Business faces unparalleled change, disruption and transformation. In response Boards and leadership teams that are “fit for the future” will necessarily look different, including increased female representation at Board and Executive level. Today’s dynamic business landscape creates opportunity for talented women, while also placing heavy demands on corporate leaders.
London, 20th April 2017
Against this backdrop, Fidelio’s “A Seat at the Table” Programme next held at Leeds Castle, Kent on 6th – 7th September 2017, provides the location, environment and framework for senior women to prioritise their goals and careers. Firstly, Leeds Castle creates a powerful and symbolic stage for participants to focus on leadership and its attributes. And secondly the magnificent setting of Leeds Castle allows reflection and clear thinking, so that senior women can take a step back and gain perspective for the next steps in their own careers as Executive and/or Non-Executive Board Directors.
Effectiveness at the Boardroom Table: Power Struggles and Negotiations
In designing the “A Seat at the Table” Programme, Fidelio had a clear focus of ensuring that women succeed to the top table and at the top table. An important strand of our thinking very obviously related to leadership, as well as perceptions of leadership. Location was critical. Hence the choice of Leeds Castle, a historic location which has been an important power base over many centuries, as well as the site of major geopolitical negotiations.
Leeds Castle has witnessed great historical events and power struggles. It has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous. In the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain.
Much of the “A Seat at the Table” Programme is held around the Board table in the Leeds Castle Boardroom. The Boardroom itself has been the site of historic discussions, including in 1978 the meeting between the Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Ibrahim Karmel; Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan; and Cyrus Vance of the USA in preparation for the Camp David Accords. More recently, in 2004, it was also the site of the Northern Ireland peace talks, led by the UK Prime Minster, Tony Blair.
The Leeds Castle Boardroom is thus rich with history but also intimate in atmosphere. This creates a perfect environment for focussing on Board skills in a safe “Chatham House Rules” environment. “A Seat at the Table” is a highly engaging and practical programme, which explores themes such as Boards in crisis, as well as presence in the Boardroom. This is achieved through role play and case studies with highly experienced Board professionals who bring first-hand knowledge of Board effectiveness and the challenges that Directors face. The Leeds Castle Boardroom thus perfectly lends itself to exploring and experiencing effective leadership at the top table.
A Setting for Reflection
The pace of change for senior Executives and Directors demands speed, agility and focus. In this business environment, senior female Executives are frequently intently focussed on delivery and execution. The opportunity to reflect on their own development and Boardroom career trajectory is scarce.
Leeds Castle, located outside London but within convenient reach, with its extensive grounds, impressive architecture and magnificent moat enables participants to take two days out of busy schedules for themselves. Critically the “A Seat at the Table” Programme comprises fast and immersive learning, as well as opportunities to reflect. The two combine to ensure participants leave with frameworks of leadership, a mirror and a road map to guide the next phase of their career.
Equally Leeds Castle provides a distinctive and memorable location to forge a strong network with talented senior women from a range of sectors and geographies, and also to connect with Chairmen and world experts contributing to the “A Seat at the Table” Programme.
Now in its fourth iteration “A Seat at the Table” is a unique two-day programme, which is immersive and intensely practical; it is clearly focused on empowering senior female executives and directors to succeed to the top table and at the top table. Leeds Castle is a core component of this Programme. Memorable, commanding, and distant from the noise of daily business life, Leeds Castle contributes to the success of “A Seat at the Table”. Location is far too important to leave to chance.
For more information about “A Seat at the Table”, or for information about how Fidelio can support you and your organisation, please contact Emily Baker.
Limited places for the September 2017 Programme are available; the final date for registration is 31st May 2017.
Notes to Editors:
The Programme – “A Seat at the Table“ is a unique two day programme around the Board table providing insight into complexity and Board effectiveness, as well as the route to the Boardroom. The goal is to increase female representation at the Top Table and develop tomorrow’s female CEOs and Chairs. Participants are Senior Female Executives and Directors with extensive leadership experience along with the ambition and potential to become highly effective Board Directors. To date we have welcomed women from leading FTSE 100 and international companies – including from the US, continental Europe and Africa.
Participants in “A Seat at the Table” leave with practical tools to help them succeed, including:
- a framework for understanding leadership structures and styles;
- a mirror for personal presence including within a group dynamic; and
- a road map of critical networks and milestones, in order to achieve their professional and personal objectives.
“A Seat at the Table“ – the feedback:
- “very rich in content, a great blend of technical aspects, softer skills and confidence building … An excellent Board readiness programme” – CEO, Major Subsidiary, Global Financial Services Company
- “practically narrowed the gap between my current position and the Board […] demystifying being on the Board” – Head of Leadership and Learning, Multinational Industrial Company
- “the best concentrated injection of development and learning that I have ever had … It hits the mark perfectly” – FTSE 100 Group HR Executive
Enrolment has begun for “A Seat at the Table“ , Wednesday 6th – Thursday 7th September 2017.
The delegate enrolment fee is £7,500 plus VAT for this two day residential programme at Leeds Castle, Kent, UK.
About Fidelio
As a Board Development and Executive Search consultancy, Fidelio has a clear focus on building Boards and leadership teams fit for the future. We do this through Search, Development and Evaluation, underpinned by a deep understanding of what shareholders and stakeholders expect from the leadership team. Diversity is hardwired into every aspect of Fidelio’s offering. Based in London we work internationally; 50% of our Search, Development and Evaluation work is outside the UK.
For further information on how we can support your company through Search, Development or Evaluation, or of Fidelio’s ‘A Seat at the Table’ programme for senior female executives and directors please contact Emily Baker, or alternatively call + 44 (0) 20 7759 2200.