Episodes

  • Welcome to this short episode of A facilitator's Journey. Today is a SOFest update covering how the early bird launch went, some thank yous, and future plans.


    Let us know if you are coming to SOFest, I can't wait to meet you in the field

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    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your business as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Key Links:

    Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

    Connect with me on Instagram HERE

    Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

    [email protected]


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode is about the importance of our network as we develop and grow our businesses, finding people who we connect with in an authentic way and who we want to spend time with talking about our business, our deepest thoughts and ideas.


    Lisa Partridge is a communication skills specialist with a passion for walking. Based in Singapore she is a facilitator, podcast host and is building a thriving walk and talk community,


    Kirsty and Lisa talk about the challenges of business development, finding your niche, the importance of building relationships and making in-person connections.


    Lisa talks about her unique approach to networking by inviting people to go for walks instead of traditional coffee meetings. These are her antidote to the traditional networking events that were stiff and uncomfortable. Lisa started a walking and talking community that has grown to over 100 members and has become an integral part of her business. Lisa emphasizes the importance of being intentional and consistent in business development, building brand awareness, and being patient for connections to develop into opportunities.

    Starting Six CommunicationsThe Challenges of Business Development and Finding Your NicheThe Importance of Building Relationships and Making In-Person ConnectionsA Unique Approach to Networking: Inviting People for WalksChallenges of Traditional Networking EventsCreating Memorable Impressions in NetworkingBuilding a Community for Business DevelopmentUsing Walking and Talking as an OpenerConsistency and Brand Awareness in Business DevelopmentThe Importance of Patience in Business Development

    I invite you to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat, and tune in your ears.

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    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your business as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Key Links:

    Visit Six Comms website HERE

    Connect with Lisa on Instagram HERE

    Connect with Lisa on Linkedin HERE

    Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

    Connect with me on Instagram HERE

    Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

    [email protected]


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • This episode is about running our own businesses, redefining success, being a solo mum, asking for help and what IS the difference between a B2C and B2B business model??


    Carla Miller is a women's leadership coach, creator of the podcast Influence & Impact for female leaders, author, and trainer. 


    Kirsty talks to Carla about her journey of leaving the charity sector and starting her own business as a solo parent. The themes that come up include the challenges of balancing parenting with entrepreneurship, why asking for help is hard, and the need to stop comparing ourselves to others on Linkedin. 

    We talk about how we both balance B2C and B2B models within our businesses and why we choose to operate both models when it is evident that we find one harder than the other to navigate.

    The decision to leave the Charity Sector and Start the BusinessThe Financial Realities of Coaching and Building a BusinessMarketing Strategies and ChallengesCarla's Experience as a Solo ParentBalancing Parenting and EntrepreneurshipRedefining Success and Making ChoicesAsking for Help and Being RealisticReflecting on the Meaning and Purpose of Life and BusinessBalancing B2C and B2BFinding Joy and FulfillmentQuick-fire questions

    My invitation to you is to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat, and tune in your ears.

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    A Facilitator's Journey is a podcast that looks at how you run your business as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Key Links:

    Visit Carla's website HERE

    Connect with Carla on Linkedin HERE

    Follow Carla on Instagram HERE

    Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

    Connect with me on Instagram HERE

    Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

    [email protected]


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode is about how to work in partnership, creating clear ways of working from the start and aligning on values and work ethics.


    Chris Locke and Alex O'Rourke are the founders of Locksmith. They help marketeers improve their marketing skills, capabilities, and leadership abilities. The partnership started in 2019 after a conversation at a friend's birthday party. They initially planned to start a consultancy business but found success in training and development.


    We talk about the need for regular check-ins, open communication being the foundation for a good working relationship, and why clear boundaries are so important. As Locksmith started in early 2020 the conversation turned to how we all navigated the covid years and what happened next. Alex and Chris share their strategies for marketing themselves, including using LinkedIn and personalized videos.


    Locksmith's Mission and ServicesForming a Partnership and the Qualities Desired in a Business PartnerThe Importance of Values and Purpose in the PartnershipRegular Check-ins and CommunicationDeal Breakers and BoundariesOutsourcing and NetworkingMarketing Yourself and Your BusinessBuilding a Strong Brand

    I invite you to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat, and tune in your ears.

