JO CAMERON’S ACHIEVERS’ ACADEMY OF WOMEN MEET THE HORSES
Last week, 18 courageous women came face to face with The Leadership Whisperers horses, many of them facing their fear head-on.
The Achievers’ Academy for Women (AAW) is run by Jo Cameron to provide professional and personal development support to successful women business leaders. Members attend monthly meetings with like-minded business leaders, providing a trusted source of support and a sounding board for each other.
In addition to the monthly motivational meetings, members can also attend a professional development day to expand their leadership skills. This month, Jo brought the AAW to work with The Leadership Whisperers for half a day of Leadership with Horses.
Many people began the day afraid of horses and visibly jittery. That’s not unusual. Many people who work with us start the day out of their comfort zone and afraid both for their physical safety in the presence of such awe-inspiring horses, as well as concerned about how they might show up as a leader. The feedback the horses give is honest and without agenda. If you re compelling, they go with you. If you show a minute amount of self-doubt or lack trust or fail to build rapport, they plant their feet. That can be uncomfortable when you are being observed by 17 or 18 other people.
As expected, the AAW did not disappoint. Jo encourages AAW members to step out of their comfort zone repeatedly because that’s where learning and growth happen. 18 women threw themselves in. Many of them overcame their fear of horses for the first time and courageously led a horse over, under and around obstacles. The elation and sense of achievement was clear for all to see.
Members learned about self-doubt, overcoming fear and challenges, being creative, the balance between task and relationship, how to find power through gentleness, trust and mutual respect and much more.
One member said afterwards: “It was an amazing day. I have woken with a strong feeling of certainty after yesterday. I loved working with everyone and getting to know them better. It felt like we all removed our masks and were raw and authentic. I overheard someone say that it was the best development day for getting to know each other too. Thank you, thank you, thank you for supporting us all with your calm knowing and trust.”
Most importantly, as this work is embodied, experience and research show that what was learned that day will last long beyond the four hours spent with the horses. We are excited to hear how things develop from here.
Find out more
If you’d like to expand the leadership capabilities in your business, call The Leadership Whisperers on 07985 274547 to find out how we can help.
The Leadership Whisperers help senior leaders develop embodied leadership skills that have a profound impact in business. Through live events and workshops, Jude and Emma partner with horses who provide non-judgmental feedback, enabling clients to identify their strengths and where they get derailed so they can transform themselves into courageous and hugely influential non-verbal communicators.
Our corporate clients report significant results including resolving conflict, cultural change, improving financial performance, increasing sales and individuals gaining promotions.
Start the discussion about leading through uncertainty and find out how we have helped others businesses develop confident leaders
contact us on 0800 170 1810 or +44 7584 248822
