A Facilitator's Journey: Real Life Stories

Episode 49: From Newsrooms to Workshops: Jo Cook's purposeful facilitator's path

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

This episode is about decision-making in our businesses, the frameworks we use to say yes or no to work and how becoming more conscious in our decision-making is important to cultivate.

In this engaging conversation, Jo Cook shares with Kirsty her journey from being a trainee journalist to having a multi-income stream business. Jo shares her experiences transitioning from journalism to self-employment, the challenges of working with family, and living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

They emphasize the significance of creating inclusive work environments and the necessity of investing in personal and professional growth. The discussion highlights the need for flexibility in business models and the value of intention in career planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection

02:45 Navigating Networking and Professional Relationships

05:16 Career Journey: From Journalism to Learning and Development

08:20 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business and Learning

10:54 Transitioning to Self-Employment and Business Challenges

13:51 The Importance of Intention in Career Planning

16:25 Adapting to Change: The Evolution of Business Models

19:18 Working with Family: The Dynamics of Sibling Partnerships

22:10 Health Challenges: Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

24:52 Creating Inclusive Work Environments

27:43 Quick-fire questions

33:18 SOFest, TJ 60th Birthday and wrap up!

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 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 Jo's website HERE

Connect with Jo on Linkedin HERE

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 48: The Importance of Community, Connection and Collaboration

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this engaging conversation, Kirsty Lewis and Chad Littlefield explore the evolving landscape of facilitation, the impact of AI, and the importance of community and collaboration.

They discuss the challenges faced by facilitators in a changing business environment, the significance of positioning and value, and actionable advice for those starting out in the field.

The conversation also highlights the upcoming Connector Summit and the importance of investing in personal growth and development.

00:00 Introduction and Connection

02:42 The Role of AI in Facilitation

05:24 Navigating Business Challenges

08:32 Positioning and Value in Facilitation

11:04 Shifting Business Focus

13:56 Personal Stories and Business Insights

21:04 Connection Before Content

24:20 The Shift to YouTube and Online Engagement

29:58 Business Structure and Revenue Streams

36:35 Partnerships and Collaborations in Business

43:05 The Value of Information and Implementation

45:10 Generosity Marketing and Value-Based Pricing

47:17 The Scarcity Mindset in Pricing

50:16 The Importance of Open Conversations About Money

51:46 Positioning and Pricing Strategies

56:51 Navigating Economic Uncertainty in Facilitation

01:01:04 Quick Fire Questions and Final Insights

____

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

Key Links:

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 47: The brutal truth: My first five years as a freelance facilitator

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This episode is about decision-making in our businesses, the frameworks we use to say yes or no to work and how becoming more conscious in our decision-making is important to cultivate.

In this conversation, Kirsty Lewis and Dave Freeman discuss the journey of transitioning from the corporate world to becoming a freelance facilitator and trainer. They explore the challenges faced in the early stages of building a business, the impact of COVID-19 on the training industry, and the importance of finding a niche.

Dave shares his experiences, including the ups and downs of his first year, the evolution of his business, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, and the brutal truth of running a business.

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:29 The Brutal Truth of Business

05:36 Leaving the Corporate World

08:10 Transitioning to Facilitation and Training

10:53 Finding Associate Work

13:40 Auditioning for Associate Roles

16:35 Year One Challenges

19:19 Year two and the Impact of COVID

22:06 Adapting to Virtual Training

24:43 Reflections on the Journey

29:58 The Evolution of a Trainer: Year Two to Year Three

33:06 Narrowing the Focus: Year Four and Niching

42:10 The Balancing Act: Associate vs Direct Work

48:10 Quick Fire Insights: Advice and Recommendations

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 46: Summer Reflections: My Facilitator's Journey!

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Join me, Kirsty Lewis, founder of the School of Facilitation, as I reflect on my summer of 2025.

From facilitating summits in London and Manila to traveling across Australia and New Zealand, I share my experiences, lessons learned, and insights into the world of facilitation.

Discover the highlights of SoFest, the challenges of balancing work and travel, and the exciting plans for the future.

Key Highlights:

SoFest 2026: A celebration of community and learning with 80 participants, workshops, and inspiring speakers.

Travel Adventures: Exploring Australia and New Zealand, meeting fellow facilitators, and embracing cultural differences.

Lessons Learned: The importance of community, the challenges of professional loneliness, and the need for strategic planning in the business!

Visit the SoFest website for 2026 early bird tickets and stay connected for more insights and updates.

#Facilitation #SoFest #SummerReflections

Don't delete below section - to be added to every description

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 45: Navigating Neurodiversity in Business

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this conversation, Kirsty Lewis and Tamzin Hall explore the themes of neurodiversity, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the importance of self-awareness in client relationships.

Tamsin shares her personal experiences with neurodiversity and how it shaped her career as a consultant.

They discuss the challenges of building a business, the significance of choosing clients wisely, and the value of utilizing downtime effectively for personal and professional growth.

Towards the end of the conversation Kirsty and Tamzin explore the complexities of business ethics, the significance of unique selling points, the challenges of loneliness in entrepreneurship, and the importance of continuous personal and professional development. They discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by business owners, the need for authenticity in business practices, and the value of mentorship and accountability in achieving success.

Takeaways

Neurodiversity can be supported without a formal diagnosis in the business environment.

Choosing clients wisely can lead to a more fulfilling business. Trust your intuition to guide you in client relationships.

