LEADERSHIP is in the spotlight more than ever. The global economic downturn, Britain’s fragile recovery and public spending cuts – and now political reform in North Africa and the Middle East – have called for some big decisions by leaders.

Having a coalition government in Britain for the first time since the Second World War has made us more conscious of who makes the decisions that affect our everyday lives.

And there are regular high profile debates about whether a leader is the right leader. Think about the recent media storm surrounding John Terry’s recent re-appointment as England football captain, for example.

The UK’s plight has stimulated more creative solutions to leadership, which are changing the relationship between the public and private sectors and how organisations are run.

More broadly, these could profoundly change the way businesses and local councils think about their role in society.

The way City of York Council is changing is a good example. Its chief executive, Kersten England, is committed to adapting to the new small state, big society model of government.

She is passionate about moving the council forward, with ambitious and focused leadership from locallyelected representatives, to add value to the local community and make a major contribution to the city’s prosperity.

What’s refreshing about Kersten’s approach is how she sees the council as central to York’s wealth creation and economic growth – and creating an organisational culture typical of many successful private-sector businesses based on ambition, confidence, creativity and an ability to work beyond narrow functional specifications, remits and boundaries.

Kersten’s passion is vital to success and it demonstrates what can be achieved when we allow ourselves to be human first and business people second.

This is a subject that regular York St John Business School guest speaker Professor Roger Steare is passionate about – and the need to restore human empathy in the workplace. He believes the disappearance of “love” in workplaces has led to an increase in unethical business decisions.

The good news is that an increasing number of leaders within Britain’s largest organisations are realising this too, which is why Roger is busy advising them on how they can change for the benefit of society as a whole.

Professor Roger Steare and Kersten England will say more on these issues at York St John Business School’s Annual Lecture, on May 11, between 10am and noon.

To find out more phone 01904 876868 or 876915 or email business.school@yorksj.ac.uk.