Innovation (1)
  • Publish Date: Posted over 1 year ago
  • Author:by Dena Hyett

Driving Innovation & Growth: Navigating Challenges in a Downturn Economy

The Impact of Economic Fluctuations on Businesses​In the face of ongoing economic challenges and fluctuations, such as the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, alongside high inflation and interest rates, a cost-of-living crisis and the turmoil in Ukraine and other external factors, businesses need to think differently to survive and thrive. Event Highlights: June 22nd at Andaz London Liverpool StreetOur Driving Innovation & Growth in a Downturn Economy event, held on June 22nd, took place at the exquisite Studio located in the 1901 Wine Lounge, within the Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel.Expert Speakers: Dan Fiehn and Steve SongailaDan Fiehn (Carrot Connect), a long-time friend of Gerrard White Consulting and an insurance tech leader and strategist, who was listed on the CIO Hot 100 in 2022, joined us as a speaker, along with Steve Songaila , a self-proclaimed fast-talking business leader and transformational change expert. Both speakers brought extensive knowledge and expertise to the event.We were delighted to extend a warm welcome to CTO, CIO and tech leaders from a wide spectrum of businesses and industries who were able to take respite from the heat of the Summer in London in the cooling air-conditioned space at the venue.Dan initiated the proceedings by delving into why innovation is crucial for businesses, especially during a downturn economy. He emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging emerging technologies to unlock new avenues of growth, establish a competitive advantage, and adapt to market needs. By sharing his personal experiences as a CIO, Dan provided practical strategies to the audience.Following Dan, Steve delivered an empowering session on the Power of You, demonstrating how to maximize personal branding to elevate one's profile and create a competitive edge. He discussed the ten key elements of a strong personal brand, including competency, clarity, credibility, confidence, and consistency.Both Dan and Steve captivated the audience with their engaging and insightful presentations, receiving positive feedback from the attendees.Engaging Discussions and Networking OpportunitiesWith the formal proceedings concluded, the Gerrard White team, along with Dan and Steve, invited the attendees to join them for drinks and delicious canapes, creating an opportunity to engage with senior tech leaders and discuss their current challenges and market perspectives.Attendee Feedback: A Resounding SuccessPost-event feedback from an attendee described it as the best event they had attended in a long time, with another praising the event's informative and enjoyable nature and the actionable takeaways they gained. Such testimonials are a testament to the presenters, the Gerrard White team, and the considerable time, energy, and planning invested in organizing these events.Looking Ahead: Future Events and OpportunitiesWe have exciting plans for future events, if you are a current or aspirational tech leader, make sure you follow our Gerrard White Consulting page to ensure you are one of the first to hear about forthcoming events.About Gerrard White ConsultingGerrard White is a specialist Technology, Legal and Insurance recruitment agency, working with clients across the UK, the US and Europe to provide transformational talent solutions.Acknowledgements and ThanksWe extend our gratitude to the Andaz London Liverpool Street for providing the perfect venue, as well as to all the guests who took time out of their day to join us. Special thanks to Dan and Steve for delivering fantastic and highly engaging presentations.Download Whitepaper: Driving Innovation & Growth in a Downturn Economy (2).pdfSize: 10 MB​

Share this Article
Back to Blogs

The Impact of Economic Fluctuations on Businesses

​In the face of ongoing economic challenges and fluctuations, such as the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, alongside high inflation and interest rates, a cost-of-living crisis and the turmoil in Ukraine and other external factors, businesses need to think differently to survive and thrive.

Event Highlights: June 22nd at Andaz London Liverpool Street

Our Driving Innovation & Growth in a Downturn Economy event, held on June 22nd, took place at the exquisite Studio located in the 1901 Wine Lounge, within the Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel.

Expert Speakers: Dan Fiehn and Steve Songaila

Dan Fiehn (Carrot Connect), a long-time friend of Gerrard White Consulting and an insurance tech leader and strategist, who was listed on the CIO Hot 100 in 2022, joined us as a speaker, along with Steve Songaila , a self-proclaimed fast-talking business leader and transformational change expert. Both speakers brought extensive knowledge and expertise to the event.

We were delighted to extend a warm welcome to CTO, CIO and tech leaders from a wide spectrum of businesses and industries who were able to take respite from the heat of the Summer in London in the cooling air-conditioned space at the venue.

Dan initiated the proceedings by delving into why innovation is crucial for businesses, especially during a downturn economy. He emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging emerging technologies to unlock new avenues of growth, establish a competitive advantage, and adapt to market needs. By sharing his personal experiences as a CIO, Dan provided practical strategies to the audience.

