AMBA & BGA EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS
balance. Today’s workers want to feel they are directly contributing to a shared goal – one that is clear and easily understood. They like transparency and leaders who are authentic in their dealings, both with their people and their stakeholders. They don’t like ivory walls and a ‘them and us’ mentality. They want compassionate leadership that promotes employee wellbeing but is also there to support employees in personal matters that transcend the working day. A good leader must think with their heart as well as their head. I think the need for these skills has become pronounced in an era of social media and in a generation that wants to feel emboldened, not controlled. In many women, these skills come naturally and that is the ace card we bring to the table.” When it comes to leadership development, do you think there are any areas on which business schools could focus more, either in their programmes or in their work with the wider business community? “I am 20+ years out of university, so perhaps business schools already cater for this, but I would focus on exploring leadership styles that will be most successful in an era of technological acceleration and a scarcity of talent. I think the rise of compassionate leadership and its success in leading impactful teams is a worthwhile area to focus on too. We have a generation that interacts online for the most part and, while I am a massive advocate for embracing all the benefits of technological advancement, I do also think we need to remember the basics of proper interpersonal skills, such as good communication.”
Lorna Conn believes that women’s intrinsic leadership style brings empathy and compassion to the workplace
capabilities. The desire to be an exemplar in our industry for good sustainable practices is a shared vision across our business. In addition to this, existing and prospective clients regularly require us to demonstrate our sustainability credentials and prove to them that we are a sustainable business within their supply chain. “Our sustainability strategy targets the most important issues for CPL’s business and the impact our business has on society, the environment, our people and the economy. We believe in the cumulative impact of everyone ‘doing their part’ to mitigate against climate change, no matter how small their contribution.” What do you believe are the most important traits a good business leader in today’s society should possess? “I think today’s successful leader is an empath. The old leadership style of command and control doesn’t motivate a workforce that wants to be inspired and empowered and seeks a better work/life
Ambition | MAY 2024 | 45
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