Why did I enjoy this year’s IOD convention so much?

IOD Convention 28 April 2010

Well, it started with a very pleasant breakfast with Tim Campbell (of the Apprentice fame) who delivered a passionate and motivational speech about minding your P’s and Q’s. He went on to describe his work at “The Bright Ideas Trust” – a mentoring and business support service for 16-30 year olds NEET’s (not in employment education or training) who are seeking to start their own business. Speaking to him after his speech, I was most impressed by his self confidence and commitment to helping young people less fortunate than himself.

The formal convention proceedings commenced promptly at 10.05 with an introduction from Miles Templeman, IOD Director General, about leadership, closely followed by an esteemed list of speakers including:

• Sir Martin Sorrell – WPP Group
• Stephen Green – HSBC Bank
• Dame Kelly Holmes – Championing the Delhi Commonwealth games
• Vincent Cable, George Osborne and Lord Mandelson – Political representatives.

 The best, however in my opinion, were the personal experiences shared by the entrepreneurs such:

• Will King – Founder King of Shaves –  “Life is for living, laughing and working”;
• Emma Hanson CBE – Chairman of A4E – “I was the naughty girl at school”;
• Simon Calver – CEO LoveFilm – “Performance measures steer my ship”.

However, Tristam Mayhew, the Chief Gorilla at Go Ape, saved the best for last when he said “The best decision I made was hiring a part-time FD one day a week”.

The perfect end to a great day.