Nottingham Business School Business Leaders Podcast
Michael Hayman – Why our business leaders need purpose | Episode 35
Introduction
- Entrepreneur and broadcaster Michael Hayman MBE founded London-based Seven Hills, one of the best-known corporate communications consultancies in the country
- With a reputation as a thinker and a leader, he has also been described as one of the best-connected men in Britain
- In his role as Chair of Seven Hills and the Small Business Charter, and adviser to the Chartered Association of Business Schools, he advises fellow entrepreneurs and helps companies access support from university business schools
- He passionately believes entrepreneurs can (and should) help change society for the better
Key takeaways
- Michael talks about the benefits of 'purposeful business'. He says: "We need business to be a force for good in the world, because that’s where our biggest opportunity for growth and progress is going to come from."
- Michael believes a leader’s key skill is their emotional intelligence. He says: “Understanding the people around you is the most important leadership skill of all. The ability to be empathetic, reasonable and see another person’s point of view is vital.”
- Interestingly, Michael has an issue with some entrepreneurs. He says: “The great problem with entrepreneurs is that they often turn up with answers even before they know what the questions are. When I talk to people I think: What can I learn from you?”
- He is also convinced it is crucial for leaders to have a relentlessly positive attitude. He says: “If you wake up every morning with a feeling of dread… if you’re doing too many things you don’t want to do, then pretty soon you’ll run out of energy.”
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