Taking Flight: UK NextGen Conference Empowers Future Leaders

AGN NextGen UK Conference, 10 – 11 June, 2024, London.
Contributed by Dan Burns at AGN firm (and event host) Shipleys LLP.

“Why I enjoy and get involved with the NextGen programme is seeing colleagues who are in the early stages of their management career coming together to build professional relationships, share the highs and lows of their jobs, learn from each other, and do something a bit different from the day-to-day job.”

Dan Burns – Experienced Learning and Development Advisor, Shipleys, LLP

Evening of 10 June: Kicking Off with a Dart Competition

The event began on the evening of 10 June with a lively and friendly dart competition at Flight Club. Attendees enjoyed a social activity to create camaraderie and set a positive tone for the upcoming sessions. Click here to check out our Flight Club Story.

11 June: Day of Dynamic Activities

Paper-plane Making Contest

The following day, the “flight” theme continued with a creative paper-plane making contest. Participants, working in small teams, had ten minutes to construct the best plane possible. The team whose plane flew the furthest distance won a “quality prize”, adding a fun competitive edge to the morning.

“I was especially chuffed that my paper plane won our team a packet of sweeties each (and considering my dismal results at darts the night before, I feel I redeemed myself slightly!”

Amber Young, Entrepreneurial Tax Senior Associate, CT: Accountant Advisers

#IamRemarkable Session with Emma Louden

Emma Louden from AGN firm CT led an inspiring session on the I am Remarkable programme, a global movement initiated by Google. This programme encourages individuals to celebrate their achievements in both professional and personal spheres. Emma’s session empowered participants to reflect on and share why they are remarkable, enhancing a sense of self-recognition and confidence – something which can make us feel a little uncomfortable.

“Although my list was very long, I found it difficult to share, and there was a sense of relief once I had expressed my achievements. The positive atmosphere created a sense of community, and everyone celebrated each other’s accomplishments.”

Tanisha Tailor-Bhogal  – Corporate Reporting & Audit Senior at Dafferns LLP

Role Play Workshop by Actors in Industry

The event continued with a role play workshop focusing on generational differences and the importance of presence in interactions. Led by Actors in Industry, participants observed and directed role-play scenarios, learning how to navigate and improve performance conversations for better outcome.

Exploring Culture and Psychological Safety

Post-lunch, discussions centred on the significance of organizational culture and its impact. Participants compared their personal values with survey results, discovering striking similarities. The session delved into the concept of Psychological Safety, emphasizing its crucial role in developing a positive workplace culture. Team activities highlighted the importance of psychological safety and strategies to enhance it within the workplace.

“It was also particularly great to meet and hear from Chris White about the AGN offering from a NextGen perspective as well as what impacts a team and firms culture.”

Gina Gardner FMAAT ACA CTA, Senior Corporate Tax Manager, Ballards LLP

Concluding Session: The Art of Feedback

The event wrapped up with an insightful session on the importance of feedback. Participants discussed the rules for effective feedback and were introduced to useful models for framing conversations. The day concluded with practical exercises, allowing attendees to practice giving and receiving feedback, utilizing the day’s learnings to engage in constructive conversations with newfound colleagues.

“Amazing speakers to really get you thinking on how to lead and manage a team and become more aware.”

Alenka Jessop, R&D Tax Manager at CT: Accountants Adviser