ABOUT US

WHY US

Why Adventurous Conversations Ltd?

Are you looking to develop more effective leadership and workplace culture? Do you want an environment where people relate and work well together? We believe that these three areas – relationships, leadership and workplace culture – are key to organisational success. Our focus is on the human, relational dimension of organisations. Why? Because the better people relate and work together, the more likely the organisation is to succeed. We also work with people across all levels and positions because everyone has contributions to make. Effective leadership and thriving workplace cultures involve and benefit everyone. 

What do we offer?

Our services include individual and team consulting, training, mentoring and coaching. Our counselling and restorative mediation are available for people who encounter the inevitable challenges that impact on their lives. These services can provide the opportunity to better understand the challenges and find more satisfying ways of addressing them. Also, for those in social practice, medical and legal professions, our professional supervision provides a reflective space for practice development.

What does it take?

It usually takes courage to turn aspirations for something better into action. It can also be risky to disturb the status quo and venture into unknown territory. Furthermore, creating inclusive workplace cultures that involve cultural diversity and differing values, interests and goals can be challenging. Inevitably, these involve change and this may mean times of vulnerability and uncertainty. However, when done well, the benefits can be far reaching and significant.

Are you and your organisation up for adventurous conversations?

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!

What is the most important thing in the world? Tis people Tis people! Tis people! 

WENDY TALBOT – PhD, MNZAC
Director

Professional and personal relationships have been the focus of my work for over 25 years. These have included organisational leadership and culture development, counselling, professional supervision and adult education. They have also involved work in private practice, community organisations and tertiary institutions with individuals, couples, families and groups. My teaching has spanned undergraduate and post graduate programs related to Professional Practice, Counselling, Groupwork, Mediation and Restorative practice, and Supervision.

Over the years three things have remained constant. The first is my passion for relationships. The second is the importance and value of relationships to every facet of life. The third, is the need for relationships that can adapt and thrive in dynamic and diverse circumstances. This is because, life and people are constantly changing. Whether in personal or professional situations, relationships where people work together fairly, safely and cooperatively can achieve amazing results.

Our products and services have been developed for the dynamic and diverse environments that organisations operate in. They are founded on sound theoretical ideas and experience.  And, they are available online and on-site throughout New Zealand.

Qualifications

Alongside my work with people and relationships I have gained qualifications that involve personal and professional development and are relevant for a range of contexts. These include a PhD, Master of Counselling, Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling Supervision, Bachelor of Counselling, Certificate in Adult Tertiary Education and Certificate in Community Skills.

Professional Membership

I have been a Member of New Zealand Association Counsellors (MNZAC) since 1995. I am also an elected representative on the National Ethics Committee and Waikato Regional Ethics Team of the Association.

Click here to go to the NZAC website

Click here for the NZAC Code of Ethics

Research and publications

Click here to go to my blogs. There are a range of topics that may interest you.

Further research and publications are listed below.

Talbot, W. (2016). Humor takes the stage: A performance of couple’s humor. In e. emerald, R.E. Rinehart and A. Garcia (Eds.). Global south ethnographies: Minding the senses (pp. 31-58). Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers.

Talbot, W. (2015). “It’s not till you actually see it you believe it”: How recordings can make a difference for clients. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 34(4), 13-28.

Talbot, W., & Suisted, J. (2015). Starfish Social Services Trust: Youth, parents/caregivers and stakeholders evaluation of issues and services report. Wintec Voucher Research Project.

Talbot, W. (2012). Reflexive audiencing practices for couple relationships-in-action. (Unpublished doctoral thesis). University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.

TOGETHER

As life partners for almost 40 years, we share work and life principles that are people centred and values driven. We spent more than a decade co-facilitating couple relationship courses. We bring a unique blend of our shared and diverse professional and personal values, experience and qualifications. Together these provide rich contributions and qualities to the products and services we offer. We  both savour time with our young grandchildren and extended family, sunsets, and coastal life.