TEES TIME
In our new feature, we find out what makes local business leaders tick.
Name:
Chrisina Jayne
Age: 60
Job title: Pro vice-chancellor( global engagement and partnerships), Teesside University
Born: Gorna Oriahovitza, Veliko Turnovo area, Bulgaria
Lives: Thornaby and London Family: Two sons
Tell us about your upbringing: I grew up in Bulgaria in a family that valued education, hard work and curiosity. Mathematics fascinated me from an early age because it offered both challenge and creativity. Looking back, those early experiences taught me resilience, perseverance and a lifelong desire to keep learning. They also shaped my belief that education has the power to transform lives.
Tell us about your first job: My career began as a software developer, giving me valuable first-hand experience of applying technology in practice. After a year, I decided to pursue a PhD in mathematics while teaching at university. I discovered how much I enjoyed inspiring students, helping them build confidence and realise potential they hadn’ t recognised in themselves. Seeing former students go on to achieve successful careers remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my own career.
How different has your career been from how you imagined it at 21? Very different. At 21, I expected to become a mathematics researcher and lecturer. Instead, my career has combined research with leadership, giving me the opportunity to shape educational strategy, create new opportunities for students and lead major initiatives, and serve as President of the International Neural Network Society.
What one piece of advice would you pass on to those starting out in business?
Stay curious and never stop learning. Be prepared to step outside your comfort zone because that’ s where the greatest opportunities for growth often lie.
Which part of your job do you most enjoy? Working with colleagues to turn ambitious ideas into reality, whether it is developing new academic programmes, building international partnerships, supporting research or creating opportunities for students.
Which part of your job do you least enjoy? Universities are incredibly diverse organisations, so no two days are ever the same. While there are always administrative responsibilities that come with leadership, I most enjoy the opportunities to work with students, colleagues and external partners to make a positive difference.
Do you ever doubt yourself as a business leader? Yes. I think a degree of self-doubt is healthy; it encourages reflection, listening to others and making better-informed decisions.
How do you switch off from work? I enjoy reading because it allows me to disconnect from day-to-day pressures while continuing to learn and explore new ideas.
Why does your business matter? Universities play a vital role in developing talent, driving innovation and supporting economic growth. Helping people achieve their potential through education is a rewarding contribution.
Which of your personal traits has been the most important in your career? I’ ve always been willing to take on new challenges, lead change and create opportunities, while remaining optimistic that positive change is possible.
Which of your own personal traits most frustrates you? I like to move things forward quickly, but I’ ve learned that lasting success comes from bringing people with you and ensuring everyone is working towards the same goal.
Which trait in others do you most dislike? I find it frustrating when people don’ t take ownership or follow through on their commitments.
If you were to recommend just one book to Tees Business readers, which would it be? I enjoy reading about the latest developments in artificial intelligence and technology. I regularly follow publications such as DeepLearning. AI, along with technology blogs and research updates, to keep up with emerging ideas and innovations.
What’ s your favourite local restaurant and why? Coco & Rum and Persian Cottage are my favourites. Both combine great food with a friendly atmosphere, making them places I enjoy returning to.
What social media do you use? Primarily LinkedIn, where I share developments in higher education, artificial intelligence, research and international collaboration.
Which local business leader would you like to see interviewed in this feature? I’ d like to see Ann Watson MBE, chief executive officer at Enginuity, interviewed. She has made a remarkable contribution to business, skills and leadership across the North-East and I’ m sure her experience and insights would inspire many readers.
The voice of business in the Tees region | 69