Friday Footnote # 153

Each week we share loads of content amongst Team ION and with our network. Content that inspires us, which we find helpful, or just makes us smile. We thought we would start sharing these insights every Friday. Welcome to Friday Footnote.

We love experiential learning! 

This week Adam spent 2 days on the latest CEIC Wales circular economy programme at the Towers Hotel in Swansea. Adam has joined the 6-month programme to continue his innovation learning, and also learn to apply circular economy principles to both ION and also the Swansea University School of Management. 

Over the 2 days, through experiential learning (something we are obviously huge advocates of at Team ION!), the delegates covered design thinking, the Cynefin framework, innovation dynamics and started to develop their own community of practice. There was also a lot of fun. 

The delegates were all amazing, some fantastic examples of people really trying to make a difference, and Adam is looking forward to catching up with plenty of them at next weeks 4theregion Green Economy Conference (see more below!). 

Adam will also be writing a blog about his journey as he moves through the programme, so watch this space. However, he needs a bit more time to digest and reflect on all of the learning over the last few days.

ION out and about

Over the next few weeks we will be attending a number of of exciting events happening across the region. Next week is particularly busy as we are attending the 4theregion Green Economy Conference on Wednesday, and also on Wednesday afternoon Adam from the team will be joining over 400 individuals from around the world on a Kaospilot webinar discussing 'Conversation Formats'. Later next week Adam will also be attending the Swansea University Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Employability Awards at the Swansea Arena. 

The following week, Adam and Suzanne will be attending the 4theregion 'Meet and Mingle' event at the new Penderyn Distillery. 

Hopefully we will catch up with plenty of our network at the above events. 

Inspiration

• Skills gap is stifling our growth ambitions and leaving us at a standstill, say small firms (Federation of Small Businesses)
• The Secret to Happiness (Mailchimp)
• Systems Thinking vs Design Thinking: What's the difference? (IDEO U) 
• Forget productivity - stop fighting deadlines. This is the factor managers should focus on. (Fast Company)
• A skills led economy for Wales (Federation of Small Businesses)

Become an extraordinary leader with ION

For over 14 years we have supported leaders at all levels to become extraordinary leaders. Whether you are just starting your leadership journey, or want to freshen up your skills and learn how best to implement the latest thinking, strategies and best practice into your business, we are here to help. 

Get in touch with Adam on ionleadership@swansea.ac.uk to arrange a chat to find out how we can work with you to develop extraordinary leaders in your organisation.

#FridayFootnote will be taking a short break next week, but we will be back in a few weeks time.  

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