Professional Development
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: Show me the money
How much does a new learning summit cost? Kirsty Lewis shares an eye watering amount This month I want to share the emotional rollercoaster that is creating a festival from scratch with NO financial backing. If you are discovering this blog for the first time today, let me introduce myself: My name is Kirsty Lewis, founder of School of Facilitation and the architect of SOFest. A three day, in-person, learning event, space, summit (call it anything but a conference) SOFest…
The power of video in microlearning
Bite-sized videos grab your learner’s attention, stick in their mind, and turn knowledge into action – Tim Moss shows how to get started Imagine this: you’re onboarding a new employee, Sarah, who feels overwhelmed about learning a complex project management tool. Instead of handing her a dense user manual, you provide her with a short, engaging video tutorial. The video is concise, visually clear, and even includes an interactive quiz at the end. After watching, Sarah not only understands the tool but…
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: The workshops
Kirsty Lewis focuses her new festival planning on the different themes and workshops we need For those of you who missed the previous blog, let me catch you up: Imagine walking through a glade of trees with a lake by your side, along a path that leads you to a large field filled with tipis, yurts, a campfire and 120 people. That is what SOFest is going to be like, no stuffy hotel or boring conference centre. I am even…
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: The journey begins
An honest account of the roller coaster of creating a newconference, with Kirsty Lewis About five years ago I came up with an idea of an event whereby 100 facilitators, trainers, coaches and consultants would come together, in a field, to connect, learn and share (and camp). Then came Covid and a few years of self-doubt which meant I never started! I am going to share with you the journey I am on – everything from the finances and emotions,…
Case study: How ‘Time in Other People’s Shoes’ transformed collaboration
Building understanding and connection between differing teams can be a challenge, but this approach made an impact To make sure it continues to puts people and customers at the heart of everything it does, Stiltz Homelifts created the innovative Time in Other People’s Shoes (TIOPS) initiative. The scheme was developed to help employees truly understand what challenges and pressures colleagues have in their individual roles and to foster a great environment of closer collaboration and caring for one another. Our CEO…
Shaping the future: How the UK’s AI action plan transforms learning and development
The UK Government’s announcement to be an AI superpower will impact every L&D professional’s future Today to the UK government announced it’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which has three key goals: These goals are interconnected and aim to position the UK as a leader in AI development and adoption. The goals explored Laying the foundations to enable AI: This goal focuses on creating the necessary infrastructure and conditions for AI to thrive. It involves: Changing lives by embracing AI: This…
Did your skipped workouts and holiday indulgence actually help your brain? Surprising science says… Yes!
Neurogenesis, synapses, pathways… Ricci Masero explains the importance of having a break for your brain If you’re feeling a bit guilty about missing some gym sessions and indulging in chocolate over the holidays, science might have some good news for you. Research suggests that taking breaks from exercise and enjoying dark chocolate could benefit your brain development. Let’s explore how your holiday habits might have been helping your neuroplasticity all along. Understanding neuroplasticity: Your brain’s superpower First, let’s break down…
Will it work for us? How to assess and implement new organisational strategies
Do you select Agile? Six Sigma? How do encourage change? Steve Macaulay shares his insight From Six Sigma to Lean, Agile, and employee engagement1, many strategies promise to transform organisations by improving efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction, and ensuring employees are motivated and committed. A well-implemented framework can indeed help organisations deliver high-quality products, adapt to change, and maintain a competitive edge. Before implementing any new approach, it’s essential to identify your organisation’s underlying issues However, leaders often rightly ask,…
Learning from life: Being abandoned portside
When you are left frustrated and abandoned, what can you learn about thinking and communication? Michelle Parry-Slater shares her story The Christmas Holidays are upon us, meaning Boxing Day sales and Summer Holiday adverts will be popping up in abundance, enticing us to plan for summer 2025. There’s nothing like packing up the tinsel and finishing off the Baileys whilst dreaming of blue sea and soft sand. Now I live in Australia, summer is well and truly here. Schools have…
Facilitate and flourish: The beauty of being present
Listen deeply, tune into the energy and let go – transformative facilitation tips from Fiona McBride I live in the UK near Brighton and, when I can, I make sure I get myself to the seafront. It’s a lovely place to be, especially in the late autumn/early winter when the starlings put on one of their annual murmuration displays. You can spend a good hour or two watching the starlings swooping and weaving in harmony with each other. I’ve found…
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