Author: WE ARE BRAVE

In the world of business, and increasingly in our personal lives too, learning to have brave conversations is crucial for genuine connection and growth.

These conversations—marked by honesty, vulnerability, and courage—are vital for personal development, healthy relationships, and meaningful change.

As part of our BRAVE Conversations module we focus on these skills, and many more to equip you with the skills and behaviours you need to do it well.

But why bother?

We’re passionate that when you learn the skills of BRAVE Conversations it can only create positive action. Whether you use it at work with your boss or a team member, or you’re using the skills for a tough conversation with a parent or a best friend, we know the extra benefits you’ll gain are worth it.

Here’s just a few reasons we think BRAVE Conversations are so important.

They Build Trust and Deepen Relationships

BRAVE conversations foster trust. When you’re honest and open with others, you create a safe space for mutual understanding and respect. This deepens relationships, making them more authentic and resilient.

Being BRAVE Promotes Personal Growth

Facing difficult topics head-on encourages self-reflection and growth. It challenges you to confront your fears, biases, and assumptions, leading to greater self-awareness and personal development.

Bravery Drives Positive Change

Whether in personal relationships or in the workplace, BRAVE conversations are catalysts for change. They address issues that need resolution, facilitate problem-solving, listening skills, decision making and handling disagreements. They pave the way for improvement and innovation.

Being BRAVE Enhances Emotional Intelligence

Engaging in BRAVE conversations hones your emotional intelligence. These are skills we can all work on. It requires empathy, active listening, and the ability to identify and then manage your emotions in a way that works best for the situation you’re in.

BRAVE Conversations Cultivate a Culture of Openness

In organisations, and in relationships, BRAVE Conversations contribute towards a culture of openness and transparency. They encourage team members to share ideas, speak up, provide feedback, make informed decisions and collaborate effectively, leading to a more dynamic and inclusive environment.

Approach these conversations with empathy and an open mind. Remember, the goal is not to win but to understand and be understood.

Starting a BRAVE conversation can be daunting, but it begins with a willingness to be vulnerable. We have some really easy to follow Quick Tips on our Instagram Account – @wearebraverebels

If you think we can help you on an Open Workshop, or a team in a business session then reach out and we’d be happy to book in a time to chat with you.

The Power of Pivoting: Embracing a BRAVE New Direction

When we decided to add a new dimension to We Are BRAVE we knew it was the right thing to do, but that didn’t mean it didn’t come with a lot of thought!

Shall we just stay as we are?

Why change what’s already working?

Is this the right time?

Those are just some of the questions we pondered before we came to the decision that in life, and in business, the path forward is not always a straight line. Sometimes, the most powerful and transformative decision you can make is to pivot and change direction and embrace new opportunities.

That led us to add in several new streams of business. We added Open Workshops for both businesses and individuals, created a new Individual Readiness Assessment and created our BRAVE journals. Phew…now we need a lie down!

We thought it might make sense to show you why we believe that the power of the pivot is underrated!

Pivoting Opens New Opportunities

Pivoting allows you to explore new avenues and opportunities that might not have been fully visible before. By changing direction, you can discover new passions, hidden talents, and unique possibilities that align with your goals and values.

Pivoting Fosters Resilience

Embracing a pivot requires bravery and adaptability. This process builds resilience, teaching you to handle uncertainty and setbacks. The ability to pivot strengthens your problem-solving skills and prepares you for future challenges. Staying as you are is an option, but a life without change can get very stale.

Pivoting Encourages Growth and Learning

Taking a new direction often involves learning new skills and acquiring fresh knowledge. This continuous learning process keeps you engaged and motivated, fostering both personal and professional growth. It’s a dynamic way to keep evolving in an ever-changing world. We live by these principles and they’ve helped us to embrace the power of the pivot.

Pivoting can Align with Your True Self

Sometimes, your initial path may not reflect our true desires or values. Sometimes we have to go where the money takes us, or the business needs to be. Pivoting allows you an opportunity to realign with what genuinely matters to you. It’s a courageous step towards authenticity, ensuring your actions and goals get another chance to be included in what you do.

