Health and Wellbeing Award, winner: Harshita Soni

Jul 31

Written By DMUworks Enterprise & Entrepreneurship

Strategic Leader | Non-Executive Director | Innovation & Creative Industries Partnerships

I operate at the intersection of strategic innovation, the creative industries, and systemic wellbeing, driving regional growth, multi-sector collaboration, and high-impact initiatives that connect higher education, industry, and communities.

Currently, as Project Officer at De Montfort University, I work alongside the Professor of Creativity & Innovation to help shape and scale the Creative Industries Cluster - an ambitious initiative driving innovation, collaboration, and economic growth across Leicester and Leicestershire. I bring together universities, public sector organisations, and industry partners to deliver data-informed programmes with measurable social and economic impact.

My leadership extends into governance as a Non-Executive Director at Inspirate, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), where I provide strategic oversight, independent challenge, and leadership to support organisational growth, sustainability, and cultural impact.

Core Expertise:
• Strategic Partnerships - Building and convening partnerships across Higher Education, FE Colleges, government, cultural organisations, and industry.
• Innovation & Cluster Development - Supporting the growth of creative and cultural ecosystems through research, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven insights.
• Governance & Leadership - Providing board-level oversight, strategic challenge, risk awareness, and organisational stewardship.
• Wellbeing & Cultural Impact - Combining commercial acumen with social purpose as Founder of SattvaLife Yoga & Wellness and a champion of inclusive cultural engagement.

My background spans product development, higher education, business innovation, stakeholder engagement, and regional skills development, bringing together analytical thinking, governance expertise, and entrepreneurial drive.
I hold an MSc in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from the University of Leicester, graduating with Distinction and receiving the Best Overall Student Award.

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