Let’s celebrate making it through 2020!

We did it! We almost made it through 2020!

It’s time to celebrate the fact that we got through this weird and challenging year. It’s time to celebrate the silver linings…

I’ll be honest, Zest for Life has taken quite a hit this year. With our background in the hospitality and retail sector, a large part of our work comes from organisations in these industries. The Leadership and Customer Service training programmes we had in the diary at the start of 2020 all disappeared within a few days in March. 

I’m well-aware there are many organisations in a similar or worse off situation than us. It goes without saying, I’m absolutely heartbroken for the loss of life and terrible suffering this pandemic has caused people and businesses.

Never one to sit back and dwell on the negative, I diversified the business and transformed our Exceptional development programmes into interactive and affordable online modules. Book a taster session here. We’ve supported teams in new sectors including healthcare, IT and even a joinery business. After all, any organisation will benefit from strong, supportive leadership and excellent customer service.

Having overcome the initial technical challenges of Zoom, I really enjoyed delivering strategy and development sessions remotely. It’s great to see people taking so much from training in this way. I now realise that remote workshops can be fun and effective, and although I will jump at the chance to deliver face to face when safe, I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to spend a little more time at home in the future thanks to the wonders of Zoom. 

Helping others achieve clarity through coaching

I worked with a few personal coaching clients who decided to invest in coaching to avoid being drawn into the doom and gloom of 2020 and who wanted to create their own mindset to achieve their goals, aspirations and wellness. These sessions were hugely helpful for the clients. Once people understand the true benefits of coaching, they generally come back for more. Finding a coach that suits you I think is part of what will help us gain more clarity, balance and focus on our lives. If you’d like to talk this through, I’d be happy to help.

Work life balance has returned 

I think we all have tremendous admiration for the NHS and its staff. It’s wonderful to see them being recognised for the fabulous work they do. For me, this truly hit home this year as my Mum has been fighting Cancer. The care that medical teams have given Mum has been nothing short of incredible and I cannot thank them enough. 

Lockdown gave me precious time to spend with Mum during her hour of need that I would otherwise have struggled to find. I feel privileged to have been able to take care of her in calm and relaxed manner. The few clients I’ve had, I’ve been able to deliver remotely, whilst balancing my time with Mum. I think we’ve both enjoyed the time we’ve spent together and we remain optimistic about the future. 

Fulfilling some lifetime ambitions

2020 gave me the opportunity to fulfil my desire to write a book - and it’s almost within touching distance! I’ve had the head space to really focus on writing and condense 30+ years of experience in building five-star customer service into one handy guide. When it’s published next year, I hope readers will follow my guidance to make a positive and lasting difference in their organisation. I strongly believe that exceptional service will play a crucial role in re-building customer loyalty once the pandemic is over.  

Whilst I’m on a literary note, Harry Potter books passed me by when my nephews were little. I’ve always been oblivious to, but slightly intrigued, as to what they were all about. I’m pleased to say I’m now on the penultimate book and hoping to have read them all before the year is out!

Volunteering with Radio Lollipop

In my role as International Head of Learning & Development for the charity Radio Lollipop, our planned training trip to Australia and New Zealand had to be cancelled. But, with the help of Zoom, Radio Lollipop teams joined together more effectively than ever before. Volunteers across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA and South Africa have come together to feel part of a greater family. We’ve formed an International Training team and have already made positive steps forward.  

10th anniversary celebrations

2020 marked the 10th birthday of Zest for Life, and despite not being able to celebrate in person, it was lovely to share the moment with 10 loyal clients and supporters in a virtual celebration in October. I’m really looking forward to catching up with them, when it’s safe to do so.

What does the future hold?

I had positive conversations with clients throughout the summer and spent the later part of 2020 relaxing into the realisation that clients will reconnect when the time is right for them and their business. 

I say goodbye to 2020 with mixed feelings. While my professional life didn’t go as planned, there are many positives to take from slowing down, reflecting and celebrating. I’m heading into 2021 with renewed energy and optimism to take Zest for Life’s exceptional development programmes into even more organisations. 

If 2020 has given us all one thing, it’s the chance to reflect and become an even more effective leader. As the world around us changes, perhaps now is the time to think about how you will inspire change in yourself and your organisation next year. If you’d like to catch up to find out more about me or Zest for Life, book a discovery call here.