Lifting the Lid on Engagement

Lifting the Lid on Magical Moments, Global Impact and Legacy - with Becky HirstIn this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Max Hardy and Michelle Weston sit down with Becky Hirst - founder of HeyEngage, author, podcaster, keynote speaker and one of the most recognised voices in community engagement globally - to explore the magical moments that keep practitioners going, what it takes to build a global impact, and the legacy one of our sector's most passionate advocates is determined to leave behind.From her early days as a community involvement officer in Gloucester in 1999, through to a breast cancer diagnosis that sharpened her focus and urgency, Becky shares the insights, frustrations and moments of magic that have shaped nearly three decades of extraordinary practice.Key TopicsThe journey into community engagement - and what keeps practitioners goingWhy engagement skills are hard skills, not soft onesThe "flip" - turning sceptics into advocatesThe slogans problem and the razzle dazzle trappings of the sectorPodcasting as a tool for learning, connection and global reachNavigating a breast cancer diagnosis while running a global practiceThe future of community engagement - deconstructed, human and back to basicsGetting engagement to the board table and into the C-suiteLegacy, scale and reaching every corner of the worldChapters00:00 Introduction03:37 Becky's journey into community engagement06:35 Moments of magic — what keeps practitioners going11:26 Frustrations in the sector12:56 The podcasting journey — from Thought Bubbles to For the Love of Community Engagement19:00 Personal challenges and community engagement21:00 The future of community engagement — 2040 and beyond24:33 Advice for new practitioners28:18 Looking ahead: strategic and executive-level engagement31:19 Getting engagement to the board table33:20 Profound questions in community engagement34:17 The slogans problem35:13 The changing nature of citizens and institutions36:23 Going where the people are37:47 Community engagement and democracy39:29 The emotional cost on practitioners40:47 Legacy and scale42:27 A global perspective from an Australian home baseFind Becky Hirst at any of the links below:Website: heyengage.worldFor the Love of Community Engagement podcast on Spotify | Apple PodcastsBreast cancer episode (Season 5, Ep 4): Listen hereFor the Love of Community Engagement — the book: Amazon AU | BooktopiaCommunity Engagement Bootcamp: heyengage.world/bootcampYouTube (Thought Bubbles): beckyhirstconsulting.com.au/contactGlobal Community Engagement Day (28 January): nationaltoday.comLinkedIn: Becky Hirst.Want us to lift the lid on a topic - or deliver a Navigating Tricky Interactions training in your organisation?You can contact us at:Max Hardy - [email protected] Weston - [email protected] the Lid is recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Custodians of this land.

In this engaging conversation, Max Hardy and Michelle Weston explore the complexities of community engagement, emphasising the importance of a leap of faith, agility, and shared responsibility in navigating unpredictable processes. They share real-world stories, practical tips, and insights to help practitioners build trust, resilience, and meaningful connections in their work. Key Topics The concept of leap of faith in community work Managing unpredictability and surprises in engagement processes Building trust and respect through valuing contributions The importance of shared responsibility and humility Real world stories of engagement successes and setbacks Chapters 04:24 - Navigating Uncertainty in Engagement Processes 09:43 - The Impact of External Factors on Engagement 13:47 - Shifting Mindsets: From Risk to Opportunity 15:54 - Understanding Control in Engagement Processes 21:14 - The Power of Reflection in Engagement 23:16 - Top Tips for Effective Community Engagement 24:52 - Ending notesThe fantastic Liz Mackevicius was mentioned in the conversation. Click here if you would like to read her blogs or subscribe to her newsletter. Want us to ‘lift the lid’ on a topic - or deliver a ‘navigating tricky interactions' training in your organisation? You can contact us at:⁠Max Hardy⁠  ⁠[email protected]⁠or⁠Michelle Weston⁠ ⁠[email protected]

In this first ‘Lifting the Lid’ podcast episode hosted by Michelle Weston and Max Hardy – Liz Weaver discusses her extensive experience with transitions in both personal and professional contexts, particularly through her work with the Tamarack Institute. The discussion explores Liz's fantastic new resource The Human Side of Workplace Transitions including the emotional complexities of transitions, the importance of agency and the need for effective communication and community engagement during times of change. Liz emphasises the significance ofending well and building trust among allies to navigate transitions successfully. The conversation also touches on the impact of environmental changes on communities and the necessity of self-care during these processes.Links:Liz Weaver’s The Human Side of Workplace TransitionsLiz Weaver's Collaboration: Beginnings and Endings The Tamarack Institute Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lifting Lid Podcast and Guest LizWeaver02:20 The Tamarack Institute and Its Impact on Communities04:56 Understanding Transitions: Personal and Professional 11:54 Navigating Pre-Transition Signals and Emotions17:07 Agency in Transition: Initiating vs. Responding20:41 Timing and Phases of Transition24:23 Transitions in Community Engagement27:59 Ending Well: Reflections on Transitions30:35 Navigating Endings and Transitions32:29 Understanding Solastalgia and Environmental Change36:48 Emotional Connections to Place and Community38:31 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue42:30 The Power of Vulnerability in Conversations46:30 Reflections on Career and Transitions48:33 Advice for Navigating Transitions Want us to ‘lift the lid’ on a topic - or deliver a ‘navigating tricky interactions' training in your organisation? You can contact us at:Max Hardy  [email protected] Weston [email protected]