Jen Tait - Director, Rise Learning Group
What were your career ambitions growing up?
I have always loved public speaking. At school I was on the debate team and I knew I wanted a job that involved speaking to an audience. I always wanted to be a Newsreader for the BBC 6 0’clock news. I felt I was destined for the red sofa!
Tell us about your current role.
I’m Founder of Rise Learning Group, a Training Consultancy that provides learning solutions throughout the colleague journey to reduce attrition, increase productivity and improve engagement. In other words, we design and deliver training which results in loyal, productive and happy teams! I’m passionate about designing and delivering training that sticks, regardless of the stage you are at in your career. Our Four Pillars of Excellence cover the entire colleague journey from new starter offer acceptance through to Leadership Development and everything in between!
What is your proudest business achievement?
Without a doubt it’s our client retention rate. Last year we secured repeat engagements with every single one of our clients, a testament to the ‘stickiness’ of our training! Everything we do is with our clients’ needs in mind so to see that recognised with both repeat business and new clients being onboarded, is really special.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
The changes in L&D have been immense and the answer to this could be an article in itself! Only five years ago the profession was on its knees, as Gen Z began entering the workforce and had expectations for engaging, interactive and on-demand learning, something L&D just wasn’t ready for. Since then, there has been a flurry of mobile-friendly, gamified and micro-learning content to satisfy shorter attention spans but that also has its downsides, as that same demographic thrives on feedback and collaboration. Getting the right balance of personalised, impactful, accessible, inclusive and social learning is no easy task but one which has to be met.
What are you currently working on?
We’re excited to be officially launching our Four Pillars of Excellence on 21st February at Chaophraya in Newcastle. We’ve been using this approach successfully to help our clients reduce attrition, increase engagement and improve productivity. We’re bringing together HR, L&D and Operational Leaders to learn about crafting a colleague journey so that they can also realise these benefits. You can sign up by scanning the QR code.
We’re also currently developing a series of webinars, in response to industry demands. Clients will then have the option of dropping in to a webinar on a specific topic for instantly actionable insights or to work with us in-house for a solution bespoke to them.
Tell us about the team you work with.
There are three of us in the core team and we work with a trusted network of Associates. Alex and I are in client-facing roles and Paul provides back-office support. We’ll be looking to welcome another Trainer later this year, in-line with our forecasted growth.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
“When you’re at work, don’t think about home and when you’re at home don’t think about work.” A very good friend told me this when I went back to work when my first daughter was only a few months old. I’ve since had two more girls so I remind myself of it regularly!
What has been your biggest challenge?
Balancing family life with work ambitions. I’m very driven and that is a core part of who I am. I’m also a mum to three amazing girls and getting the balance right has been tricky at times. I’m lucky to be surrounded by a fantastic support network though and the girls have never complained, probably because I bring them a present home every time I’m away!
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
My dad is my role model. He’s the salt of the earth and would do anything for his family. He’s taught me a lot, not least to work hard, save and always give people 10% leeway!
I met my ‘business hero’ while working for an insurance company. A contractor there, Christina Pritchard, gave me the inspiration and support to set up Rise Learning Group. She’s the reason my business exists today.
How do you unwind outside of work?
I love Hotpod Yoga. I try to go to two sessions a week. I always feel much calmer after a class, and taller!
Favourite Book and Boxset?
I’m currently reading Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestly, which I’m finding really useful. It’s jam-packed with actions! I’m also a big fan of Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, it’s a great reminder to choose how to spend your time.
As for boxsets, I don’t actually watch a lot of T.V. but I did watch The Traitors, I’d love to debate at the round table!
www.riselearninggroup.co