Friday Footnote # 154

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.

Working together for a greener and more resilient future 

On Wednesday this week, Adam from the team attended the 4theregion Green Economy Conference at the Swansea Arena. The event aimed to connect, showcase and aid knowledge sharing, with 'the goal of getting everyone working together for a resilient, sustainable future for the region'. Well it certainly did that!

There were some fantastic and hugely inspiring panel discussions, including council leaders and business start-ups, and over 70 exhibtion stands including large institutions (including Swansea University) and local businesses, all pushing the green and circular economy agenda. 

Adam arrived just in time for the opening session as Council leaders from Swansea, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire shared updates on the latest news from their regions, their strategic priorities, and how they are contributing towards the regions green transition. Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen from Carmarthenshire was a big standout with a hugely impassioned presentation.

Next up was a panel discussion covering the circular economy. Adam is currently completing the CEIC Wales programme so this panel session was of particular interest. It was really interesting to hear Gary Walpole (former ION Programme Lead) discuss the CEIC programme, and CE principles, and then hear representatives from Wool Insulation Wales, Swansea University, Tata Steel, NappiCycle and Blueprint Wales discuss their fantastic projects, as they drive the CE agenda.

It was also brilliant to see Swansea University colleagues from CEIC Wales, SPECIFIC, and Swansea University LINC, showcasing the Universities dedication to this hugely important agenda. 

Leadership for Future Generations 

“Let’s try to get leaders who are willing to be held accountable, who take responsibility for their service, what they do and what they stand for. We need citizenship not just leadership.” Former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton 

It was fantastic to welcome Former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and her husband former US President Bill Clinton, to Swansea University last week for a number of events, include a discussion in front of 600-strong live audience discussing 'Leadership for Future Generations'. We obviously couldn't agree more about the importance of engaging young people in leadership roles.

You can find read more about the Clinton's visit on the Swansea University website.    

Inspiration

• Why human-centred transformation design is critical for universities (EY Group) 
• Huge battery factory, solar farm and and electric charging hub for Swansea takes big step forward (Wales Online) 
• Glimmers of hope on the horizon to protect innovation and research in Wales (Swansea University) 
• The real gold of our economy is in our hands (TED) 
• Can failure be and feel productive? (IDEO)
• How to start smart with a talent marketplace (MIT Sloan Management Review)

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.

Missed previous #FridayFootnotes?