professionaldevelopment

Journey through life in equilibrium

Unpredictable, ever changing, sometimes destabilising life.

The personal and professional mentoring work I do with clients allows for change and/or growth to occur by creating breathing space together.

Outside the rush, the stress and demands of life, we meet, and I offer an insightful, supportive way to practise tools, skills and confidence.

This encourages realistic action my clients can take for them to journey through life in equilibrium.

(Watch short video here)

Current & recent clients on the journey include architects, artists, designers, engineers, educators and interior designers.

yensamentors@gmail.com

twitter / @yensamentors

instagram / yensamentors

We are London based.

East London. North London. Central London. West London. South London. Hampshire. UK.

“Dépaysement”

Sometimes a word in French fits better than an English one. Dépaysement has several meanings, but in this instance, I use it to describe ‘an agreeable change of surroundings/habits’. The translation feels less powerful than the single word. My knowledge and practice of the French language is abundant. This is due to a former 18 year chapter in my life. I use French irregularly these days, however this word captures the experience of my two short summer holidays this August. Timely “dépaysement” I find is absolutely essential to our wellbeing and personal growth.

Living in London, I find it actually quite easy to change surroundings or habits. The city is sprawling, and offers a multitude of agreeable cultural, artistic, geographical, and even natural surroundings to dip into outside our routine.

However much I love my work, and life in London, which includes yoga, meditation and quiet, I leave the city a few times a year. This is to reconnect with Nature and relinquish others’ needs to serve my own completely . My perfect “dépaysement” is where there is zero accountability to anyone other than myself. In a place where Mother Nature expands and breathes without restraint. So I can join in, unfettered.

On retreat for a few days in Hampshire, where like-minded people interested in self-enquiry, and a more harmonious world also go, I relax into the safe, and spacious arms of its natural surroundings.

Three vegetarian meals a day allow for human connections and conversations to flow amongst other guests while we eat. I always sense a particular energy of a table, or individual, that draws me in. I choose my seat wisely, as even on retreat there are people who are too much like hard work, or too full of ego. These I adeptly avoid with equanimity. I have mastered the skill of feeling no guilt, pressure or responsibility to people please, or pander to any character who expresses a need or entitlement to be heard.

The freedom to be myself, and freely roam the beautiful countryside and sacred-like woods – as well as practice yoga in solitude with birds warbling, and leaves rustling – is true “dépaysement”.

Another few days later in the month took me to the Dorset coast. A charming BandB in Bournemouth, close to the Boscombe Overcliff Beach was my base.

The sea air is simply a tonic to the soul. The sea, the water, sweeping over my feet paddling, or bathing my whole body has healing powers so far reaching, I was often moved to tears. Standing on the shore, feet massaged by the lapping waves, I felt absorbed into Nature. Her expansion, her connectedness to other humans standing in water perhaps the other side of the world felt seamless. These sensations are only possible without distraction of others vying for attention, or pressure we must be in the doing, rather than the being.

Breathing in the sea air, wind in my hair, feeling the sea water on my feet, and whole body under sunny blue skies, was pure “dépaysement”. It is so important to notice the feeling, the being, to appreciate it, in the here and now.

These two short “dépaysements” have left their imprint on all my senses, and I feel vitality still coursing through my veins. Thank you Mother Nature.

yensamentors@gmail.com

twitter / @yensamentors

instagram / yensamentors

We are London-based.

East London. North London. Central London. West London. South London. Hampshire.

Public speaking from a personal place

For years I have spoken in public. Given an endless number of presentations to often tough crowds. Sometimes a bearer of unexpected insight into what an organisation’s audiences really think of them. Other times an advocate for ideas that are likely to change the status quo in much needed ways. Or simply a sharer of wisdom and experience to inspire the less experienced.

It is nerve wracking for most of us to stand in the limelight and speak to an audience – small or large. We hope to come across as confident and interesting at the very least. At best we wish our message be received with open arms and as little resistance as possible. Resistance comes in many forms. People yawning. Chatting amongst themselves. Scrolling on smartphones. Asking blatantly challenging questions to derail the narrative. Disagreeing completely with what is recommended or shared. Or walking out of the room.

