When creativity meets business

On Monday night, Emperor collaborated with the Aleto Foundation (one of our diversity and inclusion (D&I) partners) on their 'When creativity meets business' workshop. It was a great success and brilliant to connect with their amazing young people.?

We have a long standing relationship with Aleto, and were introduced to them by Sir Ken Olisa , one of Emperor’s first clients all those 25 years ago. It was created by a group of influential business and cultural leaders to provide significant lifetime opportunities for young people with high potential. It’s focus is on identifying and developing the next generation of leaders from communities who have historically found it challenging to access jobs due to their backgrounds.??

The event was hosted by Aleto’s CEO David Villa Clarke – and Cam Gunn (our Head of Digital) and I had a very enjoyable fireside chat with him on a wide range of topics including our own D&I commitments. We also hosted three breakout sessions to explore some of the different roles and disciplines that make up business life within Emperor.

“In the digital breakout room, we had a discussion about the breadth of opportunity in the digital space for young and talented people, how to get started in digital, how we deliver digital projects at Emperor and the types of teams and people that help us do it. For me, the highlight was the passion of the people in the room to make an impact in the world. I know that I got just as much out of the session as they probably did.”

Cam Gunn , Head of Digital

“The range of talent in the business development breakout room was fantastic to see – from a young medical student wanting to be a cupcake entrepreneur, to an illustrator looking to build ongoing relationships with customers. All looking for advice on how to attract new clients and get repeat custom from existing. We went through the basics around how to build reputation and exhibit the value they could bring, as well as ensuring you are listening and match what the client needs.”

Victoria Sugg , Group Business Development Director

“It was inspiring to spend an evening with a group of motivated, interested and interesting young people. With diverse career aspirations, all unified by their curiosity, desire to learn and meet other people, asking great questions, listening, and growing. Sharing my career journey got people thinking about how your interest and expertise evolves over time. We considered how you can bring creative thinking to your role; how you can constantly learn from others and never being afraid to ask for advice.”

Helen O’Brien , Creative Director

It was the highlight of my month, and a real privilege to talk to such an impressive group of young people. I would thoroughly recommend getting involved with Aleto as part of your greater commitment to diversity and inclusion. If interested, I’d be delighted to tell you more about the Foundation and areas where your company could potentially support.