The Informer - June 2019

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Member in the spotlight

Flexible working

The founder and CEO of Curzon PR Farzana Baduel on changing the conversation

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How an agile approach can be mutually beneficial to both businesses and employees

I n f o r m e r Issue 28

June 2019

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SETTING THE PACE How to lead in a superfast business world

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Meet. Work. Grow.

MEMBER STRAPLINE OFFERS

❂ Our ethos at The Clubhouse is to make our members and their businesses more successful. A major part of this is to provide members with exclusive offers and benefits from a range of partners.

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It’s business. But it’s personal.

Mishcon de Reya Free legal consultation for any member company

The Stafford London 20% off the best available rate

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Bleeding Heart 10% off your total bill for lunch and dinner

Keith Prowse Access to exclusive offers to iconic sports events in the UK

Designated Free comprehensive Business Review worth £900

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For details on these offers and many other Member Benefits visit the Members’ Area on theclubhouselondon.com

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INTRODUCTION

ADAM BLASKEY FOUNDER & CEO The Clubhouse

W e l come The half-way point. Where has the first half of this year gone? We live in an increasingly fast-paced world, a world in which companies are growing faster than ever before, but one where the speed of progress never quite matches expectations for many of us. That’s why at The Clubhouse we do all we can to help make our members and their businesses more successful. In this period of unprecedented change and disruption, and as business models evolve, so must we – in terms of where we work, how we work and how we lead.

Following our members’ breakfast last month where we looked at how to create people centric organisations, this month we focus on how to lead at speed. Ahead of our next members’ breakfast on 27 June, Sophie Devonshire writes on page four about how we should set the right pace in preparing our businesses for growth. But establishing

what the right pace is poses a huge challenge for many leaders. Continuing this theme, on 9 July we will be hosting a leadership masterclass looking at innovative thinking and how we do this to stay relevant. Details of both of these events can be found on page six.

In providing inspiring and innovative flexible meeting and workspaces created around the needs of both fast-growing SMEs and large corporates, we firmly believe that The Clubhouse provides a smarter, more agile way of working and a better way to do business in today’s fast-paced world. Turn to page seven to read about how flexible working can boost your business by saving you time and money, allowing you to attract and retain the best talent, and focus on what really matters.

Our member in the spotlight this month is Farzana Baduel, founder and CEO of Curzon PR, a globally focused public relations and

marketing communications consultancy. Turn to page five to read more about Farzana and the corporate communications work undertaken around the world by Curzon PR. Finally we have some new members benefits this month, including a comprehensive business review

by Designated and a new offer at Wiltons on Jermyn Street – details can be found on page six. I hope to see you at one of our next events but in the meantime, if there’s anything we can do to help you or your business, please let me know.

Once again I am joining an incredible team of people cycling from London to Paris in 24 hours to raise money to help put a stop to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The charity we are doing this for is making great strides in its ambition to “End Duchenne in 10 (years)”.

Your support would be massively appreciated.

Please visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ Team/JamiesDashers2019

THE CLUBHOUSE P R O D U C T I V I T Y T I P #28 If you have started a new role, ask yourself these questions:

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FOCUS YOUR ENERGY

How will I create value? whose support is key and who do I need to support? and what new skills do I need to develop?

DESIGN & ART DIRECTION

Christian Gilliham_christian@cgcreate.co.uk_07951 722265

To partner with The Clubhouse or promote your business in The Informer please email adam@theclubhouselondon.com Copyright. The Clubhouse London Ltd

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PERFORMANCE

SUPERFAST HOW PACE-SETTING DRIVES PERFORMANCE

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he world is changing fast. We all know this. to keep our pace competitive to meet the How do great leaders in Everyone talks about constant disruption in demands of the short-term and protect against business today deal with this business and everyone expects technology the challenges of the long-term is essential. superfast world and prepare to continue to drive rapid change for your clients/ Setting the right pace in business is a their companies to be fit customers/consumers and for your people. labyrinthine leadership challenge, mainly because for the future, asks Sophie Companies are growing at phenomenal rates it involves humans (fallible, emotional, complex Devonshire, CEO of the and they are disappearing fast as well. Looking at beasts) – humans who buy or buy into your Caffeine Partnership the FTSE 100 from the 1980s, we can see that only business offer; humans who work for you; and 28 of the original remain. Bigger companies can you, yourself, a wonderfully complex human.

