Judy D'Albertson, Vice President Marketing, HBOS Card Services
Judy D'Albertson is the Vice President Marketing of HBOS Card Services. She explains how being a participant on 20:20 opened her eyes
I can recommend this programme to others - especially when you need to put some of the short term measures we take in business into the context of a wider world and impacts on real people.
"Common Purpose 20:20 provided an opportunity for me to step outside the daily short term vision of the business world and consider the possibilities and hazards facing us in 2020.
Unless one's role is in long term strategic development, it is rare that we in business delve into social and political territory to this depth. We see the statistics but the real impact on people, social infrastructure and political aspirations does not come to life. 20:20 provided that opportunity in a stimulating and focussed way and challenged me to think harder about the future and my ability to influence outcomes.
The access to influential political and business figures is testament to the network and esteem of Common Purpose. From meeting a Special Advisor in No 10, to links with high flyers in China and new technology gurus, the content was wide and informative. Equally the range and calibre of delegates ensures lively debate and broad perspectives.
Highlights for me were the challenges to my perspective on the future; alternative views put forward by the more altruistic members of our group; insights into China - from a political, socio/demographic and business perspective; coming out of No 10 on the red carpet (pure fluke - surprisingly not laid out for us!) and making a new network of contacts from completely different walks of life.
Benefits for my company and specific to my professional life include the food for thought on what new products and services are likely to be needed in the medium and long term - especially as we are a financial services provider; and the break from everyday issues gave me time to reflect on my personal objectives and medium term future; and to consider how I will use my personal influence and hold on to my ethics whilst continuing to provide customer and shareholder value.
I can recommend this programme to others - especially when you need to put some of the short term measures we take in business into the context of a wider world and impacts on real people."
