Emma Georgiou of Emma Georgiou Coaching shares her August plans with us

August is upon us – it’s the month of holidays, summer fun and time off for many people. It’s also the time of the Olympics (from July 26) and the Paralympics (from August 28).

So how are small business owners coping with the month often known as ‘silly season’?

Today we’re talking to Emma Georgiou, Executive Coach, Consultant and Trainer who works with individuals and organisations to help them build resilience, improve performance, and create happier, more cohesive teams.
Emma is based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, but frequently travels across the country to support her clients

How is August looking in your business? Does this month hold any special significance in your business? Anniversary, milestone, accreditation, new premises? New staff? 
August is looking incredibly busy for me, which is wonderful! I am conducting numerous workshops and training sessions. Additionally, I am excited to be working on a new coaching programme for individuals focused on finding purpose. On the corporate side, I am developing training around organisational purpose and how it significantly enhances staff well-being. 

What are your personal plans for this month – if you are happy to share? 
This month, I'm balancing work with quality family time during the summer holidays. We have planned trips to Norfolk and the Peak District, along with plenty of day trips and visits with family and friends. It's a wonderful mix of productivity and relaxation, making the most of both professional and personal life.

If relevant – what advice/tips would you give to small business owners trying to navigate the ‘holiday’ period? 
Navigating the holiday period as a small business owner can be challenging, but with some strategic planning, you can maintain productivity while enjoying the season.

Here are some tips to help you manage the balance and avoid burnout:

1. Take control of your calendar. Early planning is key. Map out your working and non-working hours well in advance. Make your availability clear to colleagues and clients by updating your email signature and setting up an automated out-of-office message.

2. Delegate. Identify tasks that can be handled by others in your team. Delegating not only eases your workload but also empowers your employees. Schedule regular check-ins to ensure everything is on track.

3. Plan ahead. Look at both your business and personal commitments. Can you prep anything in advance to ease the workload during the holiday period? For instance, automate certain business processes or set up social media posts ahead of time.

4. Manage expectations. Communicate clearly with your team and clients about what can be realistically achieved during the holiday period. Setting these boundaries helps to prevent misunderstandings and stress.

5. Be present. Whether at work or at home, staying focused and present is crucial. When you're working, minimise distractions. When you're off, switch off work notifications to enjoy your time off fully.

6. Prioritise yourself. Don’t forget about self-care. This doesn't mean luxury indulgences unless that’s your thing. It means setting aside time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it's a hobby, exercise, or just some quiet time.

8. Remember you are not alone. Reach out to fellow business owners for support and ideas. Sharing experiences can provide new insights and reduce the feeling of isolation.

Balancing work and personal time during the holidays is essential for sustaining your energy and productivity. Implementing these strategies can help you enjoy the season while keeping your business on track.

August 13 is International Left Handers Day – if relevant – are you left-handed and what issues, if any, have you ever had around being left handed? 
I am left-handed and so is my sister. In fact, there are quite a few family members who are left-handed, which is interesting as approximately only 1 in 10 people are left-handed! I don’t think I have encountered many issues because of this. In fact, as I was growing up, I was just told to use my right hand for things like playing hockey at school or using scissors.

The only time I can remember finding being left-handed a little bit annoying was when I was doing my PhD and had to pour liquids using a measuring cylinder. The measurements were only present on one side of the measuring cylinder, so I would pour using my left hand, then must place it down and rotate it to see how much liquid remained in the measuring cylinder. I’m pretty sure there are left-handed measuring cylinders available now!

August 20 is World Photo Day – can you share a photo as an attachment which means something to you this year so far? 
This is a photo of one of my favourite UK beaches – Holkham, North Norfolk. This was taken in February this year. It is a beautiful long beach which has appeared in lots of films. It just seems to go on for miles and miles - it is truly breath-taking. I love this place, it feels like you are on the edge of the world, your own private oasis of calm and infinite possibilities.

It reminds me that I am part of something bigger, something hugely significant and magical that we are all connected to.

In the times that I feel distracted, or am juggling too much, this photo reminds me to refocus on what is important.

Can you name one business you’d like to give a summer shout out too? Who has gone the extra mile for you recently? 
Absolutely! I’d like to give a big summer shout-out to my colleague Graeme Love at Love Management Accounts Ltd. Graeme and his team recently hosted a Charity Golf Day, raising over £3,500 for SUDC UK.

I was both shocked and saddened to learn these facts:

• 40 children die in the UK every year without reason.
• It's the 4th leading category of death in the UK and Wales for children aged 1-4 years old.

SUDC UK is doing incredible work to support families through these unimaginable times and is funding essential research to uncover risk factors and causes to prevent future losses. You can find out more about this important cause here.

Thank you, Graeme, for your dedication and for going the extra mile to support such a vital cause!

Have you got any events planned for the autumn you’d like to shout about – either that you are running or attending? 
Yes, I'm excited to announce that I'll be attending and speaking at the Health Comms Conference 2024: The Culture Edition on 20th September. You can find more details here. 

I’ll be hosting a workshop on “Finding Purpose.” The focus will be on why companies aligning with and creating a sense of purpose can significantly improve employee wellbeing. I'll also be sharing strategies on how to foster this within the workplace.

There's an early bird discount available, so be sure to check it out and register soon!

Have you got any services or special offers you’d like to mention?
I am offering a free tipsheet on how to avoid burnout. Burnout is a real threat to our well-being and productivity. As leaders, we must recognise and combat this issue for ourselves and our teams.

To support you on this journey, I've created: 'Seven Tips to Avoid Burnout.' These practical strategies will help you build resilience, overcome obstacles, and thrive personally and professionally. Download here.

Find out more about here: https://www.emmageorgiou.com