Six business giants hope to inspire future leaders

Nov 25 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

SIX of the North East's leading business figures hope to inspire others to realise their potential when they meet to discuss what defines good leadership.

Entrepreneur Tony Trapp, who is the David Goldman Visiting Professor of Business Innovation at Newcastle University, will meet former holders of the prestigious title at the discussion next month.

One of the other speakers is Paul Callaghan, chairman of Sunderland technology firm Leighton, who believes that all good leaders share the same characteristics – as well as being able to take a strategic view, they have the ability to drive their vision through to a conclusion.

He said: “Good leaders have a vision that other people may not able to see , but, just as importantly, they also have the ability to carry people with them. This requires good persuasion and communication skills.

“Events like these are about persuading people who might not think they have the potential to realise that potential, to put themselves forward and realise they can be a leader too.”

The event takes place early next month at the university and it will consider:

What is the importance of strategic leadership in creating and nurturing a team?

Is conflict within a leadership team an essential part of maintaining a creative dynamic?

How does the behaviour of leaders affect others and, consequently, business performance?

How do you embed an innovative ethos in an organisation?

The event, entitled Building and Leading a Creative Team, is part of the Newcastle University Business School Leadership Series Event and takes place on Wednesday, December 2, from 6-8.30pm at the Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University.

The speakers include:

Dr Tony Trapp, chairman of IHC Engineering Business and current David Goldman Visiting Professor for Business Innovation.

Dr Trapp was also named the North East Business Executive of the Year 2008 at the 25th North East Business Executive of the Year Awards, run by The Journal and the Evening Gazette.

Paul Callaghan, chairman of Leighton Group and David Goldman Visiting Professor for Business Innovation 2006-2007.

Leighton is the North East’s largest digital consultancy, and was founded by Paul more than 12 years ago. It designs and develops high-profile digital projects with commercial values in excess of £40m.

Fiona Cruickshank, co-owner and director of SCM Pharma and David Goldman Visiting Professor for Business Innovation 2007-2008.

A former North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Fiona sold her business, The Specials Laboratory, in 2008 for £20.1m.

Chris Thompson, managing director of Express Group and David Goldman Visiting Professor for Business Innovation 2005-2006.

Serial entrepreneur Chris Thompson has launched more than 40 new enterprises and turned the Gateshead-based Express Group from a small engineering company into a £25m turnover group.

Mark I’Anson, technology entrepreneur and David Goldman Visiting Professor for Business Innovation 2004-2005.

He founded Integrated Micro Products and floated it on the US NASDAQ stock exchange before it was acquired by Sun Microsystems.

Paul Collard, chief executive at Creativity, Culture and Education and David Goldman Visiting Professor for Business Innovation 2003-2004.

Paul is chief executive at Creativity, Culture and Education, a national organisation created to generate transformational cultural and creative programmes for children and young people across England.

:: Register your interest at www.ncl.ac.uk/nubs/about/events/leadership/goldman/register.htm, or by emailing bsevents@ncl.ac.uk