This interview was published in the spring 2026 edition of EFG’s InTalks magazine.
Agile adapters in a shifting world - interview with Dr. Claire Madden
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E-lab – Where great ideas are born
The King’s Entrepreneurship Lab (E-Lab) at the University of Cambridge takes a pioneering approach to education, learning and research in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation. EFG is an Official Sponsor of the E-lab, reflecting the importance that we assign to fostering entrepreneurship and young talent.
In 2025, EFG once again funded scholarships of a group of talented postgraduate students to give them the opportunity to develop their skills as innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders in order to thrive in a changing business world. These six EFG Scholars shared their thoughts and aspirations with InTalks.
Marketing & Communications
Davina Patel
COO of Kids for Kids, an NGO transforming children’s lives in Darfur
What does being an EFG scholar mean for your professional journey?
For me, it represents both recognition and responsibility. It allows me to deepen my strategic thinking, broaden my perspective and engage with a diverse network of high-calibre peers. This is both an honour and a catalyst.
Is there a particular value or belief that inspires you with confidence in these changing times?
A belief that consistently inspires me is the conviction that purpose provides stability, even when circumstances change. When external conditions shift, either politically, economically or socially, a clear sense of purpose becomes an anchor for decision-making and leadership.
What do you find most exciting about your area of research?
I am interested in empowering women in developing countries. When women have access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity, the impact extends far beyond the individual. Families become more secure, children’s outcomes improve and entire communities become more resilient.
Christopher Reiners
Founder of Stealth, Co-Founder and CEO of Lern-Fair
What does “staying agile” mean for you personally?
Staying agile means being open and embracing serendipity. For example, when the pandemic struck, I took swift action by founding the education non-profit Lern-Fair to assist pupils with homeschooling. And then, as the crisis faded, I redefined the organisation's goal to enhance education equity in Germany, ultimately supporting over 30,000 pupils.
Is there a particular value or belief that inspires you with confidence in these changing times?
I believe entrepreneurial thinking creates real impact, especially in uncertain times. Entrepreneurship means taking things into your own hands, improving the status quo and building better solutions. I want to use my privilege of being a scholar in Cambridge by taking this path.
What do you find most exciting about your area of research?
It allows me to develop, both as a leader and as a person. I value the diverse culture and opportunity to learn from people from all over the world with very different backgrounds. This broadens my horizons and helps me to think more ambitiously.
Amir H. Keshavarzzadeh
PhD Researcher, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge
What does “staying agile” mean for you personally?
For me, staying agile means not being afraid of trying new experiences. It means that I am proud of my mistakes because I learn from them. Even if I encounter challenges, I always strive to move forward.
What does being an EFG scholar mean for your professional journey?
Being an EFG scholar is an exciting milestone on my individual journey as it puts me among like-minded people who are dedicated to finding solutions in an ever-changing world. We challenge the status quo and seek ways to drive progress.
Is there a particular value or belief that inspires you with confidence in these changing times?
Life is all about uncertainty, so it is important to find a value that motivates and inspires you. For me, that involves keeping a clear focus on the scientific facts and values I have established in my work. I do not let pseudo-science distract me from pursuing my goals.
What do you find most exciting about your area of research?
Finding harmony in chaos! Chaotic systems are my area of research. From supply chains to financial systems, what fascinates me most is investigating patterns that emerge from chaos. It is really inspiring to discover harmony amongst even the most chaotic and complex situations.
Adebukola Imoyo
Independent Consultant focusing on transformation, strategy, change management and talent
What does being an EFG scholar mean for your professional journey?
For me, it represents a significant milestone and is recognition of my potential to drive change and create impact. I am motivated to further develop my skills, network and contribute to the world. I am grateful for EFG’s commitment to nurturing talent and entrepreneurship and look forward to leveraging this opportunity to make meaningful connections personally and professionally.
Is there a particular value or belief that inspires you with confidence in these changing times?
A value that inspires me is collaboration: The power of working together, sharing perspectives and leveraging collective strengths is a key driver of resilience and innovation. In my work as a scholar, collaboration has been instrumental in tackling challenges and broadening my understanding of global business landscapes.
What do you find most exciting about your area of research?
I am excited by the opportunity to learn from a diverse cohort of experienced professionals and a world-class faculty. The programme's blend of academic rigor, real-world relevance and global perspective aligns perfectly with my goal of creating impact in a complex business environment.
Philip Clements
CEO of finspector, a fintech start-up focused on transforming financial promotions processes using AI
What does “staying agile” mean for you personally?
As CEO of a fintech start-up, finspector, staying agile is not optional – it is embedded in the role. The landscape shifts quickly, expectations evolve, and you are constantly balancing product development, team dynamics and capital allocation. That requires adaptability not just in business decisions, but in mindset. On a personal level, agility is about continuous growth - both emotionally and intellectually. I make a conscious effort to stay curious and open to challenge. The University of Cambridge gives me space to reflect, question assumptions and keep pushing myself to perform at a higher level.
What does being an EFG scholar mean for your professional journey?
Being an EFG scholar represents both validation and responsibility, signalling that others believe in the journey you are on and the impact you are trying to create. Professionally, it has helped me connect to a network of ambitious, principled leaders who are thinking deeply about long-term value creation. That environment sharpens your thinking, pushing you beyond short-term execution, and encourages you to consider legacy and how systems change, as well as how you contribute to institutions that endure.
Is there a particular value or belief that inspires you with confidence in these uncertain times?
The Canadian physician and author Dr. Gabor Maté once said: “The attempt to escape from pain creates more pain.” It reminds me that avoiding discomfort, whether in business, leadership or life, usually compounds the problem. Growth comes from facing reality honestly, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Victor Neumann
Chairman and Co-Founder of Invest It! – an independent financial literacy non-profit in Germany
What does “staying agile” mean for you personally?
From entrepreneurship, I learned: Don’t fall in love with a solution, fall in love with the problem, because the solution will change anyway. Staying agile for me means following a clear direction but staying open in terms of how to get there: It is important to take other perspectives, adapt fast and stay true to your values.
What does being an EFG scholar mean for your professional journey?
Being an EFG Scholar supports my journey at the intersection of entrepreneurship and banking. I am grateful for this recognition and see it as a responsibility to stay engaged in society, building on six years spent helping to grow one of Germany’s largest financial literacy non-profits, Invest it! e.V.
Is there a particular value or belief that inspires you with confidence in these changing times?
I strongly believe we are stronger together, but everyone needs to take agency. Talking to people who actually do that – entrepreneurs and other people who step up instead of just waiting – inspires me. Agency creates positive momentum, carrying positive beliefs and actions forward in uncertain times.
What do you find most exciting about your area of research?
I find it exciting translating normally tacit knowledge about entrepreneurship into academic insights. Entrepreneurship is a highly empirical process: You test, learn, iterate. Research helps to make those patterns and nuances visible and not just intuitive.
