Changing markets, higher customer expectations, increased competition and legislation, mean inspirational business leaders have never been more important.  Service Network’s sixth annual conference, Leaders 2007 explored the different characteristics of great leadership and the influence it can exert in a business environment.

Over 110 of the region’s head honchos gathered at Beamish Hall Hotel to listen to the thoughts and experiences of a prestigious line up of speakers, each focussing on a different facet of successful leadership qualities.

Hosted by TV presenter Penny Mallory, the conference examined the leadership traits of inspire, motivate and enable.

To kick off the proceedings, Penny Mallory shared the secret of her success from teenage runaway to national ladies rally driving champion and TV presenter.  She broke her journey down into three steps: Vision, having a clear picture of what you want; Action; what practical steps can you take to move you towards your goal; and Belief; quoting Henry Ford ‘If you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re probably right’.

Belief was also a strong theme of the ‘Enable’ speaker, James Timpson, Managing Director of Timpson Limited.  Established in 1865 Timpson is a family run business which trades from 600 sites, turns over £100 million and employs 1,700 people.  The business is renowned for its unique Upside Down Management Culture, which was the focus of James’s talk.  The ethos of the business essentially is to recruit good people, train and incentivise them.  Granted, these principles are not particularly unique but the practicalities behind how Timpsons implement and support them were enlightening.  The fact that the people in the business with a customer facing role are classed as the most vital, important and empowered is the essence of the ‘upside down’ culture they employ. 

The second speaker, Jake Meyer, certainly fulfilled the ‘motivate’ criteria.  At 21 years old he became the youngest Briton to conquer Mount Everest via the difficult North Col route and the youngest man in the world to complete the seven summits.  Jake took us through his journey where the clear message was ‘stay engaged…or die’.  Dramatic, yes but Jake’s focus and passion were undoubtedly motivational.

The conference finished on a high with an inspirational presentation by Damian Hughes.  Founder of change management consultancy, Liquid Thinker Limited, Damian’s experience spans the world of business and sport and has been praised by the likes of Sir Richard Branson, Muhammad Ali and Sir Alex Ferguson.  Damian took us through his experience of affecting a turnaround at Port Talbot and the techniques employed.

The conference certainly provided a banquet of food for thought, which delegates were able to discuss and digest over a glass of wine.