Hi friends,
As well as coaching I also occasionally get involved in events organisation, ideas-generation and, as you may know, I love to write. This diversification helps my butterfly mind stay interested. I recently helped to organise a 1-day conference called Creating The Future. There are some fascinating talks on their site about the planet, democracy, health and AI. Take a look if you’re seeking some inspo.
As you know, I love to run my own (albeit smaller!) events. Coming up over the next few weeks, I’m hosting a live Q & A on How To Get Into Glossy Magazines, with two expert journalist guests: Andrea Childs and Greta Solomon. If you’ve ever wondered how to get into magazines such as Red or Country Homes & Interiors, that event is your chance to find out for yourself. If you create products or offer services in your business then this is a great way to really understand how best to prepare and pitch your business to magazine journalists and editors.
My client case study this month works at an independent PR agency and has been kind enough to reflect back on the experience of embarking on a 6-part coaching journey with me. I am so grateful for everyone who has contributed a case study or testimonial so far and I’m warmly welcoming new stories too. Coaching can feel tricky to explain as it’s not a physical product you can put on a shelf and sell. And the stories you’re all generous enough to share really help to bring things to life and help others choosing their next step too. I really appreciate Lee and everyone else who’s shared their story. If you’d like to share a story about your own coaching journey with me, and you haven’t yet, please do get in touch. I’d love to feature you.
Helen
helen@coachingbyhelen.com
Coaching By Helen
coaching for creative people
An Artists’ Date
Have you ever wanted to step back in time and walk in the footsteps of The Bloomsbury Group? I discovered this is actually possible with a trip to Charleston House. It’s so inspiring and there are different exhibitions and events there all the time.
The current art exhibition by Osman Yousefzada is so moving:
”From large-scale textile works to prints and drawings, Osman Yousefzada’s work engages with the representation, rupture and reimagining of the working class migration experience.”
I loved spending time there, immersing myself in the house – which is kept true to the Bloomsbury Group era – and also stepping into modern exhibitions, it gave me a huge sense of being inspired. I was also delighted to see the veg garden is still tended.
Powerful journaling
What are you truly passionate about? Let’s reconnect with that warmth and energy within you through a cosy journaling session together. It’s online, so bring your blanket, slippers and warm drink. And of course your journal. Everyone’s welcome.
I’d love to see your journaling & tea-drinking pics
If you journal with me then hopefully you’ve received a journal and a sachet of herbal tea at some point. I’d love to see and share your journaling and herbal tea-drinking photos. If you feel good about sharing your photo and are happy to have it used in my comms, do send it to: helen@coachingbyhelen.com with a few words.
If you’re new to journaling with me and have not yet received your welcome journal or sachet of tea, pop a note over to: kate@coachingbyhelen.com with your UK address and she’ll send you a little package across.
Retreats
For a good while now, I’ve been running 1-2-1 retreats for clients: first in Hay-on-Wye where I lived previously, and more recently in Worthing where I live now, by the sea. It wasn't exactly a product I created, more a result of a few clients asking if they could come and spend the day and have some coaching, which evolved into tailored 1-2-1 retreats, built around that person. And inevitably that then evolved into my first group retreat which I held this autumn. We spent plenty of time in this gorgeous plant-filled, light-filled studio (see photo below) as well as being able to visit the coast, a short walk away, enjoy delicious food and treats and relax with yin yoga, led by wonderful Aurora who I also love to go to for yoga myself.
If you’d be interested in joining the next retreat in January 2024, do let me know as I’ve started building the next one and have some interest already. It would be so great to see you here.
Prices start from £250 for a group retreat and from £650 for a 1-2-1 retreat. Accommodation and transport are not included, but we can help you plan and make suggestions. And if you want to join us but the price feels like a barrier, do talk to me, there are always ways to figure these things out. I’d like to include as many creative people as possible.
Photo of Salt Water Studios in Worthing, by me.
What I’m listening to this month:
Mirror by Nitin Sawhney feat Jazzi Sirius
Tickets I’ve booked:
The Poets’ Revival
What I’m Reading:
Kew Gardens & Other Short Fiction by Virginia Woolf
(borrowed from my local library)
Client Case Study: Lee Lodge, Life Size Media
Lee Lodge is the International PR Director at Life Size, a climate tech-focused strategic communications agency. He has over 13 years of public relations experience across agency and in-house roles and is particularly adept at writing, copy-editing and building healthy and successful relationships with journalists and clients.
Why do you do what you do?
I'm passionate about telling our clients' stories and using communications to help them grow, both in terms of public recognition and market share. I want to use my writing skills and nose for a story in a purpose-driven environment, and there's currently no more monumental topic where communications and disruptive technologies are needed than climate change.
What's the story of Life Size Media? Tell us briefly:
For nearly 15 years, Life Size has built market-leading climate tech companies using strategic communications. We have a strong track record of crafting compelling stories and brands, and we’re particularly adept at identifying a company’s value proposition and expressing this in an appealing, easy-to-understand way.
Has there been a big turning point for you in your career so far? Could you tell us a bit about that?
I volunteered at the 2008 Beijing Olympics for the Olympic News Service. I was one of only 20 European volunteers, making it a unique opportunity. As my first media role, it was a real eye-opener to working in a fast-paced media environment and made me realise this was the career I wanted to embark on.
Joining Life Size was another real turning point in my career. I was coasting in my previous role and could have easily stayed there for my entire life and been incredibly comfortable being a well-paid cog in a machine. However, I wanted to challenge myself and take a more leading role in leading a company to success. I'm challenged at Life Size every day and feel I'm an integral part of the business.
How has coaching helped you?
Receiving coaching from Helen has made me realise that I undervalue myself and my skills, and I have the tools to be an effective leader in my locker. Helen has helped me to unlock them!
What really motivates you in your work?
Getting to know the people behind our clients and building close relationships with them. This makes me more determined to achieve PR success for them. Also, it's motivating to work for a company that's so well-respected in its industry and punches well above its weight in terms of size.
What else helps you feel motivated?
Listening to the same music I listened to as an emo teenager, such as Jimmy Eat World, Funeral for a Friend and Alexisonfire.
Anything else you'd like us to know about you or the business?
Life Size isn't your regular communications agency. While our passionate team comes from varied professional backgrounds, we're united by shared values and trust. Our clients can expect an open and trusting relationship with us - we're not just a delivery agency. We challenge their ideas and take a seat at the table, ensuring the importance of communications towards business success is recognised.
Finally, tell us a bit about yourself outside of work:
I spent most of my 12 years in London in trendy East London bars, craft beer pubs and emo clubs. However, I’ve spent most of my time in Marks & Spencers, Finch and anywhere else with good baby-changing facilities since moving to Worthing earlier this year, given I now have a near six-month-old son!
Connect with Lee:
www.lifesizemedia.com
LinkedIn
Photos of Lee by Roy Ensink
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Still reading?
Check out this podcast interview I did with Elijah Selby. We really got into the deep stuff!
Hope you’re all keeping well and cosy.
Lots of love,
Helen x