A Facilitator's Journey: Real Life Stories

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.Inspiration and Journey into Learning and DevelopmentTransition from Corporate Life to FreelancingExploring Different Approaches to selling and Lessons LearnedNavigating Challenges During COVIDLessons from Outsourcing Sales LeadsImportance of Consistency and AuthenticityThe Pitfalls of Creating without ActionFinancial Planning for FreelancersThe benefits of Building a NetworkMy 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 HEREVisit the Work Joyful website HEREVisit the School of Facilitation website HEREConnect with me on Instagram HEREConnect with me on Linkedin HEREcontact@schooloffacilitation.com

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

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

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

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.

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.