One of the guests at the Intramezzo table was sufficiently moved by the event and the enormity of the subject that she has written the following article:
This week, I was privileged to attend the CBI/ RealFD Human Capital Awards in association with Orange, as a guest of Intramezzo.
As with many Corporate Award dinners, it was a glittering event in a smart London hotel, black tie, dresses, the odd pair of Blahniks however, for me at least there was a very noticeable difference.
The event as the title suggests was about Human Capital or people, talented people and the innovative ways that organizations make the most astonishing difference to their employees and ultimately their bottom line. As an Executive Performance Coach, it will be no surprise to you that my raison d’etre and daily aspiration is to assist individuals and organizations in making the difference that makes the difference.
The majority of companies know (even if they don’t do anything about it) that it is people that will enable significant growth and change be that growing profits, better customer service, overseas growth and expansion, product development, ROI et al. At the heart of the difference is the team, the culture, what it fosters……..what it cultivates…
So, to the difference on Tuesday night; there were some phenomenal achievements recognized; ASDA, AA Security, Moy Park, Britannia Building Society, Picture Financial, Nissan manufacturing UK and HMP & YOI Ashfield. However the final award of the evening was the Orange ‘People’s Champion’ for an individual who had made an outstanding achievement for and with people. This went to Vicky O’Dea, Director of HMP Ashfield Young Offenders Institute in recognition of her achievements in transforming Europe’s largest juvenile prison which until relatively recently had a reputation as one of the UK’s most violent prisons. Some two years ago, approximately 500 young offenders left this Institution with a qualification, some two years later that figure is now approximately 5500. These individuals now have a chance and a possibility for something better in life.
The difference, the notable difference at this event was the palpable energy and indeed emotion that crackled through the audience at this announcement – some individuals were visibly moved. Dare I say it but I have rarely experienced such a charged atmosphere at a corporate awards dinners! This one was for people, about people and despite the obvious commercial success of the organization’s recognized - this was utterly about those individuals that had been instrumental in making it happen.
When recognition is given to not only those deserved corporate companies that have had fabulous success in the development of their employees but also recognition of an outstanding individual that has touched the lives of those in the wider community that are much, much less fortunate than ourselves, then for me at least that’s progress! Great Progress! Vicky O’Dea has achieved something that many of us would find a daunting prospect and undoubtedly gone way beyond the call of duty.
Congratulations Vicky! Congratulations to all at the Orange Human Capital Awards for making the difference!
Congratulations also to the winners of the Service award, AA Security:
If you would like to understand more closely Intramezzo’s perspectives on Human Capital and the scale of the importance of this subject to the performance of a company and its senior executives, please get in touch.
Other Links:
To view the Business Voice Article on Vicky O’Dea, winner of the “People’s Champion” award please use the Download button at the top.
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