Alison Blackler
Alison Blackler lives in the North West in the UK and runs a business called 2minds. She is trained as a Coach, Counselor and NLP Master Practitioner. She has studied human minds and behavior for many years and has integrated this into an offer as a mind coach. She loves the variety of working with individuals, teams, managers and leaders, plus she works in prisons and schools. She loves people and her hope is that people can feel better about themselves through their self help, or with a bit of professional help.
Tell us about your life before the venture/ leading up to your venture?
I am often asked ‘have you always been confident?’. The simple answer is no. When I was younger I had quite a bit of self doubt and uncertainty. I was plodding along and did not realize that there were any other options. I was pretty average at school and looking back probably limited myself. I was being heavily influenced doing what I thought others wanted me to do, I was seeking external approval and I was not sure of who I was. In my 20’s, I felt that there must be another way to think and feel so I set off on a journey of self discovery.
Tell us something about your organization. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
2minds was created 12 years ago and it has evolved to support individuals, teams and leadership in businesses. My work with people and teams help them to explore, recognise and understand why we think like we do. Using the neuroscience behind our behaviors, this enables and empowers people to become more aware of how the mind works.
The sessions evolve as the individual or team needs them. I use a unique combination of coaching, clean language coaching and Neuro Linguistic Programming, and free people from their challenges and self-limiting beliefs. The mind is really powerful, it doesn’t come with a manual and my job is to help you find yours. I believe that everyone has all the answers within, it is my job to guide you and ask all the right questions.
I find that self-awareness allows individuals and leaders to understand their impact on others. If that is combined with emotional intelligence and social intelligence, then they have the capability to be more effective and happier in life or work.
What has been the response of the consumers towards your venture?
My greatest achievements are publishing two books. My personal journey and my professional training are an integral part of my books ‘A Path Travelled – How to make sense of your life’ and ‘A Path Travelled – How to make sense of relationships. These are packed full of exercises and examples to understand how the mind works, how to overcome your own challenges and find your true self. Many readers have expressed their feedback and how much this has helped them. There is nothing better than hearing that I have been able to help someone in their life.
How has your life changed because of your venture?
I would say leaving the NHS and following my passion. It was a big step leaving a permanent post, stability with my monthly wage and a pension though it was the right thing for me. By doing this I have learned more about myself, worked on increasing my own confidence and surrounded myself with people who could help me. My business allows me to follow my values of making a difference and this brings me great joy. I am proof that when you find a way to believe in yourself, then anything is possible.
Give a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
A natural goal for all of us is to be happy in life. When we take full responsibility for ourselves then we have the control and the right ingredients to actually make that happen. It is vital to be kind to ourselves and take small steps.