On the Challenge of Change Programme…

“Feedback from staff has been very positive, ranging from ‘the course ended too early for me’ to ‘since attending the course, I’ve not experienced any further migraines’. Perhaps it’s simplicity is what sets it apart: staff came expecting gimmicks and techniques, and instead went away with the understanding that they always have a choice or can ‘drop the peanut’. In essence, the program is helping us introduce a common language across the business in relation to understanding that stress is always bad, whereas pressure can be good. We have had US/UK staff go through the training and it works across cultures. Our corporate insurer regards this program as best practice and has helped with pilot funding. Demonstrating our commitment to the program longer-term, we have even seen our Employers’ Liability premium come down.”

M. D. : EME Risk Manager – Cummins

‘This Can Happen’ Energy Management Seminar

“It’s so refreshing to hear from someone who has a genuine understanding of ‘ideal vs real-life’.  I’ve listened in to a lot of webinars over the past two years, and to be honest, I tune out of many as they’re often repeating the same, idealistic, ideas.  However, Jo kept me engaged as not only her style but significantly her content was new, interesting, practical, and informative – this is the kind of session that I’m going to find myself talking about and repeating snippets from.”

Delegate

More delegate feedback…

“Jo is a lovely, wise person who has no doubt helped us all. I’m sure we have all gone away feeling that bit lighter and reassured.”

“I wish I would have known this 20 years ago. I thought the presenter and presentation were excellent. A lot packed into a short time. Thank you!”

Be Kind to Your Mind online resilience programme

“Now we are nearly at the end of the ‘Be Kind to Your Mind’ series, I wanted to say thank you to you and your team for putting on such great training for our employees.

“I did manage to attend most of the episodes and the one I missed I caught up with.  I think it provided a great opportunity for employees to think about everyday scenarios and challenges that they have in the current life during COVID, but also going forward in their new lives after COVID.

“You and your team put a lot of time and thought into the training to understand what the needs were of employees during these unusual times.  You provide a much higher level of understanding of their own thoughts and feelings to be able to change them.  Providing the tools for people to create there own success in making those tentative steps to make positive changes is the best way to achieve continued success for years to come.”

Lynsey Elliott: CBS HR Leader – Europe
Cummins Business Services

“The Challenge of Change course has had a deep and lasting effect on me, both at work and at home.  Before attending I knew that I needed to improve my ability to cope with the demands of my job and my life, and the effect these had on me, I just didnt know how to do this!  I had tried all the usual things like exercise and less healthy options, but I didnt realise that I was only dealing with the symptoms and not the causes.  I now know how to deal with the causes and that my response to these causes is a choice; and if I want to respond differently and to feel different then I can choose to do that, helped by the new tools and knowledge that I now have.”

P. M.: Portakabin Group

“Jo Clarke is a talented and inspirational trainer. She delivered the Challenge of Change, an approach to build and strengthen manager resilience. In a Social Care setting resilience is a key attribute: manager resilience impacts on the performance of every member of their team. The training programme was very well received and in addition to positive feedback from managers who attended, there was an equally impressive increase in resilience and attendant reduction in absence among their teams.

“Challenge of Change delivers a real and lasting impact for individuals, for teams and on the business bottom line.”

S. M.: United Response

“Jo Clarke took our group by the hand and guided us to a better place.  Her delivery, method and materials are just perfect in engaging a group, whilst allowing each individual to learn about themselves, and to take away the things that are most meaningful.  Thank you Jo, for making a real difference.”

P. M.: Portakabin Group

“I can honestly say hand on heart it’s one of the best courses I’ve even attended. Life changing!

“It’s changed my thinking overnight and although I am still having to work hard to keep to the ‘Four steps to freedom’ it’s making such a difference to my state of mind. I am much calmer and less anxious. My sleep is beginning to improve because I am only allowing myself to think about sleeping and nothing else. My concentration is better, and I am much more productive, ‘staying awake and controlling my attention’, sticking to the list and the jobs in hand.

“I’ve significantly reduced the amount of time and energy wasted on ‘ranting’ about things that have already happened, and I am much more able to just move on. My family have commented upon how much more relaxed I am at home and that I am spending much less time talking about work. Ultimately, within two weeks I feel like I am a much happier person at work and at home.”

Course attendee Lindley CE Infant School

“This training was the second time that I have been fortunate enough to receive the Challenge of Change training from Jo.

“This is truly the most impactful and life-changing training I have received in my almost 30 year career. The first day’s training last year was highly beneficial, with me learning and practising how to not ruminate, how to stay focussed and ‘awake’ and starting to journal.

“The revisiting of the training two weeks ago has helped to embed what I learned a year ago and as such has had an enormous effect on my outlook.”

Course attendee Lindley CE Infant School

“The booking process was very simple, Laura was extremely helpful and quick to respond to any queries or questions.  We received everything we needed in good time to ensure that we were fully prepared for the training day.

“This was the first time the whole school team had accessed training together, which we felt was really important in ensuring that we develop a common language and understanding about how to support staff resilience.  Since the training, we can talk openly about ‘letting things go’, and remind each other about ‘staying awake’ and ‘controlling our attention’.  We tell each other anecdotes about how we have applied the training in our daily lives, which helps us remind each other to keep putting the techniques into practice.”

Course attendee Lindley CE Infant School

“Like many others, I have been struggling with the move to working from home. I’ve felt isolated, without routine, and have struggled dealing with some of the challenging interactions that come as part of working in customer service. I’ve found it difficult to ‘switch off’ and took the daily stresses into my evenings and weekends.

“After a referral via my employer, I spoke with Jo Clarke to discuss how I had been coping over the pandemic, the challenges I faced on a regular basis, and my current routine (or lack of) and home working set up. It was an informal conversation so I felt able to be honest about how I’d been feeling and the lack of support that I’d received.

“We were able to come up with a routine or ‘action plan’ that was tailored to my circumstances. Something that I’ve had to make an effort with, but is achievable. It involves tools to prepare for the working day, ways to manage stress and deal with challenging interactions, and other resources that help me disconnect and enjoy my personal time. It’s not easy making changes, but I have stuck to the routine and that has been invaluable to my mood and approach to working from home. It has had a positive effect on my relationship as I am less stressed and not as tired.

“I’m really grateful to Jo for spending the time with me to help get things in order and in a way that was comfortable for me.”

H.P.: General Medical Council

On trainer Jo Clarke…

“As a trainer/facilitator, Jo is up there with the best. Her relaxed approach draws the best out of groups – that’s certainly the feedback we’ve received from staff that have gone through the Challenge of Change program. As program sponsor within the company, I have introduced Jo to many of our functional experts: HR, Legal, HSE, Risk, Finance, Purchasing, IT, Recruitment, Real Estate and so on. Everyone has been impressed by her ability to make complex subject matter both simple and engaging. Backed up by her academic standing and breadth of experience in the real-world, Jo is easy to relate to and so far, hasn’t faced a question or audience that she hasn’t been able to deal with. I’d recommend both the program and Jo, as a trainer to any organisation.”

M. D. : EME Risk Manager – Cummins