Dr Lise Hunter

BA, Macroeconomics, 1980, University of Yaounde, Cameroon. Graduated with "distinction".

I have been a Lecturer with Plymouth University Faculty of Business since August, 2012.

I started my professional career in the financial sector in 1980, working as a Trainee with the Central Bank in Cameroon after completing a BSc in Macroeconomics and Monetary policy. Two years later, I went to the USA to complete an MSc in International Finance and Trade at The American University in Washington, D.C. Following intern positions with the Transnational Investment Incorporated in Washington, DC, I joined the African Development Bank in 1987 working in the Finance Vice Presidency for eight years. My time with the Bank was critical in gaining an in-depth understanding of financial institutions particularly in relation to international development and trade related policies. Unsustainable levels of sovereign debt dominated the debate during the 90s and it was a particularly challenging experience. Working at the time within the Financial policy Planning department, I was a member of the task force that contributed to the Baker Plan on debt cancellation, leading to the existing classification of debt levels in relation to developing countries. The picture is much different today with an increased understanding that the real drivers of sustained and positive development are education and trade.

 

In 1996, I joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as a Trade and Investment Manager, a unique opportunity which enabled me to build on my international experience. I spent 10 years building success for UK businesses between French-speaking West Africa and the UK. My husband and I relocated in Devon in 2005 where I continued to work as an International Trade Advisor with UK Trade and Investment for the South West Region, leading on the aid-funded business sector.  

Prior to joining the University, I was a Business Advisor for SERCO working on European Competitiveness programme for SMEs. With over 15 years of experience in international business, I was keen to deepen my understanding of the business world and in 2008, I enrolled as a part-time research student with Plymouth University. I completed my PhD in 2013 on a programme of work investigating the interdependence between Entrepreneurship and Social Capital and why this interplay could explain business success or failure. SMEs in the South West Region food and drink manufacturing offer the context for empirical research. 

I bring in my role as a teacher a deep understanding and a multi-perspective insight into global business and the evolving employment market, which is very beneficial to my students in terms of grasping the complexities of the world of work.