Friday Footnote # 143

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. 

Talking leadership with Angela Worgan from Abbey Glass

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 have shared several new testimonials over the last month and you can find them all on our YouTube channel.

This week we shared our chat with Angela Worgan (pictured right), Managing Director at Abbey Glass. Angela actually graduated from our leadership programme in 2016, and filmed a testimonial for us a number of years ago, following her graduation. However, we caught up with her again recently and it was clear that 7 years on, the programme is still having a huge impact on Angela. So we went and had another chat.

You can watch our chat, where Angela discusses imposter syndrome, and how the aspiration she set for herself on the final day of her leadership programme came true, on our YouTube channel. 

Keep an eye out on our social channels next week as we share our final video testimonial with Rhiannon Boyce-Coles from Swansea Arena. 

Inspiration

• Climate Change: Call to power council vehicles with vegetable oil (BBC) 
• Latest updates in innovation, sustainability, inclusion and connectivity from the Cardiff Capital Region (Cardiff Capital Region)
• How reverse mentorship can help create better leaders (TED) 
• How Apple is organised for innovation (Harvard Business Review)
• McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2023 (McKinsey)
• New facility to double Wales' plastic reprocessing capacity (Welsh Government)
• Brits most likely to say 'we don't live to work' (BBC) 
• Commission and UK reach political agreement on UK particpation in Horizon Europe and Copernicus (European Commission)  

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 their short insight event on the 14th September. To express an interest in the fully-funded 6 month programme starting in October 2023 visit their website. 

Swansea University Research Week

Next week sees the Swansea University Research Week take place across both university campuses and online. The week-long programme promises a rich variety of events and workshops designed to engage and inspire participants from all faculties and staff members.

You can find out about the week, including a calendar of events, on the Swansea University website.

Adult Learners Week 2023

This years Adult Learners Week takes place between 18-24 September, and the theme is Never Stop Learning. We will joining in the conversation on our social channels, but in the meantime check out their website to browse hundreds of FREE online and in-person courses, events and resources during September. 

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.  

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