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Author: Alison Zakers

Inspiring conversations with an architect

Good architecture can bring unity and coherence to structures, serving both utilitarian and aesthetic ends. It would be unusual for a building to be constructed without any design blueprint but it’s relatively common, in business, to see strategy concepts move straight into delivery phases without pausing to consider the wider question of business architecture.

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Lessons learnt at 140mph

I’ve recently worked with an amazing project team; a diverse group of client, contractors and external suppliers. Working on a challenging programme with demanding deadlines, we somehow hit it off, and delivered something truly exceptional. The experience prompted me to think about how we can enable high performance and positive team chemistry.

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Dancing, choreography and business change: more similarities than you might think

This week I’ve had the privilege to meet Fiona Brockway. Fiona has a fascinating CV. She’s danced in numerous Principal roles for prestigious ballet companies, has established an amazing dance production company, Steps Ahead, working with global brands and she also teaches dance and choreography at The Hammond, the North West’s leading provider of Performing Arts education.

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Pulsars, the Big Bang and Business Change


With Professor Tim O’Brien

I’m always looking at new ways to see things; to investigate other disciplines for inspiration. My interest in science at school has never left me and I have been lucky enough to attend a few interesting events, which have led me to think a bit more about the vast discipline of Physics.

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Lessons from a 12 year old

This week a remarkable picture caught my eye. It’s an outstanding cartoon created by Tom. Tom is 12 years old and was up for having a chat about his creation so I went along to meet him to see what I could learn from him.

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Lemn Sissay on collaboration and driving change

L to R: Rachael, Lemn, Alison

This week it’s the Nantwich Words and Music Festival, an annual event which brings some fantastic events, gigs and readings to our town.

On Tuesday 15th October my good friend Rachael and I went to see Lemn Sissay whose job description is; “I write stuff. Stuff that. Stuff that I like.”

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