Bill Osmond – MD of Phoenix, specialises in Management & Sales training

How long have you been a trainer?

15 years, I was trained as a trainer when I was a manager at The Independent, I enjoyed it so much that when I left I became a freelance trainer & then set up my own company about 6 months later.

Can you give me 5 top training tips?

i) Be prepared! – Know you subject

ii) The participants should contribute as much as you

iii) Do not lecture

iv) Make time to discuss personal/specific problems

v) Challenge the participants

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A footballer

What’s your favourite restaurant?

My mum’s house! – There was also a place in Calvi, Corsica but I can’t remember its name

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

My Dad said that however tricky things get – “there is always a solution”

What are you most proud of?

My family & my business

Describe your most embarrassing moment

I was trying to be helpful serving some tea to a course & ended up dropping the whole tray, cups, tea, sugar everywhere! The delegates on the course just sat & watched me clear it up

If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 things would you want with you?

Make it 4 & I would have my wife & 3 children! If only 3 then – a photo of my family, a DVD player & a copy of the 1989 football season!

What really annoys you?

Late equalisers when you think your team is going to win!

In your opinion, what makes a good trainer?

Personality

What is exciting you in the realm of learning & development currently?

The fact that training is becoming recognised as something that will help performance & not treated as a bit of a joke!

Do you use social media at all – Blog’s/Facebook/Twitter?

Twitter – I love it!