Panel discussion on how can employees can affect change within their company
After reading previous posts you may well be thinking, “That’s all well and good but what exactly do I need to do to bring about culture change in my organisation?”. This amusing panel discussion should give you some ideas.
Liam Black, Co-Founder, Wavelength says that if you are not the CEO of your company but want to make a change it is simply a case of deciding to do so. We all know we need systemic change in this world. To successfully bring about this change it will take a wide range of people – politicians, people in the public sector, entrepreneurs and CEOs. But it will also take people at every level throughout organisations. These people are often referred to as “changemakers” or “intrepreneurs”, as in entrepreneurs within an organisation.
Wolfgang Gregor, Secretary General, Global Off-Grid Lighting Associationsays that the “poor man has money”. The market is there and the money is there so he suggests you as an employee need to find a way to convince your company to invest in this bottom of the pyramid market. Currently in large organisations this would come under the sustainability department. However to make the most of the potential it should be moved to within the main policies of the company.
Sophi Tranchell, MD, Divine Chocolate says that an employee can make things seem possible within an organisation. There are many ways for a company to save money and have a better social agenda. You do not have to maximise profits by buying for as little as possible and selling for as much as possible. You can transport things more efficiently and buy more recycled materials. The people at the top do not have time to worry about this sort of thing so it is down to each of us as individuals to do what we can within our roles to add efficiency and help the footprint on the planet.
Faisel Rahman, Founder, Fair Finance warns that “an inspiring vision and story might attract a lot of people but it won’t keep them”. Culture change is a tough process. The way to facilitate change is to totally embed the vision into every aspect of everyone’s roles.
SPEAKER INFO
Liam Black and Faisel Rahman are part of the Wavelength Speakers Bureau. To view their full biographies, find links to videos and to book Liam or Faisel to speak at your own event go to Wavelength Speakers Bureau Liam Black and Faisel Rahman.
Wolfgang Gregor and Sophi Tranchell were key speakers at Wavelength Connect event On Your Marks 2013. To view more videos from this event go to On Your Marks 2013.
COMPANY INFO
The Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA) is a neutral, independent, not-for-profit association created to promote lighting solutions that benefit society and businesses in developing and emerging markets. GOGLA acts as the industry advocate and supports the industry in growing and strengthening the market for clean, quality off-grid lighting and electrical systems. Its main objective is to support industry in scaling the sector based on principles of the triple bottom line, thus contributing to the objectives of Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Divine Chocolate Ltd was established in 1998, it is a private company limited by shares. Divine Chocolate’s was started with a clear social mission “to grow a successful global farmer-owned chocolate company using the amazing power of chocolate to delight and engage, and bring people together to create dignified trading relations, thereby empowering producers and consumers.”
Fair Finance is a social business based in London. They offer a range of financial products and services designed to meet the needs of people who are financially excluded. They aim to revolutionize personal finance, starting with the people whom the mainstream providers have left behind. They are committed to providing high quality products and services that are affordable and accessible. Wherever possible they work in partnership with other companies and agencies that share their goals. Most of their customers are ignored by the mainstream financial services industry and exploited by the sub-prime financial services industry. They will know they have been successful when they have put the loan sharks and predatory lenders out of business.