Friday Footnote # 157

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.

The final Friday Footnote 

After 3 years and 8 months, and 157 editions, this will be the final Friday Footnote. Adam from the team has absolutely loved pulling it together every week. We started pulling Friday Footnote together during the Covid-19 pandemic as a way of sharing content and useful information we thought our network might find helpful during those unprecedented times.

But as Bob Dylan said, 'The times they are a-changin' (we've always been big music fans in Team ION!).

Over the last few weeks we have spoke regularly about the future of our wonderful programme. We are delighted that as one chapter ends, another one is just beginning, and we are hugely looking forward to being part of the School of Management at Swansea University. But that means we have to make some changes. We will continue to share things which catch our eye on our Twitter and LinkedIn pages, so give them a follow if your aren't already. 

But for #FridayFootnote it's goodbye and goodnight. It's been fun.  

University achieves Small Business Charter status

We were hugely excited to see the news yesterday that Swansea University has achieved Small Business Charter status. The accredditation 'serves as a beacon, guiding entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local economic stakeholders to institutions like ours that possess the expertise to empower their growth'. You can read more on the Swansea University website. 

As mentioned in the article 'business and management schools must undergo a rigorous assessment gauging the effectiveness of their business support, entrepreneurship education, and engagement with the local economy', and we are delighted to play our part in the process. We cannot wait to get invoved next year, particularly with the Help to Grow Scheme, so watch this space. 

Inspiration

• How to build cooperative goals to to meet global climate goals (EY)
• Got a wicked problem? First, tell me how to make taast. (TED via YouTube)
• How a non linear workday might help you get more done (Fast Company)
• New green jet fuel plant set to create 'several hundred jobs' in Port Talbot takes step forward (WalesOnline)
• 'Human involvement is fundamental': Marketing and generative AI in 2024 (Econsultancy)  
• How to embrace change using emotional intelligence (Harvard Business Review)
• Borrowed innovation: Where do you get your innovation ideas? (Kromatic)
• Glynne Jones, Director of the office of the Secretary of State for Wales, joins Swansea University for launch of new employability programme (Swansea University)
• How to be a team player - without burning out (TED) 

Always Learning 

As this is our last #FridayFootnote, it would be wrong of us to not write about #alwayslearning. We have spent the last few years talking regularly about our love of learning,  and the importance we feel learning plays in being an extraordinary leader. And years later, we agree with that even more.

In the spirit of #alwayslearning, Adam is continuing his innovation and circular economy learning as he completes the CEIC Wales Foundation Economy innovation programme. With the 2 day overnight experiential complete, this week the cohort were at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly for the latest masterclass, discussing empathy and stakeholder mapping. Adam is blogging about his learning journey as part of the programme. You can read the latest blog here. 

New Masters programme launched by School of Management 

Our friends in the Swansea University School of Management (our new home!), have recently announced their latest Masters programme, Advanced Management (Complex Systems), MSc / PGDip.

This innovative programme will equip students with the skills to master the intricacies of managing complexity across sectors like ICT, Engineering, Aquaculture, Defence, Cyber Security, and Health and Care.

• Explore a blend of theoretical concepts and real-world applications from various industries.
• Dive into theories and models from complex systems, socio-technical systems, and complexity theory. 
• Gain insights into asset and operations management, applying theory to real-world problem-solving. 

To find out more, either visit the website or get in touch with Adam from the team on a.r.fairbank@swansea.ac.uk

Become an extraordinary leader with ION

For over 14 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?