Prepping for the Real World

🟣 A self-development guidebook about bravely taking the lead role in designing your extraordinary world.  A powerful tool for young readers who are enduring periods of self-doubt, stagnation or rejection.

Author of Prepping for the Real World : Student and Graduate Success Secrets 

Young, Brilliant & Ready Ltd

Director and Founder

Royal Holloway, University of London

Senior Visiting Lecturer

TED Conferences

🟣 You Have Everything It Takes To Be Your Best | Cel Amade | TEDxSIMSREE (August 2021)

🟣 How To Deal With Rejection And Get What You Want | Cel Amade | TEDxSurreyUniversity (May 2022)

TEDx Speaker

University of Warwick

Warwick Enterprise

TSAKA Limited

Fairplay Consulting

Management Consultant

41% of graduates don’t feel confident entering the workplace, speaking to seniors and are anxious around their ability to achieve their aspirations. I am passionate about changing this because I believe everyone should feel confident, inspired, and empowered to innovate and reach their full potential.

In the past 24 months, I’ve delivered keynotes and presentations in 7 countries. I’ve also published a best-selling book, rocked the TEDx stage (twice!) and grown my YouTube channel to over 14,000 subscribers. All of which I use to empower young people with the personal development tools they need to step into the world of work or business with confidence.
 
As a result of working with me students, graduates & young professionals:
✅ Feel more driven to take proactive steps towards their academic, career & business goals
✅ Have improved self-esteem to show up authentically & feel less isolated
✅ Develop more self-awareness to disempower limiting beliefs and doubts
✅ Create wellbeing habits for personal fulfilment and happiness
✅ Overcome their public speaking fears and use their voice to communicate with impact
✅ Feel more confident in their ability to create their future, regardless of their background, race and gender

I provide Confidence, Mindset & DEI :
🟣 Keynote Presentations
🟣 Group Workshops
🟣 Group Trainings

What My Clients Say:
🗣“The students visibly blossomed in Cel’s presence as she gently yet firmly encouraged them to ‘recognise their inner champions’ and offered them practical advice on ‘realising their potential and manifesting their goals”
 
🗣“Cel delivered the workshops with excellence. She also gave us what we didn’t even know we needed – a safe space to have uplifting and courageous conversations on diversity, equity and inclusion”
 
Bespoke packages are available on request, so please do send me a connection request and a DM.

And in case you’re curious, when I’m not empowering our future leaders, I can be found in the gym or walking in the park to compensate for my love of peri-peri chicken, and I’m often travelling or volunteering as the youngest Advisory Board member of the School of Business and Management at Royal Holloway University.
 
If you're not ready to work with me yet, don't worry! You can grab some of my tips & free resources:
🔗Free stuff: https://celamade.com/designing-your-own-world-guide/

And remember, if you ever wonder, am I welcome here? The answer is YES🙂

Cel Amade

Where are YOU reeeally from?

I speak my mother language like a foreigner. 

📚 I started learning Portuguese in 7th grade and rarely use it in professional contexts these days.

So when I visit my birth city (Maputo), I sound foreign.
My Portuguese accent is very, very far from perfect.

And when I'm in England, I don't sound local either.

💪🏾 What might sound like a disadvantage OR feel like not fitting in for some, is actually my unfair advantage.

🗣️ My foreign accent is a great conversation starter. 
People remember the 1 who sounded a little different...

🌍 Today is International Mother Language Day 

For anyone who grew up between languages, cultures, and places... There's no such thing as a perfect accent. 

Being able to communicate & connect is enough 🫶🏾

What's your mother language?


#InternationalMotherLanguageDay #Multilingual #Career #Communication

Cel Ileva

Speaker | Author | Interactive Workshop Facilitator | University Board Advisor | celamade.com

Have you ever found a job ad & felt like something was just a little…off?

In this video, I'll be sharing 5 things that a job advert might be hiding from you (and how to spot them).

According to a 2024 Robert Half Survey, 43% of managers feel pressure to hire quickly.

