The Centre of Learning

Where to begin? 👀 As we see so many incredible celebrations this week for #iwd2024 we thought now would be as good a time as any to introduce ourselves! You may have already taken part in our programmes through Women in Business NI over the years since we first started in 2019. Since starting we have: 🤝 Supported over 2500 women through leadership, communication, resilience, management training and more. 🤳 Engaged with over 400 women wanting to re-enter the workplace 🙋♀️ Worked with 325 established business owners and professionals across NI and UK who kindly volunteer their time as mentors, supporting over 550 mentees from all different industries and sectors. And for us it doesn't stop there. 🏃♀️ We are proud to support, recognise, celebrate and empower you all year round with bespoke programmes which address barriers often faced by women, offering insights and advice on best practice to create a more inclusive culture, as well as key tools from industry leading facilitators. If you want to find out more about how you empower yourself, lead the way for others and #inspireinclusion email nicky@womeninbusinessni.com for more info. Thank you to all of our incredible trainers and mentors for everything you do to make a positive difference. Sarah Travers Camilla Long, MCMI Andrew Toogood Penny Toogood Una McSorley (Communication Trainer)FCIPR Gerry McSorley Louise Friel Niamh Shiells Debbie Cousins Sandra Lee, Assoc CIPD Jules Black MBA Maria McCaffrey Nicky Scott Denise B. #watchthisspace #learninganddevelopment

What can you expect? 👇 When considering your own personal or professional development, sometimes the fear of the unknown can be off-putting. You may ask yourself: Who will be in the room Will I be asked difficult questions, or made to speak up How will the training be structured I am so busy, will this be a good use of my time The Centre of Learning Team are here to answer all your questions and find the right fit for you at whatever stage you are at. Email Nicky and Julie to start the conversation today: 📧 nicky@centreoflearningni.com 📧 julie@thewibgroup.com Wondering what past delegates have said? Below are only a handful of key words that have emerged from our programmes in the last 3 months. If you want to build confidence and networks in a welcoming, uplifting and encouraging space, whilst benefiting from relevant, comprehensive, and thought-provoking training check out our upcoming programmes including Excel, Presenting, Gender Allyship, HR training, Management and more 👇 💻 https://bit.ly/4dAwVDZ 🤳 Don't forget if you are a member of Women in Business NI, NI Chamber or CBI Northern Ireland you can avail of 20% discount! #ProfessionalDevelopment #CPD #Training #Programmes

New year, new me... 🕛 ❌ Whilst 2025 can feel like an opportunity to press reset, it can also add pressure to set unrealistic resolutions. Goals are important to help provide direction, but what if we reframe our thinking on the idea of a 'new me', and instead consider small steps to help us appreciate what we bring to the table a little more? If you want to increase in confidence and fill your own cup this year why not consider: 🚫 Setting boundaries at home and in work - Stop saying yes, when you really need to say no, and lock time in your diary for yourself 🏖️ Booking Annual Leave days now and have something to look forward to - this reduces stress, increases motivation and improves well being 👥 Joining a local network like Women in Business NI to meet encouraging and supportive individuals, share challenges and be inspired ✍ Keeping a diary to write down your wins and challenges and use as a tool to reflect or write down 1 thing you are grateful for each day 🚶♀️➡️ looking up and stepping outside to be away from phones and laptops even for 30 minutes to switch off 🤝 Surrounding yourself with the people who give you energy and make you feel good about yourself 🤹♀️ Learning more about yourself personally or professionally through the Centre of Learning and highlight the skills you already have - https://bit.ly/4dAwVDZ It may be a new year, but let 2025 be the same you, but happier. #Learn #Connect #Grow

🎁 The presents have been opened, festive food consumed, many bad jokes have been shared and the social gatherings continue... This time of year can bring special moments and memories, however many can also experience loss, stress and social fatigue. Don't forget to check in on yourself and others, breath, take a moment and switch off when you can, however that looks for you. As you close the chapter on 2024, fill your cup, set your goals and reflect on all you have achieved. We look forward to being there with you in 2025.

When life has you juggling two generations of responsibilities, where do you turn for support? Balancing the demands of aging parents, young children, and a career is no easy feat but is a daily reality for those in the 'sandwich club'. Emma Crawford shares her powerful story of navigating this challenging phase of life in the latest Centre of Learning blog. Emma's story offers valuable insights for those in similar situations, highlighting the importance of flexibility, self-reflection, and seeking support when needed. Emma shows us the power of putting your purpose and priorities to paper to get to where you want to be with the help of a mentor. 📰 Discover more by reading the full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/eSrkuWPs A special mention and thank you to Aideen Duggan CertRP and all of our Centre of Learning Mentors for gifting your experience, time and knowledge to our Mentees, and to Advance Coach for an incredible 10 years sponsoring the programme and creating memorable mentoring matches.

"Action and accountability are the two chariots of sustainable progress. If the issues and conversations around equality involve us all, then so too must the solutions." – nichola robinson, Chair of The WiB Group | Women in Business NI Diversity Mark, Timely Careers, The Centre of Learning. Each year, The WiB Group Chair's Lunch celebrates our inclusive impact, helping to create a prosperous, inclusive economy for Northern Ireland. Join us on Friday, 24th January, at Titanic Belfast as we engage in forward-thinking discussions, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. From whatever position you find yourself in, you can help push the dial forward on Diversity & Inclusion. Find out more and be part of it: https://bitl.to/3FLu Sponsored by: Queen's University Belfast | Glandore | Clarke & Co | Deloitte | VANRATH #TheWiBGroup #MakingAnImpact

Closing the chapter on 2024🎁 As we put our out of office on and take time for family, friends and festive food, we want to thank everyone who has been a part of the Centre of Learning journey so far. Community, connection and collaboration is at the centre of what we do and this would not be possible without our incredible trainers, partners, colleagues and of course amazing delegates - Thank you! We hope you all have the opportunity to rest and reset this festive season, and welcome a new year of health, happiness, success and growth. See you in 2025 👀 Denise B. Nicky Scott Gina Black Julie Lynch

Allyship is more than just a buzzword. It's a powerful tool for driving change and creating a culture of inclusion. In today's workplaces, being an ally means more than neutrally standing on the sidelines. It's about actively supporting gender equity, amplifying underrepresented voices, and championing systemic change. Sandra Lee, Assoc CIPD asks "Why be an Ally" in the latest CoL blog, breaking down what true allyship looks like and how it can transform relationships both in and out of the workplace. Sandra offers actionable insights that will empower you to lead with purpose, lift others, and become a catalyst for change that truly matters. Ready to become an agent of progress? Dive into the blog here: https://lnkd.in/edi2C5mz