The FWD’s new Future Leaders’ Forum (FLF) heard from former Booker chief Charles Wilson and Bidfood’s Andrew Selley, with advice and stories about their own journeys to the top of the industry.
The newly-established FLF is networking space for emerging talent, focusing on inspiring, retaining and developing wholesale sector colleagues aged 30 or under through activity generated by the group itself. As part of FWD’s Promoting Wholesale initiative, it recognises the need to attract the widest range of talents into the wholesale sector, and give them the tools to lead the sector forward as their careers develop.
Challenging them to question ‘how it’s always been done’, the former Booker chief emphasised that no matter how senior one becomes, putting the customer first is key and emphasising the power that a network can bring in business.
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Bidcorp chief Selley described his career path and reminded the attendees that challenge brings opportunity. He also said it was incumbent to understand the needs and wants of Gen Z and not revert to how it’s always been done.
JTI account executive Foave Aggar , one of the FLF’s 30 members, said: “The FLF is proving to be a hugely positive environment to be involved with. We have already been given the opportunity to listen to and interact with successful CEOs, offering an insight into their journey, providing inspiration and motivation on how to succeed.
“I am looking forward to being further involved with a forum which encourages personal and professional growth through networking and knowledge sharing with likeminded people.”
FWD head of engagement Lyndsey Cambridge said: “This is a really exciting development for FWD. The Future Leaders Forum adds to the main FWD Council and Supplier Council, increasing the amount of engagement we have with members across a far wider range of roles, responsibilities and seniority. We have been delighted at how much interest there is in this, from both the current generation of leaders and the next.”
