Next Generation Vision hosts its first networking event
Last night saw the first networking event for the Next Generation Vision (NGV), hosted by NGV team member Rachel Dawes at Norton Rose. The event brought together young industry employees, more established industry figures, Parliamentary researchers, students interested in careers in financial services, and those running various companies and projects aimed at creating a sustainable and socially-valuable industry.
Raquel Hughes, TheCityUK’s Director of Strategy, talked about the aim of the NGV being to create a positive conversation about what financial and related professional services can become in 10-15 years. She explained that the purpose of the networking events is to challenge the negativity surrounding the industry, connecting young industry employees with those from other parts of the sector who they might not usually have the opportunity to meet, and encouraging activity that will contribute to rehabilitating the industry’s reputation.
If our industry is to be truly successful, the next generation of leaders will need to work together: they will need to be devoted to behaving responsibly and treating their customers fairly, as well as to being globally competitive. Those in the room were challenged to make this happen, and we want to grow that network further. The NGV’s blog and social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) are spaces for those who are engaged in positive enterprises to shout about what they are doing. They are also spaces for discussions to take place about the values that we want the industry to hold, and about the opportunities that the sector has to play a key, positive role in society.
Jamie Lywood, CEO of Compathy Limited, gave a lively keynote speech on the importance of empathy in business. His company licenses and accredits users of the Harding & Yorke empathy measurement methodology, helping to make genuine improvements in customers’ experiences while creating profit. Jamie illustrated his points with entertaining anecdotes, using stories from outside financial services to explain how those in the room might best build a concern for treating their customers well into their work in our industry.
We were also delighted to welcome James Magowan and Cheryl Chapman from CityPhilanthropy, a new initiative being driven by Philanthropy UK and supported by City Bridge Trust, to promote philanthropy in the City, particularly among individuals working in the financial services sector. James and Cheryl gave an informal introduction to their work during the drinks reception.
Details of the next networking event will follow soon. In the meantime, we would encourage you to start a positive conversation about the future of our industry by engaging with the NGV through its website and social media channels. If you would like to contribute a post to the NGV blog, please email Rebecca Greeves.