And that pressure can lead to “creative” job advertising.

📌 If you spot any of these 5 red flags make sure you:

1️⃣ Seek clarification in a non-confrontational manner. 

2️⃣ Frame your question as a request for more info. 

What other red flags would you add to this list?


#JobSearch #CareerStarters #LinkedInNewsUK #JobSearch #Hiring

I didn’t study tech. I studied people in crisis.

And it taught me 1 skill I’d tell any grad to master for long-term career success: adaptability.

Not go with the flow adaptability.

I mean the ability to read context and adjust how you respond, without losing your judgment.

🔎 Social work trained me to adapt by:
- Asking and assessing before reacting
- Reading the person in their environment
- Meeting people where they are (not where I am)

👣 Adaptability helped me:
- Communicate across cultures & generations
- Lead people with different working styles
- And navigate unwritten workplace rules

Nobody knows what jobs will look like in 10 years.
And the AI tools used today may be outdated in a year. 

So, don't stress about mastering one specific tool. 

📌 Stay relevant long-term by building adaptability:
- Experiment more (before it's required)
- Practice being a learner (on purpose)
- Read the room (before trying to prove a point)

If you had to pick one human skill for career starters in today’s workforce, what would it be, and why?


#EarlyCareers #SkillsOnTheRise #LinkedInNewsUK #FutureOfWork

Dick Dastardly had the fastest car.
Yet he never won a single race.

He was too busy setting traps for everyone else.

When I started writing my book in 2021, I shared early drafts with people who discouraged me from writing.

I believed in my work. So I asked published authors in my accountability group for help instead.

They read my drafts, gave me feedback & launch tips.
They weren't threatened by my progress. 
They were too busy running their own race.

→ In less than a year, I too became a published author.

If you're a career starter, you'll meet people who spend more energy watching your lane than running in theirs.

That's their race to lose.
Yours is to keep moving 🏎️

Have you ever worked with a Dick Dastardly? 


#EarlyCareers #CareerAdvice #FutureOfWork

School taught me 1 of my most valuable career lessons.

Back in primary school, I broke the school record for my age group and qualified for the inter school competition in 1999.

That year taught me 1 career lesson that equipped my younger self to navigate 150 job rejections & secure my 1st full-time job without an interview.

To this day, I still hold tightly to that lesson 🫶🏾

Knowing what you know now, what career lesson would you share with your 21-year old self?


#CareerAdvice #CareerStarter #LinkedInNewsUK #Mindset

In my role at Royal Holloway University, I am dedicated to shaping a dynamic and supportive educational environment for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Balancing academic leadership, innovative curriculum development, and personalised student support, I strive to foster an enriching learning experience that promotes both intellectual and personal growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Module Leadership and Content Development: I lead and contribute to various undergraduate and postgraduate modules, designing and delivering course materials, reading lists, and assessment tools.

• Student Assessment and Evaluation: I oversee student evaluations, including coordinating the moderation of assessments across markers and providing constructive feedback to support academic growth.

• Dissertation and PhD Supervision: I guide postgraduate students through their dissertation process and supervise PhD research projects, offering mentorship and academic support.

• Student Support and Pastoral Care: As a dedicated student academic, I provide pastoral support, ensuring students feel supported both academically and personally throughout their studies.

• Workshop Coordination: I manage workshop tutors to ensure consistency and quality in tutorial sessions.

• Director of Student Experience: I work closely with the school management team and the central university to continually improve the student experience, identifying and implementing initiatives that enhance academic and campus life.

• Module Development and Innovation: I contribute to curriculum development by writing new modules aligned with emerging trends and academic standards.

• Committee Membership: As an active member of both the Academic Board and the Academic Board Executive, I participate in high-level decision-making processes that shape academic policies and practices.

• Active Researcher: I stay engaged in ongoing research, contributing to academic discourse and advancing knowledge within my field.

