Business leaders were challenged to make greater use of the ideas, experiences and perspectives of their younger colleagues at an event in West Cumbria this week.
BECBC’s Shadow Board took over the organisation’s regular Energy Networx event, with speakers highlighting how younger professionals can challenge established thinking and bring fresh perspectives to senior decision-making.
BECBC Chief Executive Dianne Richardson said: “From the moment I became Chief Executive, I have found the Shadow Board to be an essential part of BECBC – essential to us evolving, horizon scanning and challenging convention.
The BECBC Shadow Board and guest speakers
“As a county, we’re very lucky with the young people we have. They’re a vital part of the growth of businesses in Cumbria.”
Members of Sellafield Ltd’s Next Generation Executive (NGE) also shared how younger employees are being given a direct voice with the organisation’s senior leadership.
Liam Wood, NGE Chief Operating Officer, said: “We’re a diverse group of future leaders with 87 years of collective experience. Our mission is to work collaboratively with Sellafield’s Executives and Senior Leaders, to challenge conventional thinking and champion enterprise.
“It really is reverse mentoring – we have direct access to the executives to tell them how it is on the shop floor.”
Also presenting was Lettie Wareing, Youth Representative on the Cumbria Economic Growth Board and Deputy Chair of the Cumbria Future Generation steering group.
She said: “A fresh pair of eyes can show a different way of doing things. Sometimes we just need to ask: but why can’t we do that? If the answer is, that’s the way it’s always been done, that’s not a good answer.
“I would appeal to the senior businesspeople in the room: allow young people to put forward propositions and bring in different perspectives.”
Her advice to young professionals was: “Don’t be afraid to challenge, constructively; be passionate, listen and know when to speak.”
BECBC – Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster – brings together organisations operating across the energy sector. Its Shadow Board is made up of 18- to 30-year-olds from member organisations and aims to support, promote and drive development and growth opportunities for young professionals in Cumbria.
James Harrison, Chair of the BECBC Shadow Board, said: “If you give young people a job to do and the space to do it, they’ll deliver for you.
“If anyone is interested in getting involved with the Shadow Board, I’d urge them to get in touch via LinkedIn.”
The event, held at Energus in Lillyhall on Wednesday, also featured former Goldman Sachs Managing Director Sue Hunt, who was Director of Strategy for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Her message to those starting out in business was similarly direct.
She said: “Don’t be afraid to take risks and just go for it. What’s the worst that can happen? Whatever the opportunity, give it a go.”
