Alumni - Inspire Days

I am an amateur musician and possibly a Brass Band geek. I particularly like confusing people by saying I play the flugelhorn and cornet, and then watching the reaction as they try to picture it (think Tara Fitzgerald in Brassed Off). As a trainer and facilitator I often stand in front of a crowd of people and encourage their learning about how to become better leaders (yes lots of generalisations I know ..anything to improve the performance of their team is an improvement!).

My Master Practitioner project “Carry on Regardless” came about as I wanted to model top performers in music and acting, to model what they do to remain present in the performance if they make a mistake or slip? How can they continue to tap into the audience’s emotions even if there is a mistake? How could I use that model to help me perform a solo even when I make a mistake? Taking that a step further how could I then create that confidence when in a training room.

What would an Alumni be without Jimmy Jean and his remarkable way of teaching French. This year we have the opportunity to learn some of the customs and patterns that are vital in not only being understood but also accepted when we engage with French people.

Many people unfamiliar with French ways can be considered impolite or insensitive.  This is usually unintentional but the result of not knowing the behaviours of ‘politesse’.

Jimmy Jean has a remarkable story to tell; absent for most of his schooling; rebelling against traditional methods of teaching; until one teacher engaged with him in such a way that, in his words, ‘changed his life’. 

Born and raised in the cité, Jimmy Jean faced many challenges while finding his path in life. Cités are often located in the suburbs of French cities – with high rise tower blocks and a distinctive brutalist appearance, creating a separate space from the surrounding town. There is a shared sense of identity among people who live there. French rap commonly references life in la cité. They are usually occupied by people on low incomes, often from immigrant backgrounds.  Certain groups – especially those on the political right – have expressed negative views towards cité dwellers.

Today Jimmy Jean is respected as one of the most skilled teachers of French and French ways. He turned his challenge into his purpose.

The small village where I live can seem unassuming, but once you get below the surface you discover all sorts of remarkable stories. Last summer we heard and were inspired and entertained with Edwina’s exciting life working for NATO in Paris, Rome and London.

In 1981 her life changed when she decided to come and live permanently in France and chose Verteillac for her new home; a total shift of lifestyle. So now we have the chance to learn about these latter years; very different from the first four decades but still full of optimism and humour (and a touch of espionage)!

Nick Ashton is a dynamic leader in the world of animal health, with a career spanning over three decades. As the President of Global Manufacturing and Supply at Zoetis, Nick leads a team of nearly 6,000 professionals, ensuring top-notch quality and service for customers worldwide. But beyond the boardrooms and production lines, there’s a more personal side to Nick.

Residing in Dublin with his Spanish wife, Ana, and their son, Lucas, Nick balances his high-powered role with a fulfilling family life. The Ashton household is lively, with a spirited Jack Russell named Rocky and a Belgian Malinois puppy, Ghost, adding to the family fun.

Nick’s journey in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) began in 2009 when he met Sue, a relationship that has profoundly influenced his leadership style. He credits his success to an ever-evolving approach, focused on continuous learning and reflection, drawing inspiration from the leaders around him (and when Nick first trained with Sue his dog came too and was better behaved than some of the delegates!! 🙂 ).

Known for his down-to-earth demeanour, Nick prefers an easy-going, friendly approach, a refreshing contrast to the often-formal corporate environment.