The Changemakers Conference is a day I never compromise on. I ringfence it because it offers something rare: a day of inspiration, from both within outside the industry, a day to reflect how I am delivering change and how I can help drive, support and empower other whilst delivering the change. This year's delivered exactly that, with an agenda designed to help marketing leaders face into the challenges and realities ahead.
We explored everything from the geopolitical landscape to contemporary leadership, from building fulfilled marketing teams to growing the brands and businesses of tomorrow. The inspiration came from leaders both inside and outside our profession, each bringing perspectives that challenged and energised.
A few of my key takeouts are below
A few powerful takeaways that really landed for me:
🔹 Lord Gavin Barwell
A reminder of the resilience required in leadership, accepting that things will happen that you didn’t predict or prepare for, and that true strength lies in how you respond in the moment.
🔹 McLaren’s insight on high-performing teams
Zak Brown shared with us that trust + incremental daily gains = exceptional teams.
Build a team of great teammates. Embrace mistakes, just don’t repeat them.
🔹 Sharry Cramond, M&S
A brilliant example of marketing leadership in action.
She highlighted how marketers drive trade, build brand and engage colleagues, showing how M&S turned 70,000 colleagues into 70,000 brand ambassadors.
From individual store and employee social accounts, to staff wearing badges with their favourite products, to sharing inside scoop from the buying team, all built on trust and empowering colleagues to champion what they genuinely love.
🔹 Ashley Wray
A grounding message on authentic leadership through the power of mindfulness - what a way to lead 500 people in a room in a moment of calm.
Lead with self-awareness. Use mindfulness and meditation to arrive fully present, communicate clearly and avoid making decisions under stress.
🔹 Yinka Ilori, Architect of Joy
A powerful reminder of the importance of purpose.
Clarity of intention enables you to manifest what you truly desire.