Following Dan, Steve delivered an empowering session on the Power of You, demonstrating how to maximize personal branding to elevate one's profile and create a competitive edge. He discussed the ten key elements of a strong personal brand, including competency, clarity, credibility, confidence, and consistency.

dan fiehn

Both Dan and Steve captivated the audience with their engaging and insightful presentations, receiving positive feedback from the attendees.

Engaging Discussions and Networking Opportunities

With the formal proceedings concluded, the Gerrard White team, along with Dan and Steve, invited the attendees to join them for drinks and delicious canapes, creating an opportunity to engage with senior tech leaders and discuss their current challenges and market perspectives.

Attendee Feedback: A Resounding Success

Post-event feedback from an attendee described it as the best event they had attended in a long time, with another praising the event's informative and enjoyable nature and the actionable takeaways they gained. Such testimonials are a testament to the presenters, the Gerrard White team, and the considerable time, energy, and planning invested in organizing these events.

Looking Ahead: Future Events and Opportunities

We have exciting plans for future events, if you are a current or aspirational tech leader, make sure you follow our Gerrard White Consulting page to ensure you are one of the first to hear about forthcoming events.

About Gerrard White Consulting

Gerrard White is a specialist Technology, Legal and Insurance recruitment agency, working with clients across the UK, the US and Europe to provide transformational talent solutions.

Acknowledgements and Thanks

We extend our gratitude to the Andaz London Liverpool Street for providing the perfect venue, as well as to all the guests who took time out of their day to join us. Special thanks to Dan and Steve for delivering fantastic and highly engaging presentations.

Download Whitepaper:

Latest Blogs

View All Blogs
Festive Hiring
Why businesses shouldn’t slow down hiring before Christmas

​As the festive season fast approaches, many businesses are tempted to ease off their recruitment efforts, assuming candidates are less engaged or thinking it’s better to wait until the new year. H...

Recruitment   Building Relationships
The Importance of Building Strong Relationships in Recruitment

​In recruitment, relationships matter more than anything else. Whether you’re dealing with clients or candidates, the ability to build and nurture these connections can determine the success of a p...

Talent Trends Report November 2024
Talent Trends Report - November 2024

​Our latest Talent Trends Report for November 2024 takes a look at the latest S&P Global REC/ONS Report on Jobs for October 2024 and what this means for UK businesses.In the report we highlight the...

Careers In Insurance
Do you have the right talent to work in Insurance?

Why pursue a career in Insurance?​Embarking on a career in the insurance industry opens-up a myriad of opportunities. Imagine being at the forefront of tackling some of the most pressing global cha...

Women In Insurance
Is the UK insurance industry doing enough to support women in building successful careers in the sector?

​As more women in insurance rise to leadership roles across the UK insurance industry, a crucial conversation is emerging: are we doing enough to support women’s career growth and success in this f...

Diversity In Legal
The Importance of Diversity in Legal Recruitment in London and the South East

In recent years, diversity and inclusion have become central themes across nearly every industry—and the legal sector is no exception. Historically, UK law firms have faced criticism for lacking d...

Insurance Broking Recruitment
Discover More About Insurance Broking Recruitment

At Gerrard White Consulting, we specialise in insurance broking recruitment, placing highly skilled professionals into a variety of roles within the insurance industry. Our experienced team unde...

Legal Firm   John Copeland & Sons Case Study
Case Study | Overcoming Recruitment Challenges with a Tailored Legal Hiring Solution

John Copland and Son, a small, traditional law firm deeply rooted in the Sheerness community since 1867, faced a business critical recruitment challenge. As a family-run business spanning six gener...

Image   Ir35 Compliance
IR35 Contractor Audit: Do you know your risks of non-compliance?

​If your business relies on contractors to fill critical roles, ensuring IR35 compliance is no longer just a tax issue - it’s a major operational and financial risk. As a recruitment agency, Gerrar...

Insurance Broking
Gerrard White Consulting: Broking Recruitment Specialists

​As a recognised and trusted leader in insurance recruitment, Gerrard White helps insurance companies find top professionals across all areas of insurance, including claims, broking, technology, u...

Insurance Offices
An Insurance Recruitment Agency’s Perspective on the Vibrant World of Insurance

​When most people think of a career in the insurance industry, they often imagine stacks of paperwork, policy jargon, and the misconception that it’s a “boring” field. But here’s the truth: the ins...

Legal Recruiitment Consulting
How Legal Recruitment Consulting Can Help Build Strong Teams

​Building a strong and efficient legal team is crucial for any law firm's success. At Gerrard White Consulting, we understand the competitive nature of the legal landscape and know that securing to...

Modernising Technology
The Importance of Modernising Legacy Systems in the UK Insurance Industry

​In an era defined by digital transformation, the UK insurance industry is facing increasing pressure to modernise its legacy systems. These systems, often decades old, are struggling to keep up w...