I
have always been immensely passionate about communications and bringing about positive change.
As an enthusiastic graduate from design college,
in 1981, I began working in the Audio Visual industry as a producer and designer. This involved producing live events, presentations
and video programmes for mostly blue chip companies. Working freelance I soon began to pick up my own clients and decided
to form my own communications agency – MJ Productions Ltd. Our mission was to deliver communications for our clients
using the largest range of media – print, video, live events, web and interactive media.
Our client base grew to include The Woolwich,
Epson, Barclays, Whitbread, Siemens, Qinetiq, DTI and many other well known organisations, as well as smaller specialist businesses.
The team also grew and along with this came the challenge of changing my own role many times over – from ‘doer’,
to salesman, manager, leader and consultant.
At
the same time we were working for a number of management consultants and internal communications teams – so the topic
of change was always close to hand.
This interest in change ignited my intrigue into
other ways of engaging more deeply with people. Coaching offered the natural step forward. I started training with Newcastle
College and at the same time continued my studies of NLP, finally taking the full Practitioners certificate and then Master
Practitioner. In 2005, after taking some time
out to travel, I set up 80/20 Challenge as a vehicle to use my vast experience in business, communications and change and
offer this to the business world via a coaching approach.
The
insights into human behaviour, communications and how we can facilitate change has had an enormous effect on me. I feel like
I was 25 years ago – fuelled by a burning desire to apply my talents to support individuals and organisations. Advanced
Performance sums it up – being your best. Achieving all that you can. Being your own best supporter and friend and backing
yourself 100%.
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As early as 1997 I was using NLP as part of communications projects. At that time I got to know a NLP Master
Practitioner and trainer. Our commitment was to help clients engage more deeply with customers and staff – to open up
true understanding and dialogue. NLP seemed to have a whole range of tools that could assist us in this process.
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