Friday Footnote # 122

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.

#EmbraceEquity

This week we joined the discussion on International Women's Day. 'The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action'.

Since 2015, we are very proud that 493 females leaders have taken part in our leadership programmes. And the stats just keep coming:

• Female leaders from 72 different sub-sectors in Wales have taken part in our leadership programmes
• 19% of all female leaders who have taken part in our leadership programmes work within the manufacturing sector
• 98% of female leaders say that our programmes have made them a better leader
• 92% of female leaders say that our programmes enhanced their business leadership skills
• 90% of female leaders say that our programmes enhanced their confidence
• 93% of female leaders say that our programmes enhanced their people leadership skills

But it's not all about statistics. We are really interested in impact. About finding real solutions for the real issues that leaders, at all levels, face every day. Fortunately, it is evident from some of the feedback we have received that the programme is making a real difference.

• "The ION Leadership programme has been a life changer! My confidence has grown, and I've actually realised I wasn't such a bad leader to begin with. I've learnt so much along the way which I feel has improved our team and boosted morale" (Delegate from £5.5 million turnover business)
• "The benefit of the ION Leadership programme to my business is the increased turnover and confidence in ability to grow" (Owner of a £101,000 turnover business in the manufacturing sector)
• "The ION leadership course, has opened the door to different opportunities for me and my business, different ways of looking at achieving tasks and being the best leader. Implementing change in a workplace, working with others to make this happen. After every session, I would go back to work, share what I had learnt with the owner and look at ways of improving different aspects of the business" (Manager at a £100,000 turnover business)

ION's very own international athlete

This weekend our Finance Manager, Clare Phillips, will once again be running for Wales. Last year Clare competed for Wales in the Tenby Long Course Weekend, and this Sunday will be competing in Chester 10K in the W45-54 age group. 

Best of luck Clare from everyone in Team ION. Keep an eye out on our social channels on Monday to find out how Clare got on.   

Inspiration

• EdTech trends that will have a major impact in education this year (BusinessCloud)
• Technology can keep on going 24/7 - we aren't meant to! (Swansea University) 
• 3 science-based strategies to increase your creativity (TED)
• Why neglecting work relationships can sabotage innovation and productivity, according to research (Fast Company)
• University wins funding to boost battery manufacturing skills in Wales (Swansea University)

CEIC Conference - Future Vision for Wales

The Circular Economy Innovation Communities (CEIC) Spring Conference takes place on Friday 24th March at the Swansea.com Stadium. Focusing on a 'Future Vision for Wales', the conference is an open invitation for environmental champions from throughout South Wales and beyond to discuss how well-designed, incremental efforts can have substantial impact. 

Speakers include Swansea University Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Professor Elwen Evans; Phil Reid, Chief Technology Officer at JPMorgan Chase & Co; and Dr Emil Evenhuis from the Department of Urbansiation & Transportation in the Netherlands. There will also be an open forum, “What will the future of Wales look like?”, where participants, alumni and anyone that is interested in shaping the future of Wales sustainably, will be able to join the conversation.

There is still time to book, so find out more on the CEIC website. 

Digital Leaders – Public sector Insight week

Next week is the Digital Leaders - Public Sector Insight Week, an 'online event where public, private and third sector leaders present their ideas and showcase the very best digital solutions. The Week is about government and businesses helping each other use digital more effectively'. There are 100 free talks throughout the week, and Adam from our Swansea team has booked to attend some of them - innovation leadership, building innovation ecosystems and developing a culture of innovation in your business, amongst some of the talks he is signed up for. 

There is still time to sign up, you can do so on the Digital leaders website.  

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 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.  

Missed previous #FridayFootnotes?