Carl Bennett
Department of Sports
Deputy Head of Department
Academic qualifications
MSc Sports Coaching, Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
Bringing together over two decades of military leadership and a commitment to lifelong learning, I offer my students a unique blend of expertise in management, motivation, and communication. I鈥檓 a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a Member of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI).
My leadership journey began with a 23-year career in the British Army, where I was privileged to serve with nine different Regiments and achieved six promotions, culminating in the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 upon retirement. Moving from regiment to regiment exposed me to a rich variety of teams, cultures, and objectives, each presenting opportunities to learn about people, motivation, and the profound impact of empowered, purposeful leadership. These experiences afforded me both the foundation and the motivation to transition into academia, which was a move that has significantly deepened my self-awareness and honed my teaching practice. I鈥檓 thrilled to have the opportunity to empower students at UCB to discover and develop their own leadership potential.
I鈥檓 constantly inspired by the diversity within leadership and management. I鈥檓 fascinated by how the simplicity of foundational theory must meet the nuanced complexity of real-world application. Also, the fact that genuine leadership starts with individual self-awareness, regardless of role.聽
I鈥檓 especially proud of my transition from military service into academia. My time in the Army taught me the importance of understanding the unique qualities in every individual and finding meaningful ways to motivate and develop potential, and this is a perspective that I now carry into my classroom. I believe that by guiding, challenging, and supporting students, I can help them identify their own goals, realise their strengths, and make the most of their time at UCB.
Students regularly describe my classes as engaging, and I make it a priority to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to participate. My core advice to students is simple: know why you are here, set clear goals, and hold yourself accountable.