business to run, but you never stop being an entrepreneur,” Jonathan concludes. “Being an Enterprise Ambassador gives me purpose and allows me to be part of something. When that’s an organisation as prestigious as the University of Leeds, it’s an enormous honour. I meet people who come from across the world to study here – and it’s a joy to support them.”