As part of Scannappeal’s engagement of the local business community, a brand-new series of Business Breakfast events have been launched, with the aim not only of driving new and deeper relationships, but in giving something tangible and of value back to the community.
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club’s Legends Lounge was the venue on a gloriously sunny but early Wednesday morning in late April. The topic for our discussion reflected on leadership challenges from both business and personal life perspectives – Mastering the Unpredictable, Leadership for Uncertain Times.
So in a month where National Insurance increased, global economic protectionism was rife, reports into NHS distress over the winter period were published, and the NHS’s top cancer doctor spoke of a new survey whereby people were nearly twice as likely to check the weather forecast or their bank balance than check themselves for potential signs of cancer, over 50 business leaders, the Mayor of Wycombe, and Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce came together to network, discuss and reflect on the insight and inspiration provided by two guest speakers.
These business leaders spanned multiple industries including banking, finance and audit, hospitality, residential construction, education, HR, marketing, estate management, sport, and signage.
Following a hearty breakfast roll and time for networking, Neil Thubron, Executive Coach and Mentor spoke on Enduring, Embracing and Leading Through Uncertainty explaining through anecdotes of his extreme sporting events the 7P formula for the achievement of any big goal, and how businesses must create the flexibility to ride the challenges and headwinds, focussing on their areas within their span of control. Keeping one’s eyes focused up and out on the business direction whilst assessing the perceptions of employees and the wider ecosystem, making small changes early to avoid large reactional pressure were key elements of his talk.
He closed with a clear summary:
• Create and focus relentlessly on your north star and purpose
• Be flexible
• Control the controllables
• Ask better questions
• Look for and manage perception
• Teamwork is crucial – you cannot do it alone
The audience then heard from Phil Richards MBE, an inspirational life lessons educator and senior HR leader who has transformed his own personal life-changing trauma into powerful life lessons that inspire and uplift. He spoke on the theme of turning complexity into simplicity for business and the life lessons charity partnership has taught him.
Commencing with three standards for simplicity, Phil talked through simplifying communication, encourage thinking, and storytelling using a combination of quotes, physical game, visualisation, and anecdote. The differential between storytelling through fact vs the context was explored to highlight the importance of emotional connection. He ended with his own personal story bringing to life the importance of physical and mental health, and your preparedness for the uncertainty of life should you have tomorrow less than you have today. Giving advice to business leaders he spoke about how strong we all are – the darkest hour being only 60 minutes long and that each one of us has already survived 100% of our worst days. Whatever happens, acceptance always beats avoidance when faced with personal uncertainty.
Continued discussions with the two guest speakers and amongst the business community ensued before a wrap was called by 10am.
Did it meet the original objective of giving back to the business community – customer satisfaction was over 9.5 out of 10, and 100% of attendees indicated they would attend the next one!
“An incredible way to start the day”… “Truly inspirational”… “Fantastic stories and messaging”… “Brilliant speakers”… “Wonderful to meet so many new people” — just some of the glowing feedback from attendees at Scannappeal’s first Business Breakfast event.
Contact: Nigel Naylor-Smith, Scannappeal Head of Corporate Partnerships
