Friday Footnote # 88
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.
It's celebration time!
Wednesday this week saw us celebrate with delegates from 3 different cohorts as they graduated from our leadership programmes. Delegates from our New Leaders 12 and 13 cohorts, as well as Leading Growth 27 cohort, joined together to share their leadership journeys.
We love hearing the delegates share their lightbulb moments, and discuss the impact the programmes have on both them and their business. There were a number of recurring themes on Wednesday, namely the importance of finding time, and creating space, to pause and reflect, and the support their amazing cohorts had given them. A real network of openess and trust.
It was lovely to hear some of the individual delegate stories. Donna from the Development Bank of Wales said "the most valuable element of the programme was me understanding the type of leader I want to be". Rob from Business Wales extolled the benefit of "finding time to reflect, to sit down and dedicate time to think about why you do things" and Michael from RBuddie summed it up perfectly for us - "One phenomenal learning experience".
We were joined by Tori James, the first Welsh woman to climb Mount Everest, who shared her amazing story and spoke to delegates about living outisde your comfort zone, how mindset matters and encountering polar bears in the Arctic.
At the end of the session, delegates were asked to sum up their ION experience in one word. A few examples included; enlightening, transforming, welcoming, supportive, and impactful.
Congratulations to everyone who graduated. Good luck on the next stage of your leadership journey. Be extraordinary.
Make an impact in 60 seconds - 'The art of pitching' virtual event
We are delighted to be joined at our next #IONOpenDoors learning event by Julia Perry, Local Enterprise Manager at NatWest, who will be leading a session on how to make an impact with your 60 second pitch. The session takes place on Thursday 5th May at 11am.
What does your 60 second pitch say about you? Your pitch needs to do more than just explain what your business does - is it memorable, does it show your personality, do you have a clear call to action?
As we all start to get back out to physical networking and events, NOW is the time to give your pitch a makeover and make some real impact with new connections.
During this session we will explore the key principles of a great 60 second pitch, you will take away some top tips, have some fun, and make lasting changes to how you introduce yourself and your business.
This free session is open to all, and you can sign up to join us on our events pages.
What's caught our eye this week?
- People are reconnecting with their deeper values (EY)
- 7 ways to build greater trust in all of your partnerships (TED)
- Hybrid working: Will staff ever return to the the office full-time? (BBC)
- Don't underestimate the power of self-reflection (Harvard Business Review)
- Change all the things: How tech companies are using this moment to transform (IDEO)
- How sustainable offices benefit more than just the planet (theHRDIRECTOR)
Our first-ever PAN Wales leadership programme
We were delighted to anounce recently that later this year we will be running our first-ever PAN Wales leadership programme. Our programmes have traditionally been run separately by our teams in Bangor and Swansea. However, for the first time in our 11-year history we are joining forces to unite businesses across Wales. The aim of the programme is to enable delegates to build networks with other fast-growth Welsh brands, and develop the skills and knowledge required to meet organisational goals and flourish in a post-pandemic marketplace.
Led by Nathan from our Swansea team, and Jacky from our Bangor team, the ILM Level 5 Leading Growth programme starts in June 2022. You can find out more about the programme here and if you are interested in having a chat about participating in the programme, please contact Kaye Harris-John on 07808 847332 or Nicola Sturrs on 01248 383024.
Shortlist for Swansea University Research & Innovations Awards 2022 announced
The 2022 Research and Innovation Awards is set to take place on Thursday 5th May 2022 in the prestigious Swansea University Great Hall.
Raising the profile of exceptional research and innovation and the amazing partnerships the university has with external organisations, the awards recognise individual and team contributions to the institutional aim of using research strength, collaborations with industry and global reach, to drive economic growth, foster prosperity, tackle societies challenges, enrich the community and cultural life of Wales and, contribute to the health, leisure and wellbeing of its citizens.
The shortlist for this years awards were announced this week, and you can find out more on the Swansea University website.
Starting your leadership journey?
Our ILM Level 3 New Leaders programme is designed to develop and enhance the leadership and management skills of those in the early stages of developing their leadership skills. Delegates will be encouraged to understand their own approach to leadership, and then consider their team roles and tasks required to create a strong business framework for the growth and sustainability of their organisation. Our next programme starts in May 2022, and you can find out more about the programme, including those all important dates, here.
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