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A Week of Reflection, Inspiration, and Collaboration
- Cel Metrix
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
Last week has been one of mixed emotions for me, a time to remember, to contribute, and to look ahead. It's been a week that reminded me how much we can achieve when passion, purpose, and partnership come together — and how important it is to carry forward the legacy of those who helped us get here.
Remembering John: A Foundational Force
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of dear friend/colleague John, one of the key members of our team. As the first full-time employee of our parent company, he played a pivotal role in establishing several early collaborations and laying the foundation for our battery technology products. His energy, dedication, & belief in what we were building will always remain a part of our story.
To honour his legacy, we plan to sponsor a research studentship in his name from 2026, ensuring that his spirit of curiosity and innovation continues to inspire future generations.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Earlier in the week, I had the opportunity to mentor a group of students during the Hackathon at STEAMhouse. It was fantastic to see the creativity and enthusiasm of young innovators tackling real-world challenges — a reminder of the power of collaborative problem-solving and the value of nurturing emerging talent. These moments of connection with the next generation of innovators are precious. Watching students approach complex problems with fresh perspectives and unbridled enthusiasm reinforces why we do what we do.
Celebrating Regional Excellence
Midweek brought the Make UK Regional Awards dinner night for the Midlands, and I'd like to thank WMG for the kind invitation to join. It was truly inspiring to witness the incredible work that local manufacturing businesses and their apprentices are doing to drive innovation and growth across the region. It was also wonderful to reconnect with former colleagues and long-time industry partners. These relationships, built over years of collaboration and shared challenges, form the backbone of our regional innovation ecosystem.
Building Partnerships for the Future
The week concluded with contributing in the co-creation meeting with West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) on the Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF) proposal — a promising step towards aligning regional innovation efforts to create meaningful, long-term impact for the West Midlands and beyond. These partnerships are crucial for translating innovative ideas into real-world solutions that benefit our communities. By working together across sectors and organisations, we can leverage collective expertise and resources to tackle the challenges that matter most, and cannot wait to contribute towards making this initiative a success.
Reflections on a Meaningful Week
This week has reinforced several important lessons about leadership, collaboration, and the interconnected nature of our work:
Legacy matters: The people who help build our organisations leave lasting impacts that extend far beyond their time with us
Investment in youth: Mentoring and supporting emerging talent is not just about giving back — it's about ensuring the continuity of innovation
Community strength: Regional networks and partnerships create resilience and shared prosperity
Collaborative impact: The most meaningful progress happens when we work together toward common goals
As leaders in our respective fields, we have a responsibility to honour those who came before us, support those coming up behind us, and work collaboratively to build a better future for our communities. The convergence of remembrance, mentorship, celebration, and forward-planning in a single week feels somehow fitting — a reminder that leadership is about maintaining connections across time and space, bridging the past with the future through purposeful action in the present.
Nishal Ramadas, 10 November 2025, Birmingham UK