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    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your business as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Key Links:

    Visit the Locksmith website HERE

    Connect with Chris on Linkedin HERE

    Connect with Alex on Linkedin HERE

    Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

    Connect with me on Instagram HERE

    Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

    [email protected]


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode is a story about discovering your passion for learning, working out how you can leave the organisation you work for, become a freelancer and work as an associate delivering workshops for others and then testing the idea of finding your own clients.


    Karen Sargent is an occupational psychologist who is passionate about helping leaders and employees create results and not burn out.

    Join Kirsty and Karen as they talk about what it is really like being a freelance trainer, the benefits of associate life vs managing direct client relationships, how easy it is to think life is greener on the other side of the fence. They explore topics such as consistency, defining success, financial planning, building a network, overcoming limiting beliefs, and investing in personal development. Karen generously shares her experiences and insights, offering valuable advice for those considering a career as a freelancer.

    Inspiration and Journey into Learning and DevelopmentTransition from Corporate Life to FreelancingExploring Different Approaches to selling and Lessons LearnedNavigating Challenges During COVIDLessons from Outsourcing Sales LeadsImportance of Consistency and AuthenticityThe Pitfalls of Creating without ActionFinancial Planning for FreelancersThe benefits of Building a Network

    My invitation to you is to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat, and tune in your ears.

    ____


    A Facilitator's Journey is a podcast that looks at how you run your business as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Key Links:

    Connect with Karen on Linkedin HERE

    Visit the Work Joyful website HERE

    Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

    Connect with me on Instagram HERE

    Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

    [email protected]


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode is about what it is like to be a facilitator who travels the world, who works and has lived in multiple countries, experienced the nonprofit and education sectors through to corporate organizations.


    Romy Alexandra is a learning experience designer and facilitator. She has been in the world of facilitation for over 19 years and has visited over 80 countries.


    Kirsty and Romy explore what it is like to work and live in different countries, the trials and tribulations of travel and local authority paperwork to set up a business, and the need to pivot during lockdown having moved to a new country.

    Romy generously shares insights into her life as a facilitator, how she balances the work with self-care, and the importance of staying true to your values.


    How it all beganWorking Internationally and Traveling - It's not all glamourOur go-to Self-Care ActivitiesNavigating the Challenges of Starting a Business in a New CountryContinuous Learning and Personal GrowthBuilding a Successful Business Based on Values and Impact

    My invitation to you is to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat, and tune in your ears.

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    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your business as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Key Links:

    Connect with Romy on Linkedin HERE

    Visit Romy's website HERE

    Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

    Connect with me on Instagram HERE

    Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

    [email protected]


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this impromptu episode, I share an exciting announcement—SoFest, a festival for facilitators, trainers, and coaches, is happening Summer 2025.Join me as I dive into the story behind this bold idea, the challenges I'm facing, and my hopes for creating a vibrant space where our community can connect, learn, and grow in 'real life'.If you've ever dreamed of taking your facilitation skills out of the Zoom room and into a beautiful, inspiring environment, this is the episode for you.Plus, get the inside scoop on what’s planned, the hurdles ahead, and how you can get involved.

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    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your business as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Key Links:

    Sign up to the SOFest newsletter HERE

    Take our poll HERE

    Connect with me on Instagram HERE

    Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

    [email protected]


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode is about how we find our way into the world of facilitation and training, what it means to have a co-founder walk by your side, and how you build a brand people recognise.


    Marcus is a facilitator and co-founder of a facilitation and training business, based in Australia. He has been in the industry for over 23 years, has grown and sold one learning business, and is building another thriving entity.


    Kirsty and Marcus discuss how they became facilitators and the different paths that lead people to the industry. We chat about the concept of deliberate practice and the significance of feedback in achieving expertise. Marcus highlights the value of having a co-founder and the benefits of working with a business partner.


    How Marcus became a facilitator by accident!Why deliberate practice, working at the edge of one's competence and receiving feedback, is crucial for developing expertiseHumility, hard work, and gratitude are important values for facilitators to upholdHaving a co-founder or partner in a facilitation business provides support, different skills, and a shared visionProfessional loneliness is a common challenge, and having a professional pack to run with can help alleviate this feelingBuilding a brand goes beyond personal reputation and involves curating a team of trusted professionalsInvesting in an equity structure and creating a strong foundation for the business can provide long-term value and stability.Having a co-founder can provide support and balance during challenging times.