Utilizing downtime can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Building a business takes time and effort, not just a good idea.

Resistance to tasks can indicate a misalignment with your goals.

Networking and planning are essential for a successful transition to entrepreneurship.

Embracing your unique journey can lead to greater fulfillment.

Business success is subjective and should be defined individually.

Copying someone else's business model is unethical and ineffective.

The business landscape can be lonely, highlighting the need for community support.

Investing in personal development is essential for business owners.

Ethics in business should guide decision-making processes.

Continuous learning and development are vital for staying relevant in business.

Trusting one's instincts is key to navigating business challenges.

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 44: Re-evaluating Success: From corporate to creative to scaling back

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this conversation, Mok reflects on his journey from corporate consulting to founding the Innovation Beehive, a company focused on unlocking creative potential in organisations.

He shares personal experiences of loss, the impact of COVID-19 on his business, and the decision to scale back rather than grow. Mok emphasizes the importance of reevaluating success, prioritizing health, and making intentional life choices.

The discussion highlights the challenges of entrepreneurship, the need for self-examination, and the journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Mok tells Kirsty about his journey of overcoming personal and professional challenges, emphasizing the importance of self-care, financial management, and the power of saying no.

The dialogue highlights the significance of resilience, personal growth, and the value of building a supportive community.

The Birth of Innovation Beehive
Navigating Personal Loss and Career Changes
Reevaluating Success and Life Choices
The Shift from Growth to Scaling Back
Intentional Steps to Scale Back
Transitioning from Team to Solopreneur
Facing Fear and Rebuilding Life
The Power of Saying No
Navigating Financial Responsibilities
Embracing New Ventures and Community

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Visit Mok's website HERE

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 43: The Power of an Endurance Mindset in Business

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Kirsty Lewis interviews Clare Walkeden, a consultant, coach, and endurance athlete, about her journey in business and the importance of wellbeing.

They discuss the transition from marketing to a focus on wellbeing, the foundations of personal and professional health, and the significance of community and connection.

Clare shares her insights on maintaining balance as a business owner and the role of an endurance mindset in achieving success. In this engaging conversation, Kirsty Lewis and Clare Walkeden explore the themes of endurance, chosen suffering, and the emotional challenges faced in both cycling and business. They discuss the importance of discomfort for growth, the need for self-awareness, and the significance of community support.

Clare shares her experiences with endurance cycling and how they relate to running a business, emphasizing the necessity of knowing one's values and direction.

The conversation also touches on the emotional flatness that can occur with mastery and the joy found in nature and connection with others.

Foundations of Wellbeing for Business Owners
The Importance of Connection and Community
The Five Fundamentals of Wellbeing
Balancing Business and Personal Wellbeing
Endurance Mindset in Business
Clire's Endurance Sports Journey
The Concept of Chosen Suffering
Endurance Mindset in Business
Navigating Emotional Flatness
The Challenge of Mastery
Finding Joy in the Journey
Building Community and Support
The Importance of Connection with Nature

Don't delete below section - to be added to every description

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 42: Websites and SEO - What Every Freelancer and Facilitator Needs to Know

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:14:44 GMT

Is your website really working for you - or is it quietly gathering dust?

In this episode, I’m joined by Barb Davids, a website and SEO strategist who helps business owners grow their organic traffic and make their websites work harder (without all the tech overwhelm). Together, we dive into why your website still matters - even in the age of social media - and what simple changes you can make to boost your online presence.

We explore:

Why having a website builds trust and credibility with clients
The surprising importance of having a blog (yes, even now!)
What SEO actually is — and why it’s not as scary as it sounds
How to choose the right keywords and get found on Google
Practical tips to improve your site without needing a full redesign

Whether you’re just starting out or thinking it might be time to refresh your online home, this conversation is packed with insights to help you take small, manageable steps toward a website that really supports your business.

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

If you purchase the Instant Blog Planner™, you will get a free 90-minute working session with Barb. Mention 'A Facilitator's Journey' when you purchase.

Visit Barb's website HERE

Visit Barb's YouTube HERE

Connect with Barb on Instagram HERE

Connect with Barb on Linkedin HERE

Listen to Barb's podcast HERE

Grab your free site audit HERE

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 41: Navigating the Legal Side of Business with Lucy Wheeler

Fri, 30 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we dive into all things legal - what it is we need in our businesses as solopreneurs, through to partnerships or big entities. Trust me when I recommend you get the legal side of your business in order early on.

My guest is Lucy Wheeler, also known as Lucy Legal. She is a lawyer who shares legal information and tips through her social media accounts and has two businesses: Lucy Legal, which provides legal templates and information for small business owners, and Wheeler Wood, a law firm that offers bespoke legal advice and services.

The conversation explores what we need to have in our businesses to be legal and within the law in the UK, to protect ourselves and our customers and clients.

What I love is Lucy's approach to making legal information accessible and understandable for everyone. We discuss the importance of legal considerations for entrepreneurs and small business owners and the value of seeking legal advice to save time and ensure compliance with regulations.

