Datactics, a fast-growing Belfast-based tech company, providing data quality and matching software to a growing number of international banks and Government departments, has seen its team double in size over the last 18 months, creating many new teams and leaders.

Stress is dominating the workplace, costing employers huge sums in absenteeism and reduced productivity, never mind the longer-term mental health implications on management teams and their staff. A 2020 ONS survey reported that mental health issues represented the fourth largest contributor to work absences at 11.6% with 57% of total employee absence due to stress, anxiety and depression.

But what can already struggling organisations do to help resolve the situation quickly and cost-effectively and get their businesses back on track in these challenging times?

M&A is notoriously difficult to get right, but increasingly is still the best option for seizing opportunities by scaling up. It’s not just why and where to acquire, but how that matters. The Alchemists Forum is collaborating with international specialists CapEQ to give a few pointers to help you get your acquisition approach right.

While change is essential to the growth and success of any organisation, it often creates fear and anxiety among a workforce.  Employees who feel they have no control over the process or the impact it will have upon them can become uncooperative, demotivated, and unproductive. So how can you, as a leader, overcome these obstacles and sustain employee engagement to achieve meaningful and productive transformational change?  

Change in business is inevitable. It can happen internally or as a result of industry change, and it can be planned or reactive. Leading change within organisations is necessary for business leaders to build an enduring company and maintain a competitive advantage.

The only constant in the world of business is the certainty of change.

It is imperative as a business leader who strives for success, that you prepare for change. If you don’t, your business may just fall behind the competition who are committed to strategic innovation.

To create the levels of personal, professional, and financial success you desire, you must first dedicate time each day to becoming the person you need to be, one who is qualified and capable of consistently attracting, creating, and sustaining the levels of success you want.

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.