Purple Patch Blog / Leadership

Purple, only Green

Jane Sunley, Managing Director

On July 10th EDF, the first sustainability partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, are launching the UK's first 'Green Britain Day' as part of the lead-up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, in association with the Eden project. We're all encouraged to 'do something green for the team' on Green Britain Day, creating a wave of tangible action across Britain. People are organising clothes swapping parties, biking and walking to work, Paul Weller is headlining a special Eden Session to celebrate, in support of the Prince's Rainforests Project. Everyone wants to be more green and now with the advent of an initiative bearing the strap-line 'Team Green Britain. Do one simple green thing and help reduce Britain's carbon footprint', we have no excuse.

Continue reading Comments (3) 7 July 2009

Leader of the pack

Jodi Goldman - Communications Manager

All I need to know about leadership I learnt from my dog.

I have recently become an absolute fan of 'The Dog Whisperer'. Cesar Millan, the dynamic Mexican who has taken America by storm and captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, has me fascinated. He is amazing. A true rags to riches story, starting with an illegal entry into America, followed by hard work, following his heart, his passion, making connections, persevering, doing a great job, and eventually making his way to the top (in American terms this means he was on the Oprah Winfrey show and worked with her beloved pets too - it doesn't get any higher than that).

Here is why I find him so interesting and why I think it's important for you: firstly, he is so charismatic. So direct. And honest. And so good at what he does; it's truly inspiring to watch someone doing what they are passionate about. And second, is his philosophy itself. Now, I know it's about dogs, and you might be wondering why I am talking about this here. His philosophy relates so much to us too, and management: no one understand the value of a leader or the responsibility of being a leader - like the leader of a 'pack' of dogs. No one understands the value of knowing your place within a 'pack' and how your actions affect the others in it, like a dog.

Continue reading Comments (3) 1 April 2009

What price people cuts?

People are reporting job losses on a daily basis though what effect is this really having on service industries and how will they recover afterwards?

Last week I was in a high street chemist; long queue, four till points, only one member of staff. In the end I gave up (and I wasn't alone) and left without out purchasing anything. A fellow defector explained on the way out of the store that she'd just come from Oxford Street; large American clothing chain, one person on the till, no one on the floor. Again she'd left without buying anything, went off to a competitor and spent over £200.

Continue reading Comments (0) 15 January 2009

Motherhood at Work

By Jessica Cain, business development manager, learnpurple

The situation

When thinking about my next blog, I searched the room for inspiration, then "ouch!" another kick from my baby to be, the future 'Charlie Nicholas Mungeam Martin Cain' (Yes I am mean I know - but it's a parents duty to embarrass their little ones). I looked back to the previous debate on changeboard about motherhood and the workplace and it got me thinking about how lucky I have been.

I am 6 ½ months pregnant, unmarried, 25 and about to become Managing Director of learnpurple Bristol. This new branch opens in Jan 2009. Even to me that sounds a little unbelievable, but at the same time I would never let the 2 things I want most compete with one another. I, along with millions of other totally normal woman out there am passionately ambitious and driven in both my desire to be a successful business woman and a porridge - making - pta - going - mother.

Continue reading Comments (0) 19 August 2008

Now that takes the biscuit

Meetings can be a tricky business deciding on attendees, length, location, agenda, how to keep the meeting on track to achieve the desired outcomes and the follow up.

Continue reading Comments (0) 21 July 2008