University of Warwick explores educational evolution through cultural storytelling, as discussed by Ajay Teli.
At the University of Warwick, education isn't just a ticket to the future — it's a means to sculpt the here and now. This forward-thinking research institution in Coventry, England, fosters a climate where ambitious thinkers can push boundaries and make a real impact on society.
And who better to lead this revolution than Ajay Teli, the University of Warwick's Chief Communications, Marketing, and Content Officer? With an unconventional career path in luxury marketing, Teli understands the power of storytelling and brand-building like no other.
"Universities aren't just learning centers, they're platforms for societal transformation," says Teli. After more than two years with the university, he's witnessed their immense determination and potential to drive change. In his role, Teli taps into his former life to help Warwick flourish, from cultivating a sense of safety and camaraderie in the workplace to shaping a consistent brand and core values.
Here, Teli sits down with Vogue Singapore to share his motivations for entering higher education and how his diverse background has aided his mission to transform Warwick into a leader in innovation and positive change.
What attracted you to the world of higher education, and how do you see its role evolving in society today? My transitions from luxury into academia were driven by purpose and transformation. After years in the global branding sphere, I found a new frontier in higher education. Universities are essential spaces where knowledge, identity, and opportunity intersect. They must balance deep-rooted teaching and research with the agility to address pressing global challenges and cultural shifts.
How did your luxury sector experience shape your approach to storytelling and brand building at the University of Warwick? Prior to Warwick, I navigated various luxurious domains like fashion, real estate, travel, and more. The luxury world taught me the significance of emotion, attention to detail, and uniqueness. A brand isn't just a logo, it's an experience, a feeling, a narrative that resonates with people on a personal level. At Warwick, I applied this same mindset to higher education, weaving strategic and meaningful narratives that foster connection and engender belief.
What sets the University of Warwick apart for prospective students—opportunities they won't find elsewhere? It's Warwick's 60th anniversary this year, and we've progressed rapidly. What distinguishes Warwick is its authenticity. Students don't attend this university merely to study; they come to be inspired and challenged. We cherish diversity, ambition, and prepare students for professional success in a global context. Through experiential learning, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering focus on research-driven teaching, we provide a launchpad for students to bring about real-world change.
"Students flock to Warwick not just to learn—they come to be inspired and stretched"
Can you share examples of how Warwick is spearheading change beyond academia? The University of Warwick boasts a dynamic community that's constantly pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Whether it's groundbreaking scientific research or impactful social sciences, we strive to make a positive impact, finding solutions to real-world issues. For example, Warwick is pioneering a major AI trial for early breast cancer detection in collaboration with Chiang Mai University. Our study of Thailand's landscape, in partnership with universities in Singapore, aims to reduce forest fires and air pollution. We're also exploring the cultural, political, and economic influences of China's Belt and Road Initiative with NUS and NTU, using theatre and heritage studies as a means of investigation.
As a leader, how do you guide your team, and what values guide your leadership? My leadership philosophy revolves around openness, trust, and a sense of purpose. At Warwick, we've switched from departmental approaches to a more fluid space where ideas circulate, and individuals feel empowered. I emphasize psychological safety, creativity, and responsibility, as I believe that when people feel supported, they reach the height of their potential. I cultivate a culture that values various perspectives, encourages open feedback, and empowers everyone to lead from any position. Leadership, for me, is not about control, it's about nurturing peak performance and belonging.
Universities rarely discuss themselves in terms of 'brands,' but Warwick embraces it. What do you think this perspective brings—and what can it accomplish when done well? Seeing a university as a brand unlocks unity and confidence. A brand represents more than a logo, it embodies identity and continuity. When the institution aligns its values, its tale, and its impact, it becomes more than just a campus—it becomes a movement. Warwick's brand is about more than communication—it's a strategic asset that assists us in attracting brilliant minds, forging global partnerships, and claiming our space in a competitive world. Done right, a brand doesn't restrict, it liberates.
Lastly, what can other universities learn from the University of Warwick's evolution, and what do you aspire to be remembered for as your legacy? Warwick demonstrates that evolution isn't about sacrificing roots. We're rooted in research and academic excellence, but we're not afraid to challenge boundaries, experiment, and innovate. Other universities can draw inspiration from our willingness to be ambitious yet accessible. As for my legacy, I'd like to be seen as someone who reshaped the role of marketing in academia, who told stories that mattered, and helped shape a brand that inspired belief and belonging.
Photography: Zantz HanStyling: Nicholas SeeGrooming: Sha ShamsiWardrobe (banner) Boss jacket, pants, and sneakers; Loro Piana socks; top, stylist's own
Discover more about the University of Warwick.
- Ajay Teli, the University of Warwick's Chief Communications, Marketing, and Content Officer, sees universities as essential spaces where knowledge, identity, and opportunity intersect, balancing deep-rooted teaching and research with the agility to address global challenges and cultural shifts.
- Teli's diverse background in luxury marketing has significantly influenced his approach to storytelling and brand building at the University of Warwick, weaving strategic and meaningful narratives that foster connection and engender belief.
- The University of Warwick offers opportunities for students that they won't find elsewhere, teaching them to be inspired and challenged, preparing them for professional success in a global context through experiential learning, strategic partnerships, and research-driven teaching.
- The University of Warwick is spearheading change beyond academia, conducting groundbreaking research in areas like AI to detect early breast cancer and collaborating with universities to reduce forest fires and air pollution.
- As a leader, Teli emphasizes openness, trust, and a sense of purpose, cultivating a culture that values various perspectives, encourages open feedback, and empowers everyone to lead from any position.
- Seeing the university as a brand unlocks unity and confidence at Warwick, allowing it to attract brilliant minds, forge global partnerships, and claim its space in a competitive world,all while remaining rooted in research and academic excellence.
