The Wisdom Exchange

What is it?

The Wisdom Exchange is a forum for discussion and idea exchange, intellectual stimulation and thought challenge. It is just one hour in your month when you can set aside everything else and immerse yourself in the joy of words and wisdom. We are all capable of thought leadership; this is the place to start, to enjoy it, to contribute to others and distil the wisdom from each unique experience.

The ancient Greeks considered wisdom to be an important virtue, personified by the goddesses Metis and Athena. Aristotle, in Metaphysics, defined wisdom as understanding why things are a certain way (causality), which is deeper than merely knowing that things are a certain way.

The Purpose

The primary purpose is thought expansion and provocation; and, learning from each other, from the benefit of our collective experience, knowledge and wisdom.

The Values

The values of The Wisdom Exchange are curiosity, generous listening, a receptive mind and participation.

How does it work?

Each session will be allocated a specific topic. I will gently facilitate the discussion, in an informal manner. A little bit of structure will ensure that you can all contribute and get heard.

Examples of the topics we have discussed have included Authenticity, Attachment, Complaint, Anger, Feminism, our relationship to Time, to Money; Roads Not Taken and Have I Done Enough.

The discussion takes place online in small groups of no more than six participants, for one hour per month.

Mechanics – The Practical Stuff

The Wisdom Exchange groups meet once a month for an hour, currently on a weekday early evening.

If you are interested in finding out whether it’s for you, join one of our monthly sessions on a trial basis. If you decide to become a member, there is a monthly fee payable in advance by Standing Order.

The fee is £28.50 which includes half an hour of coaching per month with me, if you choose to use it.

All the sessions are conducted online using Zoom.

Wisdom – noun /’wizdem/

The quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgement; the quality of being wise.
Similar: sagacity, sageness, intelligence, understanding, insight, perception.

The fact of being based on sensible or wise thinking.

The body of knowledge and experience that develops within a specified society or period.
Similar: knowledge, learning, erudition, scholarship, philosophy, law.

Wisdom

Wisdom, sapience, or sagacity is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight.

Wisdom is associated with attributes such as unbiased judgement, compassion, experiential self-knowledge, self-transcendence and non-attachment; and virtues such as ethics and benevolence.

- Wikipedia

Testimonials

"I’ve been part of the Wisdom Exchange for about a year and it’s a monthly hour that I treasure and always ensure I keep clear in my diary.

The group is small, which means that you get to hear everyone - and really listen to everyone. It’s a humble, open minded, honest conversation space. It’s not about debating, it’s not about opposing, arguing or showing off. It’s gently opening up your mind to a variety of topics to be dissected, from a semantic, human and a personal perspective. The group dynamic contributes to a deeper understanding. It’s not complicated or scary, it balances on just the right level of light hearted and deep, and you walk away feeling both embraced and a wee bit wiser."

M.E.

"The Wisdom Exchange has allowed me to grow in confidence by openly discussing ideas, beliefs and feelings around different subjects.

I learn greater awareness about various subject matters and have a greater understanding of other members’ points of view and experience."

M.V.

"Wisdom Exchange is great fun and provides the opportunity to challenge ones thinking around a variety of topics. The material for each session is thought provoking and carefully curated by Helen to stimulate discussion in a supportive atmosphere. I would recommend Wisdom Exchange to anyone who is looking for something that is both enjoyable and a challenge to long established thoughts."

F.H.

About me

It was during the Covid lock down that I found myself bored with my own ability to find intellectual stimulation on my own. I had read myself to a standstill and was craving discussion, exchange of ideas, inspiration and wisdom. That is why the Wisdom Exchange was born.

Language has been a lifelong passion of mine, having grown up multilingual in multiple cultures by parents who were both teachers of language. My father spoke twelve, my mother five!

I am frustrated by the sparse use of the English language in our communications with one another – it is a rich and expressive language, wasted for the most part. So, part of my reason for founding the Wisdom Exchange was to encourage the exploration of our language and develop curiosity for it.

My professional life embodies the use of distinctions in language, which allow my clients better to understand the challenges that they are dealing with. For instance, understanding the difference between leadership and management is a crucial distinction in the development and growth of any organisation; equally, as a business owner or employee, that difference could (and does) make the difference between success and failure.

I have had the privilege to spend the last forty years of my life supporting and encouraging organisations and individuals to find their own integrity. By challenging assumptions (we all make them), I can help people to remove the obstructions to performance, to growth, to fulfilment and success. I design and deliver development programmes, coach teams and Boards, work with leaders and entrepreneurs to transform their limiting beliefs into focused, purpose driven, productive action.

Find out more about me and my services on my website here »

Join us

If you are interested in joining us, contact me on the email address below to arrange a trial session.

wisdomexchange@helenguinness.com