What is Lucy Legal?
Setting Up Wheeler Wood: A Bespoke Law Firm
The Importance of Legal Documentation for Businesses
Legal Templates for Trainers and Facilitators
Understanding Legal Requirements and Compliance
Educating Business Owners on Legal Best Practices
The Value of Legal Advice and Saving Time
Data Protection and GDPR Compliance
Building a Strong Reputation through Professionalism
Protecting Your Business Name with Trademarks

DISCLAIMER: All of the content within this podcast recording is information only. No legal advice is provided. Both Lucy and I are based in the UK and the information shared was correct and up-to-date with English law at the time of recording. Should you need specific legal advice you should consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction.

I invite you 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.

Key Links:

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 40: Me, my business and Neurodiversity

Fri, 16 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Kirsty and Hayley explore Hayley's journey into neuro-inclusion consulting, discussing the challenges and triumphs of running a business as a neurodivergent individual.

They delve into the importance of community support, the complexities of pricing strategies, and the impact of self-worth on business decisions.

The discussion highlights the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship and the value of building a network of support. In this conversation.

Hayley shares her experiences as a neurodivergent business owner, discussing the challenges she faced with managing day-to-day business tasks and the importance of outsourcing to improve efficiency.

She highlights the significance of understanding one's energy levels and the impact of neurodivergence on daily business operations.

The discussion also touches on the concept of FOMO versus JOJI, the joy of joining in, emphasising the need for a supportive and welcoming environment in business.

Hayley's Journey into Neuro Inclusion Consulting
Understanding Value and Pricing in Coaching
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs in Business
The Importance of Community and Support
The Complexity of Running a Business
The Role of Self-Worth in Pricing
Outsourcing for Neurodivergent Business Owners
Navigating Neurodivergence in Business
Understanding Energy Management
The Joy of Joining In vs. FOMO
Investing in Yourself and Your Business

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 39: Balancing Being Yourself and Business

Fri, 02 May 2025 08:11:00 GMT

This episode is about kindness. Firstly to ourselves as facilitators and then to our businesses. How we navigate leaving the world of corporate to go it alone and be ok to create the life we want vs the imagined 'business' life of others.

Em Stroud is a comic coach, professional clown, facilitator and entrepreneur, who shares her journey through the world of business and creativity. She discusses her dual identity as a performer and business owner, the importance of practicing one's craft, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in entrepreneurship. Her insights provide a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlight the significance of following one's passion.

In this engaging conversation, Em Stroud and Kirsty discuss the necessity of clear communication and onboarding, the importance of setting boundaries, and the journey towards authenticity and self- acceptance. They explore how to create a fulfilling life that aligns with personal values and the role of therapy and coaching in personal development.

The Dual Identity of a Comic Coach
The Importance of Practicing Your Craft
The Journey of Entrepreneurship
Lessons from Business Failures
Navigating the Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
The Value of Delegation in Business
Building a Supportive Network
Hiring and Firing in Business
The Importance of Kindness in Business Relationships
Establishing Clear Communication and Onboarding
The Role of Boundaries in Personal and Professional Life
Embracing Authenticity and Identity
Creating a Life That Makes You Happy

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Get 50% off any of the Open Days at The Leadership Impact School with the code PRESENTING50 (valid until 18th May 2025)

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

LinkedIn: em-stroud

X: emmastroudldn

Facebook: emmastroudldn

Instagram: emrstroud

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

Episode 38: The Importance of Streamlining Operations and Processes in a Small Business

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 09:01:33 GMT

This episode is all about the importance of having your business processes streamlined and documented, whatever your size!

Sneha Morjaria is the founder of The Growth Chain and School of Operations. She helps founders stop doing it all ie she shows us how to operationalise our businesses so that we have time and space to do the work we love - facilitate, train or coach.

In this conversation, Kirsty and Sneha delve into the importance of operations in business, particularly for solopreneurs. Sneha shares her expertise in helping small business owners streamline their operations, emphasizing the need for a solid operational infrastructure. They discuss the significance of documenting processes through SOPs and how this can enhance efficiency and client experience.

The conversation touches on the use of AI tools to aid in business operations and creative tasks, showcasing how technology can support growth and efficiency in a business setting. They discuss various project management and CRM tools, the necessity of pre-qualifying clients, and the value of regular therapy for entrepreneurs - yes we cover it all in this conversation!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:46 Understanding Operations in Business

05:53 Building Operational Infrastructure

08:52 Client Success Pathway

12:03 Documenting Processes and SOPs

15:06 Leveraging AI Tools for Efficiency

17:56 Creative Tools and Their Impact

23:55 Understanding Client Language and Pain Points

27:41 Tools for Business Efficiency

36:10 Mapping Workflows for Success

40:12 Quickfire Questions and Final Insights

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

Follow Sneha on Instagram HERE

Connect with Sneha on Linkedin HERE

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

SOFest: Behind the scenes

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Join me, Kirsty, as I share insights into the planning and financial aspects of SoFest.

I share the exact costs of running the festival, how much money we have raised to date (4th April 2025) and how much of a financial hole there is.

I also share my excitement for the festival, the success of the impact tickets, who some of the sponsors are and the importance of community support.

I talk about value of attending SoFest for networking and personal growth, while also inviting listeners to join the inaugural festival.

If you are listening to this before 30th April 2025 there is still time to buy a ticket!!

