The Power of Words
Well-chosen words allow every voice to be heard. They unify, uplift and inspire hope.
As a child, I was inspired to express myself by learning poems, experimenting with song lyrics, and doing logic problems, word puzzles and anagrams.
When I became a senior executive, words were my secret skill. I wrote poems to summarise training sessions and wowed colleagues with spontaneous verse.
As a performance poet I’ve now featured and headlined at global events and poetry slams and I co-host Prickly Pear – an accessible online open mic event for those with disabilities. I’ve also translated my love of well-chosen words into my role as Business Poet and Keynote Speaker.
If you’d like me to speak or perform at your conference, award ceremony or event rates start from £1500.
Conferences and Events
Business leaders who use poetry to inspire, motivate and engage are in good company – President Obama received poetry coaching to elevate his speeches.
THE SPOKEN WORD FINALE
Summarising your event with The Spoken Word Finale is the ultimate way to end a conference on a high. Maya Angelou was so right – people will forget what you said, forget what you did, but will never forget how you made them feel. The Spoken Word Finale will make your event unforgettable.
KEYNOTES on CREATIVITY and NEURODIVERSITY
A specially themed keynote presented using the Pecha Kucha structure of 20 slides at 20 seconds a slide. A fast paced, engaging and mesmerising talk on your conference theme. Keynotes that highlight how to unlock creativity through Neuroinclusion.
(Photo credit Andreea Tufescu Photography)
If Kate has presented a poem at an event you have attended and you would like a copy of it, we can provide a dual branded version for just £49!
Credited photographers – Andrew Collier (TEDx Warrington) and Andreea Tufescu Photography (third image)
CORPORATE AND TEAM BUILDING POETRY WORKSHOPS
Poetry is an invaluable resource in the workplace, helping you to connect diverse teams and increase strategic thinking. There are many ways you can integrate a POETIC© insight into your organisation. Most popular are our Resilience and Wellbeing workshops and team building events at retreats for Coaches and People Leaders.
The scientific bit
You don’t see poetry in business
So it doesn’t exist
Yet it does.
Poetry is truth.
When you seek the one truth
The beauty of a perfect ratio
The joy of the win-win scenario
The plan everyone wants to follow
It was a POETIC © way of thinking
That made it so.
© Kate Jenkinson 2023
Selected published works
We don’t employ poets here - DisruptHR Ignite Talk
Poetic License for Leadership - DisruptHR Ignite Talk
A spoken word reflection of a purpose vision and values coaching session
When Grandpa Built Sandcastles and Memories of Grandpa
POETRY NOT POWERPOINT PODCAST
POETRY NOT POWERPOINT is a Podcast hosted by John Brewer (The Conference Bard) and Kate Jenkinson (Business Poet at Next Step HR).
We will be bringing you compelling conversations with poets and spoken word artists from around the world. Each will share some of their work and we will discuss what inspires them and how they approach their craft. Our guests will vary. Some are business consultants who use poetry as part of their practice, others are full time spoken word artists who speak to a variety of audiences and everything in between.
Core to these conversations is an exploration of how you can use poetry in business – whether it is to inspire a conference audience, think more creatively about leadership, inspire innovation, or to celebrate successes and milestones. During these podcasts, we demonstrate and discuss the power of verse to inspire, inform, connect people, and drive creativity among individuals, teams, and organisations.
Why? The title says it all – As hosts we firmly believe business events would benefit from featuring more poetry and fewer PowerPoint presentations. We also believe in the validity of poetry as a medium wherever PowerPoint might be used – and elsewhere. We will discuss the use of poetry in one-on-one coaching, team building, as well as an alternative to traditional presentations at conferences.
Today’s leadership calls for authenticity, vulnerability, emotional engagement, trust, honesty and great communication skills. Poets exhibit all of this and more…
This first episode features John and I discussing our own work and our plans for the series.
Click the link below to view/listen to our introductory episode:-
poetry in business workshops
Connect and reflect sessions focused on resilience. Themes include Perseverance, Positive Relationships, Balance, Honesty, Humour, Compassion, Confidence and Flexibility.
Spoken Word Finales
End your conference or event with impact!
Spoken Word Finales surprise and delight, leaving audiences on a powerful emotional high.
Contact me to learn more
Keynotes
I will find the poetry in your business – themed keynotes delivered in a Pecha Kucha format inspire and engage your audience. Themes include Neurodiversity and Inclusion. All Talks created with your event in mind.
Contact me to learn more
USING THE POWER OF WORDS
TESTIMONIALS
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