Frances Edmonds, author, broadcaster and cross cultural communicator
Communication, Communication, Communication
In the final session of the business programme, bestselling author Frances Edmonds held the attention of delegates and partners during a highly humorous and entertaining presentation in which she drew on several principles learnt during her convent schooldays in the north west of England. These included respect for others, the concept of service, the value of discipline and the importance of honesty and integrity.
Firsthand knowledge
As the wife of former international cricketer Phil Edmonds, Frances spoke with firsthand knowledge of the contrast of ‘ownership’ amongst the English cricketers between the disastrous ‘blackwash’ tour of the West Indies in 1986 and the successful defeat of Australia when they won the Ashes just one year later.
The key to success
In turning to business Frances said that the key to success was communication. Key issues must be communicated effectively, both internally to staff and externally to customers. She advised on the difference between good teams and bad teams and said that firms investing in training often succeeded in retaining well-trained staff by having created an environment where they wanted to stay with their present employer.
Amongst her guiding principles Frances left a captivated audience with her three “H”s for leadership and success: Humility, Humanity and Humour.
