Kellie Noon is the founder of Onno, a UK-based consultancy specialising in global communications and business. Kellie strongly believes in the importance of developing lasting connections through real understanding of local differences and genuine engagement.
A linguist and trainer who has worked with organisations across the globe, Kellie works on international business development which includes cross-cultural management and ‘International English’ training. Kellie also works as an assessor for the Institute of Translation and Interpreting and regularly supports the charity RefuAid.
Learn more about Kellie and the work she does by connecting with her on Linkedin and read about Onno on their website.
My first Freshwalks was actually booked in because I’d signed myself up for the trip to the Lakes last year and didn’t know anyone, so I booked on the first walk I could – it was Knowl Hill circular.
I wouldn’t be able to tell you – since my first event I’ve been back as often as I can and it’s now a part of my monthly schedule, with 2 a month if I can (sometimes more!).
It’s a great way to get out of the office but still have a productive day, so I don’t feel guilty about taking the time off. It’s also a way to meet people, share ideas, develop plans, and make new contacts. The bonus is that it’s outdoors, and I love to spend time out in the hills as much as possible.
I’m a huge fan of anything around Edale or Hayfield. Who isn’t?!
A hot drink, even when it’s boiling outside. I’ve also got a small bag of dates that seem to have been at the bottom of my bag forever too…
I have to say the recent post-walk beer and cheese in Old Glossop was a particular treat (the size of the cheese boards helped!). With having been in lockdown for so long I haven’t been able to sit and chat with people post-walk a lot and that was a really nice way to end the trip. I’m looking forward to being able to do that more now that things are opening up.
Some of the people I’ve met have:
This is really hard because even in the short time I’ve been going I’ve met so many fantastic people. I suppose the 3 I’m probably closest to already are:
It doesn’t feel like networking at all. I genuinely feel like I’m going for a walk with friends and a wider group of lovely people! I would never go back to an ordinary networking event knowing that Freshwalks is there. You make genuine connections in a really natural environment.
I think they tend to balance each other out quite naturally. As you’re walking you move in and out of conversations with different people, and based on the pace and difficulty there are usually a couple of short sections where you have a few minutes alone to think.
The conversations themselves tend to balance out between talking about work and then other interests and personal topics – people are genuinely interested in talking about more than just ‘what you do’.
I’d love to do more exploring over near Marsden. I think there’s a lot to explore on the Heritage Trail that I’d love to see.
Genuine, Fun, Effective.
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