SOFest headlines

80 people are coming to SoFest, which is exciting.
The 'spreadsheet of greatness' helps track costs and revenue.
73,000 pounds have been raised so far for the festival.
7 Impact tickets have been funded.
The total cost of the festival is around 90,000 pounds, excluding my teams costs
Networking opportunities at SoFest can lead to valuable connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to SoFest

02:48 Funding and Financial Insights

06:08 Cost Breakdown and Financial Challenges

09:00 Community Support and Sponsorships

11:46 The Value of Attending SoFest

14:52 Final Thoughts and Invitation to SoFest

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Book your tickets for SOFest HERE

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 37: Common Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs and the importance of community

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 08:44:27 GMT

As business owners there are many common challenges we encounter, such as time management, financial planning, and the importance of having a clear vision and strategy. Working these out on our own can be lonely and quite frankly boring, with little fun.

Enter Ed Reid the MD of The Alternative Board, UK. This is a community aimed at alleviating the loneliness faced by SME owners and is in over 20 countries worldwide! Ed has wide-ranging knowledge from working with small businesses and supporting the owners, to helping them develop, grow, and stay sane.

Kirsty and Ed discuss the significance of accountability in business, the benefits of peer support, and the importance of planning for transitions. We also cover the significance of professionalizing a business and the various structures one can choose when starting a business.

These are some of the topics we discussed

Common Challenges Faced by Business Owners

Professionalizing Your Business

Setting Up a Business: Key Considerations

The Power of an External Board

The Importance of Accountability in Business

Combating Loneliness and Business Growth

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

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

Episode 36: Saying No, Finding Balance after Burnout & Redefining Success in our Business

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 07:39:44 GMT

As facilitators, trainers, and business owners, we often find ourselves saying “yes” too much, overworking, and stretching our own boundaries—sometimes to the point of burnout. In this episode, I sit down with Beth Cougler Blom, learning designer, facilitator, and podcast host, to have an honest conversation about what it means to run a business without running ourselves into the ground.

We discuss the epiphanies that come with decades in business, how turning 50 shifts your perspective, and the ongoing challenge of setting and maintaining boundaries. From pricing our work with confidence to learning when to say no (even to past clients), this episode is full of insights for anyone navigating the world of facilitation and training.

In this conversation, we cover:

The hidden challenges of growing a facilitation business
Why boundaries matter—and how to hold them firm
Recognizing the early signs of burnout (and what to do about it)
How to shape your business your way, at any stage of life

Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your facilitation journey, this conversation will leave you reflecting on what truly matters in your work and life.

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

____

Beth Cougler Blom brings over 25 years of experience in the field of education, spanning roles in non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipal government, and as an entrepreneur. She began designing online learning in 2005 with the Canadian Red Cross and further honed her facilitation expertise during her years with Volunteer Victoria. In 2011, Beth founded her company, originally called Beth Cougler Blom Facilitation, which has since evolved into BCB Learning Inc. When she’s not facilitating, designing learning, or podcasting, you can find her spending time with family and friends, walking in nature, reading, doing yoga, or dreaming up new ideas.

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

Key Links:

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Discover SOFest HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

Connect with Beth on Instagram HERE

Connect with Beth on Linkedin HERE

Listen to Facilitating on Purpose HERE

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

Episode 35: Strategy, Facilitation & Finding Clients – A Real Talk with Faris Aranki

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

This episode is a live getting to know you session. Faris and I didn't meet until I hit record and this is very much a raw conversation as we talk about our businesses, the challenges of loneliness in facilitation, the impact of social media, and the importance of emotional intelligence in business.

Faris Aranki is a consultant, a facilitator, a strategist, an economist and the founder of Shiatego.

The conversation highlights the significance of building connections and the evolving nature of the facilitation and consulting industry. In this engaging conversation, Kirsty and Faris delve into the intricacies of managing finances, acquiring clients, and the importance of networking in business. They discuss the emotional challenges that come with financial management and the strategies for building a client base through consistent outreach. Faris shares his unique approach to networking, emphasising the significance of maintaining relationships and the three A's of selling: activate, advocate, and approachability.

Introduction and Background
The Journey of Entrepreneurship
Navigating Loneliness in Facilitation
The Impact of Social Media
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
Strategic Insights from Consulting Experience
Current Business Landscape and Adaptation
The Future of Facilitation and Consulting
Navigating Financial Challenges
Client Acquisition Strategies
The Power of Networking
Scaling Up Your Business
Defining Your Goals and Aspirations

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Connect with Faris on Linkedin HERE

Connect on Medium HERE

Follow Faris on Instagram HERE

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 34: Money is Sexy: The Pricing Conversation

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 09:51:41 GMT

This episode is all about money and pricing. Listen if you want to stretch your thinking!

Laura Payne-Stanley is a Success Management Consultant and a Coach. She works with private individuals as well as corporates and small businesses to enable them to create and live the life they want.

In this conversation, Kirsty and Laura delve into the intricacies of business success management, focusing on the importance of pricing strategies, the value of personal branding, and the inner work required for entrepreneurs to confidently present their worth. They discuss how to define success, the significance of naming a business, and the realities of financial management, emphasising that pricing should reflect the outcomes delivered rather than just time spent.

Laura shares insights on constructing a desired lifestyle through pricing and the necessity of believing in one's value to communicate it to clients effectively.

Kirsty's Key Takeaways

Pricing is the difference between a successful business and a hobby.
Construct your life parameters before setting prices.
Understanding your value is crucial for pricing confidence.
Raising rates is a choice that should be made with confidence.
B2E is a new model that combines elements of B2B and B2C.
Understanding client needs is crucial for effective pricing strategies.

