A magical day at The River Network trainers' showcase
We recently held a highly imaginative, energetic and innovative
day with The River Network, a co-operative group of coaches, trainers and management consultants Karen is part of (so named as all the members are based alongside the River Thames).The purpose of the day was to introduce local companies to the different techniques that the five trainers use and show how they embed learning using experiential, 'learning by doing' activities.
Rescue Barbie!
These activities involved drumming with musical tubes, drama, flower pot men, rescuing Barbie dolls and an exercise in pointillism (painting to you and me).Other topics included leadership in action, group problem solving, writing for the reader, motivating for results, creative change and identifying personal communication skills.
Britain's Got Talent!
The highlight of the day was Karen Kimberley's communication session and the introduction of magician Dean James. Dean, who has auditioned for the TV show Britain's Got Talent, demonstrated how good communication can increase the profitability of a business using a number of tricks that kept the audience mystified and engaged.
All the learning points were reinforced by using a giant pack of playing cards, and were the brainchild of Julian Dodson who specialises in active learning.
Feedback from the delegates was very enthusiastic with many of them rating the event as stimulating, motivating, interactive and fun.
The trainers provide bespoke training and coaching in productivity, management, personal development, teams, creativity and marketing.
Phil Hawthorn, who co-founded the network, said "It was a day enjoyed by all - delegates and presenters. We have all been subjected to bad and boring lecture led training events. This could not have been more different. Having fun and learning new skills at the same time - what could be a better investment?"
The event was held at The Ibis Club in Reading and the next showcase event will be held in late September this year. Numbers will be limited. To register your interest in attending the next showcase or to find out more about running one in your organisation Karen Kimberley on 07785 566468 email kk@karenkimberley.co.uk.
Visit http://www.therivernetwork.co.uk/ to find out more.
Winston Churchill Fellowship
Karen's travels to Australia have finally yielded a report and recommendations for volunteering in the UK:
www.karenkimberley.co.uk/download/WinstonChurchillFellowshipReport.pdf
Karen's key learning was that the important thing was to make a difference for a large number of young people, not just one or two. As a result she has been in conversations with The Prince's Trust to look at developing a programme to help young people to train as marshals, guides and security guards for large scale events with the 2012 Olympics in her sights as a specific goal.
Look out for more news on Karen's Fellowship and progress on this project.
Business Wins
In the last seven months the company has won business with Standard Life Investments, The Ministry of Justice, Centrica, Sanofi Pasteur MSD, Axiom Communications, Astra Zeneca, Becta, and The Medical Research Council.
Karen says "I would like to thank our clients for supporting us through these difficult times and showing confidence in our communication, research, coaching and training skills. Thanks guys, we really appreciate your loyalty and support."
BBC Desert Island Discs
For anyone who missed Karen's BBC radio interview with the desert island discs style interview in June you can find it on the website in a podcast in the press room. Click to listen: www.karenkimberley.co.uk/press-releases-and-information.php
