Staff were invited to join a session from Welsh motivational speaker Jermaine Harris. Some may have entered the hall with slight trepidation, fearing being lectured on the power of positivity, but it was hard not to warm to Jermaine’s approach.
His session combined a story rich in personal upheaval and triumph, with psychology and practical tips on how to take control of our own wellbeing and success.
Jermaine’s story included the lows of the loss of a much-loved grandparent, a car crash and a football accident. This was coupled with highs of professional success and the benefits that positive thinking has given his young son with Cystic Fibrosis.
Top messages from Jermaine
As children we are better at putting ourselves first, as we get older we can programme thoughts and ideas that don’t help us succeed. Looking after our mental wellbeing when we feel good, trains the brain for when life gets tough.
- Put our own health and happiness to the top of the list.
- Be in the moment – dancing, singing, gardening – whatever works for you.
- Understand the beliefs that impact us negatively.
- Re-programme our minds to challenge our negative thoughts.

Jermaine observed that people who work in caring roles often are extremely motivated to support others to do well. The group demonstrated their support when Amy and Shelby took up Jermaine’s challenge to try and karate chop a piece of wood!
Succeeding after an initial mishap invoked a huge response of warmth and applause from the room.
We recognise and support others doing well so easily, our challenge is to programme our brains to do the same thing for ourselves. We can do it!
Thanks to Jermaine for taking part in our staff development event. It was a thought-provoking and entertaining experience.