    Recommended book: 'Partnership Charter' by David Gage


    My invitation to you is to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat, and tune in your ears.

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    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    www.schooloffacilitation.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode is about becoming a facilitator and trainer later in life, how your previous life experiences can set you up for success, and what you can do to find your first gig.


    Dani Blue is a facilitator, trainer, actor, model, musician, and swimming coach. A woman who has lived many lives, experienced a rollercoaster ride with a chronic health illness, started over multiple times, and is now accepting that she might just have found her sweetspot as a facilitator.


    The conversation delves into the impact of personal relationships on work life and the mindset required for effective facilitation. We discuss the journey of a new facilitator and trainer, discussing the challenges, growth, and mindset shifts experienced. we reflect on the importance of being prepared, open to change, and the value of community and connections. T


    Chapters

    Introduction and Banter: The World of Acting and ModelingResilience and Growth: Navigating Personal ChallengesCreating Inclusive Spaces: The Art of Effective FacilitationThe Impact of Personal Relationships on Work-LifeAdaptability and Confidence: Essential Skills for FacilitationEmbracing Change: The Power of Community and ConnectionsMindset Shift: From Corporate Career to Self-EmploymentSelf-Investment and Bravery: Pursuing New Opportunities

    I invite you to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat, and tune in your ears.


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    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Kirsty shares her personal journey from leaving the corporate world in 2008 to the establishment of School of Facilitation in 2014.This solo episode looks at personal and professional challenges, growth, and the birth of her business idea. It's a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the evolution of a successful venture (got to love AI for bigging you up!)In this episode I talk about what happened when I left the corporate world, became an associate, and where the idea for School of Facilitation came from.

    I think about what happened chronologically as I know that informs my story and actions


    2008: Become an associate sales trainer

    2010: Started to think about having my own clients. Mum's cancer diagnosis

    2011: Mum dies and I go into plug-and-play mode

    2013: A gift is given which changes my path

    2014: Deep dive into the world of Systemic Constellations and the birth of SOF

    2015: THAT Linkedin article is published and a new corporate client appears

    2016: No more associate work


    I invite you to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat, and tune in your ears.

    ____


    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode of the SOF Podcast, host Kirsty welcomes Mark Walsh, an embodiment teacher, and business entrepreneur, to discuss his fascinating journey from running a small business to a multimillion-pound business and back to a medium-sized business.. Mark shares his insights on the nature of connection and the lessons he learned from scaling his business. This conversation is packed with valuable advice for anyone navigating their own entrepreneurial path, balancing work and well-being, and looking to incorporate embodiment into their professional practice.


    Key Discussion Points:

    The Nature of Connection - Exploring how meaningful connections extend beyond words to include physical presenceMark's Business Evolution - The journey from solopreneur to running a multi-million pound companyChallenges and Lessons in Scaling a Business - expanding too quickly and knowing when to scale back.Insights on managing stress, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and creating a sustainable business model.Outsourcing and Delegation - The importance of building a team that supports your business goals.Diverse Metrics of Success - Evaluating success through various metrics beyond financial performance, such as email engagement rates and team happiness.Continuous Learning and Development - The value of ongoing education and upskilling for both personal growth and enhancing team capabilities.

    Join us for an insightful conversation with Mark Walsh that delves into the practicalities of embodiment, the realities of running a business, and the importance of staying true to your values and passions.


    I invite you to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat and tune in your ears.


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    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Join Kirsty and Kurt Lindley as they dive into the life of running a business as a facilitator, trainer, coach, and consultant. They chat about everything from juggling workloads and managing diaries to the ups and downs of cash flow. It’s a candid discussion about the importance of finding balance in both your professional and personal lives, packed with practical tips for building strong client relationships and maintaining well-being.


    Kurt is from South Africa, grew up in Yorkshire and puts his family first, always. Kurt's a bit of a procrastinator and a dreamer, always lost in thought or scribbling down poems. 


    In this episode, he brings his passion for learning and exploring, sharing how these traits play into his professional strategies and personal philosophies.


    Kirsty and Kurt touch on several important topics:

    how effective workload and diary management can keep you on top of your game.strategies for keeping the financial side of your business healthy.why taking quiet periods for reflection is crucial for growth.finding the sweet spot with pricing to keep both you and your clients happy.maintaining your mental health and setting boundaries for a happier, more fulfilling career.

