Being Curious for Change

Happy New Year. I hope you have a fulfilling, healthy, successful and joyful 2025.

Every year, one of the questions many people ask is “What’s your word of the year?” I always find this question challenging. However, this year, I am very clear about this.

My word of the year is Curiosity.

This fits very clearly with research I am currently doing on the impact of poor communication within a specific industry. I discovered there was no data on the impact of poor communication within the film and television industry. Having worked in another creative industry (opera), I have first hand experience of the challenges communication poses with diverse creative teams. This could be everything from errors in supplies, deliveries going to the wrong location, or the wrong time, or even decisions being changed - which are not sent out to key stakeholders.?

However, let’s not kid ourselves: it isn’t exclusively the creative industry that has delays, wasted time, missed deadlines and money wasted. Having spoken to a number of business leaders, they are frustrated that time/money is wasted due to poor communication: misunderstandings, errors, missed deadlines. Research in 2022 stated that a minimum of 18% of companies’ salary bill in USA was wasted by poor communication. It could be a larger figure than that.

Returning to the research I am conducting; I am lucky enough to have received funding from Hertfordshire University to conduct the research. Upon completion, I will be writing a report from which I will be able to offer specific recommendations and solutions for organisations.

If you are in the Film or TV industries (including video production) I would be so grateful for your assistance in completing the survey (one? minute) creativestripes.co.uk/superstar-communicator If you aren’t - but do know someone in the industry which includes post production, please send it on.

I will be sharing the results in future. If you are interested, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]?

Best 2025

As you possibly know, we created the Best 2025 Ebook. You can still download it here https://link.getsystemswise.com/widget/survey/sLN6HpQxTJ8vP3Za8fql

We have also recorded a podcast if you wish to listen whilst completing your book. Download here: https://superstarcommunicator.libsyn.com/have-an-awesome-2025

I would love to know how you get on with this.

Until next time.

Best wishes, Susan Heaton-Wright

About the author:

Susan Heaton-Wright is the founder and creator of the SuperStar Communicator? methodology; international speaker, facilitator, coach, former international opera singer and podcaster.

Susan is best known for empowering emerging leaders all over the world to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility; through her speeches, by facilitating masterclasses and workshops and by coaching talented individuals. Since 2020 she has delivered virtual masterclasses and workshops to attendees from more than 130 countries world wide and has won a number of awards for her work. She is currently creating AI learning options to increase the learning experiences for her clients.

She is curious for any changes in communication changes and especially in a technical world. Keeping the human element in communication is essential for the maximum impact! Susan co-hosts live streamed discussions with business leaders and is the co-host of the SuperStar Communicator Podcast.?

?Susan facilitates workshops - face to face and virtually on a range of topics:?

• Presentation Skills
• Public Speaking
• Assertiveness Skills
• Having difficult conversations
• Women in Leadership Communication
• How to Demonstrate Credibility
• How to be Positively Disruptive
• Networking Skills

These topics are also available as masterclasses.

I also coach talented people on being more impactful for career progression. Do contact me for more information on the one to one coaching services on communication skills I offer.

And as a speaker Susan delivers speeches on:

• How to demonstrate credibility
• Women in Leadership Communication
• Be a SuperStar Communicator: be seen, be heard, make an impact

Why not challenge your communication skills with our 30 Day planner. Purchase here.

When not working, Susan designs and sews her own wardrobe; surfs, swims and plays the viola in an orchestra. She fundraises for the Alzheimers Society, The Isabel Hospice and supports the St Albans PostBoxes Charity.

Why not connect with her on Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/susanheatonwright?

If you wish to arrange a call: you can book here: https://link.lemonadeplan.com/widget/appointment/superstarcommunicator/15m-chat?

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