FIMBA graduate named in AACSB Class of 2018 influential leaders
Kelly Davies, graduate of the Management School’s Football Industries MBA programme, has been named amongst The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) 2018 Influential Leaders.
AACSB connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. In its third year, the ACCSB Influential Leaders Challenge honors notable alumni from AACSB accredited schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders. There are three categories that embody the contributions of this powerful group including; Alumni Business Leaders Working in Nonprofit or Community-Based Organizations, Alumni Business Leaders Advancing Diversity and Inclusion and Business Leaders Influencing Business Education.
Kelly was honored in the ‘Alumni Business Leader working in Nonprofit or Community-Based Organizations’ category which recognises leaders who are making game-changing impacts to create a better society for us all, demonstrating that some of the world’s most impactful work occurs within smaller-sector opportunities. Kelly has done this through her role as Founder and CEO of Vi-Ability, a social enterprise which has been developed using Kelly's knowledge from the MBA and her experience as an international footballer. The project engages NEETs by allowing them to work with struggling football clubs to help them become more financially viable. The Vi-Ability programmes are part funded by an app developed by Kelly, Football CEO, which requires users to manage various aspects of football club while keeping the fans happy.
Kelly Davies said about her achievement, "I am extremely proud to be one of only 29 named 2018 influential leaders. My eight year tenure as CEO of what many people - unapologetically - have come to regard as one of the finest Social Enterprises has held so many moments of enormous, undiluted pride. I’ve seen us expand internationally, launch a mobile gaming application 'Football CEO', our turnover grow significantly, and our ability to change thousands of lives grow and grow. This recognition best demonstrates how an MBA course and dissertation, upon which the idea of Vi-Ability was founded, can help change the world one sport club, community, and individual at a time"
Thomas R. Robinson, President and CEO of AACSB International commented “Each honoree from the 2018 class of Influential Leaders reflects the mindset, knowledge, and passion that impactful business leaders must embody to impart positive change in today’s society. We would like to thank Kelly for demonstrating the true excellence and leadership we wish to see in the world, and we congratulate the University of Liverpool Management School for their role in helping to mold a new generation of global business leaders dedicated to driving impact that results in global prosperity.”
Professor Elaine Eades, Associate Dean and Director of MBA Programmes , commented “We are particularly pleased that the initial idea for Kelly’s successful venture came from her MBA Project, which is designed to enable students to apply their learning in practice. Our MBA is focused on developing leaders who will have a real impact, on individuals, organisations and society. Kelly epitomises this philosophy, and has made a significant and positive difference in the lives of many.”