    My invitation to you is to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat and tune in your ears.

    ____


    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode with Caroline Boyd is about being an Associate (Sub-contractor) in the training industry. The benefits, the challenges, the dynamics of the associate-training company relationship, the transition from corporate to freelance, and importantly the journey an associate goes through. The conversation is backed by Caroline's thesis she wrote for her Occupational Psychology Masters.


    Caroline is a trainer/facilitator and works in the space of management and leadership. She is an associate and business owner (for now),


    Themes that we cover:

    Being an associate provides a safe bridge into the freelance worldThe associate-client relationship requires trust, effective communication, and a clear understanding of expectations.Where and how associates find meaning and fulfilment in their workThe complex relationship between the associate-training company-clientThe measure of success used by associates goes beyond money!The journey associates go through from yes, to no, to prioritising work that aligns with strengths and valuesHow training companies can foster a positive working relationship with associatesThe importance of psychological meaning, awareness and safety when fostering and nurturing associate - training company relationshipsConsider whether finding your own clients is what you really want?

    My invitation to you is to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat and tune in your ears.


    ____


    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.t


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • To Niche or Not to Niche - That is the question!


    Many are told early on in their foray into freelancing that niching is a good idea. whilst logical it can still leave us scratching our heads about how to start, where to start, how to do it and maybe even asking if it is worth it.


    In this episode, Cat Hase and I talk about finding our niches and how to discover and refine your niche. We share the value of networking, seeking external validation, and conversing with others to gain clarity. Cat reminds us to stay open to opportunities outside of the niche and the importance of aligning the niche with personal values and interests.


    Cat is a creativity coach and helps facilitators and trainers to bring more play into their workshops. Cat loves designing and creating activities. her favourite question is "Do you have any ideas for....."


    In this episode we cover the following

    The Topic of NichingKnowing What You Want to DoDefining What You Enjoy and Don't EnjoyThe Decision to NicheFinding Your NicheThe Importance of Retreats and ConversationsThe Moment of ClarityThe Value of Conversations in Refining Your NicheAdvice for Finding Your NicheNoticing Signs That Your Niche Isn't WorkingMyth: Niching Means Saying No to Other OpportunitiesShowcasing Your Strengths Through NichingThe Importance of Clear Communication and MarketingBuilding a Network of Niche ExpertsThe Role of Timing in Niching and Offer DevelopmentInvesting in Yourself and Your Business

    My invitation to you is to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat and tune in your ears.


    ____


    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In today's episode, Kirsty and Claire Vintiner discuss various aspects of freelancing, including valuing oneself and one's work, reframing budgets, setting boundaries, and having great client conversations.


    Claire Vintiner is a coach, a facilitator, and someone who isn't afraid to bring leaders and organisations together to play a transformative role in addressing people, planetary and systems challenges. Claire has experienced being an associate as well as working with her own clients.


    As the conversation unfolds, Kirsty and Claire emphasize the importance of evolving and continuously working on one's relationship with money. They also highlight the significance of trust, both in oneself and in the process, and the power of saying no when necessary. They discuss the process of client conversations and how to effectively engage with clients through open questions, deep listening, summaries, and probing questions to understand the clients' needs and objectives.


    Here are some of this episodes themes

    How We Value Ourselves and Our WorkUnderstanding the Worth of Your WorkBuilding Comfort with the Reframing of BudgetsSetting Boundaries and Saying Yes or NoHaving Great Client ConversationsThe Client Conversation ProcessAsking QuestionsSummarizing and ParaphrasingProbing on AnswersBuilding Rapport and Small TalkAsking the Next Logical StepBudget DiscussionsProposal vs Concept NoteWinning Work on Quality

    About the School of Facilitation Podcast, A Facilitator's Journey: Real Life Stories


    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this conversation, Ged shares with me his journey of leaving the world of retail and starting his own business. We discuss the challenges he faced in his early years and how he managed to overcome them. Ged emphasizes the importance of accountability and external motivation in driving his success. He also talks about his strategies to expand his reach and find new opportunities. Ged's story highlights the resilience and determination required to build a successful business


    Ged is a Negotiation skills trainer and GSCOP specialist. He can be found commentating on the world of Retail on the BBC, writing in the Grocer or the UK papers.


