CIMA World Conference closes on a note of ‘hope’

CIMA World Conference 2008, come to a close last week with some thought inspiring presentations, examining what leadership is, whether a sport can contribute to a better world and firms needing to ignite passion in their shareholders through demonstrating effective leadership.

Jehangir S. Pocha, Editor, Businessworld, India’s best selling business magazine, in his presentation said ‘we’ should stop respecting leaders and to start respecting leadership. “Because someone is in authority does not make them a leader- whether it is minister, prime minister or a president,” he said.

Peter Velappan, Project Director Vision Asia and former Secretary General, Asian Football Federation said that football can contribute to a better world. “Football is a school of life. It gives physical and mental development, physical fitness and mental strength together with social skills and cohesion. It tackles problems of drugs, alcohol, violence and corruption while making good citizens and encouraging teamwork,” he said.“Kicks can bring people together,” he added.

Norman Lyle, Independent Director, Standard Chartered Bank, Hong Kong said that firms need to demonstrate they need to have a well considered strategy, to be implemented in a controlled manner with due regard to risk. “Leaders (in companies) must pay critical attention to how they communicate or ‘connect’ with their shareholders, especially with regards to the annual report,” he added.