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Visit Laura's website HERE

Connect with Laura on Instagram HERE

Connect with Laura on Linkedin HERE

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 33: Navigating the Business of Facilitation and Training

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 07:00:00 GMT

This episode is about the pro's and con's of being an associate/sub-contractor vs having your own clients, pricing, and the power of niching.

Murray Cowell is a man on a mission to support facilitators, trainers, and coaches in developing themselves and their businesses. He has years of real-life experience of running training and facilitation businesses, accidentally created an email marketing business that ran for 10 years and now hosts monthly free learning sessions, coaches and has a membership.

In this conversation, Kirsty and Murray explore the intricacies of running a business as a facilitator and trainer. They discuss the challenges of pricing, the dynamics between associate and direct client work, and the importance of demonstrating value in training programs. The conversation delves into personal experiences, insights on marketing, and strategies for enhancing learning outcomes through blended learning approaches. They discuss the concept of viewing training as an investment rather than a cost, and the significance of niching in the coaching and training industry. Murray shares practical advice for new facilitators, highlighting the importance of leveraging personal networks and building long-term connections.

Navigating the Business of Facilitation

The Associate vs. Direct Client Dilemma - it depends on what you want out of life!

Understanding Pricing Strategies

Demonstrating Value in Training Programs - talk investment vs price or cost

Aligning Training with Strategic Priorities - help clients connect the learning to the bigger organisational picture

The Importance of Niching - what is your unique value that you bring to clients?

Advice for New Facilitators

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Visit the Accelerando website HERE

Connect with Murray on Linkedin HERE

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 32: Consultant or Facilitator? The impact of our language and words

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 09:48:40 GMT

Chris Taylor is a serial entrepreneur, who in his own words, is not known as a facilitator or a trainer, yet finds himself working with this community time and again.

He is the founder of Actionable.co which supports training companies with the tools to prove their impact on behaviour change and stand out in a crowded market.

In this conversation, Kirsty and Chris delve into the intricacies of habit formation, they explore the nuances of language in consulting versus facilitation, the challenges faced in client interactions, and the common hurdles in growing a service-based business.

WARNING: The recording of this episode was fraught with technical gremlins.....we chose to leave some of the moments of 'urgh' on the recording. Go with me on this one team.

takeaways

Understanding Triggers and building new habits
New habits should be laughably small to ensure consistency.
Defining your 'why' enhances intrinsic motivation.
Consultant vs. Facilitator: Language and Perception
Navigating Client Conversations and Proposals
Connecting learner goals to organizational priorities aids in securing budgets.
Client conversations should focus on both participant and organizational benefits.
Understanding the dynamics of buying committees is vital for proposals.
Challenges in Growing a Service-Based Business
Saying no to bad clients can lead to better opportunities.
Investing in high-caliber mastermind groups can foster growth.
Imposter syndrome can indicate you're in the right environment.

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

chris@actionable.co

Connect with Chris on Linkedin HERE

Follow Chris on X HERE

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 31: The power of persistence during times of change

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:00:12 GMT

This episode is about Annette's journey from being a corporate trainer to establishing her own business in facilitation and training during the pandemic. We talk about the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic, the importance of networking, and the personal growth that comes from stepping out of one's comfort zone.

Annette is a trainer facilitator, lover of Insights Discovery, wearing bright colours and working from her Green Shed.

Annette shares her insights on persistence, the value of providing more than expected, and the lessons learned from her experiences in the training industry. We discuss the challenges of self-promotion, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of inner work on personal and professional growth. Annette reflects on her experiences with interim roles, the transition from associate work to direct clients, and the significance of investing in both personal development and business branding. The conversation emphasises the value of persistence and being true to oneself in the journey of building a successful career.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

02:59 The Journey to Becoming a Trainer

05:59 Navigating the Transition to Self-Employment

08:55 Overcoming Age-Related Doubts

11:46 The Impact of 2020 on Business

14:49 Learning and Growth During Lockdown

17:52 Building Persistence and Networking

20:59 The Importance of Providing Value

23:49 Final Thoughts and Reflections

26:17 The Impact of Sales Background on Training

28:04 Challenges of Self-Promotion

30:20 Disassociating Self from Service

32:31 The Importance of Inner Work

34:58 Rebranding and Authenticity

36:57 Navigating Interim Roles

40:47 Transitioning from Associate to Direct Clients

45:00 Investing in Personal and Business Growth

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Visit Annette's website HERE

Connect with Annette on Linkedin HERE

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 30: Developing a Positive and Confident Mindset in a Freelance World

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:12:57 GMT

This episode covers a multitude of topics from being self-employed to doing business in America, highlighting the importance of setting clear expectations and boundaries with clients.

Zita Tulyahikayo is a hypnotherapist, Systemic Constellator, coach, and facilitator. She has always been self-employed which I found fascinating as so many of us start in an organisation. Zita openly talks about her experiences of working in America, the UK, the different ways of working within the world of business.

We dive into the topic of identity and the impact ancestry has on how we view the world, our personal and professional development. Zita mentions her upcoming book on migration and immigration and her plans to make a documentary in Barbados.

