Even before the global pandemic, universities around the world were facing a wave of change. The rapid evolution of digital technology has produced societal changes and different expectations in our learners. The lockdowns in the UK and the pivot to remote working threw these changes into sharp relief and ignited a heated discussion about the relative values of in-person sessions and online activity. In this talk, I aim to demonstrate that there is a false dichotomy between “face to face” and “online” and that the power has shifted from universities to learners in ways that have been supported by advances in connectivity. Finally, I will discuss how universities can reinvent themselves to lead by example in the climate emergency and increase participation through accessibility and flexibility to create work-ready graduates who are willing and able to participate as citizens. Helen is Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, I am responsible for providing strategic leadership of the academic function of the University, including the development of the academic portfolio, enhancement of the teaching and learning experience and leadership of the Deans of Faculty. I joined Chester on 1st April 2021 and before that was Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Keele University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx