Time for a little reflection…
5 years ago, I purchased a very similar T-shirt and wore it with pride after launching Nicola Green Consultancy.
Why?
Within my first few presentations I had experienced the ultimate connection with my audiences, and I knew my topic and my passion were set to stay. I often say, “I may not have had a part in my school plays, but I come alive when presenting in front of an audience”.
My business, as well as my new branded T-shirt, has evolved over the past 5 years. I really do wish I had kept a “Diary of Self Employment” or a “Diary of launching something out of nothing” or even a “Diary of the highs and lows of going it alone”. But I haven’t, so I have taken some time to sit and reflect and express it in the following words, which may resonate with many of you:
Elation
Humbling
Reflective
Empathy
Human
Connected
Pain
Technology
Apprehension
Clarity
Expansion
Out of comfort zone
Positivity
Support
Trust your gut
Negativity
Self-awareness
Judgement
Opinions
Miracles
Opportunities
Awareness
Listen
In May 2019 I started out with one presentation, which quickly evolved into two…and the rest is history.
5 years on and the core of my business and my passion is raising awareness, providing education, and giving real life support regarding menopause in the workplace.
I get to know the businesses I work with; I connect with the employees who have developed trust in my offerings, and this has enabled me to grow the business with additional speakers covering supportive workplace topics and associate support.
I don’t pick quick sells or easy topics, but the recent addition of grief and loss presentations to my offerings was such an important shift for me.
My work has also enabled many clients to reach out for additional consultancy support and nothing to do with menopause! I love a bit of variety!
I’ve experienced the highs and lows and here are a few:
- Where is my next job coming from to and the following month an audience of over 500 managers!
- I’ve seen the tears in the audience of realisation I am describing them to the sheer joy of an individual’s transformation when menopause is understood and managed.
- I’ve heard the devastating suicidal thoughts and I’ve witnessed the miracle of birth beyond cancer and menopause.
- I’ve waited patiently for sobbing to calm when I’ve created the space to be heard and I’ve listened to so many husbands desperately wanting to help their wives.
- I’ve heard stories upon stories and each and every one is different.
- I’ve presented to audiences with unaltered attention (you could hear a pin drop) and those who have scoffed when directed to close their laptop (I won’t forget those couple of faces!)
- I’ve been respected and disrespected.
- I’ve continued to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone (time and time again) and most of all I have learnt about me.
What have I learnt?
- The importance of growing your own trusted network of support. Self-doubt is tough and you need back up on those days.
- Stay true to your values.
- Success doesn’t have to be about financial gain. For me, it’s about making a difference in my work life and being present in my home life.
- I am a constant WIP (just ask my husband!)
If you asked me what I used to do in my previous career I would say “I support people with their personal development and spend my day trying to make their working life better”. If you asked me what I do now, I would give you the same answer.
