intuition – Courtney Anne Wilson

Recently my life took a change in direction, and I realised the importance of acknowledging NOW and appreciating the journey.

In early 2012, I said YES to the invitation from Elizabeth Ellames and joined the group of women to participate in a 12-month social synergy venture and learn a new way of contributing and collaborating.

For as long as I can remember I wanted to team up with people to make a difference. My heart’s desire is to shine the light and pathway towards unity.

As a Change Coach and Consultant, I know that people have a vast array of diverse characteristics. If we embrace those differences, knowing each has a unique and equal part to play in the larger whole, we will start to move together as one and co-create a world that is connected, cooperative, adaptable and a win for everyone.

The Unite Your Light New Style Leadership Program showed me that unity starts within us, our family, our community and then the world. As part of the United Projects Initiative, I envisioned teaming up with Elizabeth to co-create Cohesive Leadership for Change – an experiential training program to equip and empower women to take action on their life purpose and contribute to social change. Together, we invited Cherie and Lisa to join the team, which led towards the incorporation of NOW Leadership Inc. in 2015.

For 3 years I’ve been inspired by being a member of the NOW team because we demonstrated the power of collaboration and had the opportunity to support innovation and new style and collaborative leaders. I was honoured to be able to contribute my expertise, practice nature-based principles and work alongside three spirited, purposeful and committed women; with a focus on bringing together corporate and community through Social Business and Enterprise.

With gratitude and respect for the time and energy towards contributing, learning and growing together, it’s now time to move on.

As I walk forward to focus on my role at Innodev, with a mantra to “Rethink Everything”, spend time writing a book, Cultivate Connection, and finding new ways to support aligned causes, I reflect on the last three to seven years.

It has been a journey with many twists and turns, and one that has expanded my experience, resolve and resilience. Not to mention, one of discovery and empowerment.

The abundant gifts shared along the way include…

Connecting with like-hearted women
Harnessing the value of diversity
Listening to intuition and inspiration
Discovering truth and trust
Feeling the magic of authenticity
Supporting the community
Raising awareness and funding social change
Turning competition into cooperation
Practicing creative collaboration

Thank you to all the women, and men, that were part of this journey and those that will continue to be.

A huge thank you to Elizabeth, Cherie and Lisa. I wish you every success as you move forward with NOW Leadership Inc., blessed with the power of three.

And to all the strong, creative, brave and powerful women who are looking for support in developing their leadership and creating new opportunities for the world, check out www.nowleadershipinc.com

With love and a grateful heart for NOW,

Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

As Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, once said (updated with current protocol), “No person steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and they’re not the same person”

So, it would stand to reason that, if the only constant in life is change, then we are all, in fact, the change manager of our own life, both personally and professionally.

Why then, does the role of a Change Manager exist?

Similar to a personal trainer, financial advisor or guidance counsellor, during times of significant change, an experienced and qualified change manager can provide people with the required support, within each step of the process, to make effective choices and ensure a smooth transition.

Given there are different circumstances and types of change, the role of a Change Manager can take on many forms and the will depend on the findings of, what I term, the Third ‘I’ Review©:

Intention: accepting change is occurring and being real about the mental state that represents a commitment to carrying out an action or actions in the future. It involves mental activities such as strategy, planning and forethought and requires identification of desired outcomes.
Insight & Intuition: gaining an understanding of the impact of change; the cause and effect based on relationships and behaviours within a model, context, or scenario. It is the power of a piece of information, acute observation and deduction, introspection, discernment, and perception.
Identification: ability to define the change, the core good or service being produced and supplied, as well as distinguishing between an individual and/or a organisational change that will determine the appropriate change management frameworks, tools and techniques to apply; a change within health care would be different to one in information technology, as would a change to physical well-being compared to a change in the way we work.

Realise it’s not a one-person role (or the role of one team);

An effective Change Manager has the ability to partner, influence and build lasting relationships with people within the community. In the context of business, change management would be architected by change management professionals but is developed with, and executed by, many players across all levels of the organisation; from top-level executives to front line supervisors and includes specialists from human resources and organisational development, impacted employees and designated resources.

Recognise the meaning behind the change

There is always a reason for the change. The more a Change Manager can assist in identifying, clarifying and specifying the reason, the more likely it is that people will understand the need to change, develop a desire and willingness to change and be open to connecting with others around a common purpose or collective vision that will bring the change to fruition.

Know it’s more than just a process

While there are a number of proven Change Management approaches and methodologies that outline a set of steps to follow, these need to be continuously tailored in line with the Third ‘I’ Review©, current trends and innovative practices, including customer experience, design thinking, value management and business agility. Not to mention that a Change Manager deals with the people side of change – and people bring with them a constant challenge of uncertainty and complexity.

When it comes to change, you are, without a doubt, your own Change Manager. You can either go it alone or you can seek the guidance and support of an experienced and professional practitioner, someone who can support and guide you in the direction you seek – it’s up to you!