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Keep learning. Keep Growing. Keep helping others

Jane JamesLeave a comment

In business we work with diverse people from all backgrounds. We may not always know what they are dealing with.

Having worked with many awesome people over the years in my professional life, it’s clear how little we are really taught about neurodiversity and neurodevelopment issues.

Yet a little awareness in these areas can make a huge difference. Whether we are working with adults living with these issues or parents whose children are going through assessment – which can take a painfully long time.

Dr Stephen Shore gave, for me, a clear message not to judge everyone the same when he said “If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism.”

I often do short online courses to learn a little more to support those around me better. A couple of months ago I did ADHD Champion – an awareness course to learn more. I was amazed at how much I didn’t know. Leanne Maskell is a fantastic advocate for ADHD and set up the ADHDWorks charity to raise awareness.

Today I finished a three hour course on Autism Awareness run by Vital Skills. It was easy to do these courses in parts fitting in amongst my ‘day job’.

Each has given me impactful knowledge and tools to enhance my day job.

If you are looking to raise your awareness, why not check out some online learning?

ADHD Works

HSQE LIMITED – VitalSkills.co.uk

#autism

#adhd

The power of kindness

Jane JamesLeave a comment

Whether I am delivering I-act, or workshops on communication, conflict identification and management, making better connections, building an emotionally intelligent team, empowerment, career development or running Growing Talent, I always lead with kindness and I share the power of doing this with all delegates.

Whatever we say or do, only we know our intention behind that. Those we are speaking with, don’t. They may receive a completely different message based on how we’ve made them feel.

It makes sense in every area of life – work and personal – to lead with kindness.

We don’t always know what someone is dealing with in their life nor the impact it’s having on them.

Leading with kindness enables us to stop, think and empathise – building better workplaces and relationships with little effort or cost.

I was blown away yesterday after speaking with a delegate who had attended one of my I-act courses just over a year ago. They took time out to send me this lovely email (edited to protect them and their organisation).

If anyone doubts the power of kindness, give it a try. The results will astound you.

@I-Act

Keep learning to keep growing!

Jane JamesLeave a comment

It’s been a great learning journey on Growing Talent’s Orientation and Holistic week with Gabriel.

Lauren and her team at Honeywell in London Bridge look forward to welcoming Gabriel on Tuesday!

Now an accredited Manager in the global I-Act Managing and Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing programme, Gabriel is equipped to keep growing and share his knowledge and experience with his new team.

None of us ever stop learning if we open our minds to do so.

So welcome Gabriel to the next chapter!

Be inspired!

Jane JamesLeave a comment

Last Monday saw the start of the 35th Orientation Week for Growing Talent in London. 

It’s amazing to think a programme I devised ten years ago is still running strong and collaboratively with employers, JobCentre Plus and their partners, to empower some unemployed, highly talented people into work to start building their careers and changing their lives.

Every day I make a point of noticing something new.

On entering the venue for the Orientation week, I spotted the Earth sign above. It certainly got me thinking. Where would we be without art in our lives? Whether we create it or admire it, art can lift spirits and inspire us all.

As Pablo Picasso once said “art washes away the dust of life from the soul”.

Turning the corner, I spotted a new take on Christmas Tree lights. Very colourful against the dark early morning sky.

What will you notice on your journey to work today?

#beinspired

GT35 – next stage commenced today….

Jane JamesLeave a comment

Our final Growing Talent programme of 2023 reached the next stage with the commencement of the Orientation and Holistic Week.

As a result of employer requests, Gabriel has found himself in the unique position of being the only one on this section of the programme. The first time this has happened in 10 years Growing Talent has been running!

Rising to the challenge of collaboration a different way, Gabriel has embraced this unique experience which ended today with a meeting with Lauren – his soon to be line manager!

Still smiling and laughing – that’s a great sign of things to come!

With Workplace nailed, tomorrow we commence the Holistic section.

More learning, sharing and collaboration ahead….

The road of opportunity is open for some….

Jane JamesLeave a comment

What an awesome Employer Speed Dating event – 1st stage selection on Growing Talent today.

Hosted by our funders close to London Bridge we had five amazing employer teams and over 30 hugely talented, but currently unemployed people looking for their next opportunity.

The road to new opportunities has started.

What will be the outcome? Watch this space!

Huge thanks to the applicants who overcome their nerves to come along today – lots of laughter in the room indicates the experience wasn’t as bad as first expected!

Initial thoughts from one of these amazing people:

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the dynamic recruitment session and networking event. It was truly an enriching experience, and I’m thankful for the chance to engage with such a talented group of individuals.

I thoroughly enjoyed the session and the chance to network with professionals in different fields. It was not only informative but also inspiring. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Thank you for your support and for making this event possible. I look forward to the future and the potential it holds.

If you ever need an assistant in your workshop count me in. 😊”

Isn’t that awesome?

Massive thanks to our awesome employer teams this time around:

Master-Fix Properties – Martin
Pilgrims Risk Management – Lasse, Tia & James
SPS UK & Ireland – Lois & Bob
Pertemps – Sharaz & Jamie
Honeywell – Lauren & Andra

What a change, what a change, what a mighty fine change…………….

Jane JamesLeave a comment

Amongst the employers attending @Growing_Talent’s 35th Employer Speed Dating event on 31.10.23 will be Haj joining her colleagues from @Pertemps and Tia joining her colleagues from @PilgrimsRiskManagementGroup.

Both joined their employers via the Growing Talent programme, now they are involved in giving others the opportunity they had.

How awesome is that?

The power of a chance to change…..

Jane JamesLeave a comment

A chance to change for some willing to take the leap into the unknown has arrived!

The 35th Employer Speed Dating event on Growing Talent takes place Tuesday 31 October in London

Weeks of preparation have led up to this point. Information sessions, job fairs, marketing on social media – not my strongest attribute!!! – completion of registration forms, security, hospitality and venue arrangements just to name a few things.

Of course none of this would be possible without our funders, the work coaches in JobCentre Plus – passionate to support some of their customers into jobs a different way – the customers themselves taking that leap of faith to go through a recruitment process that doesn’t involve a cv or traditional interview and the trailblazing employers willing and open minded to seek their new talent in a unique way.

34 hugely talented, but currently unemployed people are invited to our event on Tuesday.

What will the outcome be? You’ll need to check back to find out!

David Steeds
Pilgrims Risk Management Group
Honeywell
Masterfix GB Limited
Pertemps Network Group
SPS