6th June was a day packed full of energy, positivity and thought-provoking content. With a theme of 'belonging and connection', the line-up of speakers and contributors gave a strong narrative that was insightful, personal and a joy to experience.
The response from everyone there was hugely enthusiastic – just a few examples…
- “The atmosphere, guest and speaker choice, ethos and organisation were the best I've experienced.”
- “Such a brilliantly executed, creative and inspiring event.”
- “As always with Acteon, I walked away with a mind filled with ideas and inspiration! I think to myself, THIS is what connection, collaboration and fun networking feels like...”
- “Everything about the event was exceptional.”
Bringing the theme to life
Speakers shared a wealth of stories and insights, connecting with the audience to bring the theme to life. Host for the day was Acteon Director Owen Rose, setting the tone with a lively and fun introduction.
Compelling keynote speaker Cath Bishop, Olympic silver medallist rower and former diplomat, had attendees spellbound listening to her tell the story of her lead up to two Olympic games. Cath posed questions about how we define success, and how we can focus on performance rather than results. And she explored how we can tap into deeper human motivation through the 3Cs of the “long win”: clarity, connection and constant learning.
The thought-provoking session delved into how we should all listen more than we speak and how we become outstanding at improving.
Eleanor Gooding, People & Culture Director at Boost Drinks, shared her valuable experience in developing company culture in 5 steps: 1) Get your thinking straight; 2) Define the big stuff; 3) Have the right people; 4) Put in the work; 5) Hold yourself to it.
Eleanor really connected with the audience by sharing her own story, finishing with a twist...The powerful and memorable final slide that was left blank to show the uncertain future for her company and colleagues.
This was followed by a deeply moving and meaningful presentation on ‘Embracing neurodiversity and unlocking potential’ from Leena Haque and Sean Gilroy, who are leading the BBC’s Inclusivity and Accessible Design initiative. Leena shared her own experiences so beautifully, including her own illustrations. And Sean is a shining example of a leader showing how organisations can respond better to cater for neurodiversity. Together Sean and Leena are forging a path that challenges thinking and will hopefully prompt wider change.
The wonderful speaker and dynamic researcher Helen Hughes, from Leeds University Business School offered up some excellent research-based insights into hybrid working. She talked about the importance of taking a whole-system approach to making hybrid working successful – thinking about space, people, culture and technology. Her network diagrams show how physical location in an office, or remotely, affects the networks people build, who they interact with, and can impact whether they enjoy and ‘succeed’ in their work.
Helen also dug into how the mandating of hybrid patterns can have knock-on effects on culture.
Connecting the threads and spaces
The afternoon programme made space for reflection and further exploration of many of the themes that had come up earlier in the day. It kicked off with a panel session chaired by Owen and joined by Michelle Johnson of PXC, Zahoor Ahmad of Co-op, and Jasmine Rose of RockCorps. They delved into topics like how we can enable people to be more authentically themselves at work, how young people can be more effectively brought into the workforce, and the endlessly fascinating twin topics of psychological safety and imposter syndrome.
Then a roundtable discussion slot was led by Acteon Director James Woodman, exploring the barriers and enablers to building belonging at work, with valuable exchanges of ideas and experiences between participants.
Not a conventional conference
Woven between and around the speakers were Acteon’s trademark injections of energy and surprise – the things that make ‘Speak to the Human’ so different from a conventional conference.
Bringing literal magic ingredients to the day, Fergus and Neb from TalkMagic were a fun and great addition with mind-boggling tricks, engaging and exciting the room.
It wouldn’t be a ‘Speak to the Human’ event without Hannah Williams from Scribble Inc to capture the day through live illustration. It’s always a pleasure to watch her artwork unfold throughout the day.
This year musicians Lydia & Israel brought a lovely vibe with their simply beautiful and soulful sound. The live music really adds something special to the atmosphere.
For a cool place to create, chat and connect this year there was the addition of a ‘Lego connection station’.
Keeping the conversation going
The response from participants and speakers was outstanding and plans for next years event are already taking place.
In the meantime, for your ‘Speak to the Human’ fix you can listen to Acteon’s new podcast.
