Good day, Nigel. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today about your work at Perpetual and your expertise in supporting clients with strategic planning and leadership team alignment.
Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss the crucial aspects of alignment in organizations and how they contribute to success.
To start, could you share your insights on the concept of « Aligned Purpose » and its significance in driving organizational culture?
Certainly. Aligned purpose is the heartbeat of an organization. It’s the guiding light that influences decisions, motivates employees, and sets the tone for the entire culture. When leaders and teams are aligned with the purpose, it creates a shared sense of direction and passion. It’s not just about what an organization does, but why it does it. A deep connection to purpose helps teams navigate challenges with resilience and thrive even in the face of adversity.
Moving on to « Aligned Company Culture, » how do you help leaders ensure that the « How » and the « Why » are synchronized within the organization?
Aligned company culture is about creating a consistent environment where behaviors, values, and goals are in harmony. As a partner at Perpetual, my role is to assist leaders in designing and managing their organization’s culture. This involves defining behavioral expectations, fostering growth, and increasing engagement. When leaders model the desired culture and values, it has a cascading effect on the entire team, enhancing collaboration, leadership effectiveness, and ultimately, driving growth and profitability.
« Aligned Values » are a foundational aspect of leadership. How do you support leaders in aligning their personal values with the organization’s values?
Values-based leadership is about congruence between personal values and organizational values. I work with leaders to identify their core values and help them integrate those into their leadership style and decision-making. When leaders authentically align their values with the organization’s values, they set a powerful example for their teams. This authenticity builds trust, strengthens relationships, and fosters a positive work environment that fuels growth.
The idea of « Aligned Business Strategies » is crucial for cross-functional success. Can you elaborate on how you help leaders and teams align with the organization’s strategies?
Absolutely. Business strategies guide an organization’s direction, and alignment across teams is essential for seamless execution. I work with leaders to facilitate alignment by breaking down silos, promoting clear communication, and fostering collaboration. By ensuring that all business units understand and support the overall strategies, trust is built, and teams can work more effectively together to deliver high-quality products or services to customers.
« Leadership Alignment at All Levels » speaks to nurturing leadership growth throughout an organization. How do you approach this aspect?
Leadership isn’t confined to the C-suite; it’s a quality that should be nurtured at every level. At Perpetual, we emphasize coaching, mentorship, experiential learning, and succession planning to support leaders’ growth as they progress within the organization. Continuous learning is paramount, and by empowering leaders at all levels, we enhance engagement, build trust, and increase autonomy. This approach allows for more decentralized leadership and decision-making, which accelerates execution.
« Aligned Mindset Through Knowledge Sharing » underscores the importance of continuous learning. How does knowledge sharing contribute to alignment and high-performance teams?
Knowledge sharing is the lifeblood of growth and adaptation. I encourage organizations to cultivate an environment of continuous learning. By sharing knowledge across teams, you’re breaking down barriers, leveraging diverse perspectives, and aligning everyone’s understanding of organizational priorities. This helps teams overcome challenges more effectively and fosters an environment of continuous improvement.
Your background is incredibly diverse, from the British army to aid and development projects. How do these experiences contribute to your role at Perpetual?
My experiences have taught me the value of adaptability, resilience, and the importance of alignment in high-stakes environments. In the British army and aid projects, alignment was essential for achieving missions and creating positive impact. These lessons translate directly to my work at Perpetual, where I help clients align their strategies, values, and leadership practices for transformative growth.
Lastly, could you share a bit about your involvement with The HALO Trust and your passions outside of work?
Of course. I’m proud to sit on the board of The HALO Trust, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to landmine clearance in post-conflict areas. It’s an extension of my commitment to making a positive impact beyond the business world. Outside of work, I’m passionate about sailing and skiing. These activities teach valuable lessons about teamwork, focus, and adaptability, all of which inform my approach to leadership alignment.
Nigel, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights on alignment within organizations. It’s clear that your experiences and dedication contribute significantly to helping leaders and teams thrive.
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these crucial aspects of organizational success. Alignment is the cornerstone of excellence, and it’s a privilege to guide leaders and teams on this journey.
