We all just want to be appreciated February 20, 2017 | City Talk I have a confession to make: I am a people pleaser. Despite my analytical bent and time spent with other data-driven CFA charterholders, even a small compliment can do wonders to fuel my enthusiasm to accomplish a goal. It turns out that in this competitive industry, I am not alone, at least according to the [...]
Five rules for interviews in a new media era February 20, 2017 | City Talk President Donald Trump’s precedent-shattering approach to press relations has set a new tone in the media. Executives and business leaders from all industry sectors who sit for interviews should know that they will now face a more aggressive — and defensive — media. Trump has changed the communications landscape by redefining the role of the [...]
City Moves for 20 February 2017 – who’s switching jobs? February 20, 2017 Today's City Moves cover investment management, pensions and natural resources. Take a look at these movers and shakers: Quilter Cheviot Quilter Cheviot, part of Old Mutual Wealth, has appointed Cameron Farnell as regional development manager. Cameron has joined Quilter Cheviot after working for HSBC Group for over 15 years. In his most recent role, Cameron [...]
These are the seven deadly sins of the workplace February 17, 2017 Perhaps it was inevitable that someone would try to rebrand the seven deadly sins. After all, it’s 1,700 years since monk Evagrius Ponticus came up with the eight evil thoughts generally credited with the concept. These were whittled down to seven by Pope Gregory I in AD590 – vainglory was the one to go. Now [...]
City Moves for 17 February 2017 – who’s switching jobs? February 17, 2017 Today's City Moves cover auditing, utilities and risk consultancy. Take a look at these movers and shakers: RSM Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has appointed Rowan Williams as the new managing partner in its Gatwick office. In her new role, Rowan will be in charge of growing the firm’s presence in the Gatwick Diamond [...]
The Lloyd’s of London lunchtime drinking ban will backfire: As a recovering alcoholic, I should know February 17, 2017 The announcement this week that Lloyd’s of London has banned booze during office hours adds to the slightly Orwellian atmosphere currently infiltrating 2017. It smacks of a nanny-state approach, using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, and as a recovering alcoholic myself, I don’t think it’ll work. Why not? Because you don’t change behaviour, let [...]
Let’s stop being so British about the chronically late February 16, 2017 To this day, my first accounting class remains my most vivid memory of Insead. For the first 10 minutes, the professor stood silently at the lectern, watching the endless file of late-comers filter down the aisles – coffee and croissant in hand – clamber to their seats, shuffle their bags noisily. He is a push-over, I [...]
How can brands avoid social media crises? February 16, 2017 The London Dungeon apologised this week after its “dark Valentine campaign” on social media drew widespread criticism. This incident got me revisiting a familiar issue: how can brands avoid social media crises? With policies, practice runs and neutral second opinions. There are often just a few origins for social media crises: Misjudgement: Brands can [...]
Help! My firm’s gone into administration. What do I do now? February 16, 2017 The collapse into administration of King & Wood Mallesons’s European arm has left creditors enraged, and competitors salivating in the business and legal press. But most sympathy was reserved for its staff, particularly after news that the firm’s bank had rejected a proposal to release funds to pay January salaries. This highlights how vulnerable staff [...]
Podcast: Mindfulness in the office, and how to be happy at work February 16, 2017 They say happiness is a state of mind – can you use mindfulness to change that? We're Joined by Gelong Thubten, a Buddhist monk whose corporate clients have included Google, and Dr Jack Kreindler, founder of the Centre for Happiness and Performance, to talk about how to be happy at work using techniques like mindfulness. [...]