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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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:

1. what collaboration means in business,
2. how important it is to be clear about what you are seeking to achieve and name why you are there.
3. We explore what it takes to build a community.
4. 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!

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

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.

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

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. What it's like to work with your sister and know you are responsible for someone else's monthly salary
2. The processes she uses in her business, weekly and monthly
3. Goal-setting and how goals pop up for Meg and how she grabs them
4. Her neurodivergent diagnosis and being creative
5. 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
6. 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.

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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

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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.

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, 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.

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.

1. What is the difference between Selling and Negotiating
2. The language of selling
3. What to do when you meet someone from purchasing?
4. The different skills and behaviours we can use in a negotiation
5. What are the three things to prepare for your negotiation
6. Negotiation as a ritual
7. Three questions to ask in a negotiation
8. The benefit of using summaries
9. 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/

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:

1. Leaving the corporate world
2. The serendipity of finding the first piece of work
3. Experiencing loneliness as a freelancer
4. Why community is important to elevate loneliness
5. The need for professional development
6. The benefits of having a supervisor
7. How do you find work now?
8. 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 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:

1. How to grow your facilitator or trainer skills in a corporate
2. Our love of NLP
3. Leaving the corporate world and finding those initial gigs
4. The world in 2007!
5. A Kirsty rant
6. Associate green and red flags
7. Why niche and the benefits
8. Finding 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.

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

1. The mental and emotional transition that occurs after leaving a corporate
2. Why James wanted to build a business vs evolve his craft
3. The benefits of having products in your training business
4. The difference between being a business and a project shop
5. The triangle of projects, retainers and being a trusted advisor
6. The relevance of referral fees
7. Elliot Jacques thinking that we construct our businesses as a mirror of our psychology
8. Why developing a reflective practise benefits us, our business, and our clients
9. 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/

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.

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

1. How We Value Ourselves and Our Work
2. Understanding the Worth of Your Work
3. Building Comfort with the Reframing of Budgets
4. Setting Boundaries and Saying Yes or No
5. Having Great Client Conversations
6. The Client Conversation Process
7. Asking Questions
8. Summarizing and Paraphrasing
9. Probing on Answers
10. Building Rapport and Small Talk
11. Asking the Next Logical Step
12. Budget Discussions
13. Proposal vs Concept Note
14. 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.

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.

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

1. The Topic of Niching
2. Knowing What You Want to Do
3. Defining What You Enjoy and Don't Enjoy
4. The Decision to Niche
5. Finding Your Niche
6. The Importance of Retreats and Conversations
7. The Moment of Clarity
8. The Value of Conversations in Refining Your Niche
9. Advice for Finding Your Niche
10. Noticing Signs That Your Niche Isn't Working
11. Myth: Niching Means Saying No to Other Opportunities
12. Showcasing Your Strengths Through Niching
13. The Importance of Clear Communication and Marketing
14. Building a Network of Niche Experts
15. The Role of Timing in Niching and Offer Development
16. 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.

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:

1. Being an associate provides a safe bridge into the freelance world
2. The associate-client relationship requires trust, effective communication, and a clear understanding of expectations.
3. Where and how associates find meaning and fulfilment in their work
4. The complex relationship between the associate-training company-client
5. The measure of success used by associates goes beyond money!
6. The journey associates go through from yes, to no, to prioritising work that aligns with strengths and values
7. How training companies can foster a positive working relationship with associates
8. The importance of psychological meaning, awareness and safety when fostering and nurturing associate - training company relationships
9. 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.

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.

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:

1. how effective workload and diary management can keep you on top of your game.
2. strategies for keeping the financial side of your business healthy.
3. why taking quiet periods for reflection is crucial for growth.
4. finding the sweet spot with pricing to keep both you and your clients happy.
5. 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.

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:

1. The Nature of Connection - Exploring how meaningful connections extend beyond words to include physical presence
2. Mark's Business Evolution - The journey from solopreneur to running a multi-million pound company
3. Challenges and Lessons in Scaling a Business - expanding too quickly and knowing when to scale back.
4. Insights on managing stress, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and creating a sustainable business model.
5. Outsourcing and Delegation - The importance of building a team that supports your business goals.
6. Diverse Metrics of Success - Evaluating success through various metrics beyond financial performance, such as email engagement rates and team happiness.
7. 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.

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.

