We work with a wide range of leaders and organisations to design and host their offsite workshops, events or conversations. This can be either at The Waterside Felindre, or elsewhere.
We are also thinking partners for individuals and teams, where they need someone who can come alongside and help them move forward and see the bigger picture.
Design and Host
We do like a challenge!
Organising scientists has mischievously been likened to herding cats, because it is notoriously impossible. Sue Heatherington helped me organise and run two of the most effective scientific meetings I have attended: fifty top international people worked together, thought in new ways, and were inspired to carry on working together after the event. Sue planned the meetings meticulously, but also had the professionalism on the day to seamlessly adapt and transform the activities to enable the meeting to exceed all expectations in quality, networking and in generating unexpected powerful ideas. Perhaps most impressively, she got people to work very hard, in new and sometimes challenging ways, and to enjoy the experience immensely. I’m going to run more of these meetings.” Prof Harold Thimbleby, Swansea University
Coastal Housing decided to hold our two day senior team away day at The Waterside for two very compelling reasons, people and place. The environment at The Waterside meant that we genuinely switched off from the “noise” of the day job and focused more deeply and effectively on building our strategic vision for our future, and getting to know each other as a team, and secondly because of the skills Sue offered us as a very skilled listener, who designed our ambitious two days with both empathy and intelligence, to cover a lot of ground. The feedback from all my team after the two days was 100% positive and we will definitely be finding our way back to this very special place soon for more quality thinking time. Many thanks to Sue and Steve for a great two days.” Debbie Green, Chief Executive, Coastal Housing Group
Each event is different – and we have designed and hosted many across a wide range of organisations and businesses. They all start with a clear understanding of what you are trying to achieve and your strategic context. And build on the people dynamics of your team or group. We can’t anticipate everything and each creative piece is a new exploration, which is why having a trusted partner is crucial.
For really good collective thinking and development the physical and psychological environment is key. This is part of your investing in great outcomes, whatever you do. So we can work here at The Waterside, or at another venue closer to you.
Because we are collaborative where appropriate we also bring trusted partners with us. We also work with others, either in meeting the needs of their clients, or in advising them on effective event design.
Thinking Partner
Thank you … I found the session challenging yet invaluable – the equivalent of ‘a good workout’! Your insight and understanding is extremely impressive and provides a robust scrutiny that we don’t submit ourselves to frequently enough.” Regional Director, UK & Ireland
Sue helped me look at things in a different way, act in a different way and deal with things and people in a different way…allowing me to be creative with the bigger picture and not get sucked in…” MD of a specialist food manufacturing company
I offer a distinctive blend of professional coaching, consulting and experience as a leader. This has developed over years of working with individuals and senior teams. It gives me the freedom to come alongside and enter into your endeavours. Not taking over, but encouraging and challenging you as someone who shares in your passions. I want you to succeed in making a difference.
Usually over several hours, these sessions are not structured as a workshop but have the sense of a conversation with purpose. My professional training has a strong foundation in Gestalt psychology. I am also a qualified MBTI practitioner (personality type preference). This helps in providing a framework for the conversation and appreciation of difference.
We can offer these sessions in the comfort and tranquility of The Waterside or closer to your workplace, though recommend that this is not in your office or workplace meeting room!
I also work with individuals remotely via video calls or phone.
Given our experience in design and hosting we are also developing a design advisory service for event organisers.
TALK WITH ME ABOUT THE CHALLENGES/OPPORTUNITIES YOU’RE FACING
