Past Events

Fri, 29 Aug 2025

Skill Focus: Self-Marketing & Strategic Engagement

At M3 Job Club, we explored how intentional self-marketing and genuine connections can transform careers. Chris Woodward shared his journey from military service to consulting, entrepreneurship, and C-suite HR leadership, offering lived experience on how LinkedIn and authentic networking can unlock opportunities.

This highly practical session covered:
• Crafting Your Digital Identity – defining your authentic self, personal brand, and USP.
• Relationship Building That Converts – turning connections into meaningful opportunities.
• LinkedIn Mastery – boosting visibility, sparking engagement, and standing out as a professional.

We also had hands-on troubleshooting support to refine LinkedIn profiles, address engagement challenges, and strengthen our digital presence.

5 Key Takeaways

• Define Your USP Clearly – Know what makes you different and make it easy for others to understand.
Your Network = Your Greatest Asset – Relationships open doors that résumés can’t.
• Overcome Fears – Networking is a learning journey, not a one-time pitch.
• Lead with Empathy – Understand people, context, and organisations before you engage.
• Relationships & Rapport = Gold – It’s not about collecting contacts, it’s about building trust.

The big reminder? People hire people. Titles, CVs, and pitches matter, but it’s relationships and authentic engagement that create real opportunities.

If you’re looking to:

• Craft your digital identity
• Build meaningful connections that convert
• Master LinkedIn for visibility and influence
…then this event provided the strategies and frameworks to make it happen.

How do you approach networking—with strategy, empathy, or courage?

Fri, 22 Aug 2025

5 Key Takeaways from this morning’s M3 Job Club session

“Transforming Obstacles into Opportunity" with John Durrant, Human-Centric Engineering

Today’s discussion was packed with insights about navigating career transitions and turning challenges into opportunities.

My biggest learnings were:

• Resistance is futile - the quicker we embrace change, the faster we grow.
• Luck = Doing + Telling - consistent action and sharing your journey creates opportunities.
• Never trust a thought that occurs indoors - fresh perspectives often come from stepping outside.
• Physical activity matters - movement fuels both mental clarity and resilience.
• Consistency is key - growth is built day by day (21-day challenge, anyone?).

We also learnt to

·  Let go of regrets around redundancy or job loss and see it as a transition.
·  Build resilience strategies that blend professional growth with personal wellbeing.
·  Learn how to expand your “luck surface area” by showing up and sharing.
·  Align your job search with your authentic self.
·  Walk away with practical strategies, inspiring insights, and a renewed sense of possibility.

These reminders feel especially powerful in times of change. Small steps, taken consistently, really do add up.
 

Fri, 15 Aug 2025

Today's session became a deep dive into defining your Key Unique Abilities, as these are the foundation stones underpinning the process of creating an effective CV, the summary of which is the Personal Profile, also known as the 'elevator pitch'. With multiple steps and much deep thinking ahead, our members concluded that this topic was best divided into two sequential sessions; however, today's takeaways were defined as :

Key Unique Abilities, the prequel to Elevate and Own Your Introduction: 5 Empowering Takeaways
1.  Define Your Professional Abilities DNA
Uncover and articulate the unique blend of talents, strengths, and experiences that set you apart. Your key abilities are the foundation of your professional identity — own them with pride.
2. Quantify Your Impact
Back up your brilliance with numbers. Whether it’s revenue growth, client retention, or process improvements, use metrics to prove the value you bring and the difference you make.
3. Be Bold, Not Modest
This is your spotlight moment. Speak with conviction, showcase your achievements unapologetically, and embrace the opportunity to stand out. Confidence isn’t arrogance — it’s clarity.
4.  Build Confidence Through Clarity
The process of identifying and articulating your strengths fuels self-assurance. When you know your worth, you project it — and that creates a ripple effect of positive impact.
5.  Reinforce Self-Belief
Your unique abilities are not just professional tools — they’re proof of your resilience, growth, and excellence. Use them to strengthen your self-esteem and elevate your presence.
 

