A Facilitator's Journey: Real Life Stories

This episode is about what it is like to be a facilitator who travels the world, who works and has lived in multiple countries, experienced the nonprofit and education sectors through to corporate organizations.Romy Alexandra is a learning experience designer and facilitator. She has been in the world of facilitation for over 19 years and has visited over 80 countries.Kirsty and Romy explore what it is like to work and live in different countries, the trials and tribulations of travel and local authority paperwork to set up a business, and the need to pivot during lockdown having moved to a new country.Romy generously shares insights into her life as a facilitator, how she balances the work with self-care, and the importance of staying true to your values.How it all beganWorking Internationally and Traveling - It's not all glamourOur go-to Self-Care ActivitiesNavigating the Challenges of Starting a Business in a New CountryContinuous Learning and Personal GrowthBuilding a Successful Business Based on Values and ImpactMy 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 HEREVisit Romy'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 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 HERETake our poll 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 how we find our way into the world of facilitation and training, what it means to have a co-founder walk by your side, and how you build a brand people recognise.Marcus is a facilitator and co-founder of a facilitation and training business, based in Australia. He has been in the industry for over 23 years, has grown and sold one learning business, and is building another thriving entity.Kirsty and Marcus discuss how they became facilitators and the different paths that lead people to the industry. We chat about the concept of deliberate practice and the significance of feedback in achieving expertise. Marcus highlights the value of having a co-founder and the benefits of working with a business partner.How Marcus became a facilitator by accident!Why deliberate practice, working at the edge of one's competence and receiving feedback, is crucial for developing expertiseHumility, hard work, and gratitude are important values for facilitators to upholdHaving a co-founder or partner in a facilitation business provides support, different skills, and a shared visionProfessional loneliness is a common challenge, and having a professional pack to run with can help alleviate this feelingBuilding a brand goes beyond personal reputation and involves curating a team of trusted professionalsInvesting in an equity structure and creating a strong foundation for the business can provide long-term value and stability.Having a co-founder can provide support and balance during challenging times.Recommended book: 'Partnership Charter' by David GageMy 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.www.schooloffacilitation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is about becoming a facilitator and trainer later in life, how your previous life experiences can set you up for success, and what you can do to find your first gig.Dani Blue is a facilitator, trainer, actor, model, musician, and swimming coach. A woman who has lived many lives, experienced a rollercoaster ride with a chronic health illness, started over multiple times, and is now accepting that she might just have found her sweetspot as a facilitator.The conversation delves into the impact of personal relationships on work life and the mindset required for effective facilitation. We discuss the journey of a new facilitator and trainer, discussing the challenges, growth, and mindset shifts experienced. we reflect on the importance of being prepared, open to change, and the value of community and connections. TChaptersIntroduction and Banter: The World of Acting and ModelingResilience and Growth: Navigating Personal ChallengesCreating Inclusive Spaces: The Art of Effective FacilitationThe Impact of Personal Relationships on Work-LifeAdaptability and Confidence: Essential Skills for FacilitationEmbracing Change: The Power of Community and ConnectionsMindset Shift: From Corporate Career to Self-EmploymentSelf-Investment and Bravery: Pursuing New OpportunitiesI 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 actions2008: Become an associate sales trainer2010: Started to think about having my own clients. Mum's cancer diagnosis2011: Mum dies and I go into plug-and-play mode2013: A gift is given which changes my path2014: Deep dive into the world of Systemic Constellations and the birth of SOF2015: THAT Linkedin article is published and a new corporate client appears2016: No more associate workI invite you to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat, and tune in your ears.____A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the SOF Podcast, host Kirsty welcomes Mark Walsh, an embodiment teacher, and business entrepreneur, to discuss his fascinating journey from running a small business to a multimillion-pound business and back to a medium-sized business.. Mark shares his insights on the nature of connection and the lessons he learned from scaling his business. This conversation is packed with valuable advice for anyone navigating their own entrepreneurial path, balancing work and well-being, and looking to incorporate embodiment into their professional practice.Key Discussion Points:The Nature of Connection - Exploring how meaningful connections extend beyond words to include physical presenceMark's Business Evolution - The journey from solopreneur to running a multi-million pound companyChallenges and Lessons in Scaling a Business - expanding too quickly and knowing when to scale back.Insights on managing stress, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and creating a sustainable business model.Outsourcing and Delegation - The importance of building a team that supports your business goals.Diverse Metrics of Success - Evaluating success through various metrics beyond financial performance, such as email engagement rates and team happiness.Continuous Learning and Development - The value of ongoing education and upskilling for both personal growth and enhancing team capabilities.Join us for an insightful conversation with Mark Walsh that delves into the practicalities of embodiment, the realities of running a business, and the importance of staying true to your values and passions.I invite you to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat and tune in your ears.