Humans Not Robots’ Post

I’ve hosted, chaired or moderated my fair share of events this year - 6 in the last 8 weeks and another 4 to go this year. Quite often when you moderate, you don’t get to choose who is on the panel. You may get one expert and two or three sponsors shoehorned in to impart knowledge but ultimately sell a product or service. I suppose we’re all selling or promoting something at these events (I’m certainly not getting paid to host them… yet… so have to push Student Housing Consultancy or Good Management Group where I can). So I’m delighted to say that my panellists at The Class Foundation conference are ultra-relevant and not even sponsors. Paula Albaladejo is the head of sustainability projects and development at JLL EMEA. Andrew McCormack is associate director at international law firm Osborne Clarke . We’ll be discussing all things sustainability with a focus on the ‘E’ in ESG including compliance, challenges, future-proofing and more. We’re on the ‘Inspire stage’ at 11:20. If by some miracle I manage to keep to time then we’ll have 5 minutes for a Q&A so get your questions ready. #pbsa #classconference23 #esg #studentaccommodation #studenthousing #classconference #sustainability

FAIRR is delighted to share that on 7 November, Sofía Condés, Head of Investor Outreach at FAIRR will be moderating the panel discussion - ‘Investing in a Food and Drink Transition’ at #SustainableFoodsLondon. 📅 Mark your calendar! 6 – 7 November 2023 📍 Where? The Queen Elizabeth II Centre, London SW1P 3EE The panel will explore the existing market conditions, including challenges and opportunities for the #FoodSector as well as the #ESG priorities for investors. Some highlights include: 🔹 The current environment with the rising cost of capital and how the investment approach of the portfolio managers has adapted to this environment. 🔹 ESG credentials that are most valued by investors focused on the food sector. 🔹 The best practices and advice for entrepreneurs in this sector seeking to fine-tune their value proposition to attract capital. 🔹 The ‘added value’ that companies with a clear impact strategy bring for investors. Is this event for you? Click here to register NOW! 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKMW2aeK

What a week! #launchylaunchy not been at such a string of big public events for ages and wanted to reflect with feet up and a large ☕️ ☕️☕️ From #lpiplaunch in Westminster with scholars and place makers demonstrating new vehicles for public and policy engagement in research and evidence, through a very high energy room in Bradford combining creatives and academics with festival facilitation as we plot the route to and through #BD25 and at a real gathering of the clans for the convention of the north. All such necessary and urgent agendas beginning to intersect in fascinating and fabulous ways. Just a few things - the energy and effort in bringing these things to life is superhuman and requires alchemy from organisers. The spotlight has a cast of many hundreds working on the dark 🌟 ⭐️ 💫 - people grumbling that we are only placeholding these agendas waiting for a new government…. Just think of the implementation possibilities as these ways of working have matured 🌱🌱🌱 -on the northern policy firmament specifically - despite the absolute debacle of LEP disestablishment - I felt a huge shift at this year’s convention. It used to be all about public investment for the north. This argument is won (if not yet resourced) the extraordinary difference to previous conventions was the connecting work being done with VC, angel investors etc. lots of private sector people and conversations about bringing jobs and propesperity in spite of govt inertia not because of it 💰💰💰 - the subtleties of really great facilitation and brokerage are a superpower. I have seen wonderful examples of these this week! Changing things requires spaces where personal motivation can spur professional energy 📣👂👂 -network is everything. Those work pals you are excited to see at these events are the source of all the ideas and good energy that sustains you… 🕸️🕷️🕸️ I could say a lot more. But just bravo to all those who contributed to these events this week (thrilled to say I was only a guest this time round and that felt rather smashing too) 👏👏👏

Exciting Collaboration Alert Keele Business School, Keele University School is thrilled to announce our collaboration with the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to drive forward business engagement in our region. This collaboration aims to foster strong connections between local businesses and our academic community, to provide practice-based advice, driving curriculum innovation, promoting growth, and sustainability. By working together, we are committed to creating a dynamic environment where businesses can thrive and benefit from access to talent, cutting-edge research, expert advice, and a network of like-minded professionals. Key Benefits for Businesses: - Skill Development: Enhance Keele Business School’s MBA through collaborations on the latest business trends and practices. - Access to Expertise: Gain insights from Keele Business School, Keele University's cutting-edge research and expert faculty to solve complex business challenges. - Networking Opportunities: Connect with other local businesses, industry leaders, and academics through exclusive events and forums. - Tailored Consultancy: Benefit from customised Student Consultancy projects that address your specific business needs and objectives. - Innovation and Growth: Engage in collaborative initiatives that drive innovation and contribute to regional economic development. We are excited about the potential of these business collaborations to make a significant impact on students, the local business landscape and support the economic development of Staffordshire. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved! Chris Plant, Dr. Griff Round, @Nicola Lyons, Tom Nadin, Colin Rigby and Akrum Helfaya #BusinessEngagement #KeeleBusinessSchool #StaffordshireChamber #LocalBusiness #Innovation #Collaboration #EconomicDevelopment

Thinking of pursuing FAIA, in the process of pursuing FAIA, come meet and chat with the most recent recipients of the FAIA moniker

