Our next staff Kent Diamond’s are Rebecca Smith and Artur Slowinski. Rebecca and Artur are responsible for ASPIRE – the University’s entrepreneurial support programme in Kent Business School, designed to help students and graduates turn ideas into real ventures. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the programme. Hear from them:
Rebecca: I’m Rebecca Smith, Lecturer in Employability and Entrepreneurship at Kent Business School where I lead on ASPIRE (working with amazing entrepreneurial students and start ups). I am also the KBS employability lead and will be starting a student-led business consultancy clinic in the next academic year. My career path hasn’t exactly been linear – I started out as an actor, spent time working as a journalist, and at one point even taught line dancing to holidaymakers on a Greek island.
Artur: Hello, I’m Artur Slowinski, ASPIRE Project Officer at the University of Kent, where I work with entrepreneurial students. My interests range from all things start-ups, business, and marketing to psychology, fashion, design, classic cars, travel, boxing, culture, theatre, and everything in between. I’m also a firm believer in good habits. Every morning starts with my favourite cup of coffee and Monocle magazine, a small daily ritual before the day properly begins.
Tell us about your role at Kent and how you make an impact.
Rebecca: I was part of the original team that set up ASPIRE ten years ago, and my focus now is on how we continue to grow its impact – reaching more students, supporting more ideas, and extending our work into wider communities. I’m particularly passionate about ensuring that entrepreneurship is accessible to everyone, regardless of background. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t always evenly distributed, and programmes like ASPIRE can help bridge that gap. My varied career history has shaped how I think about careers and learning – particularly the value of adaptability, creativity and taking opportunities when they come along.
Artur: I joined the ASPIRE team just under five years ago, and since then I’ve had the privilege of supporting ambitious students exploring entrepreneurship and developing their ideas with confidence. My role involves creating opportunities that bring entrepreneurship to life, from organising inspiring talks with successful founders and industry professionals to delivering practical workshops and real-world business experiences. I also provide one-to-one support for students taking their first steps into entrepreneurship, helping them shape their ideas and connecting them with our Entrepreneurs in Residence and mentors. For those who enjoy challenging themselves, I run our pitching competition, a chance to step outside their comfort zone, present their ideas with confidence, and compete for funding to help turn their ambitions into reality.
Tell us about ASPIRE.
ASPIRE is the University of Kent’s entrepreneurial support programme, designed to help students and graduates turn ideas into real ventures. Established in 2015 through philanthropic funding, over the past decade, it has engaged more than 4,000 students and supported the creation of over 70 new businesses, many with a strong social or environmental focus which is reflected in our support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
What makes ASPIRE distinctive is its emphasis on learning by doing. Students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship – they actively test ideas through workshops, pop-up markets, pitching events and mentoring. This hands-on approach builds confidence, resilience and real-world skills that extend far beyond starting a business.
Celebrating ASPIRE’s 10-year anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the impact it has had – on students, on the University and on the wider community through our outreach programmes such as Be Your Own Boss. It’s also a moment to look ahead. The ambition is to build on this strong foundation, continuing to evolve and expand the programme so that even more people have the opportunity to develop their ideas and shape their futures.
What are some of your favourite things about the University?
Rebecca: Definitely the campus itself – it’s an absolutely beautiful place to work from Brotherhood Wood which is opposite the business school to the Community Oasis Garden, there’s so much nature and biodiversity. I also love that you never know who you’re going to meet next – you might be in natural sciences talking to someone about their research to benefit farming, or meeting a prop maker in the School of Arts – there’s a surprise around every corner.
Artur: The University has a lively, inspiring atmosphere that’s hard not to enjoy, but what I genuinely love most is the diversity on campus. A simple walk across the University can feel less like going for a coffee and more like travelling the world. You’re surrounded by people from different cultures, backgrounds, and stages of life, all bringing their own perspectives and experiences to the community. The positive energy across campus is genuinely infectious.
Who helps make the Kent community special for you?
Rebecca: I love working with all my colleagues across the university but if I had to name one – working with Artur is fantastic. We share an office in ASPIRE and it’s such fun to come to work every day. We recently started a podcast which so far has included me opening a box of pencils (I was very excited) and an interview with one of our student entrepreneurs. You never know what the day’s going to bring.
Artur: Working in ASPIRE is a genuinely extraordinary experience. One moment I’m speaking with a passionate student about their ambitions and ideas, the next I’m in conversation with a sharp, straight-talking investor, and then back with Rebecca, who can find a solution to even the trickiest problem in a heartbeat, and still always seems to be up for a coffee.
What advice would you give to current Kent students?
Rebecca: Have faith in yourself and what you can do. Don’t be daunted by what you think are other people’s expectations or experiences. We’re all faking it. You are enough.
Artur: Everything in life is a game of odds; you never know whether your breakthrough will come on the first try or the hundredth. Keep going, and treat every setback as a valuable lesson, a step closer to the win!
The Kent Diamonds campaign recognises the students, staff and alumni that make Kent shine. Learn more about our Kent Diamonds and our other 60th Diamond Anniversary celebrations.