2 + 2 doesn’t always equal 4!
As we celebrate The Juniper Co.’s 22nd Birthday, Nicki Kavanagh reflects on some of the unexpected takeaways from her time as Managing Director.In 22 years of running The Juniper Co., there have been plenty of things that have surprised me, not least the fact that time goes much faster than you…
As we celebrate The Juniper Co.’s 22nd Birthday, Nicki Kavanagh reflects on some of the unexpected takeaways from her time as Managing Director.In 22 years of running The Juniper Co., there have been plenty of things that have surprised me, not least the fact that time goes much faster than you…
The PREsent is a gift
Written on 2 April 2024: As we welcome in the month of April, we find ourselves already in the second quarter of the year. How time flies! With the arrival of a new quarter, comes a new Juniper theme – for the next three months we will be exploring ideas around the importance of being present.As…
Written on 2 April 2024: As we welcome in the month of April, we find ourselves already in the second quarter of the year. How time flies! With the arrival of a new quarter, comes a new Juniper theme – for the next three months we will be exploring ideas around the importance of being present.As…
A good spring clean!
Written on the 20th March 2024 With the clocks going forward here in the UK this weekend, it really feels like Spring has truly arrived. It’s the time of year to get preparing for the months ahead – dusting off the cobwebs and clearing out the clutter (hopefully unearthing some treasures along the…
Written on the 20th March 2024 With the clocks going forward here in the UK this weekend, it really feels like Spring has truly arrived. It’s the time of year to get preparing for the months ahead – dusting off the cobwebs and clearing out the clutter (hopefully unearthing some treasures along the…
Collaborating across the time zones
Written on the 7th March 2024I really enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and cultures, so it’s great that our work at Juniper involves several international clients. It’s always fascinating to join a virtual meeting with a global or regional team and hear what’s happening in their…
Written on the 7th March 2024I really enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and cultures, so it’s great that our work at Juniper involves several international clients. It’s always fascinating to join a virtual meeting with a global or regional team and hear what’s happening in their…
(Not so) mad March hares
Written on the 4th March 2024As a keen wildlife photographer (when I am not at my desk), I absolutely love this time of year. There is so much promise of what is to come, with trees and plants springing into bud and animals pairing up for the months ahead. From the landscape looking dull and grey,…
Written on the 4th March 2024As a keen wildlife photographer (when I am not at my desk), I absolutely love this time of year. There is so much promise of what is to come, with trees and plants springing into bud and animals pairing up for the months ahead. From the landscape looking dull and grey,…
PREparation is (not quite) everything
Written on the 22nd February 2024Most people will be familiar with the well-known saying from Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you're preparing to fail." We hear it so often that we possibly treat it with a little complacency. However, preparation is invaluable, especially when we are…
Written on the 22nd February 2024Most people will be familiar with the well-known saying from Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you're preparing to fail." We hear it so often that we possibly treat it with a little complacency. However, preparation is invaluable, especially when we are…
Say it out loud!