Fri, 8 Aug 2025

Reset & Rebuild: Interview Skills for Job Seekers with Tracy Fisher
If you've found yourself out of work — whether through redundancy, career breaks, or unexpected change — this session is designed to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
If you’re struggling with…

• Answering interview questions without freezing or rambling
• Managing nerves and rejection while rebuilding self-belief
• Figuring out what employers truly value in today’s market

Then this workshop is built for you.
You’ll leave feeling confident and equipped to…

• Deliver a punchy, professional personal pitch that reflects your strengths
• Navigate interview formats with ease, from recruiter calls to online panels
• Use the STAR method to craft impactful success stories employers will remember

With practical group exercises, peer support, and live feedback throughout, you’ll gain fresh strategies, renewed confidence, and one clear takeaway to put into action immediately.
 

Fri, 1 Aug 2025

Today’s session, Communicating Effectively with DiSC, presented by the club’s co-founder Nikki Wild, was as intriguing as it was illuminating, diving into the four character groups, their preferred operating styles, and roles in team dynamics. We explored emotional triggers—often invisible to the unknowing eye—and how they can spark unexpected reactions. Laughter sparked as we self-identified our dominant traits, grouped up, and compared notes on ‘tension partners.’ Most memorable? Learning how to defuse conflict through language tailored to each character’s lens.
 ? Key Takeaways from the Session

• Everyone operates differently—embracing diversity strengthens communication.
• Communication is a two-way street—consider the other person’s style when connecting.
• Adaptability is powerful—tailor your approach to suit your audience.
• DiSC brings clarity—making behaviours and preferences easier to understand.
• Perspective matters—how you see yourself may differ from how others see you.
• Growth is possible—profiles aren’t fixed; habits evolve and reshape how we show up.

These insights offer practical tools for self-awareness and adaptability—essential for building rapport with recruiters, responding effectively in interviews, and strengthening personal relationships with family and friends as our members navigate their return to work journey.
 

Fri, 25 Jul 2025

Goal Mapping your Career Success with Nikki Wild, FCMA CGMA.

We had a fantastic session today with Nikki Wild, who guided us through effective techniques for goal setting and strategic planning. She demonstrated how to create a clear roadmaps with achievable, well-defined steps, helping us stay focused and aligned with what truly matters to us.

Key Takeaways:

Reframe Fear into Empowerment: Shift fear-based thinking by rephrasing it as “I love that I can…”, transforming anxiety into motivation.

Emotional Ownership: Recognize that you have the power to choose your emotional response in any situation.

Feel Good: Simple techniques like deep breathing, exercising, and engaging the shoulder blades can help neutralize cortisol and boost serotonin levels.

Daily Goal Mapping: Using goal maps as daily visual reminders reinforces purpose and maintains momentum.

Mindset Reprogramming: Actively reshape your perspective by turning negative thoughts into positive ones, empowering you to respond rather than react.

This session was both practical and inspiring, offering tools we can apply immediately across all areas of life.
 

Fri, 18 Jul 2025

What a Cracking Night at the M3 Job Club Fire Walk! 

Friday’s Fire Walk was nothing short of electric—a night packed with purpose, spirit, and sizzling soles! So far, we've raised approximately £3,000 and counting!

It's a fantastic result, which directly fuel M3 Job Club’s mission to support our multi-skilled, ready-to-work members, as they navigate their way back into employment. That’s real impact, right there! 

Heroes on the Heat
Cheered on by a crowd bursting with energy, our bold Fire Walkers—led by Luke Murphy, MP—braved the fiery path not once, but three times. What began with hesitation turned into a full-blown empowerment journey. Their final walk radiated calm, confidence, and sheer strength. Huge applause to each brave soul who stepped up. 

Tunes, Teamwork & Top Vibes
Massive thanks to DJ Chris Murray, who had the crowd bouncing with his tunes and kept the atmosphere buzzing all night long. Our stellar volunteers, the project team of Xander, Chris, Barbara, and on the day volunteers Xander, Tracy, Farah, Joanna, Rosalind, Amanda C, Dave, his daughter Tilly, and Maxine, were the heartbeat of the evening—warm, welcoming, and absolutely brilliant. And a shoutout to Mark and the team at Basingstoke Sports and Social Club for hosting us with care and flair.

