In December, the London Women’s Forum (LWF) hosted its much-anticipated annual winter reception, “A Winter’s Tale,” in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) at the opulent Mandarin Oriental hotel. The event, imbued by the festive story of the Nutcracker, offered an evening of inspiration, artistry, and insightful dialogue.
The highlight of the evening was a captivating conversation with Alexander Campbell, the RAD Artistic Director and former Principal of The Royal Ballet. Campbell shared his journey of navigating career transitions, leadership, and empowerment, offering a unique perspective enriched by his illustrious career in dance. Attendees were treated to exclusive clips of Campbell’s own performance in the Nutcracker, adding a personal touch to the evening’s theme.
Key takeaways from the event resonated with both the art of dance and the world of business:
- Dance, as a form of communication, underscores the importance of body language in every human interaction.
- The importance of preparation was emphasized, encouraging attendees to be ready to seize opportunities and “perform” when their moment arrives.
- The concept of “choreographing” meetings was introduced, highlighting the strategic planning required to achieve optimal outcomes.
- The role of a dance teacher was likened to that of a mentor and leader, drawing parallels to influential figures in the business world.
- The metaphor of never “dropping” your partner was used to illustrate the importance of finding creative solutions in challenging situations.
The evening was a testament to the power of dance as a medium for communication and leadership, leaving attendees with valuable insights applicable to both their personal and professional lives. The London Women’s Forum extends its heartfelt thanks to the RAD team and Alexander Campbell for an inspiring and candid discussion that will surely resonate with all who attended.
