julieberry1809

A new (to me!) style of cruising

So this was a first for me – a luxury hotel barge experience onboard the fabulous 6* barge Coquelicot (Belmond’s Bateaux Collection). Check out the review here on https://www.french-waterways.com/xx-coquelicot-luxury-barge-expert-review/ and more photos below.

Learning never stops…

During the first lockdown when I had more time on my hands than usual, I spent a lot of time on CPD, both from a personal and business perspective… something I have always enjoyed but it was all too easy for it to slip down the “to do” list. Now that we’re getting closer toContinue reading “Learning never stops…”

Podcast debut!

I was delighted to be interviewed by Nick Ruddock for his Gymnastics Growth Show podcast recently and to share my knowledge of improving customer satisfaction from the perspective of running Sports Clubs and how to raise the bar in terms of the service provided. We discuss; – Whether the customer is the athlete who theContinue reading “Podcast debut!”

Experience vs qualifications? Essential vs Desirable?

I know this is a subject that is often raised in relation to recruitment and I’d love to know your thoughts. I’m particularly interested in this question from a Project Management perspective. There are recognised Project Management qualifications that are often listed as pre-requisites for Project Management roles but how does this weigh up vsContinue reading “Experience vs qualifications? Essential vs Desirable?”

Leaders of the future…

As a mentor to a number of young people, nothing makes me prouder than this! One of the Young Leaders from the programme that I run has put together what she believes would make a good Coach. Completely off her own back and, when you take in to account the young lady who has writtenContinue reading “Leaders of the future…”

Perception IS reality

I have really enjoyed talking all things “customer” these past couple of weeks, running a series of customer focused workshops to small business owners. Very often, all it takes is some time out, as business owners, to step away from the day to day and to look at the bigger picture. Understanding who our customersContinue reading “Perception IS reality”

Why Travel will come back stronger…

Great to see a positive article on Travel in the papers this weekend.Even though we’re not there yet with the current restrictions, there is light at the end of the tunnel and I, for one, can’t wait to get travelling abroad again – not that I don’t appreciate the holidays I’ve experienced in the UKContinue reading “Why Travel will come back stronger…”

Jigsaw anyone?

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you’ve all had the opportunity to spend some quality time with your family, even if it may have been a little different to normal. Whilst the news of a third national lockdown is not what any of us would have wanted, there is much to be optimisticContinue reading “Jigsaw anyone?”

Be memorable… for the right reasons!

I was recently taken back to my childhood as an inspirational man to me in my younger years sadly passed away. It struck me that, even though we hadn’t spoken for many years (we reconnected for his 90th birthday which I’m truly thankful for), these memories and the impact stay with us forever. At theContinue reading “Be memorable… for the right reasons!”

Young Leaders in the spotlight

This month, British Gymnastics are exploring creative initiatives to grow your Leadership Academy, supporting the next generation of your workforce and volunteers in your club. Spiral Gymnastics Club recently participated in a case study with Sport England, discussing how to engage with the wider community outside of gymnastics to motivate young people to get involvedContinue reading “Young Leaders in the spotlight”

What would you do if someone told you “You can’t”??

This is something I’ve been reflecting on a lot in recent weeks and months as we have all experienced challenging and uncertain times in different ways. As someone who has often been described as a “dog with a bone” (and I’ll take that as a compliment!), I believe it’s a great life skill to have,Continue reading “What would you do if someone told you “You can’t”??”

Mental Health Awareness

As part of Mental Health Awareness week last week, I took the opportunity to complete a UK Sport Coaching course in Mental Health for Sports Coaches focused on the positive impact and benefits that physical activity can bring. A great course, which, in my mind, is relevant not just for Sports Coaches but a generalContinue reading “Mental Health Awareness”