Dive into:

The cultural differences in business approaches

Managing expectations and unseen costs

The power of referrals and recommendations

The importance of investing in oneself

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

Key Links:

Connect with Zita on Instagram HERE

Visit Life Therapy with Zita website HERE

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

SOFest: November Update

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:01:00 GMT

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

____

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

Key Links:

Visit the School of Facilitation website HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 29: Building a Business Through Connection and Curiosity

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 14:53:47 GMT

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 Communications
The Challenges of Business Development and Finding Your Niche
The Importance of Building Relationships and Making In-Person Connections
A Unique Approach to Networking: Inviting People for Walks
Challenges of Traditional Networking Events
Creating Memorable Impressions in Networking
Building a Community for Business Development
Using Walking and Talking as an Opener
Consistency and Brand Awareness in Business Development
The Importance of Patience in Business Development

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 28: The Challenges and Rewards of Building a Business

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:05:15 GMT

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 Business
The Financial Realities of Coaching and Building a Business
Marketing Strategies and Challenges
Carla's Experience as a Solo Parent
Balancing Parenting and Entrepreneurship
Redefining Success and Making Choices
Asking for Help and Being Realistic
Reflecting on the Meaning and Purpose of Life and Business
Balancing B2C and B2B
Finding Joy and Fulfillment
Quick-fire questions

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.

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 27: Two heads are better than one: why run a business with a partner?

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:39:27 GMT

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 Services
Forming a Partnership and the Qualities Desired in a Business Partner
The Importance of Values and Purpose in the Partnership
Regular Check-ins and Communication
Deal Breakers and Boundaries
Outsourcing and Networking
Marketing Yourself and Your Business
Building a Strong Brand

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 business as a facilitator or trainer.

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 26: Defining my Version of Success as a Freelancer

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 22:04:38 GMT

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 Development
Transition from Corporate Life to Freelancing
Exploring Different Approaches to selling and Lessons Learned
Navigating Challenges During COVID
Lessons from Outsourcing Sales Leads
Importance of Consistency and Authenticity
The Pitfalls of Creating without Action
Financial Planning for Freelancers
The 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.

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 25: From Peacecorp to Corporate; The story of an international facilitator

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:46:47 GMT

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 began
Working Internationally and Traveling - It's not all glamour
Our go-to Self-Care Activities
Navigating the Challenges of Starting a Business in a New Country
Continuous Learning and Personal Growth
Building 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.

____

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

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

SOFest: The Why, The What (and the worries)?

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 11:23:42 GMT

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.

____

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

Key Links:

Take our poll HERE

Connect with me on Instagram HERE

Connect with me on Linkedin HERE

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 24: The accidental profession: How DO we become facilitators?

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:54:59 GMT

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 expertise
Humility, hard work, and gratitude are important values for facilitators to uphold
Having a co-founder or partner in a facilitation business provides support, different skills, and a shared vision
Professional loneliness is a common challenge, and having a professional pack to run with can help alleviate this feeling
Building a brand goes beyond personal reputation and involves curating a team of trusted professionals
Investing 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.

____

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

www.schooloffacilitation.com

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

Episode 23: Lights, Camera, Facilitate: The transition from Model and Actor to Facilitator

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 18:00:00 GMT

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 Modeling
Resilience and Growth: Navigating Personal Challenges
Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Art of Effective Facilitation
The Impact of Personal Relationships on Work-Life
Adaptability and Confidence: Essential Skills for Facilitation
Embracing Change: The Power of Community and Connections
Mindset Shift: From Corporate Career to Self-Employment
Self-Investment and Bravery: Pursuing New Opportunities

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.

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

Episode 22: The Birth of School of Facilitation

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 18:00:00 GMT

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.

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

Episode 21: Navigating Growth from start-up to scale-back

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:00:19 GMT

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 presence
Mark's Business Evolution - The journey from solopreneur to running a multi-million pound company
Challenges 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.

____

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

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

Episode 20: Prosperity Over Profit: Redefining our definition of Success

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 18:00:07 GMT

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.

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

Episode 19: The Journey and Evolution of being an associate

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 11:23:40 GMT

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 world
The associate-client relationship requires trust, effective communication, and a clear understanding of expectations.
Where and how associates find meaning and fulfilment in their work
The complex relationship between the associate-training company-client
The 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 values
How training companies can foster a positive working relationship with associates
The importance of psychological meaning, awareness and safety when fostering and nurturing associate - training company relationships
Consider 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.

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

Episode 18: The power of niching and how to do it

Fri, 17 May 2024 08:11:48 GMT

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 Niching
Knowing What You Want to Do
Defining What You Enjoy and Don't Enjoy
The Decision to Niche
Finding Your Niche
The Importance of Retreats and Conversations
The Moment of Clarity
The Value of Conversations in Refining Your Niche
Advice for Finding Your Niche
Noticing Signs That Your Niche Isn't Working
Myth: Niching Means Saying No to Other Opportunities
Showcasing Your Strengths Through Niching
The Importance of Clear Communication and Marketing
Building a Network of Niche Experts
The Role of Timing in Niching and Offer Development
Investing 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.

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

Episode 17: The evolving journey of a freelancer

Fri, 03 May 2024 12:51:54 GMT

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 Work
Understanding the Worth of Your Work
Building Comfort with the Reframing of Budgets
Setting Boundaries and Saying Yes or No
Having Great Client Conversations
The Client Conversation Process
Asking Questions
Summarizing and Paraphrasing
Probing on Answers
Building Rapport and Small Talk
Asking the Next Logical Step
Budget Discussions
Proposal vs Concept Note
Winning 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.

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

Episode 16: If you build it, they will come: Creating a business on a solid pipeline (and PR)

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:00:00 GMT

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!

