Weeknotes S01 E09
Low tide, more sunshine, lots of people!
What have I been doing?
Listening, thinking and talking! Hugely privileged to be asked to join the Digital Leaders team and the Public Sector Innovation conference on Tuesday, talking with peers around the UK and partners about digital transformation and how to sustain, and build on it in the recovery from COVID-19. The Chair, Professor Mark Thompson expertly and energetically fielded many thoughts and ideas throughout the day, and reflected on the day here. I was really taken by the number of local initiatives, with clear intent and focus by speakers and attendees in chat. So many connections and things we can together.
Our team presented at a very senior meeting this week across Capability (Skills) and Data. The feedback was great and whilst I am not a big fan of HiPPO (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion) and also suddenly huge energy for what we were trying to do along.. sometimes.. you.. need.. it…so that a switch in mindset happens for the many, not just the few. The trick is to steer them to the answers. The team did a great job preparing (based on evidence) and delivering, and now wading through the enthusiastic actions! Yeah..
Listening to teams and individuals has been a big focus of this week. There is change, there is always change.. but with new leadership and energy for all our work, there are things which impact people, myself included. My job is to do all I can to support them, support the leaders and enable change to further enable, not detract.
I was thrilled to join the FDM team at the Everywoman of Technology awards. 6 years ago I was honoured to win the Woman of the Year award and the Everywoman team and their platforms, and the FDM group with all they do to enable skills and talent of others has stayed close to my heart. Their ethos resonates with mine, so I virtually cheer or when I can-physically cheer-all progress, and the progress of those they motivate, grow and recognise. A friend was nominated for Male Agent of Change, he didn’t win (it was a REALLY tough shortlist) but he is one who through my career has supported and articulated the value of inclusion, diversity and innovation. He has a cracking sense of humour too :)
What am I thinking?
It was Open Data Day 2021 on Saturday and the breadth of impact and value Open Data could have to society is vast. We are working towards this and there is more to do. Talking of data, evidence for the value of digital, data and technology is another strand to our work, and our thinking and telling the stories. This article was interesting, nothing new but once again-focus on benefit, articulate need. Clearly talk about it.
Similar to this, how we convince people in a field which is not natural or against the grain is always a topic I stretch myself thinking about and exploring. If asked I often say I’m part salesperson in my role, understanding needs, adjusting tack to the audience and convincing/bringing others on the journey. I loved this article using Steve Jobs as a case study and who/how his teams and suppliers persuaded, and an honest reflection of why he left and the lessons he learnt when he went back as CEO and how he changed his style. The quote resonated “In a turbulent world, success depends not just on cognitive horsepower but also on cognitive flexibility.”
I’m thinking of the Digital Leaders Book Club coming up this week. I’ve enjoyed making space for reading through lockdown and getting away from the screen. I’m looking forward to creative discussion and meeting new people. There are some fantastic books coming up and themes which really resonate with me (including into marketing.)
Must finish on a Flash photo… and a few today, exploring low tide, listening to the waves, searching over a fence for a deer and resting…… plus the fabulous flower filled headband to echo that of Ada Lovelace’s well known style for the everywoman awards.