Pace-setting requires technological and human understanding. still fail. Newer companies are taking power faster than ever; ‘unicorns’ The pace of acceleration that people are focusing on is being driven can win their billion-dollar valuations within a year or two of coming into being and can decimate industries that took many decades to build. by technology (and will continue to feature artificial intelligence as With other start-ups, it’s a tougher tale – 50 per cent of SMEs in the a key component) but the ability to steer through with anthropoid UK fail to celebrate their fifth birthday. intelligence remains fundamental. And that starts with an The fast pace of technological change has driven customer awareness of your role as a leader, as a pace-setter. expectations, the responsiveness of businesses and their ability to scale.

The increased rapidity of change in our world has led to But what do you do about this knowledge that change and challenges vulnerabilities both political and economic, but I am encouraged by abound? How do great leaders in business today deal with this the equally rapid growth in business leaders who are interested in superfast world in a way which makes it enjoyable and not exhausting? being not just responsive but also responsible – those looking to How do they handle the pace with grace? How do they prepare their create purpose and a positive world. organisations (and themselves) to be fast and fit for the future world?

In fact, rather than just thinking about speed, it’s more effective These are some of the questions I’ve explored in my recent bestselling to question your ‘velocity’. Velocity is speed in a given direction; the right direction. Leadership is about setting that direction – working book Superfast: Lead at Speed in which I outline a variety of tips, out where purpose and vision channel the right speed, and managing tools and techniques to help leaders work out how to set the right a varied pace for your business which must work out when to slow down pace in a fast-moving world, based on research amongst over 100 to think, and how to be set up to move fast to seize the opportunities global leaders. before your competitors do. It’s an exciting world, full of opportunities Great leaders are pace-setters. How do you, as a leader, set the right but we need to get the pace right. Think slowly, act fast. ● pace? Leaders are sometimes nervous of, or prone to, moving so fast that they can alienate their teams. But if they move too slowly, they can Sophie Devonshire is CEO of the Caffeine Partnership and will be lose their relevance in a constantly shifting world and they can frustrate hosting an energising breakfast with practical tips and thought-provoking the ambitious in their teams and among their investors and customers. discussion on how to lead at speed in a superfast world at The Clubhouse, In today’s highly competitive global environment, caution is safer in the Holborn Circus on the 27 June at 8am. Superfast: Lead at Speed is short term but can be highly dangerous in the long term. Finding ways available from Amazon.

Finding ways to keep our pace competitive to meet the demands of the short-term and protect against the challenges of the long-term is essential

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Meet. Work. Grow.

MEMBER STRAPLINE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

FARZANA BADUEL FOUNDER AND CEO Curzon PR

C H ANGING T H E CO NVERSAT I ON Tell us about your company.

Curzon PR is a globally focused public relations and marketing communications consultancy specialising in strategy. We work primarily with corporates and government agencies in emerging markets, such as the Middle East and South Asia. We have worked with over 20 governments, including Canada, China, Japan, Spain, Bahrain, Russia and Israel, on trade, FDI promotion and cultural diplomacy projects to build their soft power on the world stage.

Our corporate communications work specialises in market access and transnational business. A recent growth area has been leadership profiling for CEOs, which is interesting as leaders are becoming aware of the impact of their reputation. We are a culturally diverse team, which is important as we work across cultures and countries building unifying narratives which engage different audiences.

Our diversity is our USP. We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary this year.

What has been your biggest success?

Mastering the art of public relations and working across the world with presidents, prime ministers, CEOs and royal families has been my greatest achievement so far.

