Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts

Several years ago I was nominated a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, but was not actively engaged whilst living in Brazil for six years. Today I re-engaged having seen how many useful and intersting projects it is engaged in.

The RSA Fellowship is an international community of over 27,000 achievers and influencers from a wide array of backgrounds and professions. They are distinguished by the letters FRSA, Fellows are social entrepreneurs to scientists, community leaders to commercial innovators, artists and journalists to architects and engineers, and many more. And, fellows are united through a set of shared values and a commitment to improve the prospects of our communities and build a better society.

Founded in a coffee shop in Covent Garden in 1754, the RSA has a wealth of notable achievements and Fellows in its 250-year history. It's home is a unique, listed building, designed by Robert Adam in the early 1770s, located in Adam Street, just off The Strand and close to Charring Cross Station.  

New Appointment

At the end of 2010, I was appointed to the role of Executive Officer of the Strategic Planning Society. What follows is my interview for the Society's newsletter:

Why did you decide to become executive officer of SPS?
I have come to strategy from a marketing and branding perspective. I set up a marketing agency focusing on brand strategy and development and implementation for luxury goods manufacturers and retailers. I then spent six years in Brazil, working on brand marketing projects, and I continue to research the idea of the brand-led business.

Before I went to Brazil I was involved with the SPS, not on a formal basis, but in the special interest groups. On my return I applied for this role. As executive officer I will support the trustees, helping them to achieve the objectives of the Society on a day-to-day basis and ensuring the smooth running of the Society. Separately, I will also be working in a development role, initially looking at marketing, communication and income-generating opportunities so that the SPS has greater resources to enable it to achieve its charitable objectives.

What are your aspirations for the Society?
The SPS has huge potential, as strategy is seen to be part of so many people’s jobs at the moment. At the same time strategy is widely misunderstood and not really seen as a management science, but used as a loose term for any big decision – whether it is truly a decision using the discipline of strategy or not. People talk about a strategic decision when really they mean an important one. Being effectively the first strategic organisation of its type, the SPS has the authority to strengthen the discipline of strategy as a management science.

What developments do you expect?
The role of the Society as a hub for strategists will be enhanced. In future we will have more events and networking opportunities, including events in partnership with other organisations. It’s about generating and disseminating thought leadership on strategy in as many ways as possible, reinforcing the image of the SPS as a leader in strategy and extending the reach of the Society.