Friday Footnote #99

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're super proud of you Clare

Some of you might have seen that our Finance Manager Clare Phillips competed for Wales in the FV50 category at last weekend's Long Course Weekend in Tenby. We wrote about it last week on our blog. Well, she only went and won! 

Clare was the 20th female (of any age group) out of 300, posting a time of 1 hour 34 minutes 10 seconds. An amazing achievement, even more so when you consider she had a hip operation in 2018. 

We are so proud of you Clare! 

Practicing what we preach

As mentioned last week, our Swansea and Bangor team's have started a 5-week DISC project wth DISCSimple.

DISC is a personal assesment tool used by more than 1 million people very year to improve teamwork, communication, and productivity in the workplace. If focuses on individual patterns of external, observable behaviors and measures the intensity of characteristics using scales of directness and openess for each of the four styles. 

Following session 1 last week we were given homework to identify people in the team who we would like to find out more about working together with, and use the findings of the DISC analysis to discuss ways forward. The feedback from this was very positive, with discussions on-going. 

Week 2's session focused on the workplace, and how a better understanding of each other could lead to a more effective, engaged, motivated workplace. We discussed our individual workplace priorities and stressors, and were each tasked with working through the strategies the Catalyst platform has put forward (based on our style) to help us be more effective in work.  

What's caught our eye this week?

• Make learning a part of your daily routine (Harvard Business Review) 
• Move yourself happy! How to exercise to boost your mood - whatever your fitness level (The Guardian)
• 6 strategies that will make you a better reader - and person (TED) 
• High levels of co-investment as the Development Bank of Wales publishes strong results for 21/22 (Development Bank of Wales) 
• Have your say on the new innovation strategy for Wales (Welsh Government)
• How transformations with humans at the centre can double your success (EY) 
• Why we should be disagreeing more at work (Harvard Business Review)

NatWest Accelerator now open for applications 

The NatWest Accelerator programme supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs and business owners to scale their businesses to the next level. Through a six month fully funded programme they provide wrap around support and access to expertise, removing barriers and providing more opportunities to help businesses grow. Benefits include: 

• 6 months focused support with access to mentors, partners and experienced entrepreneurs
• 1-2-1 coaching
• A programme of thought leadership and events
• Access to a network of like-minded peers, supported by Ecosystem Managers
• Use of modern co-working spaces in one of their nationwide hubs. 

And things are a little different this time. As well as having the option of having a f-2-f programme, using the co-working space in Cardiff as a base, there is also the option of a virtual programme, led by friend of ION, Julia Perry. 

The programme starts in September, and you can find out more on their website. They also have a number of discovery events and tours coming up over the coming weeks. You can register to attend these sessions on their Eventbrite page. 

Become an extraordinary leader with ION

For over 11 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 have a programme which meets your needs. 

We currently run 2 tailored leadership programmes; ILM Level 3 New Leaders programme, and an ILM Level 5 Leading Growth programme. However, we are coming towards the end of our current funding cycle, so there are limited programmes scheduled to take place. We know that everyone says 'time is running out'. But in this instance, it really is.

You can find out more about upcoming programmes on our Course page. However, if our programmes don't 100% meet your requirements, 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.

There will be no #FridayFootnote next week but we will be back the following week for our 100 edition.

Missed previous #FridayFootnotes?