Written on the 31st January 2024January is a great time of year to catch up on some reading and easy listening. Calvin Sadie has been enjoying listening to Chris Williamson’s popular podcasts – here he shares his key takeaway: I was recently listening to a podcast by Chris Williamson where he…
Written on the 31st January 2024January is a great time of year to catch up on some reading and easy listening. Calvin Sadie has been enjoying listening to Chris Williamson’s popular podcasts – here he shares his key takeaway: I was recently listening to a podcast by Chris Williamson where he…
PREparing for the year ahead
Written on the 24th January 2024At the beginning of a new year, it is usual to think about our goals and aims for the year. Whether it’s in our professional capacity or our personal lives, we are likely to have been making all sorts of promises to ourselves for the months ahead. But how successful…
Written on the 24th January 2024At the beginning of a new year, it is usual to think about our goals and aims for the year. Whether it’s in our professional capacity or our personal lives, we are likely to have been making all sorts of promises to ourselves for the months ahead. But how successful…
Conquering time zones
Written on the 30th November 2023. We have the privilege at Juniper of working with wonderful people around the globe, many of whom are in different time zones. With the aid of technology, this is becoming increasingly common in today’s global business context and whilst it’s extremely useful, it…
Written on the 30th November 2023. We have the privilege at Juniper of working with wonderful people around the globe, many of whom are in different time zones. With the aid of technology, this is becoming increasingly common in today’s global business context and whilst it’s extremely useful, it…
Putting your best foot forward
Written on the 28th September 2023. Starting at Juniper has been nothing short of fantastic. I have learnt about our compass and culture, the wonderful clients we work with, and taken a deeper dive into the different theories utilised for each programme. My colleagues have welcomed me with open arms…
Written on the 28th September 2023. Starting at Juniper has been nothing short of fantastic. I have learnt about our compass and culture, the wonderful clients we work with, and taken a deeper dive into the different theories utilised for each programme. My colleagues have welcomed me with open arms…
Learning in the moment
Written on the 28th September 2023. Our Managing Director, Nicki Kavanagh shares her thoughts on the benefits of experience-based learning “How do you think you learn best? Watching a video? Reading? Listening to others? There are many ways to broaden our knowledge, but we usually learn the…
Written on the 28th September 2023. Our Managing Director, Nicki Kavanagh shares her thoughts on the benefits of experience-based learning “How do you think you learn best? Watching a video? Reading? Listening to others? There are many ways to broaden our knowledge, but we usually learn the…
Sowing the seeds of success
Written on the 28th September 2023. Having welcomed two new team members into the Juniper family this summer, we share our top tips for successful onboarding. When things get busy, it can be easy for induction and training to fall down the priority order. However, it is so important that a good…
Written on the 28th September 2023. Having welcomed two new team members into the Juniper family this summer, we share our top tips for successful onboarding. When things get busy, it can be easy for induction and training to fall down the priority order. However, it is so important that a good…
Building relationships that last
Written on the 28th September 2023. There is a lot to learn when starting a new job, including new tools and processes, new technology, what the company does, and the customers they serve. Learning about the people you will be working with (both internally and externally) is also a huge part of…
Written on the 28th September 2023. There is a lot to learn when starting a new job, including new tools and processes, new technology, what the company does, and the customers they serve. Learning about the people you will be working with (both internally and externally) is also a huge part of…
When the going gets tough, the smart get learning!
Written on the 6th July 2023. There is always more to learn about ourselves, and the DISC personality profiling system can offer a wealth of insight into understanding our own behavioural characteristics, as well as the behaviours of the people around us. Here at The Juniper Co., we often refer to…
Written on the 6th July 2023. There is always more to learn about ourselves, and the DISC personality profiling system can offer a wealth of insight into understanding our own behavioural characteristics, as well as the behaviours of the people around us. Here at The Juniper Co., we often refer to…
Spotlight on DISC personality profiling and how we play to our strengths
Written on the 22nd March 2023. What is DISC? DISC is a personality profiling tool that breaks our behavioural traits into four main categories – Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance. The assessment itself is a fifteen-minute questionnaire. The premise is that you don’t spend too long on…
Written on the 22nd March 2023. What is DISC? DISC is a personality profiling tool that breaks our behavioural traits into four main categories – Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance. The assessment itself is a fifteen-minute questionnaire. The premise is that you don’t spend too long on…
DISC personality profiling and my related coaching experience
Written on the 10th February 2023. When I was invited to take part in a DISC Personality profile assessment used by The Juniper Co., I jumped at the chance, not least, to have the opportunity of some valuable one-to-one coaching from Nicki herself! I was intrigued; what might I learn that would help…
Written on the 10th February 2023. When I was invited to take part in a DISC Personality profile assessment used by The Juniper Co., I jumped at the chance, not least, to have the opportunity of some valuable one-to-one coaching from Nicki herself! I was intrigued; what might I learn that would help…
Raising the bar
Written on the 25th October 2022.This year we have talked a lot about celebration as part of our 20th anniversary. You might be familiar with the Juniper phrase: ‘even better if’. As we explored earlier this year, it’s vital to celebrate both big and small wins, but then how do we motivate ourselves…
Written on the 25th October 2022.This year we have talked a lot about celebration as part of our 20th anniversary. You might be familiar with the Juniper phrase: ‘even better if’. As we explored earlier this year, it’s vital to celebrate both big and small wins, but then how do we motivate ourselves…
How to make success of failure
Written on the 9th August 2022. Did you know that JK Rowling’s manuscript for ‘Harry Potter’ was only accepted after 12 failed attempts? She said: “Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have…
Written on the 9th August 2022. Did you know that JK Rowling’s manuscript for ‘Harry Potter’ was only accepted after 12 failed attempts? She said: “Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have…
Big Wins, Little Wins and the Power of Celebration
Written on the 10th June 2022. How important are little wins and what role do they play in contributing to our success and personal development? What is their link to motivation and what is the value in setting mini milestones? Nicki loves to listen to Claudia Winkleman on her Saturday Radio 2…
Written on the 10th June 2022. How important are little wins and what role do they play in contributing to our success and personal development? What is their link to motivation and what is the value in setting mini milestones? Nicki loves to listen to Claudia Winkleman on her Saturday Radio 2…
How about you quit the gym and do some fear-setting instead?
