Tony Whiteman-Reynolds

 

In a series of interviews with the team behind Short Courses, today we meet Tony Whiteman-Reynolds, our new Business and Creative Industries Short Course Coordinator.

 1. What drew you to this role, and what are you most excited about the job?

I was really drawn to this role because it combines programme coordination, student experience, and stakeholder engagement — all areas I genuinely enjoy and have developed throughout my career in higher education. The idea of supporting a broad portfolio of short courses, and contributing to a growing area of the University, feels energising. I’m especially excited about working with diverse learners and helping shape programmes that have a real, immediate impact on people’s skills and professional development.

2. What do you hope to bring to the short courses programme, and are there any particular areas you’re keen to develop or explore?

I hope to bring strong organisation, stakeholder management, and a calm, solutions-focused approach. I enjoy improving building strong relationships, and ensuring that delivery feels seamless from a learner and academic perspective.

3. Have you always worked in higher education? What’s been your journey?

I haven’t always worked in higher education — before joining Bayes Business School, I worked in customer-facing and operational roles at companies like Coca-Cola and TUI Travel. These roles built my foundation in service, communication, and managing high-pressure situations. For more than a decade, I’ve worked in various roles at Bayes, from MBA Course Officer to Senior Programme Coordinator in Executive Education. Each step has strengthened my passion for supporting learners and delivering high-quality educational programmes.

4. What’s your vision for supporting learners who come to short courses – whether they’re looking to upskill, change careers, or explore a creative passion?

My vision is to create a smooth, supportive, and welcoming experience from first enquiry to course completion. Short-course learners come with very different motivations, so I want every learner to feel seen, guided, and confident throughout their journey. I aim to ensure clear communication, responsive support, and a course environment that feels engaging, well-organised, and professional.

5. Why would you recommend studying a short business and creative course at City St George’s?

City St George’s is uniquely positioned at the intersection of business, practice, and the professions. Our short courses offer practical, industry-relevant learning designed by experts, and delivered in formats that fit around people’s lives. Whether someone wants to gain a new skill, pivot professionally, or pursue a creative interest, the environment here is inclusive, forward-thinking, and genuinely supportive.

6. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or interests that might surprise us?

Outside of work, travel is a big part of my life and something that has shaped who I am. I love exploring new countries and cultures, whether that’s through trying local food, learning about regional history, or simply wandering through places that feel completely different from home. My years working abroad with TUI really ignited that passion—living and working in different countries taught me to adapt quickly, appreciate different perspectives, and enjoy the unexpected moments that come with travel.

7. If you could design your dream short course (no limitations!), what would it be and why?

My dream short course would probably be something like “The Art of World-Building in Superhero Media.” It would combine storytelling, media theory, and creativity, and let people explore what makes certain narratives so compelling. It’s the kind of course that brings people together through shared enthusiasm and sparks imagination.

8. What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I’ve received is: “Stay curious.” It’s served me well in roles where understanding the wider context makes a huge difference, especially when coordinating programmes with many moving parts. Curiosity helps me anticipate issues early, build better processes, and create stronger working relationships.

Thank you so much, Tony! We’re so happy to have you on the team and look forward to working with you in the coming months.

Want to grow your skills?

For Tony’s courses visit here and here.

And for all our short courses, visit our home page here.

Watch this space for booking on our free online taster event in January, where you will have a chance to try out some of our courses and to meet Tony and the other coordinators at our enquiry desks.