March Newsletter

 

View in browser 8th March 2025   Dear Jean-Francois, Let's continue to Connect, Learn and Grow in 2025!   Help shape the future of  your network: Survey Link  ­ Thursday 13th March  ­ Join Kamal Chauhan and Aaron Tan as they explore Help to Grow: Management.   Kamal will introduce the program, while Aaron delves into its benefits, sharing key insights and success stories. Evidence shows that enhancing management practices can boost business productivity by up to 10%.   Discover how this unique leadership course can elevate your skills and transform your business.   #Connect #Learn #Grow ­ More info and RSVP ­ Friday 21st - Social  ­ Walthamstow Gay Meet Up , let's have fun: Dave will be at the piano and you can sing along to his tunes!     Steve and the rest of the 'gang' will be there to welcome you. Look for the table banners. (it is 21st March, flyer is not updated yet but the link works) ­ More info & RSVP ­ Tuesday 25th March  ­ Join Dr. Paul Taylor-Pitt—Organisation Development Specialist, Coach, Mentor, and Writer—for an inspiring session as he launches his debut book, Still Here! Still Queer! Now What? A Guide to LGBTQ+ Wellness and Wholeness (Trigger Press). Based on 100 interviews with middle-aged LGBTQ+ individuals, the book offers a path from mid-life crisis to mid-life confidence. Paul will read excerpts, share insights from his writing journey, and host an open Q&A on navigating mid-life with pride and purpose. ­ More info & RSVP Thursday 10th April 2025 ­ 10-04-2025 Chris Beale - a talk on networking skills at The Network   Please note Chris will repeat this talk on the 28th October to GPN ­ More info & RSVP Tuesday 22nd April  Steve Nallon Explore Ghost Story Fiction and the Gay Men Who Write It.   From Reginald Scot’s 1584 The Discovery of Witchcraft to the Victorian and Edwardian works of closeted writers like M.R. James and E.F. Benson, this session uncovers the rich connection between gay men and ghostly tales. Delve into haunting stories, past and present, with compelling gay subtexts. More info & RSVP ­ Business Lunch Networking Friday  25th April  (on Zoom) with Ian Hawkins ­ Ian is an international events host, author and business journalist whose work has appeared on CBS, Reuters and BBC World. In a busy life, he has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in politics, entertainment and sport. He has travelled the world - and lived to tell some amazing tales.  Let's talk business!   We aim to create a supportive space to discuss topics like mental health, coaching, and growth. Feel free to reflect on: Monthly progress and plans ahead Key insights from The Network/GPN Opportunities to collaborate or assist       ­ Book/more info ­ Tuesday 20th May Marc McLane  ­ Book now 24th June 2025   Sue Saunders, Pride Immersion and Book   History of the Pride Movement and its evermore political significance today.   In collaboration with the Stonewall Museum in the USA we are creating an all-around immersive experience using images from the Pride Volume and the Stonewall Archive which will showcase the history of the movement over time around the world and its historical significance.   These immersive experiences will take place simultaneously in the USA in 5 cities and in Europe in another 5 cities around June 2025.   Christopher Whale   22nd July 2025 Mark Ward Haemosexual   23rd September 2025 Tony Selimi   28th October 2025 Chris Beale - a talk on networking skills Attendees tell us they increased  their turnover from £500 to £24,000 by networking at our events, access to funding in excess of £25 million was also made available to our members, it is good to network!   Check our blog for details of  other events, newsletters and offers of interest such as funding available or 10% at Madame F .  Also CBRE and Multiverse application, Micro Rainbow Appeal, Employment Rights Bill, becoming a school governor and more from our members, would you like to add anything there?   Expect a mix of great people and conversation to make meaningful social and professional contacts.   "We celebrate diversity in race, ethnicity, age, disability, skin color, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, and beyond. Though our community is currently 80% gay cisgender men, we welcome everyone."   Our events aim to foster connections and collaborations that can contribute to your promotion and  advancement with like-minded professionals in attendance.    GET CONNECTED, PRODUCTIVE AND PROACTIVE MAKING MEANINGFUL BUSINESS AND SOCIAL CONTACTS   Our sister organisation The Network (95% CisHet) meets monthly on the 2nd Thursday, Members of GPN/GBA can attend all events of The Network free of charge as part of their membership. Connect, learn, enjoy and build lasting  social & professional relationships. More info on us  GPN https://gpn.one  Pass it on to your friends and colleagues.   The benefits of membership: https://www.gpn.one/benefits/ We are all connected by 3 degrees through The Gay Professional Network.      I very much look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you again soon.     Jean-François.    PS: 3 things you can do to help us grow:   did you try your luck on the lottery below? many of our members won prizes...come on give it a try! Did you give us a review on Google? please do so on https://g.page/r/CTOF0NVHQb19EBM/review Are you following us on our Social media? Here is the updated list.       Jean-François Dor.  Founder Gay Professional Network jf@gpn.one https://gpn.one Rainbow Lottery Tickets cost one pound and you will help GPN continue its work. There is a weekly £25,000 jackpot. Click on the QR code for more info. Jean-Francois Dor's events & social Media  Click on the QR code for more info JFDE ­ The Network (not just the LGBTQ community) The Gay Professional Network operates The Gay Business Association. JFDE operates both GPN & The Network (Oh and consults on events, PR & marketing) Check the websites above for each of those organisations.   If you wish to join each mailing list, please update your preference at the bottom of this email. Members of The Network can attend ALL events FREE of charge, except when food and drinks are provided.   Join The Network GPN and The Network are both not for profit, fully inclusive, membership organisation since 2010 and 2012 and your platforms to promote your cause, business, venue and yourself.    GPN and The Network help your further your business or career and make meaningful business and social contacts.    You get connected, proactive and productive.    They are both  get together of like minded, and very nice, people who enjoy meeting others in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.   Connect, learn, enjoy and build lasting social & professional relationships.   GPN meets every  4th Tuesday of the Month   The Network meets  every 2nd Tuesday of the Month  and has more events for all its sub groups for networking, dinners and social events, usually with a speaker.     #TogetherWeAreStronger!    Get in touch with me via the social media outlined below or above by clicking the QR code, click on the icons below JFDE London www.jfdor.org ­ ­ ­