Pivoting Enhances Creativity and Innovation

Pivoting definitely pushes you out of your comfort zone (we certainly felt like that for a little while!) It does this by encouraging innovative thinking and creative solutions. By stepping into that unfamiliar territory, you often challenge yourself to think differently and this can help you develop unique approaches to new situations.

Pivoting Can Start with One Step

Pivoting can be intimidating, but it starts with a simple step. Evaluation. By reflecting and acknowledging that any change is a natural part of growth. Assess your current situation, identify where you want to go, and take the first small, yet deliberate step towards your new direction.

Surround yourself with supportive individuals who can offer guidance and encouragement. That one can make or break a pivot!

Remember, the power of pivoting lies in the bravery to take control of your journey. Embrace the change, trust the process, and unlock the potential that comes with every new direction you choose to take.

Sara & Rhi

Journaling is way more than just putting pen to paper; or fingers to keyboards, it’s a powerful tool for personal growth and self-reflection.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the practice of journaling can profoundly impact your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

Our We Are BRAVE Journal contains the prompts and content to guide you through your personal journey. Here’s five key benefits of incorporating journaling into your daily routine:

Get a Boost to your Mental Clarity

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help clear your mind. Journaling can organise your thoughts, making it easier to understand and process them. This clarity allows you to make more informed decisions and tackle problems with a fresh perspective. A fresh outlook.

You Can Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety

Journaling provides a safe outlet to express your emotions. By putting your worries and fears on paper, you can gain a sense of relief and control. This process helps reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to manage your emotions more effectively.

It Can Boost Your Creativity

Engaging in regular journaling can ignite your creativity. The act of writing freely, without the pressure of structure or form, encourages the flow of ideas. This creative freedom can lead to new insights and innovative solutions in various aspects of your life. Just write and enjoy!

It’s Known to Promote Self-Reflection and Growth

Journaling is a form of self-dialogue that promotes introspection. By reflecting on your experiences, thoughts, and behaviours, you can often gain a deeper understanding of yourself. This self-awareness fosters personal growth and helps you recognize patterns that you might want to change or develop further. Our Individual Readiness Assessment also helps you with this, and it’s free! https://wearebrave.co.uk/individual-readiness-assessment

Journaling Strengthens Emotional Intelligence

Regular journaling helps you become more in tune with your emotions. By articulating your feelings and experiences, you can better understand and manage your emotional responses. This practice enhances emotional intelligence, improving your relationships and interactions with others. EQ is now an identified leadership characteristic.

But how do I even get started?

Starting a journaling practice is simple. Choose a time each day to write—morning or evening works well for many people. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling or structure; the goal is to express yourself freely. You can begin with prompts such as “Today I feel…” or “Something I’m grateful for is…”

Remember, journaling is a personal journey. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. The key is consistency and openness. Embrace the process, and you’ll soon discover the benefits journaling can bring to your life.

Sara

Taking time to pause and self-assess can be a brave and transformative act. Self-assessment involves looking inward to evaluate your current state—emotionally, mentally, professionally, and personally. It’s about facing your truths, acknowledging your achievements, and identifying areas for growth.

Let us tell you why we think Self-Assessment matters.

Clarity and Direction

Self-assessment helps you gain clarity on where you stand and where you want to go. It allows you to set realistic goals and develop a roadmap for achieving them.

Personal Growth

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is essential for personal development. By recognising areas where you can improve, you pave the way for continuous growth. We can help you with this via our open workshops.

It Creates Empowerment

Taking charge of your self-assessment process puts you in control of your narrative. It empowers you to make informed decisions and take proactive steps toward your aspirations.

Overcomes the Fear

Self-assessment can be intimidating. It requires honesty and vulnerability, which can be uncomfortable.

Be kind to yourself when you do it. Be BRAVE and dig deep when answering.

Remember, self-assessment is not about perfection; it’s about progress. Embrace the courage to look inward, and you’ll find that the journey of self-discovery is one of the most rewarding paths you can take.

