Sarah Ward

A combination of hands on, ‘on the job’ business and leadership experience, and people development specific experience.  

I’ve run two businesses of my own (one of which is current), worked as a front-line customer service adviser, team and operational manager in a large corporate organisation.  I moved from operational management in to general HR before specialising in training where I felt I had found my ‘niche’.

I started off delivering courses such as staff induction and basic skills courses (presentation skills, interview skills, interpersonal skills etc) before specialising in leadership development.  This role enabled me to experience some fantastic (and pretty intense) training myself, which taught me how to work with behaviour in a way that makes a long-term difference and really adds value.  Following my training I went on to design and deliver Norwich Union’s flagship training programme for front-line and middle managers.  I worked as part of a team of people supporting a population of 60,000+ people within the organisation.  

I then moved in to a Leadership Development Manager role for Norwich Union, which involved managing a number of UK based and international leadership, graduate and talent development programmes.  During this time I was also responsible for a budget of £1.5m.  

I have been working as independent consultant for a year, which has enabled me to work with a number of different companies in terms of both size and market sector.  During this time I have also gained my diploma in coaching from the Oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring – a qualification which is accredited by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.

What has been your most rewarding training experience?

There have been so many!  It is always rewarding to see people who arrive at the course dubious about the difference the training is going to make for them (usually based on their previous experience), and leave making comments like “this is the first time I’ve been on a course that will actually help me in my job”.  It’s equally rewarding to see anyone having those “lightbulb” moments, and making real progress as a result of the training.

Any bizarre or amusing training stories?

There was one occasion where a delegate on a course came rushing up to me at the end of the two days, shook my hand and thanked me for a good course, then said “I have to tell you something…”  (at this point I was expecting something in context of the course) “you really remind me of Jon Bon Jovi”  I was completely speechless – the same cannot be said for my co-trainer who was desperately trying to stifle fits of laughter and never let me live it down!  I have since been assured that I look nothing like him.

What made you want to become a trainer?

It's funny, it’s one of those things that just kind of happened!  I’ve always enjoyed working with people and bringing out the best in them, and often used to find myself being asked to deliver presentations, run workshops etc, so when the advert for a trainer floated across my desk one day it seemed like the natural next step.  And looking back at the roles I’ve had over the years, it’s like they were all leading to what I do now!  

What would you be if not a trainer?

This might sound a bit sad, but I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than what I do now!  If I didn’t need to work to earn money, I’d do various things on a voluntary basis.  I’d love to work on a wildlife project in Africa, and help kids from under-privileged backgrounds to achieve their dreams.  Both of which I actually plan to do one day.  
I guess if I had to come up with something, I do get a little tingle whenever I go to the theatre, and I think there’s a tiny part of me that would like to be on the stage.    

Which four words describe your training style?

Insightful, challenging yet supportive, real.

Feedback you’d most like to get from a delegate following your course?

“This course has changed my life!”

Feedback you’d probably get from delegates following one of your courses?

“This is the first time I’ve attended a course that has been based in reality rather than theory”

Any words of advice for a delegate about to go on one of your courses?

Be open to what might be possible and don’t discount something before you’ve tried it.  Don’t say “I can’t…”, say “How do I?”  I can’t bear statements that start with “yes, but..”

What’s the most fun you’ve ever had while on a training course?

Just over a year ago, I attended a leadership development course that involved spending three weeks in Namibia working on a community project.  It was the most amazing, challenging, fun (and at times terrifying!) experience I’ve ever had.  

What’s the most important ingredient in order for a course to be successful?

Openness and honesty, a desire to be there and to learn from the delegate, and awareness and flexibility from the trainer.  (Sorry, that’s more than one ingredient!).