Jan 24, 2025
It really is as simple as trainers should be properly qualified. Thank you to those who have emailed us questions about who our trainers are, and who is and who isn’t qualified. I’ll answer those questions for you now.
I am always told that sometimes I would do myself more favours and probably earn more money for myself, by being ‘softer’, ‘easier’, or not as ‘indignant’, when I hear blatant lies or exaggeration out there in the world.
You can probably tell, this is going to be a bit of a rant-brace yourself!
Let’s improve the training across the firewalk and empowerment industry
By reading this and engaging with us, you simply must be a person who wants to improve themselves. And in doing so, wants to improve the lives of those you touch, in an even more credible and authentic way. I salute you!
You may actually be my competition, because if I help you to be awesome, you’ll no doubt be trying to compete in some circles for the same business as me. But you know what, that doesn’t matter, because you’ve raised the bar, and the whole industry has improved on average.
But what really ticks me off, is when people try to copy the great work we do to improve ourselves, but want to do it without investing the money, and without investing the time.
So, just so that you can be absolutely certain that we completely value the time and investment you make with us, we’d like you to know some facts.
Firewalk training facts:
Firstly, there is only one institution in the UK that set out to purposefully train people to facilitate firewalking events, and that organisation is ours, Firewalk UK. Having been trained by Tolly Burkan, of The Firewalking Institute which was the original body that set out to train firewalking instructors. We were all trained to the basic standard by The Institute who firmly believed that trainers should be properly qualified.
Secondly, there are a number of Master Trainers, around the world, who have persevered and paid to be trained to the next level. Firewalk UK holds Master Certifying status. Some have let their certifications lapse, but there are only about a dozen of us in the world, and we know who they are. In the UK, there is no one that trains to our standard.
Firstly, anyone else who claims that they are competent to train anyone in this field, have all learned only to produce an event.
In order to be qualified (in the same way any teacher is qualified), you have to go through a thorough facilitation training, where you are assessed, measured, tested for safety information transference, and mentored by a collection of people. You have to train to teach, as well as learn the latest advances in the scientific and business community world, so that you can be accepted credibly, otherwise, you’ll just end up selling for the lowest fees possible.
It is worth remembering that not long ago, a businessman, who ‘modelled’ the firewalk seminar- in other words copied it, without taking the course, ended up sending most of his Eagle Star Insurance delegates to hospital!
Comparing good with bad
However, if you are in business, you will know that you can only really comment on what is out there, when you get a testimonial from someone who has done both courses, to compare them.
So last year, we received a call from a very unhappy delegate, saying that he had received training to be a Firewalk Instructor, and felt that the training was wholly inadequate and that he couldn’t believe that what we had promised him from us, was what he had received.
Of course, he had bought the course, because it was cheap, and because he had been sold on the quantity of work the Firewalking Trainer had done, rather than the quality of his work, or quality of his training.
Well, I’ll leave the rest to be explained by OUR delegate. He came onto our course, and afterward was so livid at how much he was mis-sold the quality of the material, training, interaction, and safety, he wrote to us, and to this previous provider and gave him both barrels. He couldn’t believe how succoured he’d been.
Now, I am a firm believer in awesome quality and these are two of my mantras:
Price
There is nothing in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and he who considers price only is that man’s lawful prey.
John Ruskin (1819 – 1900)
Quality
Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, severe effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives.
William A Bernhardt
So, of course we have a 100% guarantee.
Now, if you want to train to do this fantastic event, to make sure that trainers should be properly qualified, I can promise you that if you cannot do it here in the UK, I will tell you who is the best person in your country, or close to your country. That’s my promise, and if you call us, and are open with us, we’ll tell you, because if you’re going to be changing people’s lives for the better, we want you to do it in the best way possible. That’s in our interest as well!
Okay, that’s it rant over, and we look forward to meeting you as a future superstar of empowerment in the future, if you want to look conscientiously at this path.
Steve Consalvez
Aug 14, 2024
Digging Deep into Trainer Credibility: In the realm of personal and professional development, the allure of self-improvement is powerful. We’re bombarded with promises of unlocking our potential, achieving peak performance and mastering the art of success. But before we dive headfirst into a course or workshop, a crucial question arises: how qualified is the person teaching us?
Just like we wouldn’t trust a heart surgeon who learned their trade from a YouTube video, we shouldn’t blindly trust any trainer who claims to hold the key to our success. A reputable trainer is not just a charismatic speaker or a compelling writer – they are a beacon of knowledge, experience and proven results.
The Importance of Due Diligence
Investing time and money in self-improvement is a worthwhile endeavour. However, it’s an investment that deserves careful consideration. Jumping into a course without researching the trainer’s credentials is like buying a car without checking the engine. You might end up with a lemon, leaving you disappointed and frustrated.
Here’s why digging deep into a trainer’s credibility is essential:
1. Ensuring Quality Content: A credible trainer is not just a regurgitator of information. They are a seasoned expert who has dedicated years to understanding and refining their field. They can provide valuable insights, real-world applications and evidence-based strategies, making their course a truly enriching experience.
2. Gaining Practical Expertise: It’s one thing to read about a concept; it’s entirely another to experience it from someone who has walked the path themselves. A trainer with practical expertise can guide you through real-life scenarios, offer tailored advice and provide valuable feedback, helping you truly internalise the knowledge.
3. Building Trust and Confidence: Knowing that you’re learning from a respected professional builds trust and confidence in the process. This translates into increased motivation, a deeper understanding of the material and a higher likelihood of applying the teachings to your life.
4. Avoiding Wasted Time and Resources: Choosing a trainer without proper research can lead to a course that is poorly structured, irrelevant or simply a waste of time. By researching their credentials, you can ensure you’re investing your time and money wisely, getting the most value out of your learning experience.