Senior Lecturer School of Business and Management

Independent Consultant

I have extensive experience across both private and public sectors, I specialise in strategic leadership, business analysis, change management and transition, decision making, startup business development, compliance, and strategy. My diverse background has allowed me to drive impactful projects ranging from SME's to international financial services, providing each organisation with customised solutions that address their unique challenges and goals.

In a recent project with an international organisation, I collaborated with the CEO, Executive Directors, and cross-functional teams to revamp an underperforming business model. This transformation involved redefining the organisations value proposition, articulating a compelling mission, and implementing targeted marketing strategies that connected with stakeholders and set the foundation for sustainable success.

Core Competencies:

•Strategic Leadership and Innovation: Proven expertise in guiding organisations toward forward-thinking, visionary goals, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.

•Change Management and Transition: Skilled in designing and leading change initiatives that drive efficiency and align with organisational objectives.
 •Tendering and Compliance: Extensive experience in managing tender processes and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

• Startup Development and Strategy: Strong background in startup business development, from ideation to execution, with a focus on long-term growth strategies.

• Performance Measurement and Analysis: Proficient in establishing performance frameworks with clear metrics to ensure accountability and measurable progress.

• Organisational Development: Expertise in restructuring HR practices and training programs to enhance workplace climate and employee engagement.

•Financial Strategy: In-depth knowledge of analysing financial implications and creating solutions that maximise organisational value.

Industry-Funded Research Consultant 

University of the West of England

In this role I was entrusted with the leadership of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, delivering high-quality education and supporting student success. My primary focus was on creating a dynamic and professionally aligned learning environment that met Chartered Management Institute (CMI) standards.

Key Responsibilities and Contributions:

• Module Development and Delivery: Designed and delivered course content, reading materials, and assessments for modules in Organisational Behaviour, Organisation Theory, Research Methods, and Change Management to name a few. 

• CMI Alignment: Ensured all module content and assessments adhered to Chartered Management Institute standards, equipping students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge.

• Student Placement Management: Oversaw Year in Business placements, helping students gain valuable hands-on experience and industry exposure.

• Student Assessment and Support: Led assessment moderation, provided feedback, and supported student development with a focus on both academic growth and understanding.

• Team Leadership: Coordinated and supported seminar tutors for compulsory large modules, fostering a collaborative and effective teaching approach across the module.

• Pastoral Care: Provided essential pastoral support, guiding students toward academic and personal success.

• International Collaboration: Partnered with universities in the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to deliver franchise modules, ensuring high standards and consistency across international locations.

Additional Roles:
• Dissertation Supervision: Mentored undergraduate and postgraduate (including MBA) students through their dissertation projects, emphasising critical research and analytical skills.

• Program Development Initiatives: Contributed to curriculum enhancement projects, including the Undergraduate Refresh and Enhanced Year Framework, improving future program quality and relevance.

Senior Lecturer of Bristol Business School

Santander UK

Here, I was responsible for key functions that strengthened regulatory compliance, upheld data integrity, and enhanced client satisfaction. In this role I also contributed to the project of rewriting the lending policy, refining the clarity and effectiveness of lending guidelines to better align with regulatory standards.

My responsibilities included:

• Leading the creation and management of both internal and external communications, ensuring clear and efficient information flow across various levels of the organisation.

• Overseeing the review of financial testing data within the Sarbanes-Oxley Database, guaranteeing accuracy, relevance, and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Analysing compliance defects within the Sarbanes-Oxley Database, with accountability for escalating findings to senior management for timely resolution.

• Producing and presenting financial reports in Excel and PowerPoint, tailored for executive-level review and strategic decision-making.

• Handling direct client communication, resolving inquiries promptly to uphold high levels of customer satisfaction.

• Monitoring and evaluating individual and team performance metrics, supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

• Taking charge of policy implementation across financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, loans, and current accounts, ensuring adherence to corporate and regulatory standards.

Through my work, I drove operational excellence and contributed directly to enhancing lending policy frameworks, aligning organisational practices with regulatory requirements and supporting sustainable growth.

