Odgers Berndtson & PwC Yorkshire Annual Board Dinner 2019
A huge thank you to all of our guests and, of course, our speaker for the evening – Judith McKenna – for joining us at the Odgers Berndtson & PwC Yorkshire Annual Board Dinner 2019, at Rudding Park, Harrogate.
Judith McKenna is President and Chief Executive of Walmart International, the largest private workforce in the world. Judith leads more than 5,900 retail units and 700,000 associates across 27 countries. A long‐time champion of diversity and inclusion, Judith has also chaired Walmart’s council responsible for the company’s global women’s strategy. Plus, in 2015, 2016 and 2017, Judith was named in Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women.
Judith began her speech by underlining the importance of genuine and real leadership; particularly in uncertain times, where the pace of change is faster than ever, regardless of where a business is based and operates. Judith went on to add that, in her view, leadership should focus upon a small number of key elements – Passion, People and Purpose.
Judith discussed TNTs – Tiny Noticeable Things – explaining that these are things you do for someone to make a positive impact on their ability to do a job, i.e. remove a barrier or provide an opportunity. Caring personally and asking about what matters to a person can make a huge difference. ‘Find a person who you can make a real impact upon. Forget your preconceptions and try new ideas, focusing upon TNTs, always remembering that the most important thing is people.’ Judith commented that ‘anything can be achieved by the right people’ and reinforced the importance of a ‘focus upon talent, people and recruitment.’
Judith’s speech concluded with some extensive Q&A, chaired by Baroness Virginia Bottomley, Head of the Board Practice at Odgers Berndtson. Judith inspired and instigated much thought and debate, for which we once again thank her greatly.
Judging by the guests’ feedback it was an insightful and enjoyable evening.
Thank you to everyone who attended.