Our International Alliance, XLNC

Our international alliance, XLNC, held its Autumn Conference in Venice between 15th and 17th November 2019.

As with previous conferences, the event was very well attended and was housed at the San Clemente Island, only a few minutes away by boat from the hustle and bustle of the Piazza San Marco.

The conference coincided with the 58th Biennale in Venice, which transformed the City into a vibrant cultural metropolis where there were many masterpieces on display throughout the City.

All XLNC conferences have a keynote speaker and the Venice conference was no exception, with William Johnson being the confirmed speaker. William has been advising professional services firms on aligning behaviours with strategy for over 25 years. His interest in learning theories and applications began when he was in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. On leaving the Royal Navy he trained as an organisational psychologist before joining a strategic advisory firm specialising in aligning strategy, structure and behaviours.

William’s session provided a useful introduction to the understanding of psychology in commercial situations, and gave all the attendees an insight into more effective communication techniques. At Gerald Edelman, we have an increasing number of our clients in the technology space, which are using interesting and innovative techniques to take psychology and behaviour into account when putting together algorithmic-based technology platforms. Many of these businesses are at the beginning of an exciting journey, which will see them enter into and eventually disrupt existing markets.

Another exciting aspect of the XLNC Conference is the Focus Group discussions. These bring together likeminded professionals to discuss situations across numerous borders and involving international markets across the world. Apart from Focus Groups on service areas, such as international tax issues, we also have one dealing with M&A and Deal Advisory. Such a Focus Group will be of interest to many of our clients who are looking to make acquisitions or possibly consider disposing of businesses and assets where counterparties may not necessarily be based in the UK. If you would like further information regarding this, then please either contact myself or the partner who normally deals with your affairs.