The Tara Birch Newsletter #1

I’m beyond excited to make my first appearance in your inbox. I’m looking forward to using this monthly opportunity to connect, share insights and reflect on what’s happening in the world of culture change transformation.

A little about me

For those of you who don’t know me, here’s a bit of background…?

Making the decision to take redundancy towards the end of last year was pretty tough. I was given the choice to remain at the company - and accept an alternative role and secure income - but I knew in my heart that it didn't align with my personal passion, purpose, or values. I quickly realised that my real passion lay in helping people, both businesses and individuals, in areas such as personal wellbeing, professional development, and organisational success.?

I stopped wondering ‘what if’, grabbed the bull by the horns, and after a lot of work (and no small measure of blood, sweat and tears), The Tara Birch Change Consultancy was born. On 27th March 2024, I was thrilled to have turned 'One Day' into 'Day One'! Now, I’m working hard to build trust and respect by sharing my passion and purpose for positive change, one head and one heart at a time, for healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces.

I’ll be sharing more about my journey with members of the LinkedIn Change Together community in the upcoming weeks. For information on how to join, drop me a line or send me a DM.

So, what can you expect from The Tara Birch newsletters?

• Monthly RoundUps
• Links to relevant articles and blogs
• Insights from my latest LinkedIn polls?
• A forward look to the month ahead

March 2024 roundup

During the past month, my main focus has been fine-tuning the website and working on marketing materials (you may have seen my ‘sneak peek’ videos on LinkedIn) in the run-up to the launch. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the process of working collaboratively with my trusted creative team to turn my dreams into something tangible, by crafting the perfect suite of services for both Businesses and Individuals.?

I cannot over-emphasise the importance of proper self-care, so while my team were patiently working their magic on my website, I was busy working on myself! I followed a 5-day vegetable detox cleanse which, combined with healthier diet and exercise choices and a better sleep routine, left me feeling refreshed, empowered, and ready for anything!

I also took the opportunity to prioritise my continuous professional development with a few online learning modules (listed in full on my website), brushing up on the skills I will need to deliver my services to the highest standards.

Last but not least, I gave my home office a lick of paint, bringing new life - and joy - into the space. Out with the old, in with the new! I could never have imagined the difference it would make to my mindset.

I know this might sound very ‘rainbows and unicorns’ to some of you, but of course it’s not the full picture; even when we intentionally take care of our body, mind, and soul, it’s normal (and okay!) to have some bad days too.?

I shared a post on LinkedIn a couple of weeks ago which talked about the self-doubts and imposter syndrome I’ve experienced in the past (I don't really like this term, but I’m using it here because I know people can relate). However, during the last 12 months I’ve spent time studying the Japanese philosophy of ‘Kaisen’, which has helped me to acknowledge and accept my difficulties, rather than hiding them away. It's a technique that I am pleased to share in this psychologically safe space, and will probably talk more about in the future in the Change Together community forum.

Insights from the latest polls

This month, I sent three polls out to my network. It was fascinating to discover that only 52% of respondents feel that their organisation truly supports positive culture change (which means that almost half of organisations don’t). Even more interesting was the fact that given total control over their career, 46% of people would choose to work in a different role in a different organisation! Food for thought, which we’ll be discussing in more detail in our LinkedIn ’Change Together’ community group. In the future, members will be able to channel their own questions through the community, to gain insight from this experienced and engaged network of professionals.

In other news…

I was lucky enough to be invited to join the Women in Security Awards network afternoon tea, where we got to celebrate #IWD a day early and heard from some inspiring guest speakers. It was a great opportunity to meet with key women from the security industry, as well as some fantastic male allies, and to help raise some money for Women's Aid Federation of England in Luton.

Who made a positive impact in my network this month?

• Abigail Bouvier and Peter Bouvier for their incredible creativity and copywriting support in manifesting my hopes into reality. They have, and continue to be, an incredible shining light of good humans helping others to realise their dreams. They are much more than they say on their profiles! Thank YOU both.
• Kaye James for always being there when I need you. We share trials and tribulations, and as an experienced friend and consultant, you ground me… while sharing tea and cake!
• Linda Van Schoor , we may be far apart, but we are always close at heart, caring about each other's wellbeing and professional development. In my dreams, we will work together again. Unforgettable Linda!
• Michelle Hartley FCIPD for popping into my DMs to cheer me up, and making me feel so included and welcome within your tremendously supportive network of strong, and (very) funny females.

Looking forward to the month ahead

I’ll be attending The Workplace Event (30th April - 2nd May at the The NEC, Birmingham ), and sharing my top takeaways with you in next month’s newsletter.

If there are any specific issues you’d like me to address in next month’s newsletter, send me a DM. I’d love to hear your suggestions and look forward to collaborating in the future!

Have a great month, changemakers!

Tara