Why do I love my work? Because I believe most people have far more potential than they realise. Helping them to unlock this is the most exhilarating feeling, and I feel privileged to be able to do it.
I feel as though I get back equally as much as I give, and for me every day is a chance to learn something.
I’ve been a behavioural training consultant for 18 years: the best job I’ve ever had, and the only one I will need to see me out, I reckon! I’ve never had so much fun, so much challenge, or done anything as worthwhile or as instantly rewarding as this.
The direct feedback, the (often) instant application of what you decide, the white water rafting feeling of improvising what we do next, going with the flow of what is happening in the room and trying always to push the boundaries and finding out how far we can go……never a dull moment, and so many powerful memories.
Most of my work is in a training room, but lots of it is also delivered over the internet from my home office, or in a youth hostel or a country house. I think I have learnt over the years how not to fear, and how to use problems as opportunities to learn. That mindset helps me to feel confident, and I must say that as I get older the less easy it is to scare me!
I like to think that I have wisdom based on experience, plus youthful energy, fun and playfulness. I hope that makes for an interesting experience for learners, and that they too feel liberated and uplifted by working together.
Michael Brown's CV
CAREER TO DATE
Principal, Michael Brown Training Limited 2008 to present
Learning consultant offering training, coaching, business simulations, team events, video production, conference sessions, seminars and workshops around the world. Runs sessions both face to face and using remote technologies such as WebEx and TelePresence.
Co-founder of How NOT 2 videos, offering videos demonstrating “expert incompetence”. Spot the “gaffes” and use the video as part of a more extended training session.
Clients over the last 3 years have included Cisco Systems, Telefonica, Stanley Security and BNP Paribas.
Principal Consultant, Matchett Group 1995 to 2008
- Developed and delivered programmes for organisations such as Cisco Systems, UBS, HMV, Pizza Hut, Morgan Stanley, John Lewis, ABN Amro, Kent County Council and Mercedes.
Whitbread PLC 1980 to 1994
Distribution Manager
Tenanted Estate Area Manager
Roast Inns Retail Manager
Marketing Manager for Whitbread Pub Partnerships’ 4,500 pubs estate.
TRAINING AND COACHING SUBJECT MATTER
Leadership, Negotiation Skills, Sales Skills, Team Events, Conflict Handling, Change Management, Performance Management, Presentations, Consultancy Skills, Authentic Communication, Social Intelligence, Customer Relationships.
The majority of the work is tailored to individual client needs.
Creates videos in the above subjects, and develops Business Simulations to develop skills such as Consulting and Business Development.
TRAINING STYLE
Best described as energetic, enthusiastic, challenging and supportive. Leaves learners uplifted, inspired, exhausted, emotional and thoughtful. Whole brain learning is used to engage the emotions as well as logic, creating a stimulating environment, in which there are few limits except, perhaps, the imagination. Believes in risk taking and in the art of the possible.
EDUCATION
1972-76 Eton College: 11 O levels, 3 A levels, 1 S level
1977-80 Balliol College, Oxford: MA Hons – Music
L&D QUALIFICATIONS
Level A and B in Occupational testing (BPS accredited), Belbin Team Roles, TMSDI, Myers Briggs Step 1 and 2.
CONTACT DETAILS
Address: Waye Cottage, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8HN, UK