Written on the 4th February 2022.It is the beginning of February and the goals we set a month ago may seem less appealing already. Is trying to lose weight realistic? Can the vegan thing really work? And online language classes require quite a bit of self-motivation, don’t they?January birthdays can…
Written on the 4th February 2022.It is the beginning of February and the goals we set a month ago may seem less appealing already. Is trying to lose weight realistic? Can the vegan thing really work? And online language classes require quite a bit of self-motivation, don’t they?January birthdays can…
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
Written on the 29th July 2021.It had always been my dream to reside in The City of Lights: home to the Eiffel Tower, birthplace of cinema, final resting place of Oscar Wilde. After working for three years in London post-graduation, I decided to make the dream a reality by moving to Paris, where I…
Written on the 29th July 2021.It had always been my dream to reside in The City of Lights: home to the Eiffel Tower, birthplace of cinema, final resting place of Oscar Wilde. After working for three years in London post-graduation, I decided to make the dream a reality by moving to Paris, where I…
Fixed Mindset v Growth Mindset
Written on the 24th June 2021. A friend recently suggested we swim across Frensham Pond, a body of water located about 5 miles from where I have spent most of my life. I was horrified! Why would I want to swim across a muddy, cold pond when I’d much rather walk around it? Immediately I recognised…
Written on the 24th June 2021. A friend recently suggested we swim across Frensham Pond, a body of water located about 5 miles from where I have spent most of my life. I was horrified! Why would I want to swim across a muddy, cold pond when I’d much rather walk around it? Immediately I recognised…
Communicating assertively to achieve ‘Win-Win’ outcomes
Written on the 29th April 2021. Have you ever agreed to compromise with a colleague or a client, thinking it will bring the best achievable outcome for both parties, to be left feeling disappointed later because you only managed to get part of what you set out to achieve? Or perhaps, you’ve managed…
Written on the 29th April 2021. Have you ever agreed to compromise with a colleague or a client, thinking it will bring the best achievable outcome for both parties, to be left feeling disappointed later because you only managed to get part of what you set out to achieve? Or perhaps, you’ve managed…
Vision Boards – a Personal Strategic Review?
