Without a doubt, the reason I am so excited by personality type is that I’m raising two entirely different and unique children, Louisa and James. Time and time again I witness their unique personalities and I am so grateful for this understanding, without which Idon’t think I would have enjoyed them as much as I do, and they would certainly have found me to be a challenging parent! Our home is a personality type laboratory and the learning continues on a daily basis.
I am a Londoner, now living in Auckland, New Zealand. Married to a New Zealander, John. I have a corporate career background with experience in Sales, Customers Service, Training and Management. My last permanent corporate role was as Business Development Manager for the technology subsidiary of British Airways (Galileo UK) where I also worked on a consultancy basis following the birth of my first child.
Since then so much has happened.
I found the parenting experience both challenging and life changing, as it is for so many. Going from a full-time corporate role in my home country to a full-time parenting role in NZ was an interesting and valuable journey. When thrown into new circumstances, new opportunities and skills emerge. Although my corporate career was on hold my learning was not.
In 2000 I became a parenting skills facilitator for Parents Inc., a not-for-profit organisation in NZ. While training and researching for this role I discovered the importance of understanding personality type when running a home and family. So much so that I felt compelled to pass this on to the parents I was helping.
I adapted the parenting skills courses to include information on personality type and then put together a two ½ hour workshop. I have now delivered over 150 of these workshops to schools, kindergartens, and a variety of childcare organizations, mainly in the Auckland area, and have spoken to thousands of parents. It was my conviction that parents must be informed about this vital part of the parenting puzzle that gave me the determination to start these workshops and the amazing amount of positive feedback that gives me the energy to continue.
I have had a series of articles published in the NZ ‘Parenting’ magazine, all concerning personality type and all receiving a positive response. Please feel free to read the articles which are all on the web-site. (However, please contact me if you wish to publish them!) I have run many parenting skills courses and currently facilitate a 6 week programme called Toolbox for parents of teenagers.
I formed Personality Dynamics in 2005. I believe that the knowledge one can gain about personality type is transferrable to every work and life situation. My chosen areas are parenting, education, youth and also the corporate environment, which I am happy to return to with a fresh perspective.
As a Presenter it is extremely rewarding to see so many lightbulb moments. I don’t believe there is any other topic that can allow so much personal growth. I am convinced that understanding personality type is a significant step towards reaching our own potential and is essential if we are to guide others to reach theirs. If I can help anyone along the way, I’ve had a great day.
The Personality Puzzle is a resource I wrote and published to assist professional ‘Type’ practitioners to explain personality differences in an easy and effective way using a set of cards. These are now widely used around the globe. I am delighted that it is a resource which successfully promotes self awareness and encourages the acceptance and enjoyment of individual difference.
I am also a presenter for Brainwave, a charitable trust whose aim is to promote the understanding that the care a child receives from loving parents and caregivers in the first 3 years of life are vital for healthy brain development. The parenting role must be more valued as it is the most important job we can ever do. The time and love we give our young ones is absolutely priceless.
On a Personal Note I am…
A ‘foodie’
Great at watching good movies
Even better at going for long walks with friends
Fanatic rugby supporter (Go the All Blacks!)
Pony Club parent (who would ever have believed that one – I can plait tails!)
Owner of a Bernese Mountain Dog (a bit like a St Bernard but better!)
I hate sorting socks!