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

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Episode 15: Are you a business or a project shop?

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:14:40 GMT

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 corporate
Why James wanted to build a business vs evolve his craft
The benefits of having products in your training business
The difference between being a business and a project shop
The triangle of projects, retainers and being a trusted advisor
The relevance of referral fees
Elliot Jacques thinking that we construct our businesses as a mirror of our psychology
Why developing a reflective practise benefits us, our business, and our clients
Why 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/

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Episode 14: I left because of a sandwich: from corporate to associate to B:Corp business

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 18:38:53 GMT

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 corporate
Our love of NLP
Leaving the corporate world and finding those initial gigs
The world in 2007!
A Kirsty rant
Associate green and red flags
Why niche and the benefits
Finding direct clients and professional persistence

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

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

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

Episode 13: The trials and tribulations of freelance life.

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 18:44:33 GMT

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 world
The serendipity of finding the first piece of work
Experiencing loneliness as a freelancer
Why community is important to elevate loneliness
The need for professional development
The benefits of having a supervisor
How 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

____

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.

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

Episode 12: Master the art of negotiating: essential skills and tactics for trainers and facilitators.

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 00:00:47 GMT

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 Negotiating
The language of selling
What to do when you meet someone from purchasing?
The different skills and behaviours we can use in a negotiation
What are the three things to prepare for your negotiation
Negotiation as a ritual
Three questions to ask in a negotiation
The benefit of using summaries
Assumptive 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/

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Episode 11: The power of two: creating good partnerships

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 18:30:16 GMT

In this episode, Richard Bellars and Darren Hilton join us in a captivating exploration of partnership dynamics as they unveil the intricacies of their collaboration through The Sourcery Project. Let’s embark on a journey exploring the essence of fruitful partnerships, learning from the experiences and insights of these seasoned professionals.

Through candid conversations, Richard and Darren illuminate key aspects of effective partnership formation, including:

Establishing shared values and leveraging individual strengths
Cultivating synergy to achieve collective goals
Embracing vulnerability and anticipating challenges
Harnessing transformative frameworks like Theory U for innovation
Utilising profiling systems for enhanced communication
Navigating the practicalities of financial management
Offering sage advice for aspiring partners on their journey

With Richard's emphasis on regenerative leadership and values-based influence, complemented by Darren's passion for nature and human potential, the episode offers a rich tapestry of perspectives and practical wisdom.

So, grab your favourite beverage, settle into the pink chair, and immerse yourself in this insightful conversation on the art of successful partnerships.

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Episode 10: The parallels between a romantic relationship and a business break-up! With Meg Bolger

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:13:22 GMT

This episode talks about the different relationships we have within our businesses - working with a sibling, our relationship with ourselves, leaving a business partnership that no longer works, and our relationship with goal setting and systems.

Meg Bolger is a facilitator, author, and creator of The Facilitator Cards.

Meg and I have a candid conversation about

What it's like to work with your sister and know you are responsible for someone else's monthly salary
The processes she uses in her business, weekly and monthly
Goal-setting and how goals pop up for Meg and how she grabs them
Her neurodivergent diagnosis and being creative
The different relationships we experience in our businesses. We don't always talk about these easily and yet they are a core part of our everyday world
How you process a business divorce in your early 30s when you weren't expecting it and more importantly what you learn

Grab a cup of tea,

Take a seat and enjoy.

___

About Meg:

Meg Bolger is a facilitation geek passionate about social justice, teaching facilitation, and creating resources for a more beautiful world. Meg is the captain of Facilitator Cards, co-author of Unlocking the Magic of Facilitation, co-creator of The Safe Zone Project, and many other resources for facilitators and social justice educators. Meg lives in Vermont where she tries to get into the woods everyday and keep up with her three nephews.

Learn more about all of Meg's work at MegBolger.com

About the School of Facilitation Podcast:

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

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

Episode 09: Best we know the stuff we fail to notice! With Simon Kettleborough

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 08:00:22 GMT

This episode explores how the inner world of the business leader creates the shape and flow of the business they lead. Our values, beliefs, experiences, thoughts and emotions all lend themselves to the structure, behaviours and outputs of our business.

Dr. Simon Kettleborough is the founding partner of Aephoria, an organisation that helps humans flourish.

We speak about the four different brains we can access to help us make meaning in this age of complexity, the difference between therapy and coaching, why taking a look at our inner world is beneficial.

Grab a cup of tea,

Sit back and enjoy the episode.

About Simon

Simon is one of the founders of Aephoria, a team of talented and committed leadership and organisational development practitioners.

Over the past 26 years, Simon's career spanned consulting, leadership roles in private, public, and non-profit sectors, encompassing Leadership Development, Coaching, Existential Psychotherapy, Diversity and Inclusion, Strategy, and Sustainable Development. He transitioned to self-employment in 2002, establishing businesses in the UK, South Africa, and Brazil. Early in his career, he gained insight into organisational dynamics from within, working in Sales & Marketing, Business Development, and Consulting at Arthur D. Little, Diageo, and British Steel.

Simon has called Cape Town home since 2009 and has previously resided and worked extensively in the UK, France, Belgium, Brazil, and South Africa.

In his free time, Simon enjoys cycling through the Western Cape's forests and mountains or playing keyboards in his 80s rock band.

