Over the past decade, Owen Eastwood, author of ‘Belonging - The Ancient Art of Togetherness’ has worked with some of the most elite teams and groups across the globe, including Gareth Southgate's England Football team, the Command Group of NATO, the South African Cricket Team, corporate leadership teams, elite ballet and the British Olympic team to name just a few – and at the Alchemists Forum, we place huge emphasis on coming together as equals to build greater enduring companies.

For many of us, the past 18 months has been an extremely challenging time on both a personal and professional level. As a an individual, you will have no doubt overcome unprecedented obstacles. However, the later part of 2021 is looking much brighter, with a road to recovery in place, we can all see light at the end of what has been an uncertain and dark tunnel.

Intelligence is one of the most talked about subjects in psychology and despite this, there is no one definition of what intelligence is.

Howard Gardner, an American developmental psychologist is renowned for his theory of multiple intelligences.

Before we delve into the power that alchemist leaders can have on the success of a business, it is important that we first consider the qualities of an alchemist.  

It comes as no surprise that those who ‘sit at the top’ carry a heavy load on their shoulders to ensure the smooth day to day running of a business. Although many aspire to work their way up, more often than not, the responsibility factor isn’t considered on the journey to the top of the pyramid.

As a member of the Alchemists Forum you will benefit from both the advice and learnings you take from your membership group, as well as several one – to - one executive performance coaching sessions with your chair. 

Psychological safety is defined by Harvard Business School’s, Amy Edmondson as “a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes”.

As the world’s population remains subject to the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been forced to re-think conventional methods of doing business. It is no longer viable to fly out to meet a new client, meet with colleagues in-person or participate in face-to-face learning and development, therefore, it is no surprise that virtual learning and communication is on the rise.  

Very few businesses if any, can achieve success without the support and hard work of a dedicated team. However, it is important to realise that there is a big difference between a working group of employees and a team. Working groups are common within businesses but building a team that can perform is a whole different ball game.  

The Alchemists Forum’s chair, Alan Branagh has spent many years coaching, mentoring and offering advice to a diverse range of business owners and CEOs worldwide. Although their industries and specialisms differ, a constant in the lives of many business leaders is the daily ‘headaches’ and doubts that tend to resurface and raise their unwelcomed heads. 

If you are among the many business professionals who are afraid of hearing the sound of your own voice, now is the time to get over that fear and embrace podcasts!  

It is no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic has seriously challenged our sense of security, determination and decision making in the way we run our businesses. With rules and reason changing from day to day, now more than ever we find ourselves re-evaluating how we run our businesses. 

Whether you’re an Alchemist, an Emerging Alchemist or not yet a member of the Alchemists Forum, you’re invited to ‘An Audience with Rory Sutherland’, personally hosted by your chair Alan Branagh.

As the Business Owner, CEO, MD, or leader of an organisation of any size, the isolation and loneliness that often comes with this role may seem like a small price to pay for the rewards, recognition, and power that comes with the job. However, being isolated at the top can often have a negative effect on your decision making and leadership skills. Therefore, to ensure you are the best leader you can be, it’s important to have a board of non-biased, trusted individuals you can turn to for advice.

What does it mean to be a member of the Alchemists Forum? It means being part of a highly supportive group of individuals who offer advice, insight and moral support for all sorts of personal and business dilemmas.

The Alchemists Forum chair Alan Branagh, outlines below how ‘taking time out to win’ is a highly effective business performance method for CEOs and business leaders. From experience, Alan believes that adopting this business model will drive greater decisions, greater thinking and greater performance.