I entered the industry 10 years ago with no prior relevant experience or education and set up the firm – it has been a difficult road of successes and failures but I persevered and I now look forward to future growth.

My biggest achievement in my career has

been the opportunity to teach a subject I am passionate about to the next generation. I am the Resident Public Relations Expert at The Foundry, the entrepreneurship centre at the University of Oxford launched by Tim Cook, where I mentor entrepreneurs and deliver masterclasses in public relations.

What projects excite you right now?

We are working with the Basque government on Trade and FDI promotion communication strategy and have a number of exciting city branding initiatives in the pipeline – the best part is regular lunch meetings with clients at foodie paradise San Sebastián.

How has being a member of The Clubhouse contributed to the success of your business?

The Clubhouse gave me the nudge to move from a traditional working office model to working agile. I can never go back to working in an office with a structured 9am-5pm day.

Since we moved into agile working with remote teams, our productivity and team satisfaction are both higher than ever.

I wish I had done it sooner!

Where can members find you?

In The Clubhouse, St James’s. I like the Clublounge area where you can sink into the sofa and brainstorm with colleagues over a cup of tea.

QUICK-FIRE ROUND

Favourite place to go in London?

Chelsea Physic Garden Who inspires you and why?

Margaret Thatcher for her conviction and self-belief.

Best bit of advice you’ve been given?

Be kind to others and expect nothing in return.

If you were on a desert island, what would you bring?

The holy trinity of mobile, charger and data.

Which super power would you like to have?

I would like to be able to read people’s minds. It will save me time and energy trying to decipher people’s true drivers.

What is the worst business ‘faux-pas’ you’ve committed?

Wearing loud Wolford tights at a conservative Middle Eastern conference.

I was a keynote speaker. Awkward.

curzonpr.com

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FUTURE EVENTS

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse

HOLBORN CIRCUS

BANK

Members’ Breakfast: Superfast: Lead at Speed

Leadership Masterclass: How to put innovation at the heart of your organisation

THURSDAY 27 JUNE 8:00 am - 9:30 am

FREE FOR MEMBERS OF THE CLUBHOUSE AND THEIR GUESTS

Join bestselling author and brand consultant Sophie Devonshire to learn how to lead in a business world that is accelerating at an exponential rate. This energising and stimulating session will get you thinking and leave you with practical ideas to apply immediately and knowledge of tips, tools and techniques that others have used successfully including:

SA V E T HE DA TE

TUESDAY 9 JULY 8:30 am - 12.00 pm

Enabling innovative thinking is critical in the 21st century to ensure businesses are future-proof and stay relevant to their clients. This masterclass from leadership experts Potential Project will explore practical strategies you can adopt as a leader to promote a culture where: Creative thinking becomes the hallmark of productive working relationships

Dealing with speedbumps to increase velocity

Employees feel more willing to step into the risk that accompanies expressing their unique perspectives, even in highly regulated or matrixed environments

When we need to slow down to speed up the art of ‘strategic laziness’

Barriers to creative collaboration are managed and people are encouraged to share their views

A new alternative to ‘time management’ to help you get things done

How you can personally develop your own plan to step up the pace

Sophie Devonshire

£195+VAT or £145+VAT for early bird bookings by 15 June. 20% discount for joint bookings of two or more colleagues from the same organisation.

HOW TO BOOK: VISIT THECLUBHOUSELONDON.COM OR ASK AT THE FRONT DESK

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ART

BUSINESS SUPPORT

RESTAURANT

DESIGNATED PARTNERSHIP

WILTONS

The Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy is the world’s largest open submission art show and brings together art in all mediums – prints and paintings, film, photography, sculpture, architectural works and more – by leading artists, Royal Academicians and household names, as well as new and emerging talent. Around 1,200 works will be on display, most of them for the first time. This year, acclaimed British painter Jock McFadyen RA will take the mantle from Grayson Perry to co-ordinate the 251st Summer Exhibition. Most of the artworks will be for sale, helping to fund the Academy’s non-profitmaking activities, including educating the next generation of artists in the RA Schools.

