We had a highly interactive session with ex CXO Phil Wood from Cap Gemini to address the CXO Perspective on the Value of Intelligence.  His presentation can be downloaded from our previous networking events section of the site, either registering for the first time or entering your username and password having previously registered.  Enjoy....we do it to increase the understanding of the value of CI....

http://www.ukcif.co.uk/previous-events/

Communicate with Impact: Techniques to Increase Influence with Intelligence Assessments

One of the changes to emerge from ‘Taking the Pulse of the CI Discipline, How Have We Evolved from 2010’, communication was identified as important as analytical rigour and investigative skills.  It is clear practitioners need to master excellent communication techniques if intelligence is to influence and drive evidence based decision making. This networking session brings two techniques to the floor: (1) Words of Estimative Probability (WEPs) and the Uncertainty Yardstick as applied from the Defence and National Intelligence perspective to communicate probability and uncertainty within intelligence assessments with Redweb’s Paul Brelsford and (2) the power of synthesis and storytelling to create communications that not only resonate with different stakeholders, but also drive the audience to proactively seek out further evidence.  Using a clear framework Insight Narrator’s Caroline Florence will demonstrate how attendees can create intelligence based stories that have true impact. 

Key take outs will include:

• Insight into how the Defence and National Intelligence community applies the nuance of language within intelligence assessments
• The capability to better apply weighting to key judgements/assessments using WEPs and the Uncertainty Yardstick
• An understanding of the value of push and pull communication techniques to drive evidence throughout the business
• Access to a practical and proven storytelling framework that gives them confidence to operate outside their existing comfort zone

As ever, there will be the opportunity for light refreshment and to engage with peers and practitioners warmly.

Presenters

Caroline Florence has been working in research, intelligence and related roles for the last 15 years, on both agency and client side.  There are not many types of projects she hasn’t been involved in over her time in the industry, but the one thing she always found herself coming back to is the importance of communication to ensure evidence is acted upon.  In 2012 Caroline established Insight Narrator and now focuses on training, coaching and consultancy services relating to insight communication.  Caroline is an experienced trainer and workshop facilitator, having conducted numerous training sessions in-house and through organisations such as the Market Research Society (MRS) and Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP).

Paul Brelsford held a position as a senior Intelligence Manager and Intelligence Information Broker in Defence & Military Intelligence during a 23 year career. He is currently the Digital Scientist & Insight Strategist for Redweb, the largest digital agency in the South West. He has extensive experience in Intelligence Organisational Management, Competitive Intelligence and is a specialist in the delivery of Intelligence Information Services and Requirements Management. He is currently applying his skills within the digital domain at Redweb, where he is responsible for developing and merging digital analytics and competitive intelligence to provide insight and understanding for clients in the digital space. Paul holds a MA in Intelligence and Security studies and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

How Can I Embrace IT to Deliver Unique Intelligence?

One of the most popular networking events to date has been the Forum’s ‘Speed Dating with the Software Vendors’.  Given the growing sheer abundance of information out there, there is an assumption that if IT can collect all the data for me, then I have the intelligence.  This networking event focuses dispelling that myth by focusing on how the promise of what IT promises can be harnessed to deliver actionable CI deliverables, what does it mean and ‘what now’ for your organisation.  We shall be joined by Dr. Sheila Wright, a former SCIP Board Member and former Reader in Competitive Intelligence & Marketing Strategy at De Montfort University who embraced a well-known CI tool to deliver active competitor profiles into decision making scenarios.

Key take outs will enable you to:

• Appreciate the role of CI in producing precise competitor analysis
• Understand the role which competitor profiles have in streamlining intelligence
• Argue the case for less, not more, intelligence
• Determine whether this type of technology based assistance could aid your CI practice

As ever, there will be the opportunity for questions which Sheila will do her best to answer, light refreshments and also the chance to engage with peers and practitioners alike.

Presenter

Dr. Sheila Wright is Director of Strategic Partnerships Ltd.  Since its inception in 1989, executive education, competitive intelligence, competitive analysis and business development projects have been undertaken in UK, USA, Germany, Italy, France, South Africa, Spain and UAE.  Sheila has managed projects for the World Bank, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Food & Agriculture Organization and UK Government Ministries.  Sheila’s interests lie in securing improved competitive performance and decision making in firms, an area in which her publications have been widely cited.  She has achieved an MBA from the University of Warwick, and a PhD in Competitive Intelligence & Insight Management.  Sheila was responsible for introducing the Digimind platform in her teaching at De Montfort University which resulted in a seismic shift in attitude and competence among those exposed to it.