Finance Governance and Control

Warwick Business School

PhD Researcher (International Centre for Governance and Public Management)

•	Designed and delivered teaching material at UG and PG modules. Modules involved:
•	Management Organisation and Society 1
•	Management Organisation and Society 2
•	Managing Organisation
•	Introduction to Financial Accounting
•	Foundations of Financial Management
•	Economics of Strategy
•	Global Integrative Project
•	Behavioural Finance
•	Financial Risk Management
•	Advanced Corporate Finance
•	International Financial Management 
•	Global Environmental Business 
•	Global Interactive Project
•	Supervised individual research projects and practice based term projects
•	Performed student assessment and evaluation, provided feedback
•	Collaborated with teaching staff

Tutor - Part-Time

Albanian and the UK Ministry of Education 

In this role, I provided strategic financial advice on education policy and economic integration, directly contributing to policy development for both the Albanian and UK governments. My work focused on forecasting financial gains and assessing the long-term financial impacts associated with higher education reforms and economic integration strategies.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

• Policy Consultation and Advisory: Actively participated in consultations with the Albanian government, advising on the strategic development of Higher Education to support sustainable growth.

• Risk Analysis and Financial Assessment: Conducted detailed financial risk assessments and impact analyses on the introduction of tuition fees and the expansion of higher education campuses across Albania, providing critical insights to support informed decision-making.

• UK Higher Education Consultation: Delivered expert consultations to assess the socio-economic implications of tuition fee increases in the UK, focusing on potential impacts on student access and institutional funding.

• Social and Economic Impact Reporting: Presented comprehensive risk assessments to the Ministry of Education, evaluating the broader social and economic consequences of proposed policy changes.

• Engagement with National Leaders: Participated in high-level meetings, presenting synopses of policy shifts and collaborating with the Albanian Prime Minister and Minister of Education to align reforms with broader economic and educational goals.

This role enabled me to leverage my analytical expertise to shape impactful education policies, delivering actionable financial insights to government leaders and contributing to sustainable educational and economic advancement.

Financial Advisor on Education Policy and Economic Integration

With a strong background in course development, management consultancy, and economic policy, I bring academic and practical expertise to my role as a Senior Lecturer at Royal Holloway University. I focus on creating real-world learning experiences that equip students for today’s complex business landscape. My career spans significant consultancy experience across the private and public sectors, specialising in compliance, strategic planning, policy analysis, organisational leadership, change, and transformation.

Consultancy Experience: I have led diverse, high-stakes projects, collaborating with C-suite executives and using strategic planning, operational innovation, and stakeholder engagement to drive organisational transformation. More recently partnered on an international project to revitalise a tailored business model, resulting in notable efficiency and market improvements. 

Additionally, I work with local councils to enhance high-street strategies, boost footfall, and integrate AI in the workplace, aligning policy and innovation to foster future-ready business environments.

Research Focus: My research explores strategy, power dynamics, organisational change, and leadership, focusing on how leadership impacts organisational space, identity, and boundary management. My research bridges theory and practice, with insights that inform my teaching, aligning curriculum with industry trends to prepare students for an evolving workforce.

Community Engagement and Student Development: Through the Business Clinic I founded, students gain hands-on consulting experience by working with local businesses, fostering sustainable academia-industry partnerships that benefit both students and the community. This initiative enhances student employability and promotes community growth.

Core Competencies:
	•	Extensive Consultancy Experience and Strategic Planning
	•	Research Leadership in Strategy, Power Dynamics, and Organisational Change
	•	AI Integration Strategies and Economic and Education Policy Analysis
	•	Compliance, Risk Management, and Stakeholder Engagement
	•	Advanced Project Management, Team Leadership, and Business Analysis

Dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and developing future leaders, I am committed to using my expertise to drive positive impact through education, research, consulting, and community engagement.

taplio

The Battle

Cel Amade

Dr Elton Xhetani

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreCel Amade's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Cel Amade

Dr Elton Xhetani

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Cel Amade's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreCel Amade's LinkedIn Performance