Simon's social links

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-simon-kettleborough-05b080a/

Website: https://aephoriapartners.com/about/aephoria-core-team/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aephoriapartners7848/featured

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Episode 08: 10 Days That Changed Everything With Leanne Hughes

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 09:07:46 GMT

Where does the decision to leave the corporate world come from?

How do you know when the time is right?

And what are the first few steps you can take as you set up your business?

Leanne Hughes is a consultant, facilitator, speaker, and enigmatic human-being. She hosts a brilliant podcast called First Time Facilitator which I highly recommend.

In this episode, we talk about:

How Leanne decided to quit the mining corporation in 10 days,
How she found her first solo gig,
Leaned into her connections to develop working relationships
Embracing associate work and how to find it
Connections, Content, and Craft - the three C's to think about as a trainer
Managed to keep traveling the world even though she thought this wasn't possible as an associate
We discuss where our referrals come from,
How pricing is not just a number but more about our mindset,
Why calling myself a consultant NOT a facilitator moves me to value-based pricing
Leanne generously shares several books and communities to connect with.

Grab a cup of tea and join me on the pink chair.

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Episode 07: The mindset of scaling a training business with Mark Cranstoun

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:16:36 GMT

Mark and Mark started Total Negotiation as a lifestyle business that was meant to give them time to enjoy their golf, horses, and family. What happened in the last 15 years surpassed even their imaginations and today they have a global business, 30 employees and a 100 associates.

In this episode, Mark Cranstoun, the CEO and co-founder, and I discuss how they grew the business from a lifestyle business to a global success.

We talk about

The three core factors that make a business thrive: Selling, Pipeline and Delivery

The mindset and beliefs intrinsic to Total Negotiation's growth.

Dive into how to manage your customer and client pipeline

Share what we do in a sales conversation.

Mark challenges Kirsty's mindset and questions her on what would happen if she did no delivery for 6 months but focused on business development?!

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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Episode 06: Competition, Collaboration and Community With Myriam Hadness

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 07:00:57 GMT

Dr Myriam Hadnes is a skilled and passionate facilitator. During the pandemic she wanted to create a space for facilitators and trainers to come together and learn from one another. What started as a collaboration between 30+ people in 2020 has now turned into a global community in 2023.

In this episode we talk about:

what collaboration means in business,
how important it is to be clear about what you are seeking to achieve and name why you are there.
We explore what it takes to build a community.
The hidden financials in a community that are not always visible to the outside world.

And we talk about why we think we are not in competition with one another any more!

Enjoy this episode!

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Episode 05: How it all began! With Kirsty Lewis

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 08:53:57 GMT

How exactly did I, Kirsty Lewis, end up running a boutique training business?

This solo episode shares how I accidentally came upon the idea to leave the corporate world.

Setting up a business was never in my plans, but here we are 16 years on and School of Facilitation is thriving.

So what happened on 7th April 2007 that changed the course of my life?

Have a listen and let me know your story of origin.

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Episode 04: How we scaled our Duck factory! With Catherine & John Nicholson

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:35:23 GMT

Scaling your business can be exciting and daunting, for you or not for you.

Catherine and John Nicholson, founders of The Virtual Training Team, have gone from 2 - 15 people, and a 7 figure turnover in 8 years. They openly admit it started as a lifestyle business and then questions like "what could we create?" started to pop up as their curiosity grew.

The episode title references a duck factory as this is the analogy John and Catherine use when talking about The Virtual Training Team. We explore who their first and second hires were, what it is like to have a partner to work with, how they hire, and whether they have a strategy.

The decision to scale our businesses is personal, I think for some it is an obvious step, some of us hesitate and the inner chat takes over causing paralysis, and some of you know it is not for you. Wherever you are this episode is full of insightful information.

Enjoy this episode.

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Episode 03: It's all about the money! With Rob Geraghty

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:35:14 GMT

Rob Geraghty is the owner of Presenting Virtually. A business that focuses on helping people design and deliver presentations brilliantly. Rob left Vodaphone in 2000 and started working as an associate. By 2000 he had decided to work with his own clients when he realised the financials were more favourable.

In this conversation, Rob and I talk about our business finances, pricing, and what investments we have made in our businesses and selves. Rob shares a personal story as to why he scaled his business operation back in early 2022 vs going all in and big.

Finances and money are an essential part of running a business and I think the more we talk about them, how we use them and work with them, the easier it becomes and it helps us learn and grow.

Enjoy the conversation.

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Episode 02: Moving Towards Retirement With Meriel Swain

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:35:04 GMT

In this episode, we discuss the different thresholds we cross in our Facilitator and Trainer journey - the beginning, the finding of associate work and retirement.

I was curious to understand how do we know when to retire?

Join Kirsty and Meriel Swain in this conversation.

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Episode 01: Conscious Decision-Making With Richard Stokes

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:58:14 GMT

This episode is about decision-making in our businesses, the frameworks we use to say yes or no to work and how becoming more conscious in our decision-making is important to cultivate.

Richard Stokes is a leadership coach, facilitator, and creator of the Mojo Podcast. He has been in this world of facilitation and coaching for five years, works with his own clients as well as being an associate.

Kirsty and Richard dive into a conversation about how they say Yes or No to work and how having a framework for these decisions is supportive and guiding. The conversation wends its way to why a move from unconscious to conscious decision-making is positive for us and what we can do to become more conscious about ourselves and life in general.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mojo-development

https://twitter.com/mojodevuk

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