If you’re looking for somebody who is going to entertain your audience but at the same time make them think seriously about the future, then you have come to the right place. I know how difficult it is to find a speaker who can inspire an audience whilst introducing them to some new ideas about the way the world works. In the 16 years I spent running the Future Work Forum at Henley Business School I engaged hundreds of speakers from the boring detailed academics through to the motivational but content-free personalities.
Now your problem is solved. You have found a speaker with a passion, to show audiences that the world of work is changing around us and to inspire them to join the revolution. Your audience will learn that we are living in rapidly changing times, driven by technology, yet we are still stuck with 19th-century working patterns. They will also hear some funny anecdotes that show how some of our current ways of working are absurdly out of date. So if you’re looking for a keynote conference speaker I have the material and the experience to deliver.
One of the advantages of having seen developments first hand over the last 40 years and having studied my subject at a leading business school, is that I can naturally deliver a message about the future of work without having to refer to other people’s material. You could get some of my ideas from my best-selling book ‘Future Work’, but there’s no substitute for hearing me delivering my message from the heart! I cover many topics related to work and I address a range of audiences. So, start a discussion with me and check my availability.
Here are some examples of my themes when presenting to a business audience. I can vary these themes and design a talk to meet your own requirements.
The Future of Work
Social and technological changes are driving a revolution in work practices. The new generation of workers has different expectations from work and its place in their lives. The time and place of work has become flexible. Organisations will need to adapt to these changes or risk losing their best people.
Organisational Culture
To achieve the best results from the workforce of the future, organisational cultures must adapt from traditional ‘command and control’ to ‘trust and empower’. Based on extensive research and case studies of leading employers, I explain how management has to adapt to the expectations of today’s employees.
Business benefits of new working practices
Current ‘flexible working’ programmes have been introduced as an employee benefit and are often seen as a burden for management. I show that new working practices can be introduced as part of business strategy and contribute to the bottom line through increased out put and reduced costs.
Role of HR in introducing flexible working
HR has traditionally introduced flexible working as a ‘family friendly’ policy helping to attract and retain good people. My aim is to get HR professionals to see that they can lead a change in the management of work as a contribution to business goals.
Management of flexible work
Managers often struggle to adapt to the new world of work where they are obliged to allow people to work remotely with less supervision. I help them to understand how to delegate and measure by results, empowering individuals to work productively.
Flexible working and the environment
Traditional working practices are a major contribution to traffic congestion, stress and pollution. I show how remote working and other practices can reduce CO2 emissions, save costs and improve the quality of working life.