Designated is a leading provider of business support services to business owners. Whether you are starting out, or looking to grow and scale up your business, Designated can provide expert ongoing or on-call marketing, finance and admin support to assist you in achieving your goals.

The Designated team is made up of exceptionally talented specialists whose purpose is to help deliver your most important outcomes. As part of The Clubhouse partnership, Designated is offering a free comprehensive Business Review (worth £900), based on research by the Harvard Business Review which claims you can save up to one day a week of your time to dedicate to the most important work.

Since 1742 Wiltons has been synonymous for the finest oysters, wild fish, game and traditional, courteous hospitality. The British menu aims to offer the freshest fish, game and meats from the very best fleets and farms the United Kingdom has to offer.

10 JUNE - 12 AUGUST ROYALACADEMY.ORG.UK

VISIT THE MEMBERS AREA AT THECLUBHOUSELONDON.COM

SUMMER EXHIBITION

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Meet. Work. Grow.

Member offer: Enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne on arrival for parties of up to six people at Wilton’s as a member of The Clubhouse. Bookings advised.

SHOW YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR MENTION THE CLUBHOUSE TO RECEIVE THIS MEMBER OFFER.

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55 JERMYN STREET, ST JAMES’S WILTONS.CO.UK

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PRODUCTIVITY

How does flexible working benefit businesses?

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he days of traditional 9-5, chained to a desk in the same office, day after day, have been confined to history. Technology has allowed businesses to embrace the world of flexible working like never before. Apps like Slack, Zoom and Skype enable workers to check in and have real-time conversations with their teams wherever they might be located. Establishing a team and enabling them to work between home, a flexible work space and clients’ locations is easier than ever.

Financial benefits There are clear financial benefits for businesses, and their workers, who support flexible and remote working. Workers themselves, who are only commuting when necessary, could benefit from saving of up to £5,000 on average in commuting costs and further savings usually incurred by childcare, which in turn helps retain talented staff.

For a business, flexible working has also opened new opportunities for cost savings and the ability to scale up and down on expert talent as and when it is needed.

The cost of employing permanent staff goes beyond their annual salary. ACAS estimate the cost of hiring to be around £30,000, a huge financial impact for a business. A more flexible approach means only hiring support when you need it. Flexible working often attracts the best talent – experienced and adaptable individuals who can meet the demands of your growing business.

An agile approach is the future of business – and it’s never been easier The virtual office is starting to resemble the same set up as the physical office but without the hefty costs of high rents. Rental costs of desk space are a significant overhead. A flexible team can work from home, hot-desks or a flexible space, such as The Clubhouse.

An added value also comes from networking with the rich variety of businesses who are also using the space. When you apply these savings, the benefits of flexible working are considerable for a growing company.

Time-saving tricks One of the biggest benefits for flexible workers is they no longer need to commute to an office when it is not necessary to do so. This reduces stress, increases motivation and expands

productivity. When you start the day calmer, you start the day with a clearer goal for what you want to achieve.

Flexible working can also provide timesaving benefits for you, as the employer. You can focus on driving your business forward, knowing that it is in the safe hands of your support team. When your team do meet, in an inspiring environment such as The Clubhouse, brainstorming becomes more effective.

Do the work that matters Running a business is no easy feat, especially when you are keeping an eye on all the moving parts. Hiring people with the right skills as and when you need them will give you the confidence they will get the job done.

The benefit of adapting to use more services only at the time you require them is that you gain access to a team of specialists, avoiding the risk of hefty price tags that come with finding and employing your own team. These flexible resources will help your business to run smoothly and give you the time back to focus on delivering your most important outcomes.

Value for life Flexible working is proven to increase morale within your company. Workers are less stressed, healthier, happier and therefore have less time off sick. Flexible working is more about getting the job done and isn’t that something all businesses could use? A team that focusses on the outcomes for your organisation. ● To find out more about flexible marketing, finance and admin business support visit designatedgroup.com

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