In a working world where most employee interactions are virtual, and some employees haven’t even met their colleagues in person, how can small-business owners create a clearly defined and unified company culture? Innovate Learn MD Hazel Stewart shares practical tips for leaders looking to navigate this complex process and advice that can be applied across any industry. Published in Inside Small Business.

The working world is rapidly changing – and those who fail to update their professional resume are at risk of becoming obsolete. A skills gap exists in the industrial sector, but the good news is that there are proven, practical ways to reskill older professionals. As Hazel Stewart writes in the article linked below, applying best-practice adult learning theory can help to close this capability gap. Published in the December Edition of the Australian Institute of Training and Development Magazine.

Much has been said of the economic impact of COVID-19 on the sales industry, but what has been the true emotional cost of the pandemic on those responsible for making those sales? The article includes exclusive commentary from Dr Norman Swan, of ABC’s Coronacast and The Health Report, as he shares his insights into why salespeople have been so vulnerable emotionally during this period and the simple steps they can take to combat the effects of isolation. Published in PKN Packaging News, Industry Update and Retail World.

Remote work has skyrocketed since 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while some have embraced this change, others have struggled to adjust. As Hazel Stewart explains, this distinction often comes down to personality rather than environment. The four social styles, and how they are affected by remote working are explored in detail in ‘When Working from Home Isn’t Working.’   Published in Food & Beverage Industry News and as a cover story in the March Edition of the Australian Institute of Training and Development Magazine.

Mastering the art of negotiation is a daunting prospect at the best of times, but the shift to remote working has added yet another layer of complexity to this tricky process. However, it is still very possible to master the art of virtual negotiation and even use this new set of circumstances to your advantage. Hazel Stewart draws on her own experience and research from the Harvard Program on Negotiation to lay out an effective strategy for getting the (virtual) upper hand in negotiations.

Published in Retail World Magazine.

With local manufacturing on the rise, employers are increasingly looking inward and re-evaluating the capabilities of their employees. In this exclusive for Manufacturer’s Monthly, MD Hazel Stewart discusses the five most important ‘soft skills’ that employees need to harness to succeed. Read more about the character traits and interpersonal skills that define our relationships with others and how this applies to the workplace.

Published in Manufacturer’s Monthly.

Being on the front line in a customer service role can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be challenging, especially when working in an Accounts Receivable role. Communication challenges, compounded by the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic, led REMONDIS Australia - one of the world's largest recycling and water suppliers – to enlist the services of Innovate Learn. The articles linked below outline our training solution that addressed the difficult balance of moving irate customers to a place where they were open to discussing how they could settle an overdue account.

Published in Industry Update, and Manufacturer’s Monthly

Beckhoff Automation has maintained a strong presence in Australia over the past two decades. However, when the world turned upside down in March 2020, Managing Director Nick Psahoulias was faced with an unexpected challenge: how could Beckhoff maintain and strengthen customer relationships in the midst of a global pandemic? Enter Innovate Learn’s training program, which succeeded meeting this original goal, while also helping Nick to see his own leadership style differently.

Published in Pace Magazine and Manufacturer’s Monthly.

An extensive company history can be an asset for brand awareness and reputation, but these marketplace advantages can also become a challenge when attempting to make significant changes to the company culture. This was the case at Bonfiglioli ANZ, where culture is inextricably linked to customer experience and improving customer experience is a huge priority for the leadership team. Click on the links below to discover how Bonfiglioli ANZ was able to meet their revenue growth goals after being given the tools to enhance their customer relationship building skills.

Published in Manufacturer’s Monthly, Australian Mining and DEMM Magazine.