22 www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com PRESIDENT FLOURISH


Participants of the 2017-2018 Flourish Programme


Flourish Senior Leadership Development Programme


I


t only takes a moment to make a valuable business connection. But so much needs to fall into place to make that moment matter. It’s about the right timing and the gathering of open-minded people. This is clearly one of the benefits of Glasgow Chamber’s Flourish Senior Leadership Development Programme, which is organised and delivered by Connie Young, facilitator of the Chamber President’s Club. “I think if you put the right people in the room together, magical things can happen,” says Connie, who is also Managing Director of Inspiring ChangeMakers. Some of that magic includes a new business connection between Andrew Muirhead & Son, Glasgow’s world-leading, high performance leather makers, and the chief executive of a leading Middle Eastern five and six-star hotel management chain. It’s the kind of serendipity that makes the Flourish Programme, which started in August and runs until January next year, worth its weight in gold. The programme involves between 12 and 15 senior executives from existing Glasgow businesses and organisations, and helps them build their networks and share their specific leadership problems in a non- judgmental environment. At an event hosted by Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive of City of Glasgow College, the participants heard from Donald Bremner, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality in Dubai. The company


manages several five and six-star hotels in the United Arab Emirates and the Seychelles. Donald spoke about the high level of expectation from his investors, including members of the Emirati Royal Family, and how business leaders must be continually aware of changing corporate risks. During the session, he met Colin Wade, Managing Director of Andrew Muirhead & Son, based in Dalmarnock, and they shared notes. Donald offered to help make key introductions in the UAE to those interested in Muirhead’s high- performance leather, which adorns high-end cars and jet aircraft. “I think the Flourish programme has been outstanding,” said Mr Wade. “Not only have I met a group of fellow Glasgow business people who have become colleagues, but we have been introduced to some amazing international figures who want


It’s been terrific to listen


to the guest speakers’ stories... All involved realise that they are not alone”


Glasgow to do well. I’ve been fortunate to make valuable contacts.” In September, Flourish members


were enchanted to hear Angela Mathis, Glasgow-born founder of ThinkTankMaths, who spoke about space junk falling on our heads and what was being done to map the trajectory of such debris. She also mentioned the challenges of working across global cultures and developing new maths for multi-sector problems. In October, Stephen Halpin, founder


of the design company Curious Oranj, now Halpin Consulting, gave the group a number of creative industry leadership insights, while Alex Reedijk of Scottish Opera spoke with passion about leadership in the music and performance sector, and Gurjit Sangh Lalli told participants about the growing success of TedX Glasgow and how he has made that happen. “The Flourish programme really helps participants grow in confidence in terms of how they tackle organisational issues and leadership challenges,” said Connie. “It’s been terrific to listen to the guest speakers’ stories. It can be an emotional experience too, as all involved realise that they are not alone – no matter their level of expertise.” The 2017 course ends in January and


we are keen to hear from anybody who would like to join the 2018 programme, which will launch next August.


CONTACT SUSAN.MCKAY@ GLASGOWCHAMBEROFCOMMERCE. COM FOR FURTHER DETAILS.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48