Margaret Parkin is an international speaker, learning and development consultant, executive coach and best-selling author of three books on the topic of ‘organisational storytelling’. She has helped scores of organisations, both in the UK and abroad, to create their own unique success stories, and is passionate about the need for positive storytelling! Margaret was one of the first trainers in the UK to use this fascinating and life-changing tool and is recognised as a pioneer in the field. Her first book, ‘Tales for Trainers’ was the first of its kind in the UK and remains a classic today, having been translated into 5 different languages.

She says:‘I assumed that, because I told stories as part of my training repertoire, that all trainers did the same thing. I’ll never forget the horrified look on the face of a trainer colleague when I first suggested that telling stories was a great way to help people to learn. He said, “You don’t do this with adults…surely.” People remember stories. They tap into our emotions, fire up our imagination and move us to action in a way that an everyday e-mail never could! Using stories can help people to understand complex issues and to make sense of their world and, most of all, stories can inspire us to make big changes in our lives.’

Storytelling is now more an accepted way of bringing about positive and long-lasting change, with more and more applications in the business world. Margaret says: ‘I work with individuals, teams and organisations to help resolve conflict, encourage teams to work together better, help senior executives envision the future, and to build and maintain an engaged, stable and motivated workforce – crucial now particularly during difficult times. I also teach Trainers, HR Managers and Coaches in how to use the skills of the storytellers.’

Margaret is a popular, highly entertaining and engaging public speaker. She has addressed conferences, events and organisations around the world - including The American Society for Training and Development, BBC Preput conference (Budapest), La Caixa Bank (Barcelona) The Chartered Management Institute, National Portrait Gallery, The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the Institute of Leadership and Management. She also tells lots of stories!


Testimonials
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“Margaret Parkin is a master of the storytellers’ art”
Modern Management magazine

“An incredibly skilled speaker…”
Manager, public sector

“Your enthusiasm, humour and willingness to share your skills are much appreciated!”
Training Manager, Health Authority

“..a stunning talk!”
CIPD member

“I don’t really think you need me to write and tell you how well your session went down! …An excellent demonstration of creating rapport.”
Management development manager, national retail organisation


“Excellent programme; fabulous delivery!”
Training manager, private health care company

“Margaret makes learning very easy – I can only aspire to that level of accomplishment!”
Staff trainer, national retail organisation

Best-selling author and international speaker, Margaret Parkin motivates and mobilises, challenges and inspires individuals, teams and organisations through her unique use of stories and metaphors.