Skype

Identifying loves and fears to unite a company

The brief

To design an utterly unique two day annual conference in Estonia. To stimulate understanding of why ‘authentic leadership and presence’ are fundamental to the business’ development in a challenging and changing global environment.

What the activity did was bring a level of authenticity into the actions we have. It encouraged us as leaders and people to remove our masks and it helped us create a new language. Importantly it also gave people a voice in a safe environment.

Annemie Rensburg
Global Human Resource Director
Skype

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John Lewis

Using chocolate to smooth the way for a company move

The brief

The John Lewis Sheffield store is due to relocate in the next few years. Senior staff need to feel prepared to lead the business through the future challenges and disruptions of the move.

The event certainly had wow factor, there was real buzz around the room as people were involved in the project. The feedback was that the chocolate factory contributed to making it the best conference we had ever had. On average attendees gave the chocolate factory 9 out of 10.

Mark James
Recruitment and Development Manager
John Lewis Sheffield

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MW Kellogg

Engineering company MW Kellogg celebrates its 60th birthday

The brief

The Wizards Network was engaged to design and manage MW Kellogg’s one day 60th birthday celebration event in August. The event was for 2000 people (MW Kellogg staff and their families) and the brief was to ‘capture the spirit of the company.’

In the lead-up to the event, Simon’s creativity took me outside my comfort zone but his vision proved exactly right. The feedback has been great with lots of people commenting about how much they enjoyed it and people who didn’t make it saying they wish they had!”

Julia Humpidge
Event Coordinator
MW Kellogg

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Royal Mail

Leadership and change event for 1000 HR colleagues at Royal Mail, June 2007

The brief

Help us co–design and deliver a learning event for 1,200 staff which will deliver core personal development skills in a way which engages, surprises and inspires people. Something a bit different!

“The success of the project was largely down to the fact that Toby really listened to us, gave plenty of creative suggestions and unlike some consultants or third parties didn’t fight us or push us into doing something we didn’t feel was right. He patiently worked with us to find solutions that met our objectives 100%.”

Jo Allerston
Service Manager
Royal Mail

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Royal Mail

Help, we want a more inspiring workplace!

The brief

Help, we want a more inspiring workplace!

The Royal Mail’s 300 staff in Sheffield are proud of its heritage and close historical ties with the city, but the offices are looking and feeling rather tired and grey.

Wizard Toby Rhodes was asked to work with a team of 10 Royal Mail Staff Volunteers to come up with creative ways of making the offices a more inspiring place to be, without spending a fortune.

“I needed someone to make this project happen and to get people fired up about improving their workplace. Having found Toby creative and inspiring during the Royal mail HR conference, he was the ideal choice.”

Tricia Raymant
Head of People Reporting
P&OD (Royal Mail)

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Hilton Group: ‘Elevator Programme’

Creating a memorable, high energy conference for the airline industry, Brighton

The brief

To help our new intake of graduates develop a greater appreciation of each other and bond more closely together as a group; learn how to use their voices effectively to make the most impact as leaders; develop impact and presence as leaders and develop charismatic communication and learn some simple ideas, tips, techniques and exercises that give greater control over the way they communicate with others.

“The result was that the group worked and had fun together and by the end there was definitely a bond between them. They will now approach the business differently, and, when presenting or communicating with different audiences, will be aware of the importance of how they come across.”

Nicole Hörl
Graduate Development Manager

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ARC 2007

Creating a memorable, high energy conference for the airline industry, Brighton

The brief

Creating a memorable, high energy conference for the airline industry, Brighton

“Richard was instrumental in the success of ARC2007. I lost count of the number of delegates who commented on Richard’s humour, energy, refreshing approach and the extra mile he went to create an atmosphere ripe for debate, discussion and progression.”

Max Williams Managing Partner
Ultramarine Partnership

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Allergan: Consultancy

Clarifying vision and objectives

The brief

We need a consultant to help align our ideas and enable us to achieve a common vision.

“I was impressed with how fast Richard managed to get a connection with the group, how swiftly he was respected. He had a good grasp of what the company was trying to achieve, unusual amongst external consultants. He also challenged us about our suggested launch timings and was right!”

Philipp Morsbach
Senior Manager Corporate Account Program EME
Allergan

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Aviva: Group Strategy Conference

‘Conversations that Matter’ in a creative environment

The brief

Help us create a memorable, different and fun event for the first gathering of Aviva’s 40 UK based strategy managers. Boring conference coffee cups are banned.

Create the right conditions for people to relax, get to know each other, recognise common challenges and to develop actions for a more collaborative approach.

“I had a connection with the Wizards right from the start. They came highly recommended, had some cracking ideas and were incredibly professional throughout.”

Rod Butcher
Aviva client

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Disability Rights Commission: National Leadership Conferences

‘The Mask of Leadership’

The brief

Create breakout sessions for London, Edinburgh and York for disabled people in leadership positions, or aspiring to leadership. Do something different.

“Nothing seemed to phase the Wizards. They were flexible and willing to explore new ideas, to check out assumptions and test them.”

Michael Brothers
Disability Rights Commission client

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Ernst & Young: Annual Consultants’ Conference

Networking and strategy in a Chocolate Factory

The brief

Give us a two-hour experience for 300 tax consultants to help make our annual conference at Lords Cricket ground unforgettable.

It’s got to facilitate networking across the wider team in a competitive but fun way.

“The Wizards ...take time to understand the brief and tailor the experience to suit the client’s objectives. The quality of delivery on the day is always second to none.”

Alison Christie
Ogilvy

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Kable

Holistic consulting for board level change

The brief

To facilitate the discussion to help progress thinking and change at board level in terms of where and how the company should develop.

“I’m impressed. Open, honest, intelligent engagement.”

Mark Hudson
Managing Director
Kable

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Dubai ladies Club: young womens’ development programme

Inspiring learning though storytelling and horse whispering

The brief

Unlock potential and enrich the daily lives of young Arab women aged 15-21 during a six week developmental programme in Dubai.

Help the girls address the questions “who am I, where do I want to be and what do I need to do to get me there?”

Encourage team work, friendship, openness and sharing.

“Before I would have described myself as hopeless. Now I am hopeful, have faith and am more positive.”

Course participant

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