personal growth

Drum roll please!……

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Introducing Grace & Peter – newly qualified i-act (for positive mental health and wellbeing) training. Mental Health Training – Managers!

In line with ISO45003 – workplace psychological safety – Grace and Peter now have the tools, steps and effective communication to not only build their mind muscle but be aware of the emotional temperature of those around them.

With over 50 tools and 90+ referral organisations, i-act (for positive mental health and wellbeing) training. Mental Health Training was designed specifically for any workplace to be used by anyone – no matter their level of medical understanding.

Its pro-active approach smashes the focus we are brought up with to put everyone else first. How can we do that if we aren’t thriving? Building our own mind muscle is critical – not ‘nice to have when I’ve got time’.

As an i-act (for positive mental health and wellbeing) training. Mental Health Training Instructor, I deliver the Manager level to those going into employment through Growing Talent for two reasons:

✅ Where they start is not where they finish! They will me leading others in time.
✅ Every employee should be aware of their manager’s responsibilities to them both morally and legally.

Grace and Peter now know how to start flexing their mind muscle with the micro techniques I teach.

What were their thoughts?

“This course gave practical tools to recognise signs of stress or mental health struggles, both in myself and others. It helped me feel more aware, supportive, and better prepared for the emotional demands of the workplace and community.” Grace

“A key learning for me was how to support someone else in the workplace who might be struggling using cues” Peter

We know Grace and Peter will have awesome careers with CIS-Security and be equipped to support their teams and clients. 👏 👏

What a morning!

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Growing Talent‘s ‘getting to know you’ event for applicants and employers ahead of the selection stages.

Mark BaxterStorey, James SPS UK & I, Gina & Megan CIS Security Limited met the awesome applicants including Tanice, Sharon, Siddik, Sujibomi, Aeurlien, Zaniyah, Peter, Grace, Owolabi & Daphine.

Matthew Izekor and Rob Matthews (Anna) also joined us to support their awesome applicants.

Initial nerves gave way to confidence and laughter as the applicants gelled with each other and the employers.

Adam Bushell shared why he supports Growing Talent and spent time encouraging the applicants.

The heart of the session was the London Challenge. Imagine having to work with a complete stranger to identify a problem within London’s communities and devise a solution to present to the employers – WITH JUST 45 MINUTES PREPARATION. Could you do that?

Our amazing applicants didn’t flinch. Rising to the challenge we had 5 thought provoking themed presentations including:

💡 The cost of living – giving people the knowledge to navigate this era.

💡 Youth Club – revitalising a heart of the community hub to give young people a place they truly belong

💡 Problem housing – giving tenants the knowledge and tools to look after the homes better and improve their health – repairs, mould removal, decoration etc

💡 Foodbank – developing these crucial lifelines connecting the community and hospitality businesses with more food, recipe and nutrition options

💡 Crime – smashing the rise in mobile thefts and knife crime with more outreach, role model, a different life path

More about these fantastic ideas tomorrow!

The overriding feeling from the applicants was how different Growing Talent is to anything they’ve experienced before.

What none of them realised is just how amazing they are. Their commitment, drive to work together and willingness to step out side their comfort zone are all qualities employers want.

Growing Talent enables the individual to be seen, not be judged by their label.

A big thank you to everyone behind the scenes 👏 👏 👏

Be prepared!……….

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The Scout’s motto “be prepared” has been core to my critical thinking as a trainer, mentor and coach.

Even the basic things can get lost in translation.

The pictures were taken this morning ahead of Growing Talent‘s ‘Getting to know you event’ for unemployed applicants and employers.

I’d asked the awesome room set-up team for two half circles facing each other. One for employers and one for applicants. I got the standard theatre style set-up – not the best for a ‘getting to know you experience’!

With ‘be prepared’ in mind, I arrived on site early to deal with any issue like this.

Did I complain? – nope, no need
Did I alert the team to get someone to change it for me? – nope, no need

I rolled up my sleeves and did it myself inside 10 minutes. Job done. No hassle. No fuss.

It’s much the same in life – business and home.

We spot something that isn’t right and either:

Ignore it – someone else will do it
Moan about it to everyone that can’t/won’t do anything about it

No one is going to change things for us. We have to do it ourself. They may help us, give us some guidance, some tools to use, but ultimately it’s down to us to take action.

Do you agree?
What action have you taken today?

What a bag can illustrate!

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Wandering around the market on a warm, blue-sky day in Lanzarote, this bag jumped out at me.

The stallholders were a local father and son selling the leather goods they made themselves.

Bags and rucksacks of every size and colour, this green one stood out. The intricate pattern in contrasting red on the flap, two zips on the back and long adjustable strap – exactly what I needed for work back home. Few would have such a bag – bonus! I like to be different!

The father with his smiling toothless grin wrapped the bag and off I went pleased with my purchase.

Back in the hotel room a few hours later, I took the bag out of its wrapping. What was that smell? Subtle, yet pungent. I couldn’t find the culprit anywhere until I sniffed the bag – deeply and closely. Urgh – this was a difference I didn’t want!