Written on the 27th February 2020. I had heard of vision boards, but I didn’t know much about them: was this just a trendy way of writing up some new year’s resolutions? I decided to look into it and found myself quite intrigued by what I discovered. Essentially, a vision board is a collection of…
Written on the 27th February 2020. I had heard of vision boards, but I didn’t know much about them: was this just a trendy way of writing up some new year’s resolutions? I decided to look into it and found myself quite intrigued by what I discovered. Essentially, a vision board is a collection of…
Create KPI's that reflect your strategic priorities
Written on the 25th February 2020.I recently came across this HBR article on strategic priorities, which I read with interest as we regularly conduct strategic reviews for our clients at Juniper. Regardless of the size of the organisation, it is important to conduct such a review regularly -…
Written on the 25th February 2020.I recently came across this HBR article on strategic priorities, which I read with interest as we regularly conduct strategic reviews for our clients at Juniper. Regardless of the size of the organisation, it is important to conduct such a review regularly -…
Five steps to improving your time management
Written on the 25th February 2020. Does this sound familiar? It's the end of another busy working day, and even though you’ve worked a full eight hours or more, you don't feel as if you've accomplished anything that you hoped to. Unfortunately, it's all too easy for this to happen. Faced with…
Written on the 25th February 2020. Does this sound familiar? It's the end of another busy working day, and even though you’ve worked a full eight hours or more, you don't feel as if you've accomplished anything that you hoped to. Unfortunately, it's all too easy for this to happen. Faced with…
4 Reasons Why Slowing Down Will Actually Make You More Successful
Written on the 14th March 2019. I recently read an article by Andrew Thomas: 4 Reasons Why Slowing Down Will Actually Make You More Successful (Inc 2019). He suggests that slowing down can be the difference between thriving and burning out and lists four reasons why slowing down can actually help…
Written on the 14th March 2019. I recently read an article by Andrew Thomas: 4 Reasons Why Slowing Down Will Actually Make You More Successful (Inc 2019). He suggests that slowing down can be the difference between thriving and burning out and lists four reasons why slowing down can actually help…
Giving feedback to a remote colleague
Written on the 18th May 2018. Working in a team with members who are spread out in different locations is becoming increasingly common, but also very challenging. Without regular communication in person it can be difficult sometimes to gauge how your relationship is going with another colleague.…
Written on the 18th May 2018. Working in a team with members who are spread out in different locations is becoming increasingly common, but also very challenging. Without regular communication in person it can be difficult sometimes to gauge how your relationship is going with another colleague.…
Do you avoid feedback? Why not try these tips...
Written on the 18th May 2018. Although a lot of us may think about giving feedback at work, not all of us are actively practising it. Is this because we don’t know how to go about it? I recently read an article in the Spring 2018 Edge magazine, published by the Institute of Learning and Management,…
Written on the 18th May 2018. Although a lot of us may think about giving feedback at work, not all of us are actively practising it. Is this because we don’t know how to go about it? I recently read an article in the Spring 2018 Edge magazine, published by the Institute of Learning and Management,…
You can do anything, but not everything.
Written on the 21st February 2018. Our aim for this year’s calendar was to inspire each recipient to be the best leader they could be through thought-provoking quotes on different aspects of leadership. As I turned the page over to March this week, David Allen’s quote on delegation struck me:…
Written on the 21st February 2018. Our aim for this year’s calendar was to inspire each recipient to be the best leader they could be through thought-provoking quotes on different aspects of leadership. As I turned the page over to March this week, David Allen’s quote on delegation struck me:…
Maintaining motivation: six steps to keeping your goals alive
Written on the 7th February 2018. Many of us start the year by stating that we are determined to make this year our most successful year yet. However, we all have days when we are just not “feeling it” and lose our motivation. When this happens, it’s important to find a way to keep going. To avoid…
Written on the 7th February 2018. Many of us start the year by stating that we are determined to make this year our most successful year yet. However, we all have days when we are just not “feeling it” and lose our motivation. When this happens, it’s important to find a way to keep going. To avoid…
A recipe for assertive communication.
Written on the 15th September 2017. In our programmes, we outline four different types of communication styles: 1.Aggressive 2.Passive aggressive 3.Submissive 4.Assertive We could all think of situations when we, our colleagues, friends or family members use these styles. A person who…
Written on the 15th September 2017. In our programmes, we outline four different types of communication styles: 1.Aggressive 2.Passive aggressive 3.Submissive 4.Assertive We could all think of situations when we, our colleagues, friends or family members use these styles. A person who…
What kind of genius are you?