Get started here:

You can complete our Individual Self Assessment here, and it’s totally free with personal results emailed direct to your inbox.

https://wearebrave.co.uk/individual-readiness-assessment

Learn more about the benefits of joining Open Training Workshops

In today’s fast-paced world, we recognised that continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth. But there was a flaw in our plan…

Our incredible programmes were only available to businesses and teams and after almost every session we’d always be asked

“how can I get my colleagues or people I know to come on these courses?”

We took this on board and came up with a bespoke selection of content that we knew could work for individuals, as well as teams and one deciding factor for us was that we could finally run them as open workshops.

For us, open training workshops offer a unique and accessible way to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Here’s 5 compelling benefits of participating in open workshops:

1. You can enhance your skills

Open training workshops are designed to help you acquire new skills or improve existing ones. Whether you’re looking to learn a new habit, master a professional technique, or learn something from scratch these workshops provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge that you can immediately apply.

2. They encourage networking

Attending open training workshops allows you to meet and interact with a diverse group of people who share your interests. These connections can lead to new friendships, professional relationships, and even potential job opportunities. Networking in such settings often leads to collaborations and knowledge sharing that can be beneficial long after the workshop ends.

3. Meet the experts

Workshops are typically led by industry experts or experienced practitioners who bring a wealth of knowledge and insights. This exposure allows you to learn best practices, gain new perspectives, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in your field. A skilled trainer will make your learning stick, whether face to face or virtual and leave you with simple easy to implement tools.

4. You can boost your motivation & confidence

Learning in a group setting can be highly motivating. The structured environment, along with the encouragement from instructors and peers, can boost your confidence. Successfully completing a workshop often provides a sense of accomplishment, inspiring you to pursue further learning and challenges.

5. Flexibility & accessibility

Open training workshops are designed to be accessible to a wide audience. They are available in various formats—online, in-person, or hybrid—making it easy to find a workshop that fits your schedule and learning style. This flexibility ensures that continuous learning is within reach, regardless of your personal or professional commitments.

6. It’s bespoke to you!

The huge benefit of open workshops is that they can be bespoke for individual learning needs, and are much easier for L&D budgets to accommodate for one person when it’s needed.

Interested?

To get started, you can register your interest in open workshops and the topics that interest you the most by clicking the WAITLIST link in blue below:

We’d love to see you on a session soo!

Sara

Wait List

We get it. Not everyone jumps out of bed on Monday morning like an energiser bunny just dying to open their emails or join the commute. There’s lot’s to unpack about why you might be feeling like this, and I am not a licenced therapist…but at We Are BRAVE we do have some thoughts.

Here are eight simple ways to shoo away the Monday blues and focus on a positive week.

Start with a Positive Mindset

Begin your day by focusing on the good things ahead. Try not to dwell on the bad stuff, focus on what you can do to take control of the day, and the week ahead. Remind yourself of your goals and what you’re looking forward to achieving during the week. Even if it’s just that KitKat at 3pm with a cup of tea. Mmm.

Get into the Groove a Little Earlier

Now we are not advocating working all weekend (hell no!) BUT, hear us out here, taking some time on Sunday evening to plan your Monday schedule might just help. Having a clear roadmap of tasks and goals can alleviate stress and help you feel more prepared for the week ahead.

Get Your Body Moving A Bit

We all know that exercise is a powerful mood booster. Whether it’s a quick morning walk, a spritely jog to put the bins out, a yoga session, or hitting the gym, getting your body moving releases endorphins that can uplift your mood and energy levels.

Chunking The Day Up

Breaking up your day into smaller, more manageable chunks and scheduling short breaks in between tasks like meetings and focus time really helps. Stepping away from your desk for a few minutes can refresh your mind and prevent burnout.

Keep Hydrated and Eat Good Stuff

Another one we all know but might not do. When you feel a bit flat it’s tempting to reach for coffee, sugar and the obligatory chocolate digestives (we don’t make these rules). Instead try to fuel your body with nutritious foods and stay hydrated throughout the day. Even if you only do this on Monday it will you feel better and more focused.