Gratitude Galore
We couldn’t have done it without our amazing partners:

• Barbara Payne (Digital House MD) – for the bold, eye-catching event artwork
• Paul Bennett (Metis) – for the skip hire
• Scott and Diane Bell (UK Firewalk) – for running the challenge with professional flair
• Our heartfelt thanks to Basingstoke and Deane Council and its Councillors for their steadfast commitment and continued support.

And of course, our fantastic raffle prize wranglers, Joanna, Simon, Xander, Farah, Penny and all,  and the generous local businesses and community members, who donated an incredible range of prizes—golf days, gym passes, meals out, beauty kits, bottles, dog walking spaces, and more!

Congratulations, one and all, for a fantastic event on many levels! Here's to the next one :)

The fire may have cooled, but the energy and impact will burn bright for a long time to come. ?
 

Fri, 18 Jul 2025

Last week at the M3 Job Club, we had an incredibly insightful workshop hosted by IncuHive and led by business expert Andy Pringle.

Thinking of starting your own business but not sure where to begin?
This session was designed to offer real-world guidance to anyone exploring self-employment or in the early stages of their startup journey.

The Key Takeaways from the session were:

• The importance of building rapport and control in early business conversations
• How to set timescales and markers for progress and accountability
• Why a strong pipeline and accurate forecasting are essential from day one

Whether you're in the idea stage or just launched, the workshop delivered straightforward advice on:

• Validating your business idea
• Understanding legal and financial setup
• Finding and keeping your first customers

If you're considering self-employment or want to ensure your startup has a solid foundation. this one was a game-changer.

Thanks again to Andy and IncuHive for delivering such a valuable experience.

Fri, 11 Jul 2025

? Master Your Job Search with an AI Edge
In Assemble Your AI Squad: Mastering Job Search Efficiency, participants learned to turn AI into a powerhouse ally. Here are the top tips from the session :

• ? Protect Your Privacy
  • Never share confidential or personal details with AI.
• ?? Make It Sound Like You
  • Read AI outputs closely and rewrite in your own tone and language.
  • Infuse “burstiness”—that natural, human rhythm—to boost relatability.
• ? Tackle the Blank Page
  • Use AI to spark ideas when you’re stuck, but guide it with intention.
• ? Be Specific & Clear
  • Craft strong, directive prompts for better, tailored responses.
  • The more focused you are, the more useful AI becomes.
• ? Engage Beyond the ‘Like’
  • Don’t just tap the thumbs-up—comment, collaborate, and spark conversation.
• ? Take the Lead
  • AI is your ally, but you’re the strategist. Shape the output to reflect your goals, values, and personality.

Fri, 4 Jul 2025

 

Fri, 27 Jun 2025

Last Friday's session by Patricia Fox FCCA of Figurefox Chartered Certified Accountants was a masterclass in simplifying the obligations and implications of different trading structures. Our ever-engaged, keen-to-contribute-to-the-economy members were led clearly through the various structures, using a simple, non-accounting language and engaging imagery. 

A plethora of questions and insights resulted, some of which were :
? Key Takeaways for Setting Up on Your Own

• IR35: Navigate Carefully

Deciding whether to operate inside or outside IR35 can be complex and consequential. Seek clarity early to avoid surprises.

• Choose Your Trading Structure Wisely

Sole trader, limited company, partnership—each has pros, cons, and legal responsibilities. Match your structure to your business goals.

• Professional Advice is Essential

Engage an accountant or advisor before things get messy. Early guidance keeps your balance sheet under control and supports smarter financial decisions.

• Budget for HMRC from Day One

Stay ahead of your tax obligations by budgeting from the outset. Avoid the stress of unexpected bills or compliance issues.

• Starting Solo Isn’t as Daunting as It Seems

With the right mindset and preparation, launching your own business is achievable. What matters most is having a product or service people want—and knowing how to reach them and win their trust.

