Meet me at the Milk Bar: Marjie Gracie

The countdown to our next Milk Bar is on! In less than 2 weeks, on Friday 11 November, we’ll be exploring the Future of Work with engaging talks and sessions led by some of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs.

​One of which is Marjie Gracie, Founder of i, not robot , who will be talking about the 'human' dimension of change readiness and transformation. Having worked for organisations such as British Airways and Dell, Marjie's career has spanned over 20 years in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Starting at grass roots in customer services, her career trajectory has included a number of roles from Team Leader to Coach. In August of 2012, Marjie founded 'i, not robot'. Her intentionally named consultancy discovers and develops talented teams through a creative, thought-provoking and energetic approach to coaching and team dynamics.

What brings you to the Milk Bar?

It's the sense of 'Kindred Spirit'! For me, the Milk Bar offers an innovative discussion space where a diverse group of people get to connect not only in person but in our thinking! They say that some of the best ideas started on a napkin - well, I believe that someday soon someone will say that some of the best ideas started at the Milk Bar!

In your opinion how will technology change the future of work?

Whether we like it or not, technology will continue to advance and transform our world and our current norms. I often find myself in conversation with people from each side of the fence - those who embrace and those who resist. My passion and hope centres on how well we succeed in applying technologies as an enabler to a better world of work and living in general. How do we use it to enhance our human connection rather than disconnect? In my opinion, it is our ability to align our innate emotional intelligence with the ever advancing artificial intelligence that will truly matter!

Do you agree that companies who see workplace flexibility as a strategic imperative rather than an employee perk will benefit by attracting, engaging and retaining the best talent?

Absolutely! It's a non negotiable. I believe that the need for 'workplace flexibility' is driven equally by the demands of industry sectors and our customers as much as it is by employees. Organisations who have the ability to view this as part of their overall purpose and proposition are the ones who will flourish in our future. My passion lies in fostering a dialogue that addresses an organisation's anticipation and readiness for change that will result in the creation and sustaining of a unified culture and strong performing teams.

How can businesses provide purpose to their employees and the wider community?

For me this is simple - it lies in the WHY?

I wholeheartedly believe that even in a world of ferocious technological advancement, there is still 'Us' - You and Me. It's what we do with that that matters. I recently read an interview with Professor Muhammad Yunus who spoke about the need to redesign the way we do things in order to become full human beings and create the world we want to live in. I was provoked by his questions :

               * 'What role do I want to play?'
                * 'What’s inside of me that I can contribute?'

We’re looking forward to hearing you speak, could you tell us briefly what your talk is about?

I would like to discuss the importance of building individual motivation to change. Touching on what drives human resistance to change, it's important to highlight that whilst it is easy to identify the tangible and practical things that are required to embrace new horizons and technologies, it is equipping yourself and your organisation's people with the motivations, attitudes and energy to engage with change that will reduce resistance and embrace our ever changing landscapes.

Don`t miss the opportunity to meet Marjie at the Milk Bar on Friday, 11th November 2016, 3:30 -5:30 pm at West, Glasgow Green

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Keep an eye out for our next Milk Bar and other events!

Milk Bar

(Blog first published 10/31-2016)