Three Weeks in UK

An interesting three weeks in the UK. So many good things are happening and I’ve had the opportunity to speak at some great venues and meet some wonderful people.

I spoke in Edinburgh, which is always a pleasure. I do enjoy Scotland. The people are so friendly but at the same time they are to the point. They will challenge but at the same time they are open to discussion and ideas.

I have been invited to speak in Bristol (another great event), Manchester, Coventry, London, Newcastle amongst other places. I had an interesting day speaking and working with a College in Northamptonshire. Schools in UK are generally struggling to grasp the future and adapt their thinking to be able to prepare their students for that future.

The Manchester Vistage (formally TEC) group was a wonderful meeting. Some excellent questions and discussion. Thanks to Edward for inviting me and I wish you all well.

I had the pleasure of visiting a division of a Japanese company who has had such massive growth in the last three years. It is interesting to see their approach to business and how they have coped with the growth.

A highlight for me was to speak at the Inspire2006 Conference in London that was organised by the Academy of Chief Executives. It was a delight for two reasons. Firstly I got to see two great friends and spend time with them. My friend Mitchell (see picture) was there and it is a delight to see him, chat with him and I enjoy listening to him speak. I need to listen to him from time to time to get myself re-focused and realise that there is so much I can do if I don’t let myself get in the way of me!!!



My other friend, Guy Levine, was also there and I love seeing him. He is such a lovely young man with a good brain and a warm heart. His insight into marketing on the internet is really wonderful.

I also got to see a number of other friends including Robyn Pearce who is the current President of the International Federation for Professional Speakers.

A wonderful experience was to be on stage at Inspire2006 and have the chance to question the four speakers after they had delivered their speeches. They were all Chief Executives of their companies. John Timpson of Timpson’s, Mark Adlestone from Beaverbrooks Jewelers and Claire Owen of Stopgap. They were all consistent in their message about the need to focus and develop people and most importantly the need to recruit the right people. They were very clear that if the person is not right, then deal with it and don’t let it contaminate the organisation.

I was only able to attend the opening of the UK Speakers Association conference but it was wonderful to see some old friends and to make some contacts.

I am off to South Africa now and have a hectic week planned over there.