Look out for a complementary session in July when we’ll explore the reality of working for yourself - The Good, The Bad And The Unexpected with Andy Pringle
 

Fri, 20 Jun 2025

Today’s ‘Growth Mindset for career success’ had the solution-focused, ready-to-work members engaging in 1-2-1 and group brainstorming exercises, discovering strategies to address commonly experienced challenges. Some of the many innovative and tested solutions they came up with were:

• Target the hidden job market by exploring less obvious opportunities.
• Structure your day using small, manageable tasks and time blocks.
• Volunteer to gain purpose, boost your self-worth, and stay connected.
• Embrace new experiences with a growth mindset to discover new paths.
• View this life phase as growth-oriented, not just a transition.
• Create a designated job-search zone to maintain balance and protect other areas of your life.

Thanks to guest @Hannah Bowen of Clarion Futures who came to share details of the complementary services available and participated in the session with our members, and Stewart Johnstone, ATS Group who came to introduce their training opportunities.
 

Fri, 13 Jun 2025

The CV Conundrum session, part of the “Skill: Practical Employability” series, offers a rare and valuable behind-the-scenes look at how Recruiters, HR and Hiring Managers truly interact with CVs. Featuring expert insights from Tracy Fisher of Otter Jobs and Felix Obadaki of M923 Consulting, the panel will provide practical strategies to help you stand out in a competitive market. 
Top 3 Takeaways: 

1. See Through the Eyes of a Hirer 
   You'll witness, in real time, how hiring professionals scan and interpret CVs, understand what catches their attention first to what gets skipped over entirely. This session demystifies the decision-making process and highlights the importance of structure and clarity. 

2. Insights from All Angles 
   With perspectives from seasoned recruiters and peer feedback from fellow attendees, members will gain a well-rounded understanding of what makes a CV effective across industries and roles. Tracy and Felix  will share contrasting approaches, proving there’s no one-size-fits-all.  However there is a right fit for each job. 

3. Understand the Review Process 
   The session   will break down the actual steps CVs go through once submitted — including the initial skim, the shortlisting phase, and deeper evaluations. This clarity empowers you to tailor your CVs more strategically for each stage of review. 

Facilitator & Host Amanda Fisackerly  
 

Fri, 6 Jun 2025

The session by Matthew Sheerin, The Skills Detector, delivered some great takeaways for the supremely skilled, ready-to-work members of M3 Job Club :
1.     Adopt a Growth Mindset
Believe in your ability to learn and evolve. Every challenge is a chance to grow stronger, smarter, and more capable.
2.     Practice Relentlessly & Self-Coach
Mastery comes from consistent effort. Reflect, refine, and push yourself to improve every day—you're your best coach!
3.     Unlock Your Potential with The Skills Detector: CALLS
Explore your Career, Attitude, Likes, Loves, and Self to uncover hidden strengths and passions that fuel your success.
4.     Bridge the Gap: Analyse Job Skills vs. Your Skills
Be strategic—compare your current skills with those in your dream roles. Spot the gaps, then go fill them!
5.     Know Your Value—and Your Values
Understand what you bring to the table and what truly matters to you. Confidence and clarity are your superpowers.

Fri, 30 May 2025

 

Fri, 23 May 2025

Another informative session of two excellent halves by James Morrish and Darren Rolfe, as part of M3 Job Club's premier business collaboration partner, Lenovo's CSR programme on Friday. The topic was AI in the Workplace, highly topical and well attended as always.

Key Takeaways from the "How AI Works" Session ?
*Always Proofread AI Outputs
AI can be incredibly helpful, but it's not perfect. Double-check everything it generates—especially when accuracy matters.
*Use Copilot to Boost Productivity
Tools like Microsoft Copilot can streamline tasks, from writing and research to summarising and brainstorming. Think of it as your digital co-pilot.
* Explore with DuckDuckGo
For private, ad-free searching, DuckDuckGo is a great alternative. It’s especially useful when researching without being tracked.
* Leverage AI in Your Job Search
From refining your CV to preparing for interviews, AI can be a powerful ally in navigating the job market. Use it to stand out and stay ahead.

*AI is a tool—not a replacement. Use it wisely, creatively, and ethically.

Contact M3 Job Club now if you want your company to achieve the business benefits of a thriving CSR or ESG programme.

Fri, 16 May 2025

 

Fri, 9 May 2025

 

Fri, 2 May 2025

 

Fri, 25 Apr 2025