Posts Tagged ‘RSA’

Earlier this month I forwent my usual lunchtime perusal of the Daily Mail website to attend a much more intellectually stimulating debate at the RSA. The topic for discussion was “Modern Parenting: Policy, Politics and the Illusion of Equality” and the turnout (surprise?) was around 3:1 in favour of women. The debate was centred around “Shattered” – the first book from Rebecca Asher, a former executive producer at BBC Radio 4.

As a female who up until this month was still in her early twenties, parenthood and its consequence for working women was not something that registered massively on my radar. Yes, I have seen all the news reports concerning working women and heard many of my colleagues discussing their experiences but surely it is not something I will have to think about for a while? Or is it?!

What struck me during the debate at the RSA was a phrase used by Rebecca early on as she described the confusion for women who mistakenly believe that equality exists in today’s world, only to have their conviction quickly quashed as soon as they have children. She calls this the “expectation gap” - the gap between the equality women see in earlier life and what they experience once they have children.

I’d be interested to hear what the mothers and fathers out there think of this theory – are we mistaken to think that equality exists? Or for that matter do we even believe that equality exists in the first place? In order to avoid future disappointment should I be setting my expectations quite low moving forward?!

[more info including footage from the RSA debate can be found here]

Earlier this week, I was at a lecture at the RSA where Sky’s Adam Boulton was in conversation with Stephen Green, chairman of international banking group HSBC. They had both just returned from the G20/G8, which provided a backdrop to discussions on financial turbulence, money and morality. The presentation was especially interesting as it took a long-term historical view: King Edward III was noted as the first British sovereign to default on his debts; Franciscan thinking from the middle ages on poverty versus wealth was quoted; the ebb and flow of world trade was examined. You can watch the RSA’s video of the talk here. Well worth a look.

Mr Green was questioned on his book, Good Value: Building a Better Life in Business. He gave his perspective on the current macroeconomic climate, talking about a clear rebalancing to the East. He says ‘emerging markets’ is a misnomer, preferring the re-emergence of markets. China was the world’s largest economy until 1820 – before the growth of super powers – and was the dominant economic power in 18 of the last 20 centuries. Over a generation, he says, we will see the rise of the ‘new G20’ states, and the relative marginalisation of the G7/G8.

However, he is positive about the opportunities for business offered by this rebalancing. Companies that plan responsible, sustainable business strategies, in tune with the cultural needs of growing markets will thrive. Real CSR will have real impact.

As a spokesperson for the global banking community, Stephen Green is impressive. Highly engaging and authoritative, without a hint of arrogance. He expertly batted away questions inviting comment on BP’s current problems and focused on broad issues of strategy and morality. As an ordained Anglican priest, his views on ethics in business are especially interesting. From a reputation manager’s perspective, he is a valuable asset. A thought leader with original, coherent thoughts and a distinctive view of the world. Good value.