Written on the 8th September 2017. An article by Inc.com has explored the different workspaces of historical geniuses and asked, based on your desk, what genius you might be. Author Geoffrey James looked at ‘15 deeply inspiring workplaces’ from the likes of Mark Twain, Albert Einstein and Charles…
Written on the 8th September 2017. An article by Inc.com has explored the different workspaces of historical geniuses and asked, based on your desk, what genius you might be. Author Geoffrey James looked at ‘15 deeply inspiring workplaces’ from the likes of Mark Twain, Albert Einstein and Charles…
Need a post-holiday boost? Start by setting SMART objectives
Written on the 18th August 2017. Returning to work after a holiday can be a challenge - priorities will have changed and motivation may be low. So how do you get back in to the game? To provide focus, we like to start by re-grouping as a team and setting ourselves realistic objectives for the short…
Written on the 18th August 2017. Returning to work after a holiday can be a challenge - priorities will have changed and motivation may be low. So how do you get back in to the game? To provide focus, we like to start by re-grouping as a team and setting ourselves realistic objectives for the short…
“Are you communicating clearly?” – “Yes…no… I mean, absolutely!
Written on the 13th April 2017. Having watched W1A Does Red Nose Day 2017 last month, we’re waiting with baited breath for the third series to be released. It has been announced that filming of the brilliant BBC Two comedy has begun and is due to reach our screens by the end of the year. This…
Written on the 13th April 2017. Having watched W1A Does Red Nose Day 2017 last month, we’re waiting with baited breath for the third series to be released. It has been announced that filming of the brilliant BBC Two comedy has begun and is due to reach our screens by the end of the year. This…
I don’t have time to ….
Written on the 7th April 2017. We all use this phrase. The thing is when we say it, we remove our ownership. Really, we do! Time is our most precious resource. Often, we become carried away on an endless conveyor belt and don’t stop to get off to consider everything we are doing and getting fixed…
Written on the 7th April 2017. We all use this phrase. The thing is when we say it, we remove our ownership. Really, we do! Time is our most precious resource. Often, we become carried away on an endless conveyor belt and don’t stop to get off to consider everything we are doing and getting fixed…
Time management: is less time the answer?
Written on the 20th February 2017. Time management is a subject discussed on many forums within our networks. We are often reading that successful time management involves effective planning; prioritising; delegating; controlling your environment; identifying what you will change about your…
Written on the 20th February 2017. Time management is a subject discussed on many forums within our networks. We are often reading that successful time management involves effective planning; prioritising; delegating; controlling your environment; identifying what you will change about your…
Good conversations are like mini skirts...
Written on the 20th February 2017. I recently came across a great #TEDEdChat by Celeste Headlee titled ‘10 ways to have a better conversation’. In the video, Ms. Headlee argues that in the polarised world we live in, where “every conversation has the potential to become an argument”, we’ve somehow…
Written on the 20th February 2017. I recently came across a great #TEDEdChat by Celeste Headlee titled ‘10 ways to have a better conversation’. In the video, Ms. Headlee argues that in the polarised world we live in, where “every conversation has the potential to become an argument”, we’ve somehow…
Take back control of your time: take a pause
Written on the 16th December 2016. Often, when we see or hear something, our natural inclination is to react immediately. When under pressure, the temptation to react is far greater, be that through verbal reply or an action to a task. In a business environment, I can juggle many plates at any one…
Written on the 16th December 2016. Often, when we see or hear something, our natural inclination is to react immediately. When under pressure, the temptation to react is far greater, be that through verbal reply or an action to a task. In a business environment, I can juggle many plates at any one…
How to beat the ‘procrastination monster’
Written on the 1st November 2016. So you have known about the deadline to get X/Y/Z done for months/weeks/days…and suddenly you realise you only have weeks/days/hours to finish the job and you haven’t even started! You feel sick to your stomach and are annoyed and disappointed with yourself. “How…
Written on the 1st November 2016. So you have known about the deadline to get X/Y/Z done for months/weeks/days…and suddenly you realise you only have weeks/days/hours to finish the job and you haven’t even started! You feel sick to your stomach and are annoyed and disappointed with yourself. “How…
Personal impact: Increasing your visibility at work
Written on the 26th September 2016. A friend of mine recently asked his boss why he was overlooked for promotion. Despite exceeding his objectives, he was told he was not on the senior management team radar - he was in-fact invisible! In order to progress, they suggested he needs to make himself…
Written on the 26th September 2016. A friend of mine recently asked his boss why he was overlooked for promotion. Despite exceeding his objectives, he was told he was not on the senior management team radar - he was in-fact invisible! In order to progress, they suggested he needs to make himself…
Our tips for flexible working
Written on the 2nd September 2016. We know that flexible working can work, and some organisations have been doing it successfully for a long time already. Richard Branson wrote in his 2013 blog “we like to give people the freedom to work where they want, safe in the knowledge that they have the…
Written on the 2nd September 2016. We know that flexible working can work, and some organisations have been doing it successfully for a long time already. Richard Branson wrote in his 2013 blog “we like to give people the freedom to work where they want, safe in the knowledge that they have the…
Does your body language give you away?
