2022 has been my biggest business year yet, in terms of impact, value shared and work delivered. It's also brought some behind the scenes changes which have changed my approach to business.
Strategic facilitation, partnerships more key note speaking came more in to the mix, but the in-house training ('Human' or 'soft' skills and thinking skills programs) and one day tailored workshops (usually Critical Thinking focused) were still the biggest areas of work.
I was curious as to what the breakdown looked like, and here it is:
The larger group work and key note speaking has been really rewarding, as these often include a more detailed brief, I feel I can really tailor the content to the audience, which then brings the most value.
Some comments from recent work:
"Thank you for being so amazing to work with, facilitating an excellent session and allowing everyone to walk away with some new skills and perspectives!" (Engineering graduate scheme workshop)
"You are a pleasure to work with, and I am so happy with the results of our strategy session. We look forward to working with you more in 2023. Your guidance and leadership has been so valuable" (Strategic facilitation client)
"OMG! If you get the opportunity to work with Bethan DO IT! She is an amazing presenter and her approach to critical thinking and reframing approaches to how we work and problem solve is exceptional. We thoroughly enjoyed having her speak at one of our sundowners, and are always on the lookout for ways to work with her again." (Speaking client)
"Bethan is an important part of our business strategy and business culture and supporting our ability to turn knowledge into value for our clients... We can't recommend you too highly as we don't want to lose you!" (In-house training client).
Areas I'll be putting energy in to next year are doing more interactive key note speaking, one day in-house sessions, graduate schemes (as they're so much fun!), and helping technical specialists (accountants, engineers, scientists etc.) with their communication, 'human skills' and thinking skills. Some gigs will cover all three areas, so win / Winn!
Some highlights (Gah, so many!)
Presenting at the Optus stadium for Monadelphous;
Facilitating in Broome for Westcourt Family Business Accountants and Joondalup resort with Amira Global;
My first comedy gig (I'll send you the link if you're curious!);
Presenting in 'Imagine if', online festival of ideas, with 100s of global attendees;
Being featured in 'The Age', 'Sydney Morning Herald', 'In the Black' and other media;
Projects in Community leadership, WestCycle and the Future Female Leaders program.
Nomination for the Business news 40 under 40 (I was in Wales for the event though!);
All the coffee chats and facilitating connections, it's the little things that are the big things!
Things I seem to have said often:
"All decision making is a values clarifying exercise" (Tony Robbins)
"Nibble, don't scoff" (Me! I should write a blog about that one phrase)
"Whether right or wrong, make a decision. The world is full of squashed frogs that couldn't decide" (not sure where I stole and butchered that one from!).
"If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right" (my friend Belinda Fong).
Tech that has been invaluable:
Canva (I would be lost without it and my designer Jessica Croome)
Xero (and my awesome bookkeeper Kristie McGinty keeping me in check)
Calendly for booking in coffees, connecting and coaching (you can book in here!)
Things I'm excited about for next year:
134km Cape to Cape trek with Zero2Hero (sponsor me for this amazing cause!)
Conferences, creative projects and partnerships that are in the pipeline...
Seeing my connections thriving personally and professionally (love that for you :)
Turning 40 in February - bring it on!
Mistakes (aka learning experiences:)
Online courses (Kajabi) I built, invested, but my heart wasn't in it. I much prefer learning together, in-person, and tailoring to client needs. On-demand and online learning will be revisited in the future.
Plantar Fasciitis meant I couldn't run between March and November and now I am sorted, I realised how much I missed it for balance, thinking time and being out in nature. I should have got on to it sooner.
Not saying 'No' sooner to things that aren't working. Always a work in progress, but getting better all the time.
Favourite reads this year:
Stolen Focus by Johann Hari (and I highly recommend Lost Connections by him too)
Think Again by Adam Grant (fantastic for critical thinking and change management)
How to Live by Derek Sivers (27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusion)
On the reading list for summer:
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Religion for Atheists by Alain de Botton
Let's talk culture by Shane M Hatton
Cloud Street by Tim Winton for a spot of local fiction
And clearly I need some diversity among my authors, so do send me your recommendations!
If you're still prepping for Christmas, I have some cards and dice still up for grabs - give the gift of better thinking and decision making!
Thanks for reading this far. Thanks for being part of the journey that is business and life. I'm so very grateful for everyone I get to meet, work with and share value with on this.
You're doing a great job, keep at it! I wish you *all* the good things for 2023!
Best wishes always,
Bethan
Comments