Friday Footnote #45

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.

Saying goodbye to a legend

This week we say goodbye to an ION legend. After over 11 years working for LEAD Wales and then ION leadership, the amazing Linda is leaving us. Linda is the glue that holds the Swansea team together. That person in the office who just knows the answer to everything - where everything is stored, who to speak to when things go wrong, and most importantly how much is left in the tea and biscuits kitty!

As Operations Officer, Linda was in charge of developing most of our processes and we have been busy scurrying around getting our heads around everything, knowing that Linda isn't going to be on hand to help us out anymore.

Enjoy your next adventure Linda. Thanks for everything (*wipes away a tear*).

Welcome to the team, Lorraine

This week we were delighted to welcome Lorraine Hopkins as ION leadership Programme Manager at Bangor University Business School, where she also lectures on leadership and research methods to postgraduate students. Her career portfolio spans over 25 years in education, business, and leadership in both the private and public sectors. After 11years of leadership roles in property-related businesses, Lorraine returned to academia as an Executive Coach and Learning and Development specialist, building on past experience as a researcher in Economic Psychology.  Having been a LEAD Wales delegate herself in 2011, she understands the experience of being a business owner, engaging in leadership training, first hand, and is driven by the impact education can have on business growth.

Welcome to the team Lorraine. Keep an eye out over the coming weeks for a blog from Lorraine. 

Inspiration

Here are just a few things that have interested or inspired us this week:

• Remote working locations confirmed across Wales (Welsh Government)
• 6 tips to help you manage your day AND your anxiety when working from home (TED)
• The CEO Imperative: Is your strategy set for take-off? (EY)
• 6 tips for developing an effective employee training programme (The People Development Magazine)
• 3 ways to get comfortable with ambiguity (IDEO)

Gift of the Gaffer

This week Adam was delighted to attend a Swansea University webinar with Swansea City Manager, Steve Cooper. Steve discussed his career to date; how he started coaching at Wrexham AFC (a 'hub of learning'), moved to Liverpool and then on to the England youth set up where he managed the England Under 17 team that won the World Cup. Steve then took over as Swansea manager in 2019 and hopes to guide the Swans back to the Premier League this season.

In a packed hour, it was really interesting to hear Steve discuss empathy, being creative with limited budgets, the role of the football club in the community, different coaching styles, the importance of hard work and focusing on what you are in control of.

We are delighted to partner with the Swans, via their business network, and wish Steve and everyone at the club the best of luck for the rest of the season.

Time is running out

Our programmes are currently fully funded. However, with the funding due to come to an end at the end of August 2021, spaces are becoming increasingly limited on our fully-funded leadership programmes. We have spaces available on a number of ILM Level 3 & 5 leadership programmes, so visit the course's section to make sure you don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

PS - We will be taking a break from #FridayFootnote next week as Adam (who pulls it together) is taking some time off to have some Easter fun with his family. See you in a few weeks.

PS - Missed previous #FridayFootnotes?

Diolch. Team ION