The University of Lincoln’s Productivity Programme hosted its first mini-conference of 2021 with great success on Wednesday 17th November.

The Think Productivity event featured renowned guest speakers, workshops and takeaway exercises to teach the elements of productivity and the blockers to avoid.

The day was hosted by Richard Askam, creator of Coca-Cola’s iconic ShareaCoke campaign, and featured Sara Scott of Virtubrand and Jo Mason of Propulsion Coaching.

Richard Askam, whose business is based in Louth, launched the first personalised champagne gifts in the UK as an antidote to the commoditisation of the wine market in the UK.

This led him to the doors of Coca-Cola where he created and executed the online ShareaCoke campaign across Europe in 2014. Over the following two years, Richard created similarly successful personalised campaigns for the likes of Unilever, Barclays, Vodafone and McVitie’s before becoming a renowned full-time speaker, debuting as a TED Talker in 2017.

Richard is an expert in conversation, an invaluable skill in a world where businesses must adapt to the conversation of their customers, and over the last few years has become an accomplished host and MC for business events both online and in person.

Jo Mason is an award-winning creativity, innovation and leadership coach and founder of Propulsion Coaching, providing coaching and training services to individuals and businesses across multiple sectors.

In her session Jo explored three things – Motivation, Efficiency and Choices – and how these things are crucial to productive working. Based in the University of Lincoln’s Business Enterprise Centre, Jo has supported both students and professionals in their start-up and scale-up journeys, as well as contributing to the wider business community.

Sara Scott is a career creative with 25 years’ experience as a writer, agency director, brand planner and marketing strategist. She believes that “Productivity is the state of being able to create, particularly at a high quality and at quick speed.”

In her workshop she explored the role of creativity and innovation at work, both in business and for individuals looking to connect their purpose and passion to unlock the potential of their most authentic selves.

Reece Leggett, Business Development Officer for Productivity Programme, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people engaging with the tasks set and really digging into the productivity blockers that they and their businesses are facing.

“We are always happy to help businesses find pathways to make their business better and encourage productive working. This event was the first in-person mini conference we have had in a while, and I am glad that it was a success all round.”

One person in attendance, Liz Drury from British Voiceover Artist, said: “The half day conference organised by the Productivity Programme was a great opportunity to take some time out of my business to think about what might be blocking my productivity, and how to get rid of these blockers as we move towards a new year.

“The speakers were excellent and all experts in their field. I hope the Productivity Programme will organise more events like this in the future!”