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

1. Introduction and Banter: The World of Acting and Modeling
2. Resilience and Growth: Navigating Personal Challenges
3. Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Art of Effective Facilitation
4. The Impact of Personal Relationships on Work-Life
5. Adaptability and Confidence: Essential Skills for Facilitation
6. Embracing Change: The Power of Community and Connections
7. Mindset Shift: From Corporate Career to Self-Employment
8. 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.

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 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.

1. How Marcus became a facilitator by accident!
2. Why deliberate practice, working at the edge of one's competence and receiving feedback, is crucial for developing expertise
3. Humility, hard work, and gratitude are important values for facilitators to uphold
4. Having a co-founder or partner in a facilitation business provides support, different skills, and a shared vision
5. Professional loneliness is a common challenge, and having a professional pack to run with can help alleviate this feeling
6. Building a brand goes beyond personal reputation and involves curating a team of trusted professionals
7. Investing in an equity structure and creating a strong foundation for the business can provide long-term value and stability.
8. 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.

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.

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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.

1. How it all began
2. Working Internationally and Traveling - It's not all glamour
3. Our go-to Self-Care Activities
4. Navigating the Challenges of Starting a Business in a New Country
5. Continuous Learning and Personal Growth
6. 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.

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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.

1. Inspiration and Journey into Learning and Development
2. Transition from Corporate Life to Freelancing
3. Exploring Different Approaches to selling and Lessons Learned
4. Navigating Challenges During COVID
5. Lessons from Outsourcing Sales Leads
6. Importance of Consistency and Authenticity
7. The Pitfalls of Creating without Action
8. Financial Planning for Freelancers
9. 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.

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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.

1. Locksmith's Mission and Services
2. Forming a Partnership and the Qualities Desired in a Business Partner
3. The Importance of Values and Purpose in the Partnership
4. Regular Check-ins and Communication
5. Deal Breakers and Boundaries
6. Outsourcing and Networking
7. Marketing Yourself and Your Business
8. 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.

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

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.

1. The decision to leave the Charity Sector and Start the Business
2. The Financial Realities of Coaching and Building a Business
3. Marketing Strategies and Challenges
4. Carla's Experience as a Solo Parent
5. Balancing Parenting and Entrepreneurship
6. Redefining Success and Making Choices
7. Asking for Help and Being Realistic
8. Reflecting on the Meaning and Purpose of Life and Business
9. Balancing B2C and B2B
10. Finding Joy and Fulfillment
11. 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.

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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.

1. Starting Six Communications
2. The Challenges of Business Development and Finding Your Niche
3. The Importance of Building Relationships and Making In-Person Connections
4. A Unique Approach to Networking: Inviting People for Walks
5. Challenges of Traditional Networking Events
6. Creating Memorable Impressions in Networking
7. Building a Community for Business Development
8. Using Walking and Talking as an Opener
9. Consistency and Brand Awareness in Business Development
10. 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.

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

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.

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

contact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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

1. Understanding Triggers and building new habits
2. New habits should be laughably small to ensure consistency.
3. Defining your 'why' enhances intrinsic motivation.
4. Consultant vs. Facilitator: Language and Perception
5. Navigating Client Conversations and Proposals
6. Connecting learner goals to organizational priorities aids in securing budgets.
7. Client conversations should focus on both participant and organizational benefits.
8. Understanding the dynamics of buying committees is vital for proposals.
9. Challenges in Growing a Service-Based Business
10. Saying no to bad clients can lead to better opportunities.
11. Investing in high-caliber mastermind groups can foster growth.
12. 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.

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:

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.

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.

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 Accelerando website HERE

Connect with Murray on Linkedin HERE

Sign up for the FREE ClientFind membership 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.

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

1. Pricing is the difference between a successful business and a hobby.
2. Construct your life parameters before setting prices.
3. Understanding your value is crucial for pricing confidence.
4. Raising rates is a choice that should be made with confidence.
5. B2E is a new model that combines elements of B2B and B2C.
6. 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.

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 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.

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.

1. Introduction and Background
2. The Journey of Entrepreneurship
3. Navigating Loneliness in Facilitation
4. The Impact of Social Media
5. The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
6. Strategic Insights from Consulting Experience
7. Current Business Landscape and Adaptation
8. The Future of Facilitation and Consulting
9. Navigating Financial Challenges
10. Client Acquisition Strategies
11. The Power of Networking
12. Scaling Up Your Business
13. 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.

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 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.

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:

1. The hidden challenges of growing a facilitation business
2. Why boundaries matter—and how to hold them firm
3. Recognizing the early signs of burnout (and what to do about it)
4. 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.

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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

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.