After a search on Google, I discovered:

🫣 All sorts of hides can be used – including camel
🫣 All sorts of products can be used to tan the leather – including fish oil and urine! – who knew

Pungent smells can occur when inferior hides and tanning products are used as the leather breaks down. There is no cure.

The bag was left behind but clearly illustrates what you see on the surface isn’t always the whole story!

This is true of people too. Especially in the workplace.

People at all levels must deal with pressure and change continuously. This can weigh heavy on them and their colleagues.

What can be done? Give them the tools and knowledge they need:

💡 Raise awareness amongst managers – is what you are seeing the whole story?
💡 Roll out training for staff to proactively build their resilience and thrive.
💡 Provide coaching for neurodivergent team members to tame the impact on them.

I specialise in workplace programmes that enables teams to thrive. Including:

Neurodivergent coaching 1:1 – how to thrive in a neurotypical workplace (I am a certified ADHD Coach)

Awareness of neurodivergence for managers – what you might see, what you might do. Critical for true team inclusion and reduction of risk of an ET (CPD certified programme)

How to be an ally to your neurodivergent colleague – for non-managers (CPD certified programme)

I-Act Managing and Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing – global programme accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in line with ISO45003. (I have been delivering this programme to global organisations for over four years)

Time to talk about the transformation I can deliver for your team?

What a feeling……

Jane JamesLeave a comment

We’ve reached the end of the 40th Growing Talent Orientation & Holistic

week – CPD certified.

Alex, Jay and Troy have shown up, each day hungry to learn and willing to share their existing knowledge.

As we ploughed through the three Growing Talent books growing together, concentration filled the room.

Energised. Enthused. Confident. We completed the week today with all three attaining qualification in the manager level of i-act (for positive mental health and wellbeing) training. Mental Health Training

Ready to join their respective teams on their new employer sites to begin growing their careers. 👏 👏 👏

CIS Security Limited

SPS. UK & Ireland

Challenges – could you do the London Challenge

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After the pressure of making the employers do a spot of public speaking and share their journey to their current role as well as their top tips to impress employers, it was only fair that the awesome Growing Talent applicants stepped up too!

London Challenge demands the applicants to come up with an idea to improve London.

Imagine this….

First part is to brainstorm ideas. Then, form a team with people you didn’t know two hours before, devise the beginning, middle and end of a unique idea within 45 minutes before presenting it t the panel of employers!

Would you do it?

The employers were treated to four unique ideas.

🎯 Group 1 – Leon, Niki, Katie & Bozena
🎯 Group 2 – Kai, Iuliia, Samuel, Anita & Alex
🎯 Group 3 – James, Aboidun & Mulenga
🎯 Group 4 – Shantelle, Dejanae & Sarah

Ideas ranges from community mental health and well being, creative hubs, food and nutrition – with a community greenhouse and intelligent use of public cctv to reduce response times!

All applicants chose to return 19 February for our ‘slow dating’ event – also known as the employer first stage selection!

It’s going to be amazing!

Thanks to everyone who took part including:

SPS UK&Ireland
#IronMountain
Portico
CIS Security Limited
ISS A/S
hashtag#NGBailey
hashtag#JobCentrePlus
hashtag#DavidSteeds & teams across London
Rob Matthews (Anna)
Matthew Izekor
hashtag#SouthwarkCareLeavers
Adrienne Simpson
Adam Bushell

The number is 24!

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Following the Growing Talent virtual information session last Friday, I’m pleased to announce 24 awesome applicants have chosen to leap into their unknown and join our next stage -‘Getting to Know Each Other” on Wednesday 12 February.

Meeting recruiting employers a different way:

🎯 Spotlight! – Employers share their insight to the world of work

🎯 Let’s Talk! – without the employers, explore why people aren’t working

🎯 London Challenge! – working in small groups to devise an idea to improve London.

🎯 Present London Challenge ideas to employers and gain their thoughts

🎯 Networking coffee! Chat with employers – no discussion of jobs allowed though!!!

So, what makes employers join Growing Talent and recruit differently?

Maybe…..

✅ They get to confidently ‘fish’ from a diverse, unique talent pool

✅ Get to know how applicants think, how they work as part of a team, what their passions are BEFORE the recruitment stage

✅ It’s fun to disrupt the norm!

So, why would applicants choose to try Growing Talent?

✅ Meet employers a different, more confident way

✅ No need to showcase their ability in a cv when they don’t have the words or self-empowerment

✅ No trying to think of an answer to ‘what’s your strengths/weaknesses’?

✅ Get wrap around support every step of the way

✅ If offered an opportunity by an employer – this permanent role is ring-fenced for them!

✅ Builds their self-empowerment and confidence from the start

We thank our awesome employers participating this time:

Adecco

CIS Security Limited

Iron Mountain

ISS A/S

NG Bailey

Pertemps Network Group

Portico

SPS UK & Ireland

Filsan did it – you can too!

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Fantastic news just in from Filsan! She’s received the results of her SIA licence course last week – nailed it!!! (my words – Filsan is way too polite!)

