Meet the Team: Stephen

Stephen’s current work across all sectors involves the development, design and delivery of a range of people skills solutions, including customised programmes on leadership, change management, communication and health and wellbeing.

He also provides one-to-one coaching and mentoring, with experience in coaching senior management in leadership skills, as well as executive coaching in both the private and public sectors.

Q&A with Stephen

1. How did you find your way into the world of training and consultancy?

I had been a civil servant working in the HR field for six years when a vacancy notice appeared for a Staff Training Officer. I was younger than the other applicants, but I got the job and ended up training and coaching staff for a further 16 years. I successfully obtained my professional qualifications, and my Chartered Fellowship of CIPD, and in 2007, I began working for Lena. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now.

2. If you had to sum up your approach to wellbeing in three words, what would they be?

Passionate, Organised, Flexible. While methods and approaches evolve, I still realise the need to put myself in a trusted position, so others feel enabled to engage and connect.

3. What types of training or services do you offer to organisations?

As an Associate Wellbeing Consultant with Lena, I deliver virtual and onsite sessions of various lengths and sizes across all sectors aimed at all levels of staff on many important aspects of health and wellbeing.

I also coach staff including school principals, facilitate teams with Health and Wellbeing audits, and work with HR units on various people issues.

4. What can a company expect from a typical workshop or session with you?

I tailor all my sessions depending on what the company requires. First, I like to establish the intended objectives for the workshop, so I can draft an agenda. I prefer my sessions to be interactive with time for reflection, analysis of theory, focusing on the next steps that lie ahead and personal review.

5. If you could offer one piece of advice to business leaders looking to enhance wellbeing ot to further develop their teams, what would it be?

I remember my grandfather telling me early in my career, “Get to know your people”. Work is largely about relationships and communication. When we sincerely appreciate what each of us brings to the workplace as individuals, then we behave differently. It is people who make the team work – or not, and every organisation is made up of unique individuals.

6. What’s one daily habit or ritual you swear by?

I benefit most from a mindful minute (or two) every morning and in the evening when having my down time. Quietness, relaxation, some music or reading.

7. Is there a particular book, philosophy, podcast, or person that’s really inspired your development journey?

Dr Stephen Covey’s ‘Seven habits of highly effective people’ and ‘First things first’ continue to provide wisdom, and John Maxwell’s writings on leadership inspire me with their emphasis on personal action, personal support, and personal faith. Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence and self-awareness is also important to me; I often refer to Goleman in my training delivery.