For the last decade, I’ve specialized in training and development for people who lead teams. If you consider my topics, they probably don’t differ dramatically from those of other leadership training programs. The difference, however, is that I don’t train to Inform- I train to Transform. That’s a bold statement that anyone can make, so let me quantify it with a story that’s unique in its content but typical of my approach…
I was working with a participant on a leadership training program that had a very chequered past including (I kid you not) burning down eight buildings in an arson attack which resulted in burns to over 60% of his body and a seven-year prison sentence.
At one point during the program we were having a group conversation regarding self-leadership and I asked him if he regretted any of his actions or choices and I was quite surprised to have him reply that he did not. Now I’ve worked with thousands of people over the years, from people on murder charges through to CEOs of large organisations and there’s not much that shocks me these days, but I was really quite surprised by his lack of negative reflection towards his life.
My job is to shift people’s thinking and behaviour to make them more effective both in the workplace and in their personal lives, but unless I’m able to help people to initially see the change that needs to occur, and then want to make that change, then any shift is unlikely.
I was aware that he now had a family and a daughter that he loved and was very committed to, so I asked him if one day he’d be happy for his daughter to marry someone like himself- to which he emphatically replied that he did not want that to be the case at all. I hadn’t been able to unlock his potential through a ‘regret’ key, but here was a key through his affection for his daughter. I told him that as girls become young women, their default setting can become being attracted to men that are like their father. He was shocked by this concept and very open to my suggestion that the best way for his daughter to be attracted to a guy who was significantly different from him, was for him to make some significant changes to become like the guy that he wanted his daughter to marry one day. It was such a drastic revelation for him and was the most reflective that I had seen him over the three days of training. In fact, he was very articulate in his gratitude for this revelation, reaching across the table to shake my hand. Then at the conclusion of the training program several hours later he once again shook my hand but this time he hugged me to show his appreciation.
You don’t get that kind of result, or even process, by simply following course content. That being said, I’m very effective at delivering content in a fun, meaningful, and engaging way but my point of difference is strongly and quickly connecting with people and from there challenging them to lead (and live) more effectively!
You’ll see the kind of topics I cover in leadership training on this website. The vast majority of my leadership facilitation is delivered “in-house” in businesses, which firstly requires me to sit down with senior management and understand the business, the industry or the profession. I then discuss leadership needs and opportunities and undertake site visits if appropriate. It’s great to have management representatives be involved in the training so we’ll discuss how senior management and other key leaders in the business can be involved in the training, for instance as subject matter experts, or for senior leaders to talk about their own leadership journey. On the basis of this pre-work, we agree on the appropriate course content including the possibility of a work-based improvement project. I’d love to take your leaders on a journey of transformation- contact me to talk further about your leadership training requirements today!
Read The Video Transcript
Leadership Training Brochure (Glen Sharkey)
The attached Leadership Training Brochure highlights the nature of Glen’s leadership training, content and client feedback. Of particular interest may be the typical transformative shifts in team leaders’ thinking and behaviour as a result (p6).
"Glen you’re a superstar and we love having you part of our extended business!"
M.W. - GM HR, The Trusts
"Glen was absolutely inspiring to the leaders he trained"
B.O. - Mine Manager, Waihi Gold Mine
"There was universal acclaim for the course content, the course delivery and his ability to make the course a lot of fun yet full of learning at the same time"
B.O. - Mine Manager, Waihi Gold Mine
"He got people out of their comfort zone without anyone feeling ‘uncomfortable’"
B.O. - Mine Manager, Waihi Gold Mine
"He is an outstanding presenter"
B.O. - Mine Manager, Waihi Gold Mine
"Sharkey is one of those presenters that holds your attention with such ease and interest and you suddenly realise an hour has gone by and you still want to hear more"
T.W. - HR Manager, Farro
"He has an authentic and organic style that brings so much energy and enthusiasm that really engages his audience"
T.W. - HR Manager, Farro
"It's been life changing and has set us up well for progressing in life and our careers in the future"
Workshop Attendee - Farro
"The way in which Sharkey captivates and engages the audience is nothing short of amazing"
M.P. - Warehouse Manager, Dairy Goat Co-operative
"His ability to relate to all levels and gain trust and really entice people to speak openly and freely is a real talent"
M.P. - Warehouse Manager, Dairy Goat Co-operative
"He had people really sitting up and wanting to be involved"
M.P. - Warehouse Manager, Dairy Goat Co-operative
"His focus on pre-event planning and preparation results in amazing outcomes at his workshops"
G.S. - Exec Director, VINZ
"Glen is one of the best facilitators I have worked with in my career"
G.S. - Exec Director, VINZ
"He has an amazing facilitation style which puts attendees at ease and his use of storytelling and real word examples is his glue in achieving outcomes for his clients"
G.S. - Exec Director, VINZ
"We absolutely appreciate having Glen present and facilitate"
N.G - General Manager, Thales NZ
"We were thrilled with the quality and value of his presentations"
M.S. - CEO Indicator
"Glen is a true professional and one of the best presenters we have ever used. Highly recommend!"
M.S. - CEO Indicator
"Sharkey is a great presenter and teacher. He really does practice what he preaches in his use of stories, passion and humour to get his audience engaged"
M.H. - National Sales Manager, Autex
"More importantly showed us first-hand, how to connect with an audience and bring any subject matter to life to have greater impact"
M.H. - National Sales Manager, Autex Industries
"His presentation skills are above anything myself or my team had experienced"
M.H. - National Sales Manager, Autex Industries
"A lesson from the best"
M.H. - National Sales Manager, Autex Industries
"Glen Sharkey has and remains our preferred presenter for everything from leadership training to facilitated strategy sessions"
A.M. - General Manager HR, Steel & Tube
"(Glen) quickly established himself as a transformational provider to our organisation"
A.M. - General Manager HR, Steel & Tube
"He can relate to and influence every level of our organisation – he can keep difficult audiences engaged and challenged by demonstrating intelligent thinking in a highly pragmatic manner"
A.M. - General Manager HR, Steel & Tube
"Fun, charismatic, smart and professional"
A.M. - General Manager HR, Steel & Tube
"To be coached by Glen is a huge honour, given his massive speaking prowess"
Annah Stretton,Leading NZ fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and 2019 Finalist for New Zealander of the Year
"On my recommendation two of New Zealand top speakers are now working with Glen on their talks, presentations and workshops"
Mike Allsop, Everest Climber & 777 Athelete (7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents)
"Glen worked with me to build from scratch a completely new world class talk, new Intellectual property, other content such as a professional edited introduction video… and most importantly of all, a talk that now captures any audience in the first 15 seconds"
Mike Allsop, Everest Climber & 777 Athelete (7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents)
"Generous, highly capable and inspirational male with a very encouraging yet firmly motivational ability to move people forward in this space"
Annah Stretton,Leading NZ fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and 2019 Finalist for New Zealander of the Year
"To spend an hour with Glen is to drink from a fire hydrant of new ideas and be challenged and motivated. If you’re lucky enough to get the opportunity to work with him then grab the chance! (His books are awesome too!)"
Kevin Biggar, Atlantic Rowing Race World Record Holder, TV Reality Show Presenter
