Time our politicians nurtured young talent

Wednesday 26 October 2016

A young local business graduate says Jersey needs to do more to support her peers and help them become future leaders.

Emma Pannenborg was invited to speak at the prestigious Leadership Jersey Conference, becoming one of the youngest to address the conference in its history as politicians consider whether incentives should be introduced to encourage university students to come back to the Island to work.

Miss Pannenborg, a Human Resources administrator at SANNE, told a packed audience of senior politicians and business leaders last week that attitudes need to change so that young people here can fulfil their potential.

The 21 year-old completed a business degree on-Island with Highlands College and Plymouth University, achieving a first class honours and presented the findings of her dissertation research into leadership development in the Island.

The conference explored what future leadership may look like, the challenges facing the Island and skills that will be needed in the future.

Miss Pannenborg said: "Events like this conference help to raise awareness about how government and businesses can work together to nurture young talent and champion the leaders of the future. I presented findings from my dissertation research, which included interviewing HR professionals and business leaders, putting forward a case for developing young people on-island now so that in five, 10 or 20 years time they are ready to take on leadership roles. In my view, a change in attitudes towards leadership development is crucial for the future success of the Island."

Jo Le Boutillier, Director in Human Resources from SANNE, added: "We are delighted that Emma was asked to speak at such a prestigious event, and she can be really proud of her achievement. At SANNE we believe in nurturing our young people and identifying those who have leadership potential, so we fully support the findings of Emma’s research."