Julie Towers
The war for leadership talent
Are we winning the war or losing the battle? Toni Hall and Julie Towers share their experience as the pattern of leadership recruitment within the sector ebbs and flows
Investing in the future – the challenge and opportunity
Julie Towers shares her experience of future talent development and the impact of the Penna Aspirant Chief Executive Programme.
Hybrid hiring and working – here to stay?
Penna’s Julie Towers shares the views of hybrid hires and hiring managers from a recent webinar held alongside the Public Services People Managers Association (PPMA).
For the love of the game
Julie Towers shares the key findings from the recent Love Local Government webinar hosted by The MJ and Inner Circle Consulting.
A deserving shortlist for MJ SLT of the Year Award
There was a greater focus on inequalities, diversity and inclusion, transparency, performance management and organisation development in the entries for the senior leadership team (SLT) of the year category of The MJ Awards, says Julie Towers.
Don't lose focus on your people
Julie Towers has the questions workplaces should be asking themselves as the sector faces unprecedented challenges.
Reflections on 2021
Julie Towers looks back on the past 12 months, anticipates what will be in store in the new year and assesses how the sector needs to adapt to keep up with the pace of change.
Caring for care leavers: The Covenant Employers’ Charter
A helping hand in the form of a well-meaning mentor, some CV advice, interview preparation… everything can make a difference to young care leavers. And as Julie Towers explains, a new charter has been launched to help them flourish.
Penna view
Julie Towers and Toni Hall offer a sneak preview of the annual Chief Executive Survey set to be published in full by Penna, The MJ and the Local Government Association on 1 December.
Through turbulent times – let’s celebrate leadership
Penna is proud to sponsor the Senior Leadership Team category as part of The MJ’s annual Achievement Awards. Julie Towers reflects on the impressive calibre of senior leadership demonstrated by this year’s finalists.
Is Black Lives Matter making a difference?
Managing director of Penna Julie Towers reflects on the rightful and renewed focus on diversity and inclusion since the tragic murder of George Floyd.
Unprecedented, but definitely not on Mute
Julie Towers of Penna looks back on 2020 and the legacy impact on the people agenda.
From good to great
In the wake of The MJ’s successful virtual achievement awards last week, Penna’s Julie Towers takes a look at what qualities lead to success in a leadership team.
What makes senior leadership teams great?
Although the winner won't be known until 2 October, Julie Towers of Penna presents a round-up of the uniting leadership factors of the five councils shortlisted in the Senior Leadership Team category at The MJ Awards.
Test, test, test the tech!
Managing director of Penna Julie Towers offers some key observations on virtual recruitment, and says many of the online elements will be retained when lockdown eases further.
Will COVID-19 mean we tackle poor leadership head-on?
COVID-19 has put leadership right in the spotlight, says Julie Towers. The early findings of the annual MJ Leadership Survey pre-COVID noted a positive move towards more authentic and adaptive leadership, she adds.
Recruiting in the coronavirus crisis
How do you adapt to attract talent during the coronavirus crisis? Penna’s Julie Towers shares her experience of the new normal in recruitment.
In recruitment the art is more important that the science
Julie Towers advocates rigorous assessment and due diligence to test the suitability, experience and capability of candidates; but in her view it’s the ‘art’ that is more important.
Let's not waste top talent
Through my work in the recruitment and transition of leaders I see first-hand the importance of reputation – the value and the damage it can have on careers and people.
Regardless of leadership style, being human is essential
Following the leadership response to the Grenfell tragedy, Julie Towers says the human touch is an underestimated trait and yet is the most powerful.