What are your areas of coaching and why did you choose this specialty?
My areas of expertise are corporate performance, leadership development, succession planning, lateral career development, team-building, coaching and mentoring programmes. I chose those areas we are passionate about, areas that we believe are important and where we could make a difference. It is very rewarding when I succeed in making that difference for individuals and organisations.
What makes your training unique?
I don’t believe in one-off standalone training events. All the literature, research and our own experience tells us that you don’t learn a new skill set or change behavioural patterns overnight, so I specialise in transformational programmes.
These are typically a series of workshops spread over four to eight months and are designed to achieve three things: Instil new corporate values and new practices or cultures. Teach and develop specific skill sets such as sales techniques, software knowledge or language. Implement new processes such as TQM, Six Sigma, ISO and supply chain management.
Effective training consists of Rs – reinforcement, repetition, real-life application – which is why I typically supplement a two-day training session with a project for participants to complete once they return to the workplace. These are real-life projects and they can apply what they have learnt to actual problems or situations they face in their day-to-day work. We will also support them with at least two half-day follow-up workshops.
How much does a session cost?
The fees might cost as little as S$7,500 for 20 participants. My biggest single project cost over S$400,000.
How will your training benefit your participants?
Depending on the time of training, participants will benefit from acquiring either new personal or business-related technical skills or developing new work habits and attitudes. They can even get internationally recognised certificates and diplomas with courses such as software training or coaching.
What companies have you worked with?
I have worked with ING Insurance, AXA Insurance and Shisheido.
How long have you been a trainer for?
I have been involved in corporate training for about eight years.
What was your profession before you started as a trainer?
I spent almost 14 years as an officer in the British army, a couple of years in the private security sector followed by a few years working as a freelance journalist.
What made you decide to be a trainer?
I have always been interested in psychology, how people learn and what prevents people from learning. I enjoy working with people and helping them to develop their full potential so teaching or training seem like a natural choice.
What school did you graduate from?
I read English Literature and History for my BA at Bristol University, UK. In 2006, I graduated with my Masters of Education, focusing on the psychology of adult learning, from the University of Sheffield UK.
How can people contact you?
You can email johnbattersby@learninginsights.net or call 6342 3321.
John Battersby
VP of learning and development
Learning Insights
