Gillian Karran-Cumberlege, the co-founder of Fidelio Partners answers a series of questions and explains the motivation behind the programme, the location choice and the range of disciplines of the speakers. She is leading the module “The Power of Networks” and will share her experience as the current Head of Fidelio’s Board Practice and formerly a leading business woman in Germany and the most senior female executive globally within Volkswagen AG.
Fidelio: What was the motivation behind the programme?
Gillian: As a woman in business and a co-founder of Fidelio Partners I am thrilled that we are taking positive action to develop the pipeline of Senior Female Executives through this development programme. The programme is a response to some of the specific challenges we see women facing as they approach the Top Table and indeed join the Top Table, and it is well researched. We draw upon our discussions through our Search and Development work with clients and candidates about the obstacles that they see and experience. In this process we reached out to a number of leading multinationals and incorporated the findings. Our programme addresses questions such as do women have the network they need? Are they seen to convey authority? Are they attuned to Board and group dynamic of the top team? Obstacles or blockages in the pipeline are value destroyers for both companies and executives. Our mission is to add value to business and the programme “A Seat at the Table” is a way of achieving this.
Fidelio: What differentiates Fidelio’s programme?
Gillian: Greater gender diversity is now a generally recognised corporate goal but unlocking the door to the top table and boardroom is proving no easy task for companies. There are plenty of programmes that purport to hold the key, but I strongly believe that we are offering something very different. We are in a privileged position to convene world class expertise. Few programmes can boast such an array of speakers in terms of discipline and experience, with an ex-NATO general, a professor, a philosopher and a theatre director. And that’s before drawing upon the wisdom of our guest speakers gleaned from the world of institutional investment, the prison service and the World Economic Forum.
Fidelio: Why have you chosen Sandhurst as the venue?
Gillian: The choice of Sandhurst as the location for a female executive programme may seem counter-intuitive to some. I was very struck by a discussion on leadership with General Sir Richard Shirreff. His clarity of thinking is impressive, and he has a proven record of leading from the front and beyond. This draws upon the military heritage of building a team over many years that is deeply resilient. The military succeeds or fails on the calibre of its leaders and the learnings are as relevant to senior female executives, as they are to other leaders. Qualities such as humility, resilience and the ability to take on difficult assignments are applicable to both. The grandeur and history of Sandhurst Royal Military Academy provide a fitting, inspirational setting and was an opportunity not to be missed.
Fidelio: The speakers on the course come from a range of disciplines but the majority are male. Is this appropriate?
Gillian: The gender imbalance in companies and boardrooms remains palpable. Women need to understand the male dynamic if they are to succeed. At Fidelio, we are focused on driving value through the calibre of the board. The calibre of women in terms of qualifications, skills, experience and application is not in doubt, but barriers to a more equal representation at the higher levels of business still remain. There are reasons for this and our speakers have been specifically chosen for their proven experience and ability to help bring about change. I feel particularly strongly about those who simply declare that “there are not enough good women” without looking for solutions to the pipeline problem.
Fidelio: Emphasis is placed on the module “The Power of Networks”. Why is this?
Gillian: A leading Diversity Director interviewed in the research for this programme highlighted a trap that many women fall into – happily networking, but with less focus and purpose than some of their male colleagues. We have identified networking as an area warranting particular attention. We explore different types of networks – operational, strategic and personal networks; networks of support, networks of reciprocity; we also understand the importance of networks in career progression and in driving innovation. We are delighted to have two guest speakers: Piers Cumberlege, a highly experienced Board director who was previously Head of Partnership at the World Economic Forum and has, therefore, thought more consciously about the power of networks on a global basis than most. We will also welcome Susan Sternglass Noble who is a leading institutional investor in the banking sector with an understanding of the increasing importance of shareholder expectations for boards. This, too, is an extremely relevant network for senior executives.
Fidelio: What will success look like for you?
Gillian: We’ve been delighted by the response to “A Seat at the Table”, and have been encouraged to deliver the programme again in 2016. I will judge the programme a success when our delegates