Get Those Upbeat Tunes On The Go

The power of music is massively under rated. Create a feel-good playlist to listen to during your commute or while getting set up or even for while you’re working. Music has the power to elevate your mood and shift your perspective, making it easier to tackle the day ahead. Just remember to mute before you answer the phone!

Get Some Gratitude Practice In

Something a bit more left field but often a bit of reflection helps us see that there are things going on that we can be grateful for, even on a Monday! Take a moment to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Whether it’s a supportive colleague, a delicious cup of coffee, or a sunny day, acknowledging the positives in your life can cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment.

Use A Reward System to Help You

It’s a an old trick but having something to look forward to at the end of the day, whether it’s indulging in your favourite hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply unwinding with a good book or podcast can make all the difference. Maybe you make Monday into Movie Night? Perhaps Monday = Pizza. Anything to make the association a little better can work.

So if you can try incorporating even one of these simple practices into your Monday routine, you might just be able to banish those Monday blues and take control of the rest of the week.

Rhi

Think about the voices we hear the most. Radio adverts, podcast intros, tv commercials, public transport announcements, political speeches….notice anything strange?

The world we live in is often dominated by preconceived notions of what is deemed to sound “professional”

Learning to embrace, accept and own the sound of our own voice is actually a powerful exploration of our own authenticity. 

Your voice sounds and patterns are as unique as the very DNA that made you. 

Contrary to outdated beliefs, professionalism isn’t confined to a specific tone, accent, or vocal inflection – it’s about embracing the unique voice that defines each individual.

The traditional, and yet still widely used and accepted, narrative has perpetuated the idea that the well spoken, white, cis, male voice is the epitome of professionalism.  How is this still a thing in 2024? 

However, we’re sensing a push towards breaking away from this blinkered perspective and we are here for that and already playing our part. 

When we deliver SPEAK, our public speaking workshop, we’re helping to dismantle the biased perception surrounding how a ‘professional’ voice should sound. The diversity of voices we hear is a reflection of the rich tapestry of humanity, and every voice deserves recognition and respect. Encouraging individuals to own their voice involves empowering them to find confidence in their unique expressions, rather than conforming to a standardised myth of professionalism.

This is essential if we are to encourage people to be the best versions of themselves. True professionalism is about authenticity, and every voice, irrespective of its pitch or accent, carries the potential for impact and influence. We just need to lay down our own biases (yep, we all have them) and accept that the world is a diverse place with more than one way of sounding professional. 

Imagine a brave world where every voice is celebrated for its distinctiveness. 

Eton educated and white male? Super! ✅

Public school and broad Geordie female..? Class! ❤️

Sixth form dropout with an Italian inflection…? Bellisimo! 👏

By everyone working to remove the bias associated with vocal characteristics, we can create an environment that fosters inclusivity and helps people to build their authentic selves. This long overdue shift not only benefits individuals but amplifies the sounds of many diverse voices.

At We Are Brave we champion the idea that professionalism trumps stereotypes and promotes the authenticity of every voice. In doing so, we lead the way for a more inclusive, diverse, and unique sounding professional landscape.

Sara

Have you ever felt like you’re about to be rumbled?

What are you even doing in this job…?

Imposter syndrome, 2 words we are starting to hear more and more about. Affecting men and women, across the globe, it’s a phenomenon where people doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds despite plenty of evidence of their competence!

We think the pursuit of success, the pace of doing business, various cultures at work plus increasingly tough societal expectations are contributing to the rise of imposter syndrome. In this blog post, we’ll explore this issue and provide five effective strategies to overcome it.

Spotting the 4 P’s.

There are some clear signs that imposter syndrome could be affecting you, or those you work with. They are the 4 P’s. Perfectionism, Paralysis, People-Pleasing, and finally Procrastination.

Perfectionism might turn you into a crazy micro manager looking for the perfect piece of work.

Paralysis can make you freeze like a statue when you need to take action the most.

People-pleasing is the sure fire way to destroy and work life balance.

Lastly, (did you see what we did there) Procrastination can show up as being a busy fool doing all that ‘busy work’ so that you don’t have to get to the big stuff.

