Finding Wellbeing Balance in Times of Stress with Make-A-Wish
It was January when Jenny Cook, first reached out about speaking and running workshops at the “No Limits CEO and Chair Summit.”
The annual summit organised by Make-A-Wish International for their 40 Global Affiliate organisations.
A space to share, collaborate and focus their energies on building an organisation without boundaries, so they can “Reach Every Eligible Child”.
I knew right away, I wanted to be part of this!
So 5 months later…following a Waking Waves proposal, several checks in calls with Jenny, drafts and final tweaks, we had our plenary session and 4 afternoon workshops ready!
Morning plenary
“Finding Balance in Times of Stress”
- Origins and types of stress we experience
- How hard-wired reactions impact our health, wellbeing and performance
- The effects of stress for those in purpose-driven roles
4 x afternoon workshops
“Responding Not Reacting to Stress”
- The risks & cost of running on autopilot
- In-session breath and grounding practices to bring calm during the stages of stress
- 3 steps to building lifelong healthy habits
Following the CEO and Chair Summit in 2022, there was a growing awareness of team stress and anxiety levels.
So, a conscious call was made, for a focus on wellbeing in 2023
Make-A-Wish® creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish International was formed in 1993 and serves children in 50 countries and territories on 6 continents through its 40 Affiliates
A short flight and train ✈️ + 🚞 to Utrecht centre (so easy!) and I was warmly welcomed by the Make-A-Wish team, who shared their inspiring work over coffee at their product fair.
Hearing in person how these inspiring leaders and teams “transform lives, one wish at a time” was a real privilege. And heartwarming to know the wider impact they continue to make worldwide.
The day was filled with wonderful wishes past and as we carried our conversations into the evening meal, we were treated to a moving solo violin performance 🎻 🤩 from a former Wish Child.
Inspirational!
So when it came to delivering the plenary and workshops on Day 2, I had all the motivation I needed. And the incredible support of the organising team, to land our intended message.
I’m delighted to share it was warmly received:
“Derek has been incredible to work with to support a global Summit for Affiliate CEO and Chairs from around the world. From the start of our his approach ensured all content was customer centric and met the needs a large diverse audience, (plenary session and workshops). During content development he checked frequently to ensure his sessions would achieve the desired outcomes and be inclusive. A very diligent approach, brilliant delivery, excellent feedback, meeting the desired outcomes.
Jenny Cook, Vice President, Affiliate Development and Support (Make-A-Wish International)
So I walked away content that the global team and their partners, who make these wishes possible, have a few more ways to support themselves and build lifelong healthy habits.
Habits to help them continue their crucial work and (mindfully) find wellbeing balance, in times of stress.
To learn more about their wonderful work
visit Make-A-Wish International
To discuss a talk or workshop for your organisation or team
Ask a question, or arrange a callback here:
What wellbeing habits are you building?
Wishing you a wonderful day 💫
Derek
Waking Waves
📧 hello@wakingwaves.com
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