A Facilitator's Journey: Real Life Stories

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.TakeawaysNeurodiversity 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.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 HEREDiscover SOFest HEREConnect with me on Instagram HEREConnect with me on Linkedin HEREcontact@schooloffacilitation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BeehiveNavigating Personal Loss and Career ChangesReevaluating Success and Life ChoicesThe Shift from Growth to Scaling BackIntentional Steps to Scale BackTransitioning from Team to SolopreneurFacing Fear and Rebuilding LifeThe Power of Saying NoNavigating Financial ResponsibilitiesEmbracing New Ventures and CommunityI 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 Mok's website HEREVisit the School of Facilitation website HEREConnect with me on Instagram HEREConnect with me on Linkedin HEREcontact@schooloffacilitation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 OwnersThe Importance of Connection and CommunityThe Five Fundamentals of WellbeingBalancing Business and Personal WellbeingEndurance Mindset in BusinessClire's Endurance Sports JourneyThe Concept of Chosen SufferingEndurance Mindset in BusinessNavigating Emotional FlatnessThe Challenge of MasteryFinding Joy in the JourneyBuilding Community and SupportThe Importance of Connection with NatureDon't delete below section - to be added to every descriptionI 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 School of Facilitation website HEREDiscover SOFest HEREConnect with me on Instagram HEREConnect with me on Linkedin HEREcontact@schooloffacilitation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, Barb Davids, a website and SEO strategist, shares her expertise on enhancing online visibility for freelancers and facilitators. She emphasizes the enduring importance of having a website in the digital age and dispels myths about SEO. Listeners learn practical tips for keyword use, blogging, and optimizing site design without tech overwhelm. Barb also highlights the significance of measuring website traffic and maintaining control over one's digital presence, making it an invaluable resource for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.

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 FirmThe Importance of Legal Documentation for BusinessesLegal Templates for Trainers and FacilitatorsUnderstanding Legal Requirements and ComplianceEducating Business Owners on Legal Best PracticesThe Value of Legal Advice and Saving TimeData Protection and GDPR ComplianceBuilding a Strong Reputation through ProfessionalismProtecting Your Business Name with TrademarksDISCLAIMER: 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.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 HEREConnect with me on Instagram HEREConnect with me on Linkedin HEREcontact@schooloffacilitation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ConsultingUnderstanding Value and Pricing in CoachingOvercoming Limiting Beliefs in BusinessThe Importance of Community and SupportThe Complexity of Running a BusinessThe Role of Self-Worth in PricingOutsourcing for Neurodivergent Business OwnersNavigating Neurodivergence in BusinessUnderstanding Energy ManagementThe Joy of Joining In vs. FOMOInvesting in Yourself and Your BusinessI 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 School of Facilitation website HEREDiscover SOFest HEREConnect with me on Instagram HEREConnect with me on Linkedin HEREcontact@schooloffacilitation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 CoachThe Importance of Practicing Your CraftThe Journey of EntrepreneurshipLessons from Business FailuresNavigating the Transition from Corporate to EntrepreneurshipThe Value of Delegation in BusinessBuilding a Supportive NetworkHiring and Firing in BusinessThe Importance of Kindness in Business RelationshipsEstablishing Clear Communication and OnboardingThe Role of Boundaries in Personal and Professional LifeEmbracing Authenticity and IdentityCreating a Life That Makes You HappyI 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: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 HEREDiscover SOFest HEREConnect with me on Instagram HEREConnect with me on Linkedin HERELinkedIn: em-stroudX: emmastroudldnFacebook: emmastroudldnInstagram: emrstroud Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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!Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:46 Understanding Operations in Business05:53 Building Operational Infrastructure08:52 Client Success Pathway12:03 Documenting Processes and SOPs15:06 Leveraging AI Tools for Efficiency17:56 Creative Tools and Their Impact23:55 Understanding Client Language and Pain Points27:41 Tools for Business Efficiency36:10 Mapping Workflows for Success40:12 Quickfire Questions and Final InsightsI 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 School of Facilitation website HEREDiscover SOFest HEREConnect with me on Instagram HEREConnect with me on Linkedin HEREFollow Sneha on Instagram HEREConnect with Sneha on Linkedin HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 headlines80 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 costsNetworking opportunities at SoFest can lead to valuable connections.Chapters00:00 Introduction to SoFest02:48 Funding and Financial Insights06:08 Cost Breakdown and Financial Challenges09:00 Community Support and Sponsorships11:46 The Value of Attending SoFest14:52 Final Thoughts and Invitation to SoFestI 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:Book your tickets for SOFest HEREVisit the School of Facilitation website HEREConnect with me on Instagram HEREConnect with me on Linkedin HEREcontact@schooloffacilitation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 discussedCommon Challenges Faced by Business OwnersProfessionalizing Your BusinessSetting Up a Business: Key ConsiderationsThe Power of an External BoardThe Importance of Accountability in BusinessCombating Loneliness and Business GrowthI 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.