Thank you from Dr Paul Taylor-Pitt

On Tuesday, 25th March 2025, the Gay Professional Network (GPN) had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Paul Taylor-Pitt to our event. Following the event, Dr. Taylor-Pitt shared these kind words:

"Jean-Francois, thank you so much for your warm hospitality at the GPN event. I had a truly wonderful time."

Dr. Paul Taylor-Pitt is an Organisation Development Specialist, Coach, Mentor, and Writer. This October, his debut book “Still Here! Still Queer! Now What? A Guide to LGBTQ+ Wellness and Wholeness” will be published by Trigger Press. Drawing on insights from 100 interviews with middle-aged LGBTQ+ individuals, the book empowers readers to move from mid-life crisis to mid-life confidence. At our upcoming event, Dr. Taylor-Pitt will present excerpts from his book, share valuable insights from his writing journey, and engage with attendees during a Q&A session.

For those looking to connect with Dr. Taylor-Pitt or learn more about his work, here are his contact details:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drpaultaylorpitt

Instagram: instagram.com/showingwhole

Website: drpaultaylorpitt.com and stillherestillqueernowwhat.com

Dr. Taylor-Pitt also offers one-on-one coaching sessions tailored to individuals seeking clarity, whether they are navigating career changes, personal relationships, or simply feeling stuck. From single sessions to long-term coaching plans, these services are available to GPN members. Learn more about these opportunities at https://stillherestillqueernowwhat.com/coaching.

Additionally, Dr. Taylor-Pitt trains individuals as coaches through The Somatic School. This year, he is launching a specialized LGBTQ+ coaching cohort, running from July to December. Participants will earn a Certificate in Body-Oriented Coaching, accredited by the International Coaching Federation. For further details, visit The Somatic School’s website.

Lastly, Dr. Taylor-Pitt is hosting a 4-day LGBTQ+ Writing Retreat in Barcelona at the end of June. This retreat offers participants the opportunity to explore their personal stories, develop creative projects, and connect with like-minded individuals in a supportive and inspiring environment. For more information, visit https://www.wetravel.com/trips/4-day-queer-retreat-shaping-our-stories-create-space-retreats-72940734.

We are grateful for Dr. Paul Taylor-Pitt’s participation in our network and look forward to future collaborations.

#LGBTQCommunity #GayProfessionalNetwork #Networking #GayRightsAreHumanRights #TogetherWeAreStronger

The Network with Chris Beale

  Thursday 10th April 2025

The Network with Chris Beale
https://allevents.in/london/the-network-with-chris-beale/80003716226663?ref=smdl

This evening we welcome Chris Beale Chris is a chartered psychologist coach and workplace mental health specialist working in private practice. In addition to the therapy and coaching work he helps organisations create psychologically safer workplaces through consultation and workshop facilitation.

The talk is titled “Why Networking Feels Hard"

💭 "Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear." – George Addair

Instead of the pressure to “sell yourself” what if networking could just be about curiosity connection and shared opportunities?

Most people are daunted by the prospect of networking. It can feel awkward intimidating or just exhausting—but does it have to be this way? This short talk will explore the psychological barriers to networking the reasons why people generally struggle and what you can do about it.

Website:  https://mindpotentialpsychology.co.uk/

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-beale-cpsychol-3446524/

Instagram: @mrchrisbeale

Email: chris.beale@mac.com

#networking #socialnetworking #businessnetworking #connect #networkingevent #getconnected #careertips #connects #professionalnetworkinggroup #londonprofessionalnetwork #learning #sharing #togetherwestrive #TheNetwork #Funding #Fundraising #scale-up