Thanks for attending our Future Talent virtual conference on purpose , meaning and culture . It was an insight-packed two days , with outstanding performances from our sensational line-up of speakers . Here are five things we learned :
1
The purpose of work is to create meaning
Philosophers Robert Rowland Smith and Dr Mark Vernon sought to uncover what creates meaning at work , and how we can bring this to life within our organisations .
For author and entrepreneur Dr Margaret Heffernan , purpose thrives where leaders create cultures that foster relationships and amplify personal resilience . Organisations ’ success , and their ability to implement effective structural change , depend on the loyalty and commitment our people feel to each other .
To connect , we must first feel comfortable bringing our whole selves to work , pointed out Rev Lucy Winkett . Her Thought for the Day explored what knowledge — about ourselves and others — comes to the fore in the workplace .
2
Self-awareness enables great leadership
The need for organisations to understand the values and drivers of their employees , customers and wider society was a theme running through the conference .
Adam Kingl argued for more ‘ human-centric ’ leadership , urging each of us to develop behaviours that provide clarity and inspiration to our people , and enable creativity . However , leaders must not shy away from challenging or uncomfortable conversations in order to pursue purpose and effect change , added Saïd Business School ’ s Andrew White .
Actor and director Kwame Kwei-Armah made the case for theatre as an agent for cultural change : in the arts , the leader ’ s role is to listen , to hear , and to act in accordance with what they are hearing and feeling in their soul .
3
Acting on Black Lives Matter takes courage
Lip service to diversity must be replaced with measurable efforts to address racial discrimination and fuel inclusion , concluded members of our Black Lives Matter-themed panel discussion .
Entrepreneur Tim Campbell , D & I consultant Claudia Iton , actor and director Kwame Kwei-Armah and the RSA ’ s Matthew Taylor discussed practical ways in which firms can move the dial on race and equity , highlighting the need for leaders to show humility and courage , and to remain undaunted in the face of slow progress . They explored what we can learn from each other by having substantive and honest conversations about inclusion .
4
Belonging must sit at the heart of organisational culture
COVID-19 restrictions have accelerated much-needed change in the way work is designed and executed , including mass working from home . For business , the challenge now is to reach and include those who have lost their confidence , traction and networks during the pandemic , argued writer and adviser Christine Armstrong . This will enable them to contribute productively in this hybrid world of work .
Our related panel discussion featured Simon Fanshawe , co-founder of Diversity by Design , Saatchi & Saatchi ’ s Sarah Jenkins , Heidrick & Struggles ’ Jenni Hibbert , Deloitte ’ s Emma Codd and Finsbury ’ s Louisa Moreton , who considered why inclusion is the lever of success when it comes to innovation . The business case for creating truly inclusive cultures , that nurture belonging , is proven and clear .
5
Life is a journey of exploration and learning
As life expectancy increases , ongoing education is central to getting the best out of our extra years . British astronaut Major Tim Peake described how his time in space altered his perspective on life back on Earth , shedding light on his sense of purpose and meaning . He also explained why resilience , self-awareness , a positive mindset and interpersonal skills are crucial for us all as we navigate today ’ s disruptive landscape .
Adventurer and BecomingX co-founder Bear Grylls recalled his key learnings from his life ; how he has overcome adversity and bounced back from failure . Like Peake , he believes that resilience , courage and determination are key to realising our potential , underpinned by lifelong learning .