Getting to know the fantastic Florence Madden, who has been helping businesses to thrive since 2002.
Tell us about yourself
I am originally from Northern Ireland although I have lived in Cumbria for over 30 years and I set up my management development business near Dalston in 2002. I am an Internationally Certified NLP Trainer and Coach and the author of two books: ‘The Intention Impact Conundrum’ published in 2018 and ‘Everyday NLP’ co-authored with my friend Eleni Sarantinou which has just been published.
I run open NLP* and management development courses in The Lake District and occasionally in Greece, also I work all over the UK developing and delivering bespoke training solutions for organisations in the private, public and third sector.
I am passionate about the difference that good development can make to productivity and employee engagement in businesses and organisations.
*Neuro Linguistic Programming is a set of skills and techniques for thinking and acting in the world, through which you can change ineffective behaviours in yourself and influence others in a positive way.
What did you aspire to be as a child?
I wanted to be a vet because I have always loved animals. Later on I wanted to be a History teacher, as that was a passion for me then, and now actually!
What do you feel most proud of in your life to date?
I have a huge pride in the people I work with – I see people come on courses or do some coaching sessions with me and go away to make significant changes in their approach with others and how they handle themselves. As I am mainly working with managers and directors, when they are more self-aware and more effective, it affects the working lives of a much wider group of people.
What drew you to working with David Allen, and how has your business progressed as a result?
Before I set up my business David Allen helped me with my tax returns, his was a very small business back then and local to me. The level of service and jargon free advice meant that David was an automatic choice when I started my business. Since then I have always had prompt help and advice when I have needed it, leaving me to concentrate on what I do.
Describe working with the David Allen team in three words.
Friendly, professional, attentive.
What does the future hold, how will David Allen help with this?
My aim is to expand my client base for both my open courses, as well as working in-house with them to develop bespoke training solutions; also I would like to do some more work internationally. A key aim in writing the books was to allow potential clients to get to know more about me and my approach and how that could them achieve their goals. It is good to know that at David Allen, the support level can be stepped up as I need it.
What is your strongest personal quality?
I do what I say I will do.
If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day, who would it be and why?
No one individual but someone who speaks numerous languages fluently… I would love to be able to think in different languages and see how that helps my understanding of other people and their cultures.
Choose a movie title for the story of your life.
Cat On a Hot Tin Roof – my favourite film of all time and I would like to think I have been tenacious in that way too when faced with challenges!
What is the first piece of advice you would give an aspiring Business person?
That would be to pass on a piece of advice my first client gave to me: whatever your business, do it to the best of your ability so that they invite you back. That client grew his business from scratch to a multimillion pound enterprise. I would have to say although I followed his advice I am a little behind him in turnover terms!
What is your Monday Motivation?
I love what I do and the organisations I work with…. it is as simple as that! It is a privilege.
To find out more about Florence, visit: www.florencemadden.co.uk
Florence has a number of courses coming up before the end of the year:
Personal Effectiveness At Work Part one: 6-8 November & Part two 12-13 December. Covers the skills of managing yourself and managing others. For details: https://www.florencemadden.co.uk/courses/personal-effectiveness-work-overview/
NLP Coaching Diploma Part one: 21-22 November & Part two: 4-5 December. Certificated course aimed at developing coaching skills for managers. For details: https://www.florencemadden.co.uk/nlp-coaching-diploma-course-in-the-lake-district/