The Pillars of Trainer Credibility
So, how do you assess the credibility of a potential trainer? Look for these key pillars:
1. Experience: How long has the trainer been practicing in their field? Do they have a track record of successful implementations? What kind of experience do they bring to the table?
2. Education and Certification: What formal education do they possess? Are they certified by reputable organisations in their area of expertise? This demonstrates a commitment to continual learning and professional development.
3. Client Testimonials and Reviews: What do previous students say about the trainer’s teaching style, content and effectiveness? Websites like Trustpilot, Google Reviews and LinkedIn can offer valuable insights into their reputation.
4. Publications and Achievements: Has the trainer authored books, articles or research papers? Have they won awards or recognitions for their work? These achievements highlight their expertise and commitment to contributing to their field.
5. Network and Affiliations: Are they connected to respected organisations or influencers in their industry? Do they actively participate in professional events and conferences? This indicates a desire to stay at the forefront of their field and be part of a community of knowledge sharing.
Beyond the Basics: Unveiling the Hidden Gems
While digging deep into trainer credibility via formal credentials is essential, there are other aspects that can unveil a trainer’s true potential:
* Passion and Enthusiasm: A passionate and enthusiastic trainer can truly inspire and motivate learners, making the learning process more engaging and enjoyable.
* Communication Style: Does the trainer’s communication style resonate with you? Are they clear, concise and able to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand?
* Transparency and Honesty: Does the trainer openly share their limitations and areas of expertise? Do they acknowledge when they don’t have all the answers? This demonstrates authenticity and a commitment to providing accurate information.
Investing in Your Growth
By taking the time to research a trainer’s credibility, you’re making a wise investment in your personal and professional growth. You’re choosing to learn from someone who has earned their place as a trusted guide, ensuring that your learning journey is enriching, impactful and ultimately leads to tangible results.
So, before you click that “enroll” button, remember: due diligence is not just an option, it’s an investment in your future.
Read all about experts we work with such as Dan Brulé
Read all about us and our credentials here.
Dec 1, 2023
How CPD Benefits Small Businesses in the Well-being Industry. In the rapidly evolving business landscape, continual professional development has become paramount for small business owners and sole traders to thrive. This is particularly true for those in the well-being industry, such as well-being practitioners, life coaches and yoga teachers. By learning new practices and incorporating them into their offerings, professionals in these areas can not only enhance their own well-being but also grow their audience, sales and profitability. Here, we will explore the power of CPD in enhancing the offerings of well-being practitioners, focusing specifically on breath work and firewalking.
1. Evolving Practices: The Need for CPD:
In the well-being industry, trends and client demands are constantly evolving. To stay relevant and surpass competitors, practitioners must continuously update their skills and expand their knowledge. Through CPD, professionals can gain exposure to advanced techniques that offer unique experiences to their clients. This creates a significant competitive advantage, allowing them to attract a larger audience and increase their sales.
2. Breath Work: Harnessing the Power within:
Breath work, which involves consciously controlling and manipulating one’s breath, has gained significant recognition in recent years for its profound impact on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Well-being practitioners who incorporate breath work into their offerings empower their clients to better manage stress, improve focus and cultivate a sense of calmness. By investing in CPD and becoming certified in breath work techniques, practitioners can differentiate themselves from others and create more meaningful experiences for their clients.
3. Firewalking: Igniting Transformation:
Firewalking is an ancient practice that has seen resurgence in popularity among well-being practitioners, life coaches and yoga & meditation teachers. Firewalking sessions, when done safely, offer powerful opportunities for personal transformation and growth. By mastering firewalking techniques through CPD programs, professionals create memorable, life-changing experiences for their clients. This unique offering sets them apart from competitors and encourages repeat business, thereby increasing profitability.
4. Growing Profitability: Expanding the Client Base:
CPD provides professionals in the well-being industry with direct access to an expanded network of like-minded individuals. Through attending certification courses, conferences, and workshops, practitioners can connect with peers, industry experts, and potential collaborators. This network becomes a fertile ground for referrals, creating valuable cross-promotional opportunities that drive new client acquisitions and ultimately increase profitability.
5. Building Trust and Confidence:
In the well-being industry, trust and confidence are essential to success. By investing in CPD, professionals demonstrate their commitment to staying at the forefront of their field, instilling confidence in both existing and potential clients. Additionally, the knowledge gained through CPD enhances professionals’ expertise, enabling them to provide evidence-based recommendations, tailored guidance, and personalized sessions that resonate deeply with their clients’ needs.
Reece Smith is a Health and Fitness Coach at Ready and a Personal Coach at One Positive Step. He took part in our Firewalking Instructor Training and BreathPower courses earlier this year and recently sent Firewalk UK this testimonial:
“21 nurses for a wellness and mindfulness day. Yoga, Breathwork, arrow break, lemon demonstration and also the post note… I did a 30 minute demonstration using Steve and Barry’s ideas, presentation techniques. The feedback has been unbelievable already! Buzzing! Thank you to you all, thank you Barry, thank you Steve, I am a more confident than ever in presenting….”
Breath work session during a well-being day for NHS nurses.
Arrow breaking during a well-bring day for NHS nurses.
Conclusion:
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, continued professional development has emerged as a catalyst for growth and profitability in the well-being industry. CPD benefits small businesses by incorporating practices such as breath work and firewalking into their offerings, meaning coaches and teachers can better serve their clients and attract a larger audience. The investment in CPD not only empowers practitioners to enhance their skills but also solidifies their position as trusted experts, fosters growth, and ultimately leads to long-term success.
Could this be you? Please get in touch on 01733 736301 if we can help you to grow your business.
