Alex Phillips Business Consultant
I spent many years as a professional sailor – including racing round the world as the skipper one of 12 identical yachts in the 2000- 2001 BT Global Challenge “The World’s Toughest Yacht Race”.
I stopped sailing for a living in 2004, and have trained and coached for a wide variety of organisations ever since. I am now an NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) Master Practitioner, and SDI (Strength Deployment Inventory) Practitioner
What has been your most rewarding training experience?
Occasions where the programme has made a huge positive difference to people’s lives – it is always good to catch up with delegates some time later and hear what has changed as a result
Any bizarre or amusing training stories?
Sometimes I bring toys to the training room for people to fiddle with. One type of toy changes shape when squeezed. One day a delegate squeezed a bit too hard and the toy burst, covering him and the desk with green slime. Needless to say that type of toy has not made a reappearance!
What made you want to become a trainer?
A desire not to be cold and wet any more! I’ve always enjoyed helping people develop their skills – and for me it was a natural progression to move into business training and coaching. Whether on the deck of a yacht or in business, the techniques for getting the best out of people and teams are exactly the same!
What would you be if not a trainer?
Possibly a gliding instructor – although having turned a previous hobby into a 17-year career (sailing) I would think carefully before doing it again as I now enjoy having something to do in my spare time which is completely unrelated to work. Or anything else where I can help other people develop their skills
Which four words describe your training style?
Fun, flexible, supportive and challenging
Feedback you’d most like to get from a delegate following your course?
A practical course which gave me all the tools I need to deal with the challenges I have been facing. These will make a huge positive difference for me!
Feedback you’d probably get from delegates following one of your courses?
I thoroughly enjoyed the programme – found it really useful. I have a long list of things I’m going to do differently!
Any words of advice for a delegate about to go on one of your courses?
Come ready to participate and with an open mind. And be prepared to take action as a result!
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had while on a training course?
I’ve never not enjoyed a training course, although the ones I enjoy the most are those with lots of activity and the opportunity to laugh
What’s the most important ingredient in order for a course to be successful?
Willingness to learn – from both the delegates and trainer!