ESSAYS

12 April 2024

Divided by a common language…

The familiar soundbite that the UK and the USA are two nations divided by a common language goes back a long way.

23 February 2024

What's in a name?

There are lots of things that help you get along in this world - looks, height, a moneyed background, good teeth. But one which is often underestimated is a distinctive name.

09 January 2024

6 Themes for PLC Directors for 2024

So, what themes should be top of PLC Board agendas in what may well be another challenging year? Chairs will have been cogitating this over the holidays but here are my Top 6 thoughts.

28 November 2023

2023 - A pivotal year for Big Law?

I saw Mr Hepworth ("1971 Never a Dull Moment") present his theory with compelling enthusiasm at an event in 2016 and ever since I have been drawn to the notion of the "pivotal moment".

12 October 2023

Whither London?

There is a rising tide of handwringing about the future of London as a venue for equity listings. What to do?

31 August 2023

Nightmare at NatWest - key learnings

For some days in July the business world was transfixed by the NatWest Saga...

18 July 2023

Never gonna not...

Things we are never gonna not do again. In the hope that vou will forgive the indulgence here are eight ideas.

12 June 2023

The Culture question

It does seem to be a good moment for public companies and other business organisations to take stock and ask themselves a few questions.

03 May 2023

Law firms - in search of "edge"

Whilst the deal environment is stirring, it is not yet buzzing and the world out there is in a fragile state.

29 March 2023

Not waving but drowning?

There is a sense of fragility out there and it might be worth looking to see if there are useful takeaways

17 February 2023

Shakespeare's top tips for business

We take our seats “in the round” and a man casually wanders on stage, sits at a piano and starts a gentle refrain.

12 January 2023

2023 - 6 Big Questions for Boards

One well-informed Russia observer told me confidently recently that this would be Putin’s last winter in power. I’m not so sure...

12 December 2022

Reasons to be cheerful

The baby boomers amongst us will remember Ian Dury. His big hit was essentially a list of quirky reasons to be cheerful. It resonates with me now because 2022 has been such a difficult year. So, it behoves us to celebrate the “good bits” of the year.

03 November 2022

The Magic Circle - where to next?

“We prefer Global Elite”, he explained with a wry smile, “Magic Circle is a bit too UK centric”. What’s going on?

28 September 2022

The Queen

She reigned for 70 years and 214 days, 7 years more than Queen Victoria, and has been the very embodiment of constancy.

01 September 2022

5 Thoughts for the New Term

It has been, to say the least, a strange summer.

26 July 2022

The Rhythm is going to get you

Some rhythms just happen (breathing) and some are created, like music and regular behavioural ways of doing or saying things.

21 June 2022

What lasts?

What does endure? What really lasts, for better or worse?

13 May 2022

Keith Urban – 9 Lessons in Leadership

If you want to be a good leader - be more Keith.

21 April 2022

Law firms - when the tide goes out?

After the largesse of 2021, what are the levers needing to be pulled ahead of 2022

15 March 2022

You Must Remember This

What we are all seeing unfold as Russia pounds Ukraine is heart breaking, humbling and, for many, simply incomprehensible.

11 February 2022

Every day we write the book

Post COVID, how will business change

11 January 2022

7 Themes for PLC Directors for 2022

7 Themes which I believe will be relevant for PLC Directors to keep in mind in 2022

22 November 2021

The Queen's Gambit – and the power of the familiar

Inspired by the exciting nip and tuck of a TV story to get our board and pieces out

05 October 2021

Katy Perry and the Charm of the Paradox

The need to balance pragmatism with positivity.

23 August 2021

Summer of '21 - a pivotal moment?

Will we look back on the Summer of '21 as a 'Key Moment'?

15 July 2021

Law firms - a Coldplay problem?

Should you attach personality to your law firm?

09 June 2021

A Question of Balance

Are we all guilty of over-reaction to events or just the lack of the will to make things simple?

12 May 2021

The Slipstream Effect

What causes us to 'keep up' with those who are moving faster than we are?

19 April 2021

Restoring Trust White Paper - Too much governance?

With its 230 pages and 98 consultation questions

15 March 2021

A Renewal Mindset

Looking for lessons to carry into a post-pandemic world?

22 February 2021

The Mini-Magnum Principle

Do you buy the 4-pack of standard Magnum Almond or the 6-pack of Mini-Magnum Almond?

28 January 2021

Law firms - too good to be true?

As we enter 2021, what should we look

11 January 2021

8 Themes for PLC Directors for 2021

The blighted year of 2020 finally came to an end, offering the hope of renewal.

From the Mini-Magnum Principle, via What Lasts? to 5 Thoughts for the New Term, Chris brings fresh perspectives, a wry smile and actionable ideas to his readership