    We discuss a myriad of topics

    Leaving the World of Retail

    Year One: Starting the Business

    Year Two: Getting By

    Year Three: Financial Struggles

    The power of external Motivation and Accountability

    How Finding New Contacts and Opportunities is Essential

    Building Relationships and Staying Relevant

    The Power of PR and Using Media to Build Credibility

    Utilizing Introductions and LinkedIn for Networking

    The Power of LinkedIn for Business Growth

    Resilience and Adaptability in Business


    Grab a cup of tea and take a seat on the pink chair, enjoy!


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    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • James Gairdner started out in the corporate world in a variety of roles from commercial to marketing for a well known drinks brand and then diving into Banking in 2007 as that world started to collapse. He chose to leave corporate life to help a coach build their business and from there joined Heresy Consulting.


    In this episode two parts of the conversation with James jumped out at me.


    The first is his challenge to me as to whether I run a project shop or a business.


    The second was a quote from Elliot Jacques which suggests the way we construct our businesses is a mirror of our psychology.


    Both conversations have me thinking more about what it is I am doing in my business which is both supporting and hindering SOF's growth and development.


    We talk about

    The mental and emotional transition that occurs after leaving a corporateWhy James wanted to build a business vs evolve his craftThe benefits of having products in your training businessThe difference between being a business and a project shopThe triangle of projects, retainers and being a trusted advisorThe relevance of referral feesElliot Jacques thinking that we construct our businesses as a mirror of our psychologyWhy developing a reflective practise benefits us, our business, and our clientsWhy facilitators and trainers should have supervision

    Come on in and have a listen.

    If you enjoy this conversation let us know, hit subscribe, leave a rating or review


    https://www.heresyconsulting.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gairdner-1192a76/


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode is about moving from working in-house to becoming a B:Corp business, how associate relationships benefit from transparency and communication and how niching is beneficial.


    Phil Walsh is a man with a big heart who works with purpose-led organisations as a facilitator.


    The conversation in todays podcast follows the natural curve of Phil's career. We cover a multitude of topics:

    How to grow your facilitator or trainer skills in a corporateOur love of NLPLeaving the corporate world and finding those initial gigsThe world in 2007!A Kirsty rantAssociate green and red flagsWhy niche and the benefitsFinding direct clients and professional persistence

    Grab a cup of tea, tune in your ears and take a seat on the pink chair


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    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Kate Jones was a consultant with PA Consulting until she realised she needed to make a change and get out. For the last 11 years she has run Neon a boutique consultancy which aims to help leaders create more deeply human organisations.


    In this episode, Kate and I discuss why she chose to leave the corporate world and how she thought she had associate work lined up, but it was retracted. What to do? Resign or Stay?


    The conversation continues and we dive into these topics:

    Leaving the corporate worldThe serendipity of finding the first piece of workExperiencing loneliness as a freelancerWhy community is important to elevate lonelinessThe need for professional developmentThe benefits of having a supervisorHow do you find work now?What happens when client work is quiet?

    Come on in and have a listen.

    If you enjoy this conversation let us know, hit subscribe, leave a rating or review


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    About the School of Facilitation Podcast, A Facilitator's Journey: Real Life Stories


    A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.

    You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.


    Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode explores what negotiation is and how we can have better negotiation conversations. I noticed that sometimes selling and negotiation do not come easily to facilitators and trainers hence my desire to talk to Mark. I want to start to share what you can do when you find yourself in these situations.


    Mark Davis is known as the Cultural Navigator. He weaves negotiation and cultural intelligence together supporting businesses with their negotiation skills, cross-cultural communication, and Leadership development.


    Mark and I wend our way through this conversation thinking about a fictitious negotiation with a client. We pull out a variety of skills, behaviors, and mindsets that can be adopted to enable there to be a positive outcome for both you and your client.

    What is the difference between Selling and NegotiatingThe language of sellingWhat to do when you meet someone from purchasing?The different skills and behaviours we can use in a negotiationWhat are the three things to prepare for your negotiationNegotiation as a ritualThree questions to ask in a negotiationThe benefit of using summariesAssumptive statements and how to use them to gain clarity

    Pull up a chair, grab a cuppa, and enjoy the listen.


    Connect with Mark on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/culturenavigator/


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.