Neil Macgeorge’s Post

I speak to a lot of senior leaders interested in moving sectors and sometimes wanting a complete career change. In each case it is worth starting with finding the intersection of what you enjoy and what you are good at (not always the same thing), figuring out where that would be valuable outside your current sector and exploring from there. This short article by Fredrik Malmsten, one of Alumni’s Chartered Occupational Psychologists, talks about career transition in uncertain times. #Alumni #careertransition

Focusing on people when the business is under pressure. In my experience, when a business is under severe pressure tends to be the time when leaders at all levels, because of the cascade effect, become increasingly focused on task and less on people. The irony here is that this is precisely the time when continuing to invest in people is even more of an enabler for getting the tasks done. Leadership’s role in building and maintaining organisational health is critical, especially with role modelling the right behaviours, as this short article explains. Alumni #leadership

Great role with an extremely well known UK food brand. My colleague Anne Lancon can tell you more...

As a line manager in an intense, fast paced environment hiring the person who seems "over the bar" and is available now or at least soon can be very tempting and easily post-rationalised, whilst being more thorough will almost certainly ensure a better longer term outcome. I know I fell into this trap at least once when I was a line manager. This article is a helpful reminder of how to avoid the problem.

Genuinely excited to say that on Monday I joined People's Energy as interim Head of Commercial. It's the first company that I have been in that was started to alleviate a social problem (fuel poverty) and it really does make a palpable difference to the feel of the business. They are the only Community Interest Company in the retail energy market and growing like billy-o with big ambitions. The people I have met so far are committed, determined, professional and above all, decent human beings which is such a powerful blend. Much to learn, much to do, I think this is going to be very fulfilling. If you have a moment do check them out, they are not your usual challenger energy company... https://lnkd.in/dFF7QDK

Covid19 has put in to sharp relief the results of a recent survey by Odgers Berndtson in association with Harvard Business Review Analytics which showed that, even shortly before the pandemic, only 15% of executives are confident in their leaders to deliver through disruption. Download: https://lnkd.in/gFsuA_K

Mentoring. The Accelerate Mentoring Programme is the most recent of a number of sector-wide mentoring schemes introduced by Odgers Berndtson executive search to help senior women progress to board level roles. We are signing up leading UK food and drink manufacturers to participate in this industry-wide mentoring scheme. So far, the invitation to participate has gone out to 40 companies, with over 70,000 employees across the UK, and a number of companies have pledged to commit mentors and identified mentees. To find out more (about this or any of the Odgers Berndtson mentoring programmes) and get involved, contact us. https://lnkd.in/gD72y8q

The Marketing Academy... Nominations are now open for the 11th intake of Scholars so it’s time to put forward the best talent you know to be part of the next cohort of The Marketing Academy Scholarship. You can nominate here: https://lnkd.in/dm8MWMi Please spread the word around your organisation and to peers, asking them to nominate. WHAT IS THE SCHOLARSHIP? The Scholarship is a free life and career changing programme focused on developing an entire generation of future leaders. There are almost 500 scholars and alumni around the world who work for some of the biggest brands and agencies (link here to who's involved: https://lnkd.in/df3tkkk) and if successful someone you put forward could be one of just 30 on the 2020 cohort. • You can nominate as many people as you wish as long as they fit the selection criteria • You can nominate outside of your organisation • You cannot nominate yourself The current programme is sponsored by Facebook, PHD, KFC, Virgin Atlantic, BT, Accenture and ITV. The line-up of exciting mentors and speakers include several well known CEOs and CMOs. Thanks for your support.

Interested in becoming a NED? Many people I meet are thinking about taking on a NED role as part of their career progression. It is not an easy step to make, however. To help, here is a link to an insightful piece written by our Head of Chair and Non-Executive Director Practice. https://lnkd.in/gtuiEuC