Strategies to Help

1. Recognise it and Label It!:
The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is spotting it. Acknowledge the thoughts and feelings associated with your self-doubt. Understand these feelings are really common and do not accurately reflect your capabilities. By acknowledging imposter syndrome, you take the initial step towards conquering it. One step further is labelling it which helps your brain tag that feeling with what it really is. Anyone who has self awareness around their emotions will already understand the incredible power of slapping a label onto it!

2. Celebrate your Achievements:
Often, people suffering with imposter syndrome can downplay their achievements. We want you to take time to celebrate your successes, regardless of their scale. Maintain a record of your accomplishments and revisit them during moments of self-doubt. This practice helps build confidence and reinforces the reality of your capabilities.

3. Seek out Support and Mentorship:
Sharing your feelings with trusted colleagues, friends, or mentors can be instrumental in overcoming imposter syndrome. Discussing your experiences with someone who understands and values your abilities can provide valuable perspective. Seek mentorship to gain guidance from those who have faced similar challenges and successfully navigated through them. This could be in work, life or anywhere you see someone who you think might be able to help you.

4. Embrace Continuous Learning:
Imposter syndrome often stems from the fear of inadequacy. You can combat this fear by adopting a growth mindset. Embracing continuous learning and viewing challenges as opportunities for development. By seeing that personal growth involves facing unfamiliar situations, you can turn imposter syndrome into a catalyst for advancement.

5. Learn to Challenge Negative Thoughts:
Develop the habit of questioning negative thoughts associated with imposter syndrome. When self-doubt arises, challenge it by asking for evidence supporting those thoughts. Often, you’ll find that these thoughts lack a solid foundation. Replace your negative self-talk with positive affirmations and focus on your strengths and accomplishments.

Imposter syndrome is a more common experience than you think that is spreading across gender and business boundaries. By recognising, celebrating achievements, seeking support, embracing continuous learning, and challenging negative thoughts, people can overcome imposter syndrome and unlock their full potential. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and by talking about it you will have started the process of beating it.

Sara

Are you tired of blending in with the crowd, like yet another plain doughnut in the box? Well, we think it’s time to unleash your inner unicorn and embrace your unique, dazzling brave self!

In a world where conforming and blending in seems to often reign supreme, we want to champion those who are BRAVE and dare to be different.

Have you been in the The Clone Zone?
We all see this in businesses all around the world. Cookie cutter versions of the same person in every organisation. Same style. Same suit. Same buzzwords (circle back anyone..😒?) and the same old outcomes. It’s boring. An army of corporate clones roaming the corridors of Dull & Duller Ltd.

You might be thinking, “But what if people judge me?” Well, let them! Remember, it’s not about being weird; it’s about being authentic. Using your brain to think first & think better. You might be surprised by peoples reactions.

We want you to be different, and say what you want to say in a calm and confident way. Learning to speak so that people listen and

Who wants to conform anyway?
Choosing to be different means making choices that reflect your unique personality, tastes, and quirks. It’s about proudly proclaiming, “I’m not going to do what everyone else is doing just because it’s the ‘in’ thing!”

Why Being a Unicorn is BRAVE.
Here’s the thing: it takes guts to be a unicorn. It requires bravery to defy societal expectations and march to your own unique rhythm. But, the rewards are sweet.

   1.    Authenticity: When you’re unapologetically you, people are drawn to your genuine spirit. Authenticity is magnetic.
   2.    Innovation: Unicorns are often the pioneers and innovators. They’re the ones who bring fresh ideas to the table because they’re not bound by the “this is how we’ve always done it” mentality. They can disagree and decide and still take people on the journey with them.
   3.    Personal Pride: The feeling of pride that comes from just being yourself, quirks and all, is unparalleled.

Bring Out Your Inner Unicorn 🦄
Life is too short to be just another black-and-white zebra in the very large herd. We want you to get your sparkle on instead. Daring to be different is a celebration of your uniqueness. It’s the path to authenticity, innovation, and the kind of pride that can only come from being the most honest version of you.

And that means you can be BRAVE.