So, I am back in Johannesburg after a whirlwind week away at our fifth London CSCLeaders Alumni+ pop up and finally have a few minutes to reflect on the week that was. First off, a huge thank you to all the alumni and speakers who contributed to making the weekend a thoughtful and inspiring experience. A weekend like this could not happen if not for the generosity of all involved. For those of you who managed to join us and for those thinking of joining us in the future here is an overview of what went on.
Our theme for the weekend was Leadership in a Fragmented Interdependent World with a focus on the world as we find it post covid and how this has changed our relationship with the world.
Our weekend began with a relaxed catch-up dinner, giving everyone the opportunity to either reconnect or meet new friends.
The world as we find it
On Saturday morning we began our day with a broad geopolitical look at the world from Hon. Alexander Downer AC, a long-standing career politician having served as a career diplomat in the Australian Diplomatic Service and with the United Nations and as a member of the Australian parliament for 24 years having spent nearly 12 of those years as Australia’s foreign minister. He is currently the Executive Chair of the International School for Government at King’s College London, Chairman of the UK think tank Policy Exchange and a trustee of the International Crisis Group.
Claire Lowden, Head of Marketing, Media and Communications for Street Child joined us to give inputs into finding local solutions to global problems; and Abhik Sen, Head of Innovation and Partnerships for the Commonwealth Secretariat sharing insights into how partnerships can unlock value.
Humanity as we find it
The afternoon focused on our changing perspectives to the world of work, and we were joined by Ben Legg, CEO and Co-founder of The Portfolio Collective who shared his perspectives on The Future of Work and ClaireYvonne Hayward one of our alums who shared her journey over the last few years and the work she now does to support Mental wellbeing in the workplace.
No Saturday would be complete without our tradition of a good shared Indian meal, and we headed for Dishoom to enjoy exactly this.
Looking out and looking in
Sunday offered a change of pace as we paused to reflect firstly on our own leadership journeys with inputs from Caroline Marsh on the Art of Ikigai and then a conversation on our Dreams for CSCGA where we focused on the role, we could all play in growing our leadership network through CSC.
All in all, it was a super weekend with lots to think about.