Anyone in the security industry knows the waiting game and hurdles to complete before starting your journey in security. It’s tough right?

Filsan has shown amazing strength, tenacity and drive to complete @Growing_Talent and secure an opportunity from @CISSecurity.

An absolute role model on what can be achieved despite a challenging start to everyone standing in the same position Filsan started from.

What does the employer think who gave Filsan this opportunity?

“Supporting individuals into a career path they would of never thought of is one of the main reasons I love my job.

When I first met Filsan I knew she had the right attitude, determination and mindset for the security industry; CIS Security Limited was then able to provide support with her SIA licence and a job opportunity.

We look forward to seeing Filsan flourish within her career at CIS Security and the security industry!

Thank you Jane James for your continued support with Growing Talent and we look forward to our partnership growing further and many more success stories with this amazing initiative.” Gina, Talent Resourcing Manager

hashtag#cissecurity hashtag#newjob hashtag#security hashtag#recruitment hashtag#SIA

Our thanks to everyone who supported Filsan along the way including Matthew and the team at Southwark Care leavers who said:

“Morning Jane,

This is great news.

Thank you and well done for the patience and excellent programme you have in place for our care leavers.

This is a true testament of your commitment to making a difference in their career journey.

I look forward to having more of our care leavers share the same story next year as Filsan.

Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year, 2025,”

Matthew Izekor | Employment and 18+ Careers  Adviser

If you are in London and seeking a job a different way – why not check Growing Talent out?  Next programme opens 27 January 2025.

If you know it…….. pass it on!

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Sharing our knowledge can save others a heap of time, anxiety and money!

Picture this, I’d just been told I’d be charged a ‘restocking fee’ for returning a shower part that wasn’t needed. This ‘restocking fee’ would be deducted from my refund. The box had been opened with a blade so wasn’t damaged.  None of the manufacturer’s labels had been disturbed and the internal individual items were still sealed.

This didn’t sound right to me. (Critical thinking – challenge what I’m told/think)

In my case, this 35% deduction to my refund for ‘restocking fee’ equated to £165!

This really didn’t sound right!

Running @Growing_Talent, we cover basic finance tips including consumer law, 14 day cooling off period for online purchases etc. I’d never heard of a ‘restocking’ fee. So, copious research on the internet followed. 

Yep, ‘restocking fee’ is a deduction from refunds retailers make. That didn’t sound right. Oh wait – this was American sites!

I reached out to the UK manufacturer of the part I’d brought from the London retailer. They confirmed they charged retailers a restocking fee which cannot be passed on to consumers in the UK. A scan read of the UK Consumer ACT 2015 showed a 14 day cooling off period for all goods brought on line for whatever reason to be returned.

Armed with my new knowledge about ‘restocking fees’ and their use in the UK,  I contacted the retailer I brought the part from pointing out, my contract was with them – not the manufacturer. Any ‘restocking fee’ they are charged by the manufacturer is their responsibility not mine. I also quoted the 2015 Consumer Act. 

I got my full refund within 48 hours!

I wonder how many people just accept a ‘restocking fee’ deduction in their refunds in the UK.

That’s why I’m sharing this knowledge everywhere I can.

What knowledge would you pass on?

I share steps, tips and knowledge to enable others to know how to get things done in the workplace especially when their brains have different wiring.

#ADHDCoach

#I-Act Practitioner

#WorkplaceGrowth

#Growing_Talent

Who hates Mondays?

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Many in the wrong job will know that Sunday night feeling of dread.

Boomtown Rats had a No 1 hit about this very subject back in ’79.

At Growing Talent – we LOVED this Monday! Our 38th Employer Speed Dating event – aka 1st mutual stage selection.

Uniquely, this followed an in-depth ‘getting to know you’ event held for the first time last week – so there was already a connection between candidates and employers. Takes the heat out of nerves a little.

Conversation flowed. As did the laughter and smiles. Who thought recruitment could be this much fun?

In small groups, Antoinette, Dejanae, Elizabeth, Filsan, Hosil, Luliia, Leena, Mark, Jibrail, Niketa, Rahime, Riaz, Sarah & Yohana met the employers again from SPS CIS Security Limited #NGBailey, ISS A/S & Portico to get to know each other a little more.

Feedback on the new format from employers and candidates was 100% positive – so it’s a keeper!

Next steps are currently being decided by the employers – so the suspense for our awesome candidates continues a little longer.

A huge thanks to our employers for giving their time to be part of Growing Talent including Daisy Dean-Grundy, Stacey Walker, Bernie, Lois Collins Tom & Soraya, Alison Compton & Rakesh Joshi, Gemma & Nikki, Gina & David, Lillian, Nid & David from NG Bailey – also Phil and Esther who joined in the fun for a while.

How amazing for the new partner at our sponsors Alex to make diary time to come along with Adam Bushell to see Growing Talent in action! Thank you!

Check back to see what happens next!

Thanks also to the cheerleaders at JobCentre Plus and Southwark Care Leavers

David Steeds

Rob Matthews (Anna)

Matthew Izekor