Date: 23rd July 2024
Author: FINTECH Circle

On 23rd July, FINTECH Circle‘s Annual Summer Drinks 2024 took place, setting the stage for a remarkable evening of networking, inspiration, and learning. Hosted at the elegant home-grown-club, this year’s event attracted a vibrant mix of new and existing members, industry partners, and distinguished guests.

An Evening of Networking and Insights

The event kicked off with a warm welcome and a chance for attendees to reconnect and forge new relationships over an array of free drinks and delicious canapés. The energy was noticable as guests met each other, exchanging ideas and exploring potential collaborations.

The Keynote Address: A Masterclass in Leadership and Culture

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the keynote address delivered by Deri ap John Llewellyn-Davies, also known as ‘The Strategy Man’. With an impressive career spanning over three decades and advising more than 300 boards globally, Deri brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the stage. His talk, titled “Why Purpose, Values & Culture Lead to High Performing Teams,” was a masterclass in leadership and organisational success.

Deri’s keynote covered several crucial themes:

• Purpose as a Catalyst for Productivity: Deri highlighted that when employees feel their work aligns with a meaningful purpose, their productivity can increase by up to 500%. This staggering statistic underscores the transformative power of purpose in the workplace.
• Creativity Unleashed: He discussed how a strong sense of purpose not only boosts productivity but also enhances creativity by 300%. This insight is particularly relevant in the fast-paced fintech sector, where innovation is key.
• The Cost of Misalignment: Deri pointed out the high costs associated with value misalignment within organisations. High turnover rates, driven by a disconnect between corporate values and employee expectations, can lead to significant losses in both time and productivity.
• Belief in the Mission: The next generation of talent is increasingly driven by a desire to believe in the mission of their employers. Companies need to articulate their “big Why” clearly to attract and retain top talent.
• Culture vs. Strategy: One of the most compelling points of Deri’s talk was his assertion that while strategy is critical, the creation and maintenance of a strong organisational culture is an integral part of strategic success. This insight challenges traditional views and emphasises the importance of culture in achieving long-term business goals.

These insights are just a glimpse of the valuable knowledge shared by Deri. For those who missed the event, a detailed video and transcript of the keynote will be available on the FINTECH Circle blog tomorrow. This will provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the ideas and strategies discussed.