Could It Be Magic Conference

We had an amazing 'Could it be Magic' Annual Conference on 23rd September...here's how the day unfolded!

Kicking Off with a Swish of a Wand!

The day started with fun activities to help you get to know each other - who knew global mobility experts could be so good at building houses of cards?!
And learning about times when you’ve all had to pull rabbits out of hats was a lot of fun! We’re still a bit concerned about the state of the Lake District and those extra 10,000 people that suddenly descended on the area…!

Let’s not forget (ever!) Cat Vose from Vodafone not only winning the people’s vote for her skills in speaking fluent Japanese, but also how she was genuinely happy to win a very large inflatable unicorn!

Vanguards, Assemble!

Our very own GM magicians, Tommy Mann (Clyde & Co) and Adele Louca (Equinix), swooped in to save the day with their top tips and tricks. Wands were optional, but their insights were mandatory! The community support for fellow members who were stretching their comfort zones to present in from of hundreds of people was truly heart-warming.

Sage Advice from Our Global Heads

We were treated to a wisdom-packed session from three of our Global Heads Network. Louise Brailsford (AstraZeneca), Ezeibe Agomo (Equinix), and Louise Worbey (KPMG International) to help us elevate Global Mobility. Key takeaways? We are moving people, right?! So put the people before the process, listen, and be empathetic. That’s the most senior people telling you this.

Sports Meets Mobility: A Winning Combo

Roberto Forzoni blew our minds next! Not only with his laws on effective teamwork that involve zero magic, but also with actual magic! He shared 10 laws you would be wise to remember and apply to your role where possible. What you may struggle to apply to your role is his mind reading skills!

I’m not crying! You’re crying!

The next bit was a bit emotional! Our co-founder, James Holder, is retiring and his wife and partner in crime, Emma, gave a lovely speech to let everyone know. It’s underappreciated how the Holders – and James in particular – shaped Global Mobility over the last decade and a bit, in our humble opinion!

And the Award Goes To...

Huge congrats to our Expat Academy Key Contributors James Bowerbank and Claire Parker! They truly worked their butts off this year and really got stuck into the community. The 2024 Player's Player, Tommy Mann, is such a deserved winner and we could not be prouder! GMPD Star Learner, Heather McCracken is another example of someone truly embracing our offerings, 58 points over 30 learning activities! Likewise, the GMPD Team of the Year highlights how more and more companies are seeing GMPD as vital to their learning and development of their teams. Congratulations Linklaters! You all deserve a standing ovation!

Wrapping Up in Style

We capped off the day with drinks, networking, and continuing the fun at the sponsor stands!