I have experienced most forms of resistance in my public speaking/presenting days. In the beginning caught on the back foot, I relied on survivor instinct and quick thinking to handle derailments. Over time I refined the techniques required to prevent derailments or at least minimise their desired effect.

In 2004 I began mentoring teams and individuals on how to present with confidence. I designed and delivered personable, challenging and practical workshops based on my vast experience and success presenting.

Architects, creative teams, designers, marketing teams, fundraising teams to name a few, have stepped up and into my workshops.

They learn, practice, practice, practice the art of public speaking with candid and immediate feedback. They all seem to leave feeling more confident, armed with a bagful of tools and techniques to help the next time they are in the limelight, presenting.

When my daughter asked me to speak at her wedding as part of the ceremony itself, I said yes! It was my utmost pleasure and privilege to contribute on such a special occasion. I was given a ‘very clear brief’, with timings (which made me smile) – and the added challenge of saying my words in French as well. Her husband to be was French, over 60% of the guests were non-English speaking. The fact I am bilingual meant this was feasible, though still a tricky variable to accommodate.

The pressure was on. This was the one event to captivate the audience with my finest public speaking abilities. Equally important was to retain a demure tone worthy of the mother of the bride.

As with the people I mentor in public speaking, and any presentation I have ever given, I applied the same approach to prepare – 1. Know your purpose. 2. Know your audience. 3. Know your story.

The whole process authoring these important words was extremely emotional. I was nonetheless clear on the purpose – to honour my daughter and her chosen partner; the audience – my daughter, future son-in-law and all their beloved eclectic friends and family present from cities, the countryside and the mountains; and story – well, this was a powerful and delicate narrative combining a light touch and serious depth. My daughter’s father died when she was a baby. Finding a joyous way of bring him to the ceremony without bringing us all down took thought.

When I was happy and certain of my prose, all remained to do was rehearse. I did. Until I was ready, and sure enough I would make it through without tears brimming.

The wedding was outdoors, by the ocean. We did a microphone test. The sound was phenomenal. My voice was everywhere.

Even though I was word perfect during rehearsal, I decided to write down the words on a few parchment paper cards. In case I was thrown. By emotion. Or the setting. Or any number of distractions. No matter how experienced we are, we can always falter last minute. Mind goes blank. We lose our thread. Best to be prepared.

It was time and I rose to take centre stage.

My voice filled the big sun-drenched outdoors. The words came alive and out naturally. I soared without ever having to look at my notes.

It was by far the most exhilarating, complete and meaningful experience I’ve ever had speaking in public. Guests were enthralled, moved and compelled to tell me, and thank me afterwards. My daughter and son-in-law were profoundly touched. Hearts love-filled. Eyes blinking back tears. Poignant feelings all round.

What a day. My small part speaking was the most special gift I could give my daughter and son-in-law. Only made possible because of the hard earned experience and practice presenting in my work world.

We often keep the personal separate from the professional because we feel we have to. In this instance I’m very glad the two worked hand in hand.

If you would like to learn how to overcome nerves, and present with confidence, please get in touch to book your workshop.

yensamentors@gmail.com

twitter / @yensamentors

instagram / yensamentors

We are London-based.

When mentoring works

Sometimes I look back at the accumulated experiences of my colourful career in the creative industries, to pinpoint a peak moment when I knew for sure where I was headed.

Though historically pleasing to review my hard earned professional accomplishments, there was only ever a collection of circumstances that I responded to in the moment that led me to the next stage in my work life. We might describe this as ‘responding to market forces’ and ‘opportunity’ rather than following a clear path or plan.

Recently reading about the origins of humanism – what it is to be human; valuing human capacities for art, reason, science; a focus on human beings as the most important feature of the universe – I was intrigued to read more about Stoicism. This school of thought of accepting what happens to you, and “going with the flow” within a “divinely ordered cosmos” has definitely accounted for many of my career choices. The reference to “divinely ordered cosmos” might loosely translate to the structures within society, politics and business today – much of which we have no control over.

I know from the feedback I get from my mentoring clients, my specific and varied career experiences have greatly helped them to understand that we do have choices in the way we work, how we work, and who with.

