What are successful business leaders looking forward to in 2021?

We’ve had helluva year for sure. For many of us it’s been a period of stress and sadness, but I also think a lot of good has come out of it to. In many ways, the pandemic has allowed us all to focus on what’s really important – our friends, families and connection. In the first lockdown I actually really enjoyed having so much time at home with my family – and walks round the village in glorious sunshine where everyone said hello and there was a real atmosphere of ‘we’re in this together’.

The way we all work has changed I think, forever. While I’ve really missed seeing friends, partners and customers I can’t imagine a day I’ll ever go back to a regular commute, and I’m sure many people feel the same. Working in the tech sector has been so interesting as tech is at the heart of what’s enabled us to all get on with the job (while wearing jogging bottoms under the desk!).

However, as a small business founder who started up just before the pandemic (brilliant timing from me there – NOT!), one thing has been harder, and that’s getting out and about to meet clients, and connect with people who might become clients in the future. So, I’ve been keeping my ears open and trying to attend some online events to help me focus on what’s coming up next.

I recently had the pleasure of attending a Fluxx Talks event, where there was a stellar panel of speakers from Dell, the Economist and Legal & General. I worked with Fluxx when I was VP at Sage and loved having the opportunity to really innovate with them in the partner marketing area and I know some of the projects I worked on are still going strong. It’s not often we really get a chance to start with a blank piece of paper, but surely going into 2021 is the best opportunity we’ve had for a while!

Margarete from Dell talked about the welcome fading of presenteeism and ‘the dawn of a new era around trust-based working’ which I absolutely loved. She said that the forced change of working patterns has finally allowed business leaders to change their beliefs about working from home, which can only be a good thing for many of us. She said that greater autonomy has meant that conversations are more driven by purpose and that it’s easier to allow direct reports to get on with the job in a way that suits them rather than being tethered to a desk all day long. Again, as someone who has some of my best ideas walking the dog – this is good news!

Bernie at Legal & General talked about how climate change has finally reached a tipping point on the business agenda, as we’ve all been able to see the impact when we’re forced to stay put more. He talked about a future where ‘inclusive capitalism’ will flourish - which allows businesses to focus on all their stakeholders – and not just their shareholders.

And finally, Sharon from the Intelligence unit of the Economist (which sounds like possibly the most terrifyingly intelligent business division I’ve ever heard!) talked about how working from home and us all being interrupted by kids, dogs and the delivery van (it can’t just be me ordering more leggings?!) has humanised us all to each other. We’ve found a more relaxed way of working and being where life feels more integrated.

Inspiring stuff!

So, next year, I’m looking forward to working more with businesses and people that I like working with! Where I know we share a sense of purpose and connection, and we’re working truly in partnership to do great things together. I’m also looking forward to being able to keep fitting in my PT and yoga sessions, walking with my dogs and wearing my Sweaty Bettys under the desk!

Have a great 2021 everyone!