From Tomorrow’s Leaders to Today’s Influencers – by Matt Taylor

Last week, more than 600 young professionals and guests from across the business community gathered at the ICC to discover who will be the leading accountants, lawyers, surveyors, recruiters, communicators and entrepreneurs of the next generation. Even in the midst of a major economic downturn, record numbers drank and danced well into the night, celebrating the crop of talent that will be major figures in the future. But BYPY – Birmingham’s Young Professional of the Year – has always been about more than the brightest brains in the smartest suits. From the first winner, Gary Taylor, director of Argent, to this year’s winner Suzie Branch, of BHMG, it’s been about celebrating the combination of professional skills with a genuine commitment to making Birmingham an even better place in which to live and do business.

Power50, established by Birmingham Future in partnership with the Birmingham Post, is a logical extension of BYPY. From looking at leaders of the future, we assess who holds the levers of power and influence today. Like BYPY, it’s not just about the stars – those who occupy the obvious positions of power – but those who wield influence that can better Birmingham. More important than those who stand out, Power50 is about those who stand behind as we seek to identify those who either offer quiet leadership or who are not yet making their voices heard as widely as their potential allows.

The last ten days in British politics has been a rolling lesson in leadership. We have heard a lot of talk about the importance and qualities of leadership, but very little depth on what defines a great leader. In Birmingham, many have remarked on the apparent lack of leadership.

Historically, the city has spawned more than its fair share of civic and business leaders. Today, however, the pickings aren’t so rich. Cities that have global ambitions need more than just a few stand out names. We need leaders of all ages, from all sectors and of all backgrounds to put forward their ideas, articulate their visions and lead us to new heights.

Power50 was not born of having no leaders, but from having too few. More importantly, we found that Birmingham’s leadership was far from diverse.

This year, we have lined up an esteemed panel of judges, headed by Dermot Finch, director of Centre for Cities, to help decide who should be in the Power50. He’s our most independent chair of judges to date, coming from outside of Birmingham, and an expert on what makes a successful city. I can’t wait for what should prove a fascinating day of judging.

This year’s scheme will benefit from even wider use of social media channels and tools, appropriate for a city where digital media is such a strength.  It will allow more people to point judges toward those who should be considered. I’m hoping we identify and include more surprise names in the list, with even fewer of the usual suspects.

But like all league tables, Power50 should not to be taken too literally. It’s an art not a science. We will be as objective as we can. But, we are out to provoke, inspire and reflect.

The list will be revealed on 30 July at a special launch event to coincide with Birmingham Future’s AGM. I want to give particular thanks to Argent and Gary Taylor for providing us with a fitting venue for such an important event. Number Eleven Brindleyplace will be our stage for revealing the Power50, and as I saw at the recent launch, in building terms Number Eleven can already claim to be a leader in its own right.

So, please take the opportunity to influence the judges and tell us who has most influence in Birmingham. Who knows, perhaps Power50 will include a few more former BYPY winners this year so completing the circle?