____A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Kirsty and Kurt Lindley as they dive into the life of running a business as a facilitator, trainer, coach, and consultant. They chat about everything from juggling workloads and managing diaries to the ups and downs of cash flow. It’s a candid discussion about the importance of finding balance in both your professional and personal lives, packed with practical tips for building strong client relationships and maintaining well-being.Kurt is from South Africa, grew up in Yorkshire and puts his family first, always. Kurt's a bit of a procrastinator and a dreamer, always lost in thought or scribbling down poems. In this episode, he brings his passion for learning and exploring, sharing how these traits play into his professional strategies and personal philosophies.Kirsty and Kurt touch on several important topics:how effective workload and diary management can keep you on top of your game.strategies for keeping the financial side of your business healthy.why taking quiet periods for reflection is crucial for growth.finding the sweet spot with pricing to keep both you and your clients happy.maintaining your mental health and setting boundaries for a happier, more fulfilling career.My invitation to you is to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat and tune in your ears.____A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode with Caroline Boyd is about being an Associate (Sub-contractor) in the training industry. The benefits, the challenges, the dynamics of the associate-training company relationship, the transition from corporate to freelance, and importantly the journey an associate goes through. The conversation is backed by Caroline's thesis she wrote for her Occupational Psychology Masters.Caroline is a trainer/facilitator and works in the space of management and leadership. She is an associate and business owner (for now),Themes that we cover:Being an associate provides a safe bridge into the freelance worldThe associate-client relationship requires trust, effective communication, and a clear understanding of expectations.Where and how associates find meaning and fulfilment in their workThe complex relationship between the associate-training company-clientThe measure of success used by associates goes beyond money!The journey associates go through from yes, to no, to prioritising work that aligns with strengths and valuesHow training companies can foster a positive working relationship with associatesThe importance of psychological meaning, awareness and safety when fostering and nurturing associate - training company relationshipsConsider whether finding your own clients is what you really want?My invitation to you is to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat and tune in your ears.____A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more.t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To Niche or Not to Niche - That is the question!Many are told early on in their foray into freelancing that niching is a good idea. whilst logical it can still leave us scratching our heads about how to start, where to start, how to do it and maybe even asking if it is worth it.In this episode, Cat Hase and I talk about finding our niches and how to discover and refine your niche. We share the value of networking, seeking external validation, and conversing with others to gain clarity. Cat reminds us to stay open to opportunities outside of the niche and the importance of aligning the niche with personal values and interests.Cat is a creativity coach and helps facilitators and trainers to bring more play into their workshops. Cat loves designing and creating activities. her favourite question is "Do you have any ideas for....."In this episode we cover the followingThe Topic of NichingKnowing What You Want to DoDefining What You Enjoy and Don't EnjoyThe Decision to NicheFinding Your NicheThe Importance of Retreats and ConversationsThe Moment of ClarityThe Value of Conversations in Refining Your NicheAdvice for Finding Your NicheNoticing Signs That Your Niche Isn't WorkingMyth: Niching Means Saying No to Other OpportunitiesShowcasing Your Strengths Through NichingThe Importance of Clear Communication and MarketingBuilding a Network of Niche ExpertsThe Role of Timing in Niching and Offer DevelopmentInvesting in Yourself and Your BusinessMy invitation to you is to grab a cuppa, join me on the pink seat and tune in your ears.____A Facilitator's Journey is the podcast that looks at how you run your businesses as a facilitator or trainer.You started this work because you have a passion that you want to share with organisations. However, there is the small detail that you are now running a business and this requires a whole other set of skills and knowledge.Join me, Kirsty Lewis, Founder of School of Facilitation, as I interview trainers and facilitators about how they manage their businesses. I will explore how people run their finances, price their work, scale up, scale down, decide to retire, market themselves, manage clients, and much much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, Kirsty and Claire Vintiner discuss various aspects of freelancing, including valuing oneself and one's work, reframing budgets, setting boundaries, and having great client conversations.Claire Vintiner is a coach, a facilitator, and someone who isn't afraid to bring leaders and organisations together to play a transformative role in addressing people, planetary and systems challenges. Claire has experienced being an associate as well as working with her own clients.As the conversation unfolds, Kirsty and Claire emphasize the importance of evolving and continuously working on one's relationship with money. They also highlight the significance of trust, both in oneself and in the process, and the power of saying no when necessary. They discuss the process of client conversations and how to effectively engage with clients through open questions, deep listening, summaries, and probing questions to understand the clients' needs and objectives.Here are some of this episodes themesHow We Value Ourselves and Our WorkUnderstanding the Worth of Your WorkBuilding Comfort with the Reframing of BudgetsSetting Boundaries and Saying Yes or NoHaving Great Client ConversationsThe Client Conversation ProcessAsking QuestionsSummarizing and ParaphrasingProbing on AnswersBuilding Rapport and Small TalkAsking the Next Logical StepBudget DiscussionsProposal vs Concept NoteWinning Work on QualityAbout the School of Facilitation Podcast, A Facilitator's Journey: Real Life StoriesA 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.