Barrie Wells, an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist, recently visited Pforzheim University to deliver a lecture on "Creative and Disruptive Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy" to MBA students. Barrie Wells lecture, that was the first Guest in Classroom session of the summer semester, was a perfect mix of personal experiences and professional insights, making it an invaluable learning opportunity for the students.
Barrie Wells' professional achievements are nothing short of remarkable. He founded Prospero Direct, which he later sold to AXA, and then built Premier Line Direct, which was acquired by Allianz. He has been involved in various industries, including finance, insurance, etc. Despite his success, Wells' philanthropic work has been the most rewarding aspect of his career. His charity called `Barrie Wells Trust´ and its Box4Kids program provides children with life-limiting illnesses the opportunity to enjoy VIP experiences at major sporting and entertainment events. He has also sponsored under-funded athletes and helped them achieve Olympic, World and European Championship gold medals.
During his lecture, Barrie Wells shared how his personal and professional life have been intertwined. His life experiences in different countries such as the USA, Singapore, and the United Kingdom have taught him valuable lessons, which he generously shared with the MBA students. He recounted his journey from a startup founder to an accomplished entrepreneur, sharing the challenges he faced and how he overcame them.
Barrie Wells also took the time to interact with the MBA students and address their doubts and concerns, both professionally and personally. He emphasized the importance of taking risks, being innovative, and having a positive attitude towards life. His insights and experiences left a lasting impression on the students, who were inspired and motivated by his lecture.
A big THANK YOU from Pforzheim University and the MBA program to Barrie Wells for sharing his valuable insights and experiences with its students. His lecture was a testament to his passion for both entrepreneurship and philanthropy. It is individuals like Barrie Wells who embody the spirit of creativity, innovation, and social responsibility that are truly worth celebrating in today's business world.

Text and photos: Sourabh Jagtap, Class of 2024