Emerging Futures 2018 was packed with ideas, opportunities, and leadership learning, and it doesn’t need to stop after 14 September. It’s important that we don’t simply leave the event feeling, “yes, I had a good day”.
This is a chance to extend the opportunity for new connections and conversations, and to harness the tools, tips and messages about making those big ideas happen.
There is much talk about AI and digital futures, and those are definitely part of the lives we are living now, never mind in the future. But, we also need human connectivity. We need opportunities like #emergingfutures2018 to engage, to enquire and to inform ourselves and others about the things that matter to us. We need to harness what we know, how we know and how we connect. For that is a requirement of the future and we are responsible for creating our own futures.
'Young people – don't be afraid to fail, to start something when you dont know what you're doing. You don't have to rely on organisations – you can forge your own path. You dont need to wait to make a change. You are ready now', Visual artist Ibrahim Mahama #EmergingFutures2018
— Roseanna (@rose_kala_dias) September 14, 2018
Really enjoyed this quote mentioned by @jenniecashman at #EmergingFutures2018 “Time is a created thing. To say I don’t have time is like saying I don’t want to.” – Lao Tzu
— Ciaron Wilkinson (@ciaronjw) September 14, 2018
Another requirement we have is to share and to learn – not as an exchange, but as an interaction, an inter-action. At Clore Leadership, we firmly believe that true innovation happens when diverse perspectives, disciplines and skills connect. So it is important to take the time to notice what is going on, to listen well, and to speak up – to make really good use of the experience and expertise around us, and match that experience with inquiry and with curiosity, from wherever they come.
Excellent leadership advice from @mbalshaw at #emergingfutures2018 as she describes her fascinating career path, “If you’re going to step outside your comfort zone you need to have a serious support system for yourself.” Wise words about feeling able to ask for help as a leader!
— Manchester International Festival (@MIFestival) September 14, 2018
Our work roles do not have the longevity of times past; and there are few of us seeking single sector roles that span decades of our lives. It’s time of the “/”: the artist / entrepreneur / manager. We mix it all up and that is the new normal. We need to be purposeful in taking charge of our futures, to learn from the actions and examples of others.
We need ideas. We need creativity. We need innovation, and we need action.
Brilliant talk by @nikeshshukla at #EmergingFutures2018 “Diversity isn’t about telling 7 white people sat around a table that 3 need to leave and replacing them with black, Asian or working class people. It’s adding more chairs, it’s getting rid of the table altogether”
— Ciaron Wilkinson (@ciaronjw) September 14, 2018
Maria asked us to do things we have not done before; try out the new version of ourselves. Nikesh asked us to always wonder out loud who is not in the room, and what can we do about that? Sarah asked us to learn ways of saying ‘no’, because in saying ‘no’ to somebody else’s request, we are saying ‘yes’ to one of our own priorities; that is just so empowering. Clare reminded us that responsibility for those in leadership positions lies inside, so we should not always be expecting others to fight or to knock. We should take those roles of responsibility – open the doors and make things accessible and do some of the fighting and protect those who are not on the inside.
And, if you are still struggling with that word, ‘leadership’, just embrace it.
You have something to offer the world, not just yourself #emergingfutures2018
— noor (@noor_rubani) September 14, 2018
Because in embracing ‘leadership’ you are embracing your strengths and your potential, you are embracing your possibility to make your future happen.
My last message is to grab learning, grab it in any form – grab it online, grab it in the seminar room, on one of the Clore Leadership Programme courses, make it emerge in the best way possible for you.
Some excellent and wise tweets coming from #emergingfutures2018 today on self-management, knowing your value, and really making inclusion & diversity happen in the arts. Thanks for sharing! Well worth following along
— Dr Niamh NicGhabhann (@Niamh_NicGhabh) September 14, 2018
I encourage you to make use of events like #emergingfutures2018 to be better informed, to be more knowledgeable because more knowledge leads to better decisions and better decisions lead to better outcomes and those outcomes are all our futures.
My main takeaway from #EmergingFutures2018 today has been to embrace gentle and vulnerable leadership. We so often see and think of leadership as playing hard ball and leading with authority. You can still do that and embrace the thrill of kindness. That’s the leader I am.
— Jake Orr (@jakeyoh) September 14, 2018