Caroline Esterson from Genius Learning - Summer Q&A 2021

Let's continue to celebrate the variety of business owners we have in our region and beyond. Today we're talking to Caroline Esterson who is a co-director of innovative learning and development company Genius Learning which provides dynamic and inspirational training to companies looking to empower and develop their teams. Working with business partner Wendy Gannaway and associates, Genius Learning also works with C-suite executives on a one-to-one basis to help them upskill and improve their own performance.

JUNE is the first month of Summer – what will you be doing this summer in your business?

We are publishing our new book “Unlock Your EveryDay Genius” which will share simple, easy habits to ensure you unleash your hidden talent to live the best life you can.

Innovation is our theme over the summer. Many organisations have been languishing over the past few months, just trying to get over the pandemic and all it means for them and now is the time to thrive. Injecting innovation techniques and encouraging people to collaborate and share ideas is such a brilliant way to build momentum and thrive.  

As such we are rolling out a series of workshops to get organisations buzzing again whether they are still virtual, physical present or a on a hybrid model. 

Many organisations just assume collaboration is a skill people have they expect people to ‘get on with it’. These sessions will ensure people are equipped with the skills to collaborate to solve problems together and enjoy the process at the same time. It’s about reinvigorating and engaging these talents.

What are your personal plans for summer activities?

This summer we are holidaying at home with two key objectives. Firstly continuing the work we started last year in our garden to create a calm, interesting space (and growing vegetables of course) and dog training! 

We have two large rescue dogs – one is neurotic and the other has a very high drive so for different reasons we need to lick this challenge!

June is National Smile Month. With that in mind, what things in your business make you smile? 

Smiling is what we do here at Genius. 

We know that when you can be playful with work, it excites the imagination so we always find something to enjoy in the simple things of each day but specifically:

1. Getting a new contract always makes us smile – how could it not!

2. When you know you have helped people make new connections that improve what they do

3. Coming up with a new idea that resonates with our customers is my greatest joy.

Are there any things in business generally which make you ‘less smiley’?

It bugs me when someone seeks out a connection with me on social media and then goes direct into bombarding me with private sales messages. 

June is often associated in nature with growth and abundance – what are your plans for growth in your business this year? 

Over the past 12 months we have written two books which has been challenging and exciting. 

People often say ‘they wish they had us on speed dial’ to help them see the wood from the trees so our second book is designed so more people have access to our simple ideas that really make a difference rather than waiting until their company commissions our services.

As we hit this mid point in 2021 and we’re still coming out of the pandemic – which one business has really supported or helped you over the last quarter? 

We have an amazing editor, Julia Hoyle for our book who has really challenged us to get our messaging strong.

And finally: 

For everyone the pandemic has meant we live, work and play differently. Many have experienced ill health and/or trauma. 

As we move out of hibernation it’s a time to recognise that everyone’s experience is different and we need to offer people time and space to work things through for themselves. It’s a time to be kind.

For more information visit https://www.inspireyourgenius.com.