Tips for the Top

Here’s our team’s top tips from the last quarter on hiring and nurturing impactful leadership:
 
•    Women Networking Events: Alyce went to a female networking event organised by GFS Ambassadors. Research has shown that, in general, women struggle with networking more than men because they are often uncomfortable with the 'exploitative nature' of it, and asking for help when they may not have anything immediate to offer in return. Creating these spaces can build a sense of solidarity and comfort, removing that awkward 'Ahhhh what can I say to this person' aspect. Tanya had a similar experience at a women’s networking lunch focused on personal/professional branding, facilitated by the brand and digital agency Yoyo. This safe, fun space dealt head on with how to ‘remove the ick’ often linked to personal branding through authenticity, remaining values led and creating focus and consistency in what you talk about. 
 
•    Purposeful Careers: At the B for Good Leaders Summit in Amsterdam, Simon mixed with other leaders in the responsible business space to discuss best practice in areas such as corporate activism, sustainable finance and the creation of regenerative/circular business models. A highlight came from historian and author Rutger Bregman. He reminded the audience that ‘you are all going to die’, before outlining his theory of ‘moral ambition’ – the drive drastically to improve the world by devoting your talent and career to addressing the biggest problems of our time, thereby leaving a legacy that actually has an impact. 
 
•    Flexibility and Security for All: Christiane heard from leaders who’ve embedded contractual flexibility in their business models at a Timewise and Living Wage Foundation event. The panel reminded us that “risk is a privilege” but that considered risk is critical within workplace contracting and policies or you may lose your best people.
 
•    High EQ Hires Foster Healthy Culture: At a Kin & Co event exploring the power of purposeful people, Victoria considered the positive ripple effect of hiring leaders who foster conditions for psychological safety, trust, experimentation and learning and belonging. Key themes that emerged included an openness to new ways of working, a willingness to make bold choices (with purposeful risk taking again coming up!) and calling out behaviours that aren’t values-aligned.