Max Thistlethwaite is a Senior Business Lecturer at our Bloomsbury campus. Here, he shares his teaching style, inspirations and his mission to instill curiosity in his students.
By April Baniqued. Published 24 February 2026.
Talk us through your career journey.
Before The University of Law, I lectured in many universities. I have always been passionate about teaching. My first formal opportunity was during my PhD studies, which is very common for doctoral students. I have taught various courses, including Critical and Creative Thinking for seven years and Business Psychology and Ethics. I have also worked in the recruitment sector, specialising in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Hospitality sector. My most recent role was an Academic Manager. I applied to the University in early 2023 for a senior lecturer role, based on a recommendation from a colleague.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I have a PhD in psychology, specialising in consciousness studies. There are many transferable skills. Business can be a deeply psychological subject. You need to understand leadership, human resources, innovation and more.
Who has influenced you on your journey?
I'm still friends with my undergraduate psychology professor. We regularly meet and discuss current events, deep philosophical concepts and even the stock market. He profoundly transformed my approach to learning. He inspires my curiosity and encourages me to never stop asking questions.
What achievements are you most proud of?
My PhD was the culmination of a huge amount of work over many years. There were many ups and downs, or what they call the ‘PhD blues’. I had a fantastic support network. This included my supervisor, who got me to the finish line. What this taught me is that it’s the journey, not the destination, that is important and educational.
What keeps you passionate about your role in the University?
The University provides me with many opportunities to expand my experience. This includes media opportunities to provide insight into current events and invitations to speak at large events, such as Gradfest. These experiences outside the classroom keep me on my toes. I have the chance to engage with the wider academic community and learn every day.
What experience has made you feel the most rewarded by teaching?
There isn’t really a ‘moment’ that stands out. It’s more like a cascade of experiences where students suddenly grasp a difficult concept or unexpectedly challenge a point. The latter is most important as it reveals a curious mind that seeks knowledge. It is very rewarding as it gives me a sense of responsibility. The responsibility to get things right, to balance my approach and to also learn from students. What is often overlooked is that teachers are also students. We learn new perspectives every day.
What’s one aspect of teaching that truly excites you?
The action of pursuing truth and knowledge wherever it may lead, even if it is uncomfortable. This should be the premise for teaching and is much easier said than done. Working alongside students with this goal in mind is extremely valuable.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Arguably, the greatest teacher was the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates. It would be impossible to match his level of mental horsepower and speaking skills, but I often reflect and evaluate my teaching based on the statement ‘Be like Socrates’. His art was not in providing answers, but more importantly, asking questions. These questions were difficult, profound, deep and even dangerous. His main mission being, to determine the truth. I try my best to heighten my students’ curiosity by presenting a wide range of perspectives and examples. I want to challenge their common sense and understanding. I hope they leave with more questions than answers, eager to explore and discover these for themselves.
What advice would you like to give to students?
The classroom is only the tip of the iceberg. The real value of university is the friends you make, the curiosity you develop about the world and the skills you acquire along the way. This includes strengthening your confidence and realising your untapped potential. Keep a snapshot of who you are before going to university and compare it to when you finish. You will not only see an increase in knowledge; you will also discover an enhanced and unlocked version of who you really are.
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