May 27 2024 43 mins
Alison Beech, a member of the Start Build and Grow program and the Business Growth Coaches Network, discusses with host Rob Lawrence, the value of action learning and group coaching. She explains the structured process of Action Learning, where participants share challenges and gain insights from peer feedback in a safe, non-competitive environment.
Alison highlights the importance of confidentiality and trust, and the benefits of diverse experiences within the groups. She shares a powerful example of how peer feedback can boost confidence and combat imposter syndrome. Our conversation also touches on the challenges of time commitment for small business owners and the advantages of virtual sessions in a post-COVID world.
In this episode you'll learn:
Alison Beech's Background and Experience (00:01:00) Alison's role in the Start Build and Grow program and her coaching experience.
Action Learning Process (00:01:32) Alison's involvement in the structured Action Learning process and its benefits.
Structured Process of Action Learning (00:04:02) Alison offers a description of the structured process of Action Learning and the importance of a safe space.
Types of Groups for Action Learning (00:07:34) Different types of groups for action learning, including within organisations and non-competing businesses.
Importance of Trust and Confidentiality (00:10:36) The significance of trust and confidentiality for participants to be open and vulnerable.
Powerful Outcomes of Action Learning (00:13:50) The impactful outcomes and "light bulb" moments experienced through action learning sessions.
Common Challenges in Action Learning (00:15:40) Common challenges faced by both small and large businesses in Action Learning groups.
Time Commitment and Return on Investment (00:20:03) The time commitment and the return on investment for small business owners participating in Action Learning sessions.
Learning from Mistakes (00:21:42) Alison discusses how peer groups accelerate learning by sharing mistakes and experiences, particularly for scaling up businesses.
Diverse Group Makeup (00:24:44) Alison explains the diverse makeup of Action Learning groups, with non-competing businesses and varying levels of experience.
Imposter Syndrome and Confidence (00:25:19) Alison shares a powerful example of building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome through peer support.
Facilitation Challenges (00:27:53) Alison discusses the challenges of facilitating diverse energy types in Action Learning groups.
Transition to Virtual Learning (00:34:37) Alison reflects on the successful transition from in-person to virtual Action Learning groups and its benefits.
Inclusivity and Diversity (00:38:14) Alison highlights the potential for virtual Action Learning to be more inclusive and diverse, leveraging technology for positive outcomes.
Encouraging Participation (00:39:04) Alison encourages listeners to overcome fear and imposter syndrome by participating in Action Learning and sharing their experiences.
Powerful Group Intervention (00:42:07) Alison shares a powerful example of a group intervention that led to saving a business from a crisis through action learning.
The power of group dynamics (00:43:46) Discussion on the unique insights and focus achieved through group dynamics in Action Learning.
Information on action learning (00:45:16) Alison provides information on where to find out more about Action Learning and how to contact her.
Promotion of Start Build Grow program (00:45:03) Alison promotes the Start Build and Grow programme and provides details on how to get involved.
About Alison:
Alison works as a business coach and mentor with particular skills in executive coaching, peer group facilitation, organisational development, and change management. With broad and diverse experience in growing, developing, and transforming businesses, Alison has worked as a mentor and adviser to a London based PropTech start-up, and set up as a new mortgage lender. Alison’s last full-time role, before semi-retiring in 2018, was leading a £13m turnover national chartered surveying business. Previous roles include HR Director for a UK plc, Managing Director, Business Development Director, HR Director, and Non-Executive Director for a Ministry of Defence agency.
In 2013, Alison joined the board of governors at Suffolk New College and, at the time of leaving in August 2023, she was Vice Chair of Corporation, Chair of Governance and Search committee, a member of the Remuneration, Academy Standards & Quality, and Strategic Safeguarding committees.
Since 2013, Alison has volunteered for Anglia Care Trust as an Appropriate Adult supporting juveniles and vulnerable adults in police custody. As a member of Ipswich Jaffa Running Club since 2009, Alison has served on the committee in various roles and held the role of Chair from 2016 until 2022 and is currently the club’s Vice President and also Volunteer Manager for the Ipswich Half Marathon and Ipswich Twilight races. Finally, Alison also volunteers with Locate International, investigating cold cases of unidentified and missing people.
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