William Lankston
Transform workplace culture and drive commercial success with William Lankston, Managing Director of Timpson Direct. William helps organisations implement upside-down management principles and people-first leadership strategies that prioritise employee happiness. Fellow of The RSA who leads a profitable business model built on trust, autonomy, and radical employee welfare.
London, United Kingdom
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Will joined Timpson in 2008 as a shop assistant in Aylesbury, working his way through nearly every division in the company. He now leads strategic partnerships, vending operations, web businesses, and franchising. He is a Fellow of The RSA and a vocL Voice, participating in discussions with MPs, journalists, and business leaders on leadership and social impact.
Central to Will’s work is the Timpson ethos of Great Service by Great People. He is a strong advocate of the Group’s upside-down management philosophy, where leaders exist to serve their teams, and where success is measured not only in financial terms but also through employee happiness and wellbeing. He frequently speaks about Timpson’s distinctive approach to recruitment, including its long-standing commitment to employing ex-offenders. His hands-on knowledge of every level of the operation gives him practical insight into how inverting traditional management structures drives both financial performance and workplace wellbeing.
Audiences learn how to implement upside-down management principles in their own organisations, discover practical strategies for building teams based on trust, and understand the business case for prioritising employee happiness. Will shares real examples from Timpson's operations, demonstrating how giving staff autonomy creates better customer service and stronger financial results.
Book Will to learn how people-first leadership translates directly into commercial success and sustainable growth.
Topics, Sessions And Talks
Join William Lankston, Managing Director of Timpson Direct, to uncover the secrets of upside-down management and doing the right thing. While it may seem straightforward to CEOs, managers, or directors, traditional top-down approaches often lead to wasted hours in meetings and emails, making team members feel like mere cogs in a machine. The Happy Index offers valuable lessons to help you and your team rethink management strategies. William will share insights on how adopting an upside-down mindset can enhance financial success and improve team wellbeing and happiness. Attendees will learn practical tools and tactics for effective, people-centered management.
Looking for a custom keynote or workshop designed around your company’s goals and culture? The expert will create a tailored, interactive session that aligns with your objectives, values, and strategic priorities. From leadership and innovation to wellbeing and collaboration, each experience is built from the ground up to deliver measurable impact and lasting change.
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