Friday Footnote # 142

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. 

Catching up with Zoe Antrobus from 4theregion

We have spent the last few weeks chatting to our alumni, finding out more about their ION experiences, and the impact our leadership programmes have had on them and their businesses. We shared several new testimonials in last weeks #FridayFootnote, and this week we shared our chat with Zoe Antrobus from 4theregion. Zoe completed our ILM Level 5 Leading Growth programme, graduating in 2021. 

You can watch our chat, where Zoe discussed imposter syndrome and the support of her fellow delegates and the ION 'gang' on our YouTube channel. 

Keep an eye out on our social channels over the next few weeks as we share further video testimonials with Rhiannon Boyce-Coles from Swansea Arena, and Angela Worgan from Abbey Glass. 

Inspiration

• How can today's millennial investors drive tomorrow's business growth? (EY Group)
• What is systems thinking....and why is everyone talking about it? (IDEO) 
• Virtual reality brings new vision to workplace training (BBC)
• Swansea to become a UK leader in natural products innovation (Business News Wales)
• Great leadership is a network, not a hierarchy(TED)
• The psychology behind meeting overload (Harvard Business Review)
• Managing the cultural pitfalls of hybrid working (MIT Sloan Management Review)
• The 7 myths of strategy (IDEO)
• Wolfston Foundation grant boosts semi-conductor R&D at Swansea University (Swansea University)

Open up new opportunities by implementing Circular Economy principles 

Introducing circular economy principles into your business offers a range of reasons that can positively impact your bottom line, brand reputation, and long-term sustainability. Here's why you should consider adopting circular economy principles; Cost Savings, Competitive Advantage, Innovation Opportunities, Regulatory Compliance, Supply Chain Resilience. 

Transitioning to a circular economy requires a shift in mindset and business strategies with increased circular economy knowledge and innovation skills. However, the long-term benefits in terms of sustainability, cost savings, and business growth can be substantial, making it a worthwhile endeavour for forward-thinking businesses.

The CEIC programme, made up of Cardiff Metropolitan University in partnership with Swansea University and third sector and industry partners, are running a fully funded programme to support businesses to develop their circular economy understanding and innovation plans to support clean growth and contribute to Welsh Government’s ‘Net Zero Wales’ ambitions.

You can find out more about the programme by attending one of their short insight events on either 7th September or the 14th September. To express an interest in the fully-funded 6 month programme starting in October 2023 visit their 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?