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Life changing experience

Article from INTOUCH - CIPD Magazine Issue 15 - October 2009

Local business woman and CIPD member, Suzanne Bolwell-Davies recently won a place on the much-acclaimed two day 'An Audience with Charisma' course featured in the last issue of the Intouch newsletter, after her name was drawn out of a hat at the Branch AGM. Suzanne kindly agreed to write something about the experience for the benefit of other members.

As I walked across the Millennium Bridge on a beautiful June morning, with St Paul’s in the background and the sun bouncing off the Thames, I was conscious that I blended into the mass of commuters finding there way to work in the City. But I knew that unlike the city slickers and joggers I didn’t want to be one of the crowd, I was a business women and I wanted to stand out and be noticed. I was on a very personal journey and somehow I felt my life would never be the same on that day as I stood outside Shakespeare’s Globe theatre for An Audience with Charisma

The atmosphere in the Balcony room was filled with nervous excitement as we were warmly welcomed by Nikki Owen and Les Greve. On arrival we were asked to enter a darkened room for a Kirlian Electro-photograph of our hands to identify our invisible energy fields, with Nigel Garion-Hutchings of Fullspectrum Presentations Ltd. Delegates for the 2 day course had traveled from all over the UK, Business men and women, Managers, Executives from all professions those that had come to a crossroads in their lives and were looking for a change. We were all strangers, but with a common bond we were looking for something, something we couldn’t put our finger on, something very special we were looking for charisma.

The scene was set, the players were in the wings, there was a buzz from the audience as we wriggled excitedly in our seats, and there was a hush as the curtains rose and Nikki Owen took centre stage.

The audience was energized and we were soon up on our feet assessing charisma levels and getting to know everyone. In groups we explored and debated all aspects and qualities of charismatic people, who oozed charisma, how and why, what were the common themes. We looked at The Human Star™ and most importantly what made us shine by exploring our own levels of self esteem and the impacts on this from the world outside. The most profound moment for me was when we were undertaking an exercise in pairs when we focused on our past, present and future lives. This was very emotional time, I had lost a loved one at an early age and had to grow up quick, I had dealt with this by blocking the whole situation out and never dealt with or accepted what had happened. Nikki and colleague Les were there to offer support and it was such a cathartic experience for me, I finally found some peace and was positively glowing. My partner in the exercise was amazing and supportive; she too had an equally emotional experience. From that moment I had changed, driving home I listened to music that I’d played time and time again and it was if I had played it for the first time, my senses were acute. The next morning whilst waiting for the tube connection I noticed people looking at me, I used to blend in now I just beamed back at them and I couldn’t wait to get to the Globe to continue my personal journey.

On arrival in the room, we had been moved to different tables, I missed the powerful bond that had developed the day before, but knew that there was purpose in the move and my new colleagues would take me on the next part of my journey. The day focused on our energetic presence and how to channel energy to command attention non verbally. I never thought I would be discussing Quantum physics and the power of intention. The final adieu was to write a message to each person on the course stating what you liked about them, I look at the personal messages every day, they make me feel valued and give me an inner glow.

Since the course I have used my charisma on many occasions I know when I want to be noticed and when I just want to blend. At a recent conference, I wanted to talk to a speaker who was surrounded by delegates following an outstanding presentation. I turned it on, she immediately turned to me, summarised her points that she was making to the delegates and we had the conversation I had desired.

I would highly recommend this course to everyone, but in particular those employees at a senior level and have to make an impression on staff, teams, clients etc. trainers or those that you feel haven’t fully reached their potential and have more to give. We all have charisma within, but it is learning how to bring to the front of the stage what is already there and unlocking that potential. ‘An Audience with Charisma’ will give you the key.