Posts in Perspectives
Positive change in the cross-pollination between industry sectors

Where before we saw a clear challenge in attracting private sector leaders to the not-for-profit or public sector, these days at Alumni we see more and more examples of leadership skills being transferred between the sectors. Historically, the cross-over movement has been one way: from private to not-for-profit. Finally, we now see a more equal cross-over trend. So, what are some of the main differences and ideals? How can we maintain and encourage this interchange and cross-over between sectors?

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Career Transitions

Managing a career transition in a turbulent and uncertain job market can be overwhelming. Fredrik Malmsten, Chartered Occupational Psychologist at Alumni outlines how approaching the transition with a clear understanding of your personal values and utilising effective strategies, you can successfully navigate this process and find a career that aligns with your values and aspirations, and during the process grow and develop as a person.

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The Conscious Art of Diverse Thinking

In today’s online interconnected world we are increasingly exposed to a world full of diversity. We are able to engage and connect with people across the world, across different cultures and social contexts. However, it does not necessarily follow that we as individuals leverage the potential of this great vast expanse of diverse interactions. Technology has made it possible, but evolution operates on a different timescale. Individuals must still learn to interpret and cope with social challenges that come with more diversity.

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A Good Board

Many corporate governance codes require an annual board review affecting particularly listed companies. However, research shows that well-run boards take the process of self-evaluation seriously even where it is not mandated. Board reviews examine the workings of a board and its members along with its effectiveness, the quality of its decision making and strategy, and its relationship with owners and executive management. What are the key features of a good board – particularly in today’s politically and economically turbulent business landscape?

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Navigating Uncertainty as a Leader

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, companies are under increasing pressure to transform in order to remain competitive. This requires strong leadership that can tackle the challenges of disruption head-on. The stakes are high, as businesses must navigate new challenges, such as shifting consumer behaviour, rapidly changing technology, new ways of working and volatile economic conditions.  Fredrik Malmsten, Consultant and Chartered Occupational Psychologist at Alumni discusses some helpful considerations for successful leadership during uncertainty.

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ESG - 5 Steps from Board Strategy to Action

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is a set of standards measuring a business's impact on society, the environment, and how transparent and accountable it is. ESG is at long last on the boardroom agenda, but recent research shows that whilst three quarters of boards believe ESG is important to their company’s success there is a disconnect in linking their governance approach with performance and goals. How can boards drive through their approach to deliver results?

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5 ways that help the board build business resilience

Unforeseen risk is a subject of concern for directors and whilst they would love to see into the future, companies will always be challenged by unexpected events. These events always contain elements of both threat and opportunity and a resilient approach to their navigation can have multiple advantages. What more can boards be doing to oversee risk and make the business resilient in the face of unexpected disruption?

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Creating new paths for future growth

The predictions and advice available on how best to weather these times of great uncertainty and business disruptions are many. Macroeconomic instabilities and a looming global slowdown affect us all. Adding our perspective to the mix, we see a key characteristic that organisations will have to practice and integrate, to thrive in the future - flexibility. Taking on an interim solution is for many companies and organisations still a new approach to create room for flexibility, growth and improved efficiency.

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Psychological Safety – Integrity, Innovation & Inclusion in Turbulent Times

Recent times have highlighted the importance of workplace wellness and the current geopolitical and economic instabilities have kept it high on the agenda. In this article, we explain why psychological safety is necessary for the highest expression of integrity, innovation, and inclusion; explore the obstacles to creating psychological safety; and show how leaders can overcome these obstacles to boost resilience.

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Turning Challenges in to Leadership Opportunities

Together with the International Hospital Federation’s Women in Leadership Forum, we recently hosted an event to help raise awareness and encourage an interchange of experience about career progression into senior leadership roles. This was a wide-reaching forum providing unique insights and personal experiences on overcoming the challenges of being a woman in a position of leadership, discussing topics such as: barriers to entry, structural inequalities leveraging opportunities, allies and sponsorship.

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HR as a facilitator for ESG

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are rising up the boardroom agenda, as governments and businesses grow in their commitment to be less impactful on the planet and deliver more equitable societal outcomes. HR professionals can play a pivotal role in helping organisations achieve their ESG goals, whether through simply reflecting the diversity of society itself or committing to the strategic cultural goals of carbon footprint reduction and sustainable business practices.

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