On Friday 20 September, Cokethorpe School hosted more than 140 representatives from local businesses at its latest Business Community networking breakfast.
The event, centred around the theme of ‘Leadership and the Power of Partnership’, featured two inspiring speakers: Jeremy Blain, global award-winning author and CEO of Performance Works International, and Andy Cato, award-winning co-founder of Wildfarmed and former member of the electronic duo Groove Armada.
Blain, a recognised expert in Transformational Leadership, kicked off the event with a thought-provoking insight: “Leading today requires agility, the ability to think on your feet, and the courage to make decisions in real-time. Leaders must grow comfortable with discomfort and be willing to embrace the challenges of a steep learning curve,” he said, quoting the CEO of a major manufacturing company in Asia Pacific.
Following Blain’s remarks, Andy Cato shared his personal story of transitioning from a music career to becoming a first-time farmer. His venture into regenerative agriculture not only required him to navigate a sharp learning curve but also to build a cohort of farmers dedicated to reshaping the UK food system. His leadership in the National Food Strategy highlights the importance of partnerships in promoting sustainable, high-quality food production while reducing environmental and health costs. Cato’s journey stands as a powerful testament to Leadership and the Power of Partnership.
Cokethorpe’s Headmaster, Damian Ettinger, emphasised the significance of the event:
“We are deeply grateful to Mr Blain and Mr Cato for their inspiring contributions. Their insights highlighted the critical role partnerships play in ensuring businesses not only survive but thrive. This is exactly what our business community networking events are designed to foster.”
The event was further supported by title sponsor, LUNIQ. Ed Le Coyte of LUNIQ noted:
“By supporting Cokethorpe’s initiative to connect industry veterans with emerging talent, we are championing a platform where sustainable innovation and leadership development can flourish.”
On Friday 7 March 2025, musician, chef and entrepreneur, Levi Roots, will be ‘In Conversation’ with Co-Founder of Skywave Distillery, Rachel Hicks. The topic will be ‘Successful Entrepreneurship and Leaving a Living Legacy’. Book here
