The Herald is to host an event aimed at identifying the hallmarks of strong leadership.

Those taking part in The Future of Leadership Business Breakfast, held in association with CMS, will discuss culture, risk, innovation and effective governance.

The aim is to explore and understand the changes being seen in governance, accountability and transparency, and how these will make a positive difference in organisations across Scotland.

Jack Letson, Partner, CMS and panel member, said: “All leaders want to hire intelligent, creative and driven employees for their business, but are they always empowered to fulfil the company’s strategy? In reality, most employees are cogs in a machine, with tightly defined roles that involve following decisions; often they are not given the trust, time and space to contribute new ideas and try new things, even if they fail.

“To unlock a company’s full potential, leaders need to focus more on instilling the right cultures and values.

“As the new Wates Corporate Governance Principles for Large Private Companies states, a company’s purpose and values should inform expected behaviours and practices throughout the organisation.

“Employees need to be given trust and time to seek out ways of trying to improve how a company does things.”

Among the participants is keynote speaker Alasdair Gardner, Head of Industrials and Commercial Banking Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group, who will appear alongside an expert panel. Also joining the panel discussion is Jonathan Golby, Chief Executive at Peak Scientific, Graham Hutcheson, Managing Director, Group Operations, Edrington, Gillian MacLellan, Partner, CMS Employment Team, Nicola Pidgeon, Assistant Director, EY and Dr Lesley Sawers OBE, Director, GenAnalytics.

Anyone who would like to attend can register today. The event will take place on November 12 at CMS, 1 West Regent Street, Glasgow from 8am10.30am. To register visit www.newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/TheFutureofLeadershipBreakfast or call Kirsty Loughlin on 0141 302 6016.