As a mentor, I need to have had some experience in the appropriate field if I am to convey my knowing, wisdom, learnings. Thinking laterally, and using examples of similar scenarios I have encountered can be a source of both reassurance and inspiration.

Mentoring works when people want to change something for the better. They need someone to encourage them, support them, and recognise them, and in most cases liberate them from the status quo that no longer serves them.

Recently invited to run a few ‘Mentor the mentors’ sessions for an in-house mentoring scheme at a London based architectural practice, TateHindle, I have been thrilled to see a group of on-the-job mentors take to their newly allocated responsibilities with much consideration and caring. I am glad to see organisations like these embedding mentoring into their work culture.

in 2017, I led a business support programme, ArtsForward, on behalf of Business in the Community. It was essentially a way for small to medium sized arts and cultural organisations to benefit from business mentoring with top notch brains from a leading financial firm. For many of the mentors (all volunteers), it was their first time mentoring people outside the sector. It was a pleasure training them up to understand what qualities were needed, and challenges they may face.

Mentoring works when both parties are willing, available, committed, can demonstrate a clear understanding of needs and issues as they arise, and are able to communicate in an open positive way.

Perhaps my ‘going with the flow’ approach to my career has enabled me to have very rich and diverse professional experiences that today serve others in multiple ways. My numerous specialisms are such that they allow me to plunge with confidence and competence into often very different worlds. Always knowing instantly what needs to be done, and how.

From working with architects and designers, to marketing communications professionals, wellness entrepreneurs and fundraisers in the arts, I arrive with ease ‘on scene’ as if I had been there before, already. Thanks to the preparation undertaken, a seamless work approach ensues, and things get done, with care, consideration and always to the highest standards within nonetheless a realistic framework.

Pretty useful skills to have! Happy to share with anyone interested in individual or group mentoring programmes.

yensamentors@gmail.com

twitter / @yensamentors

instagram / yensamentors

We are London-based.

Make space for yourself

I mentor directors, principal architects, entrepreneurs, business owners, educators, and marketing communications professionals whose lives are demanding in the workplace and at home.

Making space so they can explore changes in all aspects of their lives is in itself a huge challenge. It is never just about making time. It is predominantly about making headspace to come up for air. That way it is possible to truly reflect on how to break patterns that are getting in the way of their self-care, and of their potential to lead more fulfilling lives.

We are often reminded to slow down – our health dips, our exhaustion levels peak, our brains scramble. However in my experience (and in those of my clients), slowing down is only part of the remedy to being overwhelmed, overworked, or stuck .

Sometimes we must simply STOP. Make the space to stop, so real change can be explored, and embedded (often destructive) patterns of behaviour, and communication can be thoroughly challenged.

Self-awareness is the first step to accepting and understanding which are the patterns and responses that serve no-one. Least of all oneself. Once this is explored, and acknowledged, we’re ready to introduce tools and techniques to make sure change (in the right direction) is possible back in the work place, at home and socially.

Discipline then kicks in. Rather like yoga (where I make space for myself), it’s often easier to feel the positive change on the mat, or in a class. It’s much harder to practice the positive change back in the ‘real world’ where pressures, demands and stress wait for no-one.

Remembering what is explored during the mentoring sessions I run with individuals, and finding the discipline afterwards to apply said tools and techniques at work, at home, and socially, can be really difficult. It’s only through consistent discipline and motivation for a better experience of life – and a reminder from their mentor (!) – that my clients are able to truly create serene spacious change in their work and personal lives.

The themes we explore during a 6 month programme are varied. Ranging from communication skills (verbal, written, interpersonal), day to day priority management (balancing work and personal life, relationships, time), and big picture planning for the future (ideas, actions, fulfilment).

We always start though with a re-acquaintance of my clients’ ‘true self’… often hidden beneath layers of expectations defined by society, family, work, and even our own idea of who we should be. We look at needs, values, identity, esteem, confidence, awareness and the all vital self-care.

Book your exploratory conversation to see how we might work together for a 6 month programme…. liberating mentoring for serene spacious change in your work and personal life.

Get in touch first on yensamentors@gmail.com and ask for Amanda.