Catching up with...Nancy Baldwin

Nancy was elected to Richmond upon Thames Borough Council, representing North Richmond in 2018. In May, she was sworn in to serve as the borough's 55th mayor. The year-long appointment sees her represent the borough at official events, ceremonies and fund-raise for her two chosen charities.

When were you at Kingston and what did you study?

I studied MSc Business Psychology and graduated in 2011.

What have you been up to since graduating?

I have had a very varied career before coming to Kingston – acting, setting up a playgroup – so I wanted to build on my learning. I have used my degree as part of my coaching business, but importantly it has also given me a different way of looking at organisations and people within them. That certainly helps when you are dealing with a borough council.

Why did you choose Kingston?

I was living locally and wouldn't have considered Kingston otherwise, but I thought I am going to have to go for this opportunity.

In three words, what do you remember from your time at Kingston?

'Welcoming' and I was 'taken seriously', even though I was a very different age to my fellow students on the course.

What is your favourite memory from your time at Kingston?

In my first week I asked the library staff where the card catalogue was?! It still makes me laugh thinking about how I must have seemed like an 'alien' at times to staff and my fellow students, but everybody was very accepting of me being 'seriously old', no one batted an eyelid.

Are you still in touch with anyone from Kingston?

I am in touch with many of my fellow students from the course and I have made lifelong friendships - I just attended a wedding of one of the first people I met on the course, who taught me all about USB sticks! I learnt so much from so many people: you never know where, or who, you are going to learn from.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

Be brave. If someone tells you no, pick yourself up and start again. It is only one person's opinion – if you feel strongly about an idea, try another way.

What's your proudest achievement?

I am of course very proud at becoming the first British-American Mayor of Richmond and I have a great sense of pride when I officiate at the citizenship ceremonies. During my time as mayor, I also hope to raise a significant amount for my two chosen charities, Home-Start and the Otakar Music Trust. Home-Start provides assistance and support to young families who are struggling with the demands and stresses of parenting young children and the OK Music Trust provides music therapy and projects to children and young people with varying needs. It is a very important part of my role as mayor, which you can read more about on the just giving website. 

What advice would you give current students on the Business Psychology programme at Kingston?

Don't discount luck. If you grab the opportunity you will make some of your own luck, even if that opportunity wasn't meant to be. You will learn and more opportunities will be along soon.