Different generations of Brummies will need to adapt and learn from each other, if the city is to thrive, was one of the key messages from a recent breakfast morning workshop run by leadership development organisation Common Purpose.
The event, held at Birmingham City University’s Eastside campus, attracted over 30 guests, ranging from senior figures within education through to local businesses, professional services firms and a number of young people and students. The event explored how the city can make the most of an age-diverse workforce, and discussed how the city can attract experienced professionals whilst retaining its existing, emerging talent.
The event began with input from three well-respected, cross-sector leaders; host Jo Birch, Director of Enterprise Innovation and Business Engagement at Birmingham City University; Anita Bhalla OBE, Chair of Performances Birmingham and Chair of the WM Mayor’s Leadership Commission; and Ammo Talwar MBE, Founder and CEO of Punch Records and Chair of Directors of Core Education Trust. It was then followed by dynamic facilitator-led discussions about the challenges and opportunities that an intergenerational workforce might present.
Professor Monder Ram, Director for the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship at Birmingham Business School summed up the event well; “This is a conversation that needs to happen, a conversation about how Birmingham can learn from its past to create a new dynamic and inclusive future. It’s a conversation about how everyone in this city is part of the narrative of the city.
“I am delighted that Common Purpose has decided to initiate this series of conversation about how intergenerational leadership needs to be embedded at the heart of what this city does. What it means in practical terms is all sectors of the city, all communities getting involved, coming together in a way that they haven’t done in the past, to offer their contribution to create a dynamic and more inclusive city.”
Louise Teboul, Operations Director for Common Purpose UK, said; “We are uniquely placed, at Common Purpose, to convene groups that cross boundaries, not just sector boundaries, but also generational ones, as we work with students, emerging and senior leaders. The idea of inter-generational leadership really engaged our participants – there was such a buzz in the room. It’s clear there’s an appetite for more, so we’re now planning another event to explore the topic further.”
The full report about the event can be found at: http://commonpurpose.org/united-kingdom/blog/archive/insights-from-our-intergenleaders-event/
Common Purpose is now planning the next event to carry on the conversation. If you are interested in joining the conversation, please contact Louise Teboul, Operations Director for Common Purpose on louise.teboul@commonpurpose.org.uk
