Yesterday was the first anniversary of Karen Openshaw Consultancy. I had the privilege of spending it delivering the first of two mindfulness workshops for the lovely Paula and John Hynes and their staff at Copyprint services in Farnworth. I can’t think of a better way of spending it!
I cannot believe how quickly a year has gone. Nor can I believe all I have accomplished in 12 short months or the direction the business has gone in. I have literally come full circle and am now doing exactly what I believe God intends me to do – developing and supporting people to achieve their full potential!
I was going to use the blog as the opportunity to thank all the people who have helped me, guided me, supported me, encouraged me, engaged me, advocated for me but realised that it would read like an Oscar’s speech and I would run the risk of leaving somebody out, and I would hate that because I really am grateful to EVERYONE. I quite simply couldn’t have done it without you all!
I decided I would outline the various exciting things I have done and hope it acts as an encouragement to others thinking about taking the plunge and stepping out into the business World.
So here we go –
- Advised on the setting up of a new chaplaincy/community hub.
- Delivered lunch time mindfulness workshops
- Set up a brand new charity for Bolton linking Charities & Businesses (awaiting charity status)
- Advised on the setting up on a youth project in Salford.
- Offered a regular staff listening service for Bolton at Home, a local social housing provider.
- Offered one to one listening services for busy, stressed, overstretched Business owners/directors.
- Led two Corporate Social Responsibility campaigns for the University of Bolton.
- Been recognised and honoured for my work with charities and in the community.
- Advised two charities on setting up patron schemes and offered advice & support to others.
- Become a patron (guardian) for Bolton Young Person’s Housing Scheme.And breathe …
It hasn’t all been plain sailing. I have made mistakes. Along the way I have learned what work energises me and what work diminishes me. I got really poorly and, when you run your own business, you have a reputation to maintain so have to solider on; plus no work means no pay! I have learned that it is impossible to do everything – and I would recommend Julia Page from Admin Anywhere to all of you who hate being tied down in the time consuming, but necessary, ‘back office’ stuff. Never do anything yourself that somebody else can do better and more efficiently!
I would also recommend getting a mentor or, in my case, more than one!!! Here I do have to give a shout out to my Spiritual Director, Bishop Chris Edmondson, Mentor Maura Jackson and Business Mentors – Dave Rainford, Roy Cavanagh MBE. Peter Hill and Gaynor & David Ramsden (plus all the other business people who have guided and advised) leadership mentors Yaseer Ahmed, Steve Mawhinney and Alan Scantlebury and my accountant Umar Memon. And last but not least, Tony Grimshaw – I will never forget it was you who gave me my start, you who believed I could do it and your motivational message (pictured) when doubt set in “But mummy, what if I fall?” “ah, but darling, what if you fly?”
I do believe my mum is looking down from heaven proud of my courage, perseverance and resilience and I am grateful for my family (and friends) who are alongside me! Whoops I still ended with an Oscar’s speech.
So – what of 2017? My focus is on offering listening services and on delivering mindfulness workshops but – ‘never say never’ – I am open to whatever God has planned for me. So, if you think I can help you or your business, please get in touch. As it says on my website ‘I can help’ and, if not, then I will know someone who can.