Written on the 1st August 2016. After staying away from my university literature for over two years, I’ve recently rediscovered my love for all things language and linguistics. I picked up my well-thumbed copy of J.P Davidson’s Planet Word and sat in the sunshine. One hour later, it was like I’d…
Written on the 1st August 2016. After staying away from my university literature for over two years, I’ve recently rediscovered my love for all things language and linguistics. I picked up my well-thumbed copy of J.P Davidson’s Planet Word and sat in the sunshine. One hour later, it was like I’d…
Networking with purpose
Written on the 18th July 2016. Networking is not just about business and selling, it’s about getting to know new people and building new connections. The summer social season is upon us so what better time to brush up our networking skills to make the most of these events? Many of us are unsure how…
Written on the 18th July 2016. Networking is not just about business and selling, it’s about getting to know new people and building new connections. The summer social season is upon us so what better time to brush up our networking skills to make the most of these events? Many of us are unsure how…
Have you ever listened to a raisin?
Written on the 5th July 2016. I have read and heard so much about mindfulness over the last couple of years that I decided to look into it. I found a taster session in my area and went along to investigate... The evening kicked off with the group sitting in silence for two minutes. The instructor…
Written on the 5th July 2016. I have read and heard so much about mindfulness over the last couple of years that I decided to look into it. I found a taster session in my area and went along to investigate... The evening kicked off with the group sitting in silence for two minutes. The instructor…
Developing your personal brand
Written on the 27th May 2016. We developed a series of tips on personal brand for young insurance brokers - have you reflected on your personal brand recently?5 top tips to develop your personal brand Build your personal brand platform – ensure your social media accounts give a consistent…
Written on the 27th May 2016. We developed a series of tips on personal brand for young insurance brokers - have you reflected on your personal brand recently?5 top tips to develop your personal brand Build your personal brand platform – ensure your social media accounts give a consistent…
Mixing with negative people
Written on the 25th May 2016. “You are only as successful as those you frequently associate with” According to Thomas C. Corley, author of “Change your habits, change your life”, wealthy people avoid one type of person at all costs: pessimists. Corley goes on to write that "long-term success is…
Written on the 25th May 2016. “You are only as successful as those you frequently associate with” According to Thomas C. Corley, author of “Change your habits, change your life”, wealthy people avoid one type of person at all costs: pessimists. Corley goes on to write that "long-term success is…
Should you take more breaks?
Written on the 28th March 2016. It is not unusual to hear loud laughter or lively debates emanating from The Juniper Company offices. For anyone walking past, it may sound like we’re not working very hard, but in reality we’re a hard working group who just appreciate the value of a good break. Two…
Written on the 28th March 2016. It is not unusual to hear loud laughter or lively debates emanating from The Juniper Company offices. For anyone walking past, it may sound like we’re not working very hard, but in reality we’re a hard working group who just appreciate the value of a good break. Two…
Sticking to objectives
Written on the 4th April 2016. We recently held a webinar on sticking to objectives, the first Juniper Berries webinar of 2016. We shared our top tips and explored tools and techniques to make setting objectives a more rewarding and motivating experience. Objectives or goal setting can feel forced…
Written on the 4th April 2016. We recently held a webinar on sticking to objectives, the first Juniper Berries webinar of 2016. We shared our top tips and explored tools and techniques to make setting objectives a more rewarding and motivating experience. Objectives or goal setting can feel forced…