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From the loneliness epidemic and the future of artificial intelligence to resilience, leadership and the power of human connection, Wellington College’s Fireside Talks have once again brought some of the world’s most fascinating thinkers and inspiring individuals into conversation with our students.
The Michaelmas Term programme has already welcomed five exceptional speakers, each offering a different perspective on the challenges, opportunities and questions shaping our world. More than simply listening to experts, students have been encouraged to challenge assumptions, explore unfamiliar ideas and develop the confidence to ask questions of their own.
Professor Noreena Hertz: Can We Reconnect a Fractured World?
The final Fireside Talk before half term welcomed Professor Noreena Hertz, economist, bestselling author and Honorary Professor at University College London, for a thought-provoking exploration of loneliness, economics and the increasingly complex relationship between society and politics.
At the heart of the conversation was a compelling question: can an economy become more prosperous while society becomes lonelier, and what might that mean for our politics?
Rather than a traditional lecture, the evening placed students at the centre of the discussion. Pippo and Camilla led the conversation with Professor Hertz, exploring her ideas through their own questions and responding thoughtfully as the discussion developed.
The conversation examined how loneliness and social disconnection can influence political attitudes, including the rise of populism, encouraging students to consider whether political anger is always driven by economic circumstances or whether a deeper sense of isolation and exclusion might also play a role.
The Q&A that followed demonstrated the intellectual curiosity that makes the Fireside Talks programme so valuable, with students building on the discussion, challenging ideas and taking the conversation in new directions.
Reflecting on the evening, Lissy, Lower Sixth, commented:
“What really stayed with me was the link between loneliness and populism. It made me question whether political anger is always about economics, or whether it can also come from feeling unseen and disconnected.”
The opportunity for discussion continued over dinner, allowing students to engage with Professor Hertz in a more informal setting.
Ella, Lower Sixth, reflected:
“Dinner was such a brilliant opportunity to be able to talk to the speaker. I loved being able to ask more questions, particularly about AI and its impact on US politics.”
The evening perfectly captured the ambition of the Fireside Talks programme: to connect students with leading thinkers while encouraging them to listen carefully, question confidently and engage with perspectives beyond their own.
Professor Hertz’s visit concluded an exciting first half of term, which saw four other speakers share their experiences and challenge students to think differently.
David Yarnton: Innovation or Illusion?
Opening the programme in September, former Nintendo executive, start-up adviser and author David Yarnton explored the difference between bold innovation and dangerous hype. Drawing on his experience in the technology industry, including the launch of the Nintendo Wii, he challenged students to question assumptions, scrutinise evidence and consider the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE: Building Belief, Belonging and Behaviour
Former England rugby league international and Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE delivered an inspiring talk on leadership, teamwork and personal development. Drawing on his sporting and professional experiences, he introduced students to the importance of Courage, Altruism, Resilience and Enjoyment, encouraging them to recognise that success is built through everyday choices and the way we support those around us.
Dr Matthew Patterson: Climate Science and the AI Revolution
As part of Wellington’s Academic in Residence programme, Dr Matthew Patterson from the University of St Andrews explored how artificial intelligence is transforming climate science and weather forecasting. His Fireside Talk was followed by a series of subject-specific workshops, giving students studying Physics, Geography and Computer Science, alongside Academic Scholars, the opportunity to engage more deeply with cutting-edge research and its real-world implications.
Anoosheh Ashoori: Choices Under Pressure
One of the most moving evenings of the term came from British-Iranian former political prisoner Anoosheh Ashoori, who shared his extraordinary experience of spending 1,677 days imprisoned in Iran. His account of resilience, perseverance and finding purpose in the most difficult circumstances left a lasting impression on the audience. In a particularly poignant moment, he presented the College with a pressed morning glory flower grown during his imprisonment, now displayed in the School Library as a symbol of hope and endurance.
The Fireside Talks programme continues after half term with four further speakers, exploring economics, international diplomacy, social justice and the pursuit of happiness.
Monday 2 November | Joe Mayes
Can You Run the Economy?
Bloomberg News journalist and author Joe Mayes will invite students to explore the challenges of economic decision-making, considering the difficult choices involved in managing an economy.
Monday 9 November | Cecily Bayliss
From Margins to the Table: Women Building Peace in the Middle East and Europe Where Traditional Diplomacy Falls Short
Cecily Bayliss, WSF Programme Manager at Forward Thinking, will explore the role of women in peacebuilding and the importance of alternative approaches to diplomacy and conflict resolution.
Monday 16 November | Lord John Bird
The Big Issue: What Happens if We Tackle Poverty at the Source?
Social entrepreneur and founder of The Big Issue, Lord John Bird, will challenge students to consider the root causes of poverty and how society might develop more effective and lasting solutions.
Monday 30 November | Jonny Thomson
The Art of Enough: The Ancient Epicurean Philosophy of Finding and Keeping Happiness
Philosopher, author and founder of Mini Philosophy, Jonny Thomson, will close the term’s programme by exploring what ancient philosophy can teach us about happiness, fulfilment and living well.
All talks take place on Mondays from 6.00pm to 7.00pm, with the exception of the date gaps in the programme. The remaining talks will be held in the Christopher Lee Theatre, apart from Lord John Bird’s talk on 16 November, which will take place in Great School.
The strength of Wellington’s Fireside Talks lies not simply in the calibre of the speakers, but in the opportunities they create for students to engage with the world beyond the classroom.
From challenging leading economists on the forces shaping modern society to hearing first-hand accounts of extraordinary resilience, each conversation encourages students to think critically, listen openly and consider how the ideas they encounter might shape their own decisions.
With four more thought-provoking evenings still to come, the Michaelmas programme promises to continue inspiring curiosity, challenging perspectives and creating conversations that stay with students long after the talks have ended.
