Energising insights from Business Culture Connected

Sarah Niblock, EMCC Director for Marketing & Communications, writes about the recent Business Culture Connected Conference, where she and our President, Ivan Beaumont (above), spoke about coaching for success in a disrupted world.

On one of the sunniest days of the year so far, London's BMA HQ buzzed with energy as professionals from various corners of business convened on 9 May for the highly anticipated Business Culture Connected Conference.

As formal partners, EMCCUK had a high profile at the event.

Among the attendees were seasoned HR executives, leaders and decision-makers, all eager to gain insights into the latest trends shaping organisational culture, and how to navigate their people through volatility and uncertainty.

One of the standout themes of the conference was the evolving role of technology, especially AI, in shaping business culture. Keynote speakers emphasised how digital transformation is not just about implementing new tools, but fundamentally changing how organisations operate and interact. For professional coaches, this underscores the importance of helping their clients navigate the complexities of a tech-driven world while staying true to their core values.

Ivan and I took to the main stage in the Great Hall to deliver the third presentation of the day with an overarching message that may have surprised some: in times when we feel we’re needing to run to keep up with exponential change, that’s exactly the time to slow down, reflect and plan properly. See the presentation in the video above.

Without slides, charts or graphics, we said that while the language and buzzwords of VUCA might seem new and a little intimidating, it’s never been more important to focus on those vital, enduring characteristics that make us truly human. Organisations need to be led with authenticity, compassion and brilliant communication to engender psychological safety.

The conference also delved into the significance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in fostering a positive workplace culture. Sessions explored strategies for promoting diversity at all levels of an organisation and creating environments where every voice is heard and valued. For coaches, these discussions serve as a reminder of the vital role they play in guiding leaders to build inclusive teams and embrace diverse perspectives, not solely as a moral imperative, but as a key to unlocking so much untapped brilliance. Again, the message harked back to what we said in our presentation: you need the right cultural foundation in place – psychological safety – before you can build DEI.

In addition to these overarching themes, attendees were treated to a variety of workshops and panel discussions covering topics such as leadership development, change management, and employee engagement. These sessions provided practical tools and strategies coaches can implement in their own practices to support their clients in achieving their goals.

For me, one particularly inspiring session focused on the power of storytelling in shaping organisational culture. Speakers shared how storytelling can be used to communicate values, inspire action, and foster a sense of belonging among employees. For coaches, this highlights the importance of helping leaders craft and share their own narratives to create a culture that aligns with their vision and values.

Networking opportunities abounded throughout the conference, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded professionals and exchange ideas. From casual coffee breaks to structured networking sessions, coaches had the chance to forge valuable relationships that will support them in their coaching journey.

As the conference drew to a close, participants left with a sense of optimism and a renewed commitment to bolstering their coaching cultures. The Business Culture Connected Conference 2024 provided a platform for coaches to learn from industry leaders, exchange ideas with peers, and gain valuable insights that will inform their work in the years to come.

For executive coaches, business coaches, and all those passionate about fostering positive organizational cultures, this event served as a reminder that the consciousness of an organisation will never expand beyond that of its leadership team.

About Sarah Niblock

Professor Sarah Niblock is a journalist, coach, consultant and academic leader whose work focuses on self, culture and ethics. She is the EMCC Director for Marketing & Communications, and manages the British Culture Awards partnership. Sarah is a visiting professor in counselling psychology at York St John University. Her work has been featured across the globe, including BBC Radio and other major media brands on both sides of the Atlantic.