It was great to be considered one of the 'right' people and to take part on the panel for this at Oxford Brookes Business School. My main thoughts on the research and things that struck me from the discussions on the day are: 1. The research crystallised a problem that we've sensed in Levitt Group for years i.e. many marketing managers have different levels of legitimacy and roles that struggle to fit the formal CIM definition of marketing. 2. As per Levitt's 'Marketing Myopia' the underlying need for companies to excel at marketing is grater than ever. However, that in itself is not a mandate for a marketing department to exist. Many companies can deliver marketing activities through other parts of the organisation, and do. Unlike law, engineering etc. formal qualifications are not a mandate to operate. 3. Technology costs lower barriers to entry and transaction costs (Coase). Anyone can say they're a 'marketer' and 'do stuff'. However, to do stuff 'well' vs 'good enough' tends to lead people down a specialist track to keep up with the technology. Keeping an overview on every marketing activity is becoming more and more difficult. 4. This may conflict with 1) the strategic marketing skills required to oversee overall marketing activities and 2) the leadership/influencing skills required to secure legitimacy to operate within an environment that is sceptical of marketing. 5. The research suggests that senior marketers are currently more comfortable with 1 but struggling to differing degrees with 2. Opinions differed on whether that was a individual failing or a failing of the profession. I've no particular stance, but I would say that I've developed my influencing skills mainly through operations and consultancy work vs marketing training which was 1 dominated. 6. Younger marketers may (or may not) be more comfortable with short term ambiguity, but the question is how do you move from 'doing stuff' into having a long term career in marketing, and just as importantly, keeping one! 7. This is a 'wicked problem' with big implications for individuals, educators and the professional bodies. Like all research, it's easy to identify its limitations but I think it's raised some substantial questions about the future of marketing. 8. For what it's worth, I think Coase's Nature of the Firm suggests that more of the marketing function in smaller companies will move to a fractional or freelance basis provision of specialist skills; many start ups seem to be able to do a lot of marketing with a 'marketing department'. Thanks to everyone who contributed especially those mentioned below and an extra thank you to Sarah-Louise Mitchell and Oxford Brookes University for hosting. #marketing #strategicmarketing #futureofwork #futureofmarketing #strategy

Two weeks have passed since the B Corp Cork event on June 13th, and we've been reflecting on its success and impact. The event, co-hosted by Otonomee, Change by Degrees, Climeaction, and B Lab Ireland, took place at The Dean Hotel and served as an exciting platform for innovation in the Irish business community. We are thankful to everyone who attended and helped make our vision of Raising the Collective Ambition in the Room a reality. The event was packed with insightful discussion and shared enthusiasm, highlighting the growing momentum of the B Corp movement in Ireland. James McManus spoke passionately about the workings, accomplishments, and significance of B Corps. Marcello Palazzi inspired us to step up our ambitions and engage with B Corps on a global scale. Numerous companies from various sectors, sizes, and stages of maturity shared their sustainability journeys, reinforcing our shared commitment to positive change. After two weeks of reflection, we can highlight a few key takeaways from the day: ◾ Companies are expanding their definition of stakeholders to include workers, customers, communities, and the environment. ◾ Being a certified B Corp is a marker of good business, showcasing awareness and solutions for societal and business challenges. ◾ It’s not enough to get your own house in order; responsible businesses make a difference by supporting others on their journey. ◾ Purpose-driven and sustainable businesses are setting themselves apart and succeeding commercially and financially. ◾ B Corps take pride in ensuring their products, practices, and profits do no harm and benefit all. The success of this event has set the stage for more exciting initiatives. Stay tuned for upcoming events, possibly later this year! Together, we are making strides toward a more sustainable future. #BCorp #BCorpCork #BusinessForGood #ResponsibleCorporates   Cully & Sully Limited  Gaia Talent  OPTEL Group  Merck Group  Barry Group. UrbanVolt  Broadlake  RDJ LLP  OUTWEST Clothing Ballyhass Adventure Group Velo Coffee Roasters B -Corp OCEANR

➡️ 𝗕𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗙𝗠 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟰 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟴:𝟮𝟱. Our Director, Prof Nicolene Barkhuizen, will share exciting updates on our 25 year celebrations! #UFSBusinessSchool | #BeWorthMore

It’s been real San Diego ✌️🏾⁣ ⁣ Two takeaways from ICSC Western Conference - Learning & Education and Exposure & Brand Building⁣ ⁣ First, conferences often offer educational workshops, seminars, and training sessions led by industry professionals. These opportunities allow you to acquire new skills, expand your knowledge base, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving real estate industry.⁣ ⁣ Second, by attending and actively participating in a conference like ICSC, you have an opportunity to promote your brand, showcase your accomplishments, and gain visibility within a white male-dominant commercial real estate community. There was less than 3% minority representation in attendance. This exposure can attract potential clients, investors, and partnerships.⁣ ⁣ Remember to make the most out of these conferences by preparing ahead of time, setting clear goals, and actively engaging with other attendees. With the potential to discover and explore new business opportunities, attending ICSC can be a game-changer for your real estate career. ⁣ ⁣ #ICSCWestern #Conference #Retail #Leasing #Acquisition #Investments #RealEstateOpportunities

Making higher education more accessible to the local population: