We’ve talked previously about how leaders should seek new and alternative points of view to cope with the chaos and complexity that is now the norm in business. By engaging different people in conversation we become better prepared to find new ways to add value for customers and investors, to better motivate our people and to cope with the significant personal pressures faced in today’s turbulent business environment.
Indeed, there is much we can learn from those who have overcome challenges to achieve in other walks of life.
At PurpleBeach’s third annual Experience, which takes place in London on Tuesday 28 April 2015, we will be joined by Ashley Banjo, leader of the dance troupe Diversity. Ashley shot to fame aged just 20 when Diversity beat Susan Boyle to win the 2009 series of Britain’s Got Talent and has remained in the limelight ever since.
As a street dancer, choreographer and actor, Ashley is no stranger to high pressure environments. Diversity won Britain’s Got Talent in front of live TV audience of more than 20 million people and has since performed to almost a quarter of a million people on four sell-out tours. The group has also entertained 55,000 people at Wembley Stadium and delivered a show-stealing Royal Variety Performance for the Queen.
I’ve been a fan of Ashley’s for some time, partly because of the spectacle and excitement his dance troupe creates and also because of what we as leaders can learn from them. They are a remarkable example of what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication and self-belief.
Asked whether anyone can dance in an interview with the Big Issue last year, Ashley said yes, but that a lack of confidence held people back. His advice is that people should “dream, believe, achieve and just go for it.”
The strong self-belief and passion that drives Ashley and Diversity are the same characteristics that tend to be at the heart of outstanding leaders and organisations. They are what make people attempt the seemingly impossible and drives them on when things are at their toughest.
We will discuss these things further in conversation with Ashley at the PurpleBeach London experience in April. Please email contactus@purplebeach.com to request your invitation.
