News & Views

So Linda, you have become a regular speaker on DNA over the past years – what do you enjoy about training on DNA?

Lots of things come to mind.  Their enthusiasm, the challenge of sometimes speaking on subjects some of them don't think is relevant (!); opportunity to be involved in what you guys are doing in something as effective as DNA.  Ultimately, I just love having opportunity to impart life to people, whether its life skills or what I see as truth.

What, apart from the alarm clock gets you up in the morning?

My immediate response is Baz returning from his 6.30 visit to the gym each morning, but I suspect you're looking for something a liitle more inspirational than that!  The truth is, being self employed you have to be self motivated to get up in the morning.  Sometimes its the pressures of a deadline, sometimes the reality of needing to pay bills.  Sometimes its a really exciting project that I'm involved in.  If the question is about what motivates me? - In its most basic form, bringing life to people, whether its giving them life skills, walking with them as they let God free them up from fears and holds from the past, or giving them value by listening. I love seeing people move forward - that's it really.

What do you do for a job?

I'm a freelance trainer and facilitator, providing management & personal skills training to groups and coaching individuals.  It also involves facilitating group discussions, for example if a management or Trustee team need to discuss the way forward I'll go in as an objective, external person who'll guide & facilitate the day without getting involved in the content of their discussions.  I'm also on the leadership team of The Eccles, involved in pastoral, teaching & general direction.  Lastly, I'm a volunteer listener at our local GP surgery, providing a service to patients who would benefit from talking through issues in their lives. 

Who would you most like to meet?

This is a really difficult question.  There are lots of people that are inspirational - authors, business leaders, musicians, Joyce Meyer, and so the list goes on.  However, the main person that came to mind was The Dr - the landlord of a particular ghetto we visit in Romania regularly - to ask him how he can justify charging rent for homes that don't provide basic shelter.

What is the one dream that you'd like to see realized in your lifetime?

This sounds like a Miss World question, and the answer should be World Peace!  In my simpler understanding? - that my life has made a difference for others. 

You live in Sheffield – is it Wednesday or United?

Sorry, I am so not a football fan.  In fact, I've only ever been to 2 matches.  Once to watch Baz play in a local league (I left at half time I was so cold & bored); and the second time to see Darlington (Baz's team) in the playoffs at Wembley, just before they pulled it down.  A historic moment!

Tea or coffee?

 If its real coffee, coffee everytime.  If its instant coffee, tea!

Red or white wine?

Champagne! 

Dance music or rock music?

Neither.  I'm a great fan of Jazz - melodic stuff such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone.  And I also have a love of most things classical, particularly full scale requiems, opera and the contrast of an orchestra against a single instrument in concertos.  When I'm not working you'll find me singing around the house or in a local pub!