
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWS

Photo supplied courtesy of Kim Millon
“Judy Salmon has a rare ability to tease out fascinating human stories from her inspirational interviewees.”
"Learning from success"
Something that really interests me is how people become successful. I find their journeys fascinating and often very inspirational. I have had the privilege to interview high profile people to share their stories with audiences, mainly from the business community. I believe we can all gain encouragement, ideas and motivation from those who are successful. It can be tough to keep going sometimes. Hearing how others have cleverly balanced their lives with their careers by using particular qualities and skills can give one comfort and new ideas for one’s own life.

Field Marshal The Lord Edwin Bramall, KG, GCB, OBE, MC
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“Judy Salmon is a member of the Army and Navy Club in Pall Mall, London. It is to her credit that she thought to propose a series of informal, Parkinson-style ‘fireside chats’ with notable Club members. Her first interview was with Field Marshal Bramall, a decorated wartime soldier and distinguished member of the House of Lords. On being approached, his initial reluctance and innate modesty proved no match for Judy’s charm and persuasive style. A full house turned up on the appointed evening to watch Judy teasing out a fascinating and extremely human story from the old warhorse turned politician. The warm and trusting relationship which had been established earlier now delivered a series of revealing anecdotes which had not appeared previously in print. The Field Marshal was completely won over and thoroughly enjoyed a gentle ‘grilling’ from his friendly inquisitor. The evening was a resounding success! This is thanks to Judy’s initiative, her careful preparation and obviously natural talent to empathise with people and to get the best from them. More please!” Major General R W M McAfee CB, Chairman, Army and Navy Club

Rob Baxter, Head Coach, Exeter Chiefs
From Devon Life: "The atmosphere was buzzing at Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club at Sandy Park in Devon when hugely successful Head Coach Rob Baxter was interviewed by leading business coach Judy Salmon at a private event in the presence of invited guests from the business community.
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Rob Baxter said, “I am delighted to be working with Judy Salmon on this event to share my thoughts about coaching with some members of the local business community and to promote The Exeter Foundation, our new charity.”
Will Morrison, Head of Knight Frank LLP, Exeter said, “It is not very often that the worlds of property, rugby and professional business coaching come together and so we were delighted to be joint hosts of what was a very informative and unique evening brilliantly organised by Judy Salmon.”
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Ian Scott, Regional Head of Wealth Planning, Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Limited said, "To hear Judy Salmon interview Rob and find out first-hand how he intended to continue invigorating the Chiefs by investing in players and facilities was truly enlightening and led to an entertaining evening for all.
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Keiron Northcott of Northcott Beaton said, “Northcott Beaton were very happy to get involved with Judy Salmon’s event because we genuinely believe that the success of the Rugby Club and the input of local boy Rob Baxter is, and should be, an inspiration to everyone in and around Exeter.”

Michael Caines, MBE
From Devon Life:
Elite Devon businesses assembled to hear leading business coach Judy Salmon interview culinary superstar Michael Caines MBE at a private event at The Royal Clarence ABode Hotel in Exeter.
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Following a welcome reception for invited guests, Andrew Maynard of Michelmores introduced Judy Salmon and Michael Caines.
The thought-provoking interview that followed was designed to demonstrate to businesses that success really can be achieved even in the face of apparently insurmountable odds. Michael revealed that the most important lesson he had learned in his life was to take criticism constructively and this was especially important in a business context. Michael said, "Be self-critical but also stubborn about what you truly believe in." He added, "Use your strengths and beliefs to carve out your reputation."
Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons was one of the chefs who had a profound influence on Michael. guests were treated to a fascinating history of Michael's progress from being a student at Exeter College to the award-winning celebrity chef he is today. Michael's dynamic partnership with Andrew Brownsword led to the creation of ABode Hotels and Michael described how he had been inspired by Andrews business vision of Originality, Personality, Quality making a perfect fit with Michael Caines restaurants.
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Michael is also noted for extensive charity work and Judy asked him how he managed to fit everything into his busy schedule he said, "I like to live life to the full and make sure that people around me have a good time. That is why I like to get involved in so many things."
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But it was his final quote that brought the house down and created a huge wave of applause. When Judy asked him to describe the secret of his success in just three words, Michael paused for a second and said, "Hard bloody work!"
Judy Salmon said, "As a local Business Coach and Training Consultant it is great to have the opportunity to show how success can be achieved in challenging times so that I can help my clients. I was delighted that Michael Caines gave up his valuable time to be interviewed by me. To hear Michael’s story, told in such a modest, open, courageous and humorous manner was outstanding, making one sit up and think about one's own life. I was also really pleased to be working with my sponsors Knight Frank, J M Finn & Co and Kirk Hills Chartered Accountants and am so grateful to them for supporting this event."

Mel Squires MBE
From Devon Life:
Business coach and training consultant Judy Salmon is committed to highlighting success stories within Devon’s community, while also raising money for charity.
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In her unique and increasingly successful interviews-with-an-audience, Judy questions key Devon businessmen and women, with past interviewees including Rob Baxter, the head coach of Exeter Chiefs, and Michelin-star chef Michael Caines MBE.
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Says Judy, who has 20-years’ experience in her profession: “Having created these events, I want to demonstrate the skills and personal qualities it takes to have a successful life, to inspire members of the audience.
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“My sensitive and perceptive style of interviewing is a reflection of how I operate in my own coaching and training business when I am enabling individuals to be happier and more successful.
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“Something that is also terribly important to me, is that at every interview, money is raised for a local charity.”
In a recent interview with Melanie Squires MBE, South West regional director of NFU, Judy asked questions about Melanie’s childhood, how she became involved with the NFU, her role and how important personal achievement is to her.