A York-based communications consultant is calling for bosses to take a fun approach to their firms.

Karen McMillan is staging a workshop for women bosses to explore the benefits of introducing a light-hearted approach into the workplace to discover alternative strategic ways to expand and grow businesses.

The event, ‘Confidently YouTM | Taking fun seriously in business’ will take place on Friday November 8 at Middlethorpe Manor between 9.30am and 3pm.

It will focus on how the power of play can overcome limitations in the way businesses are run and fundamentally change attitudes and approaches.

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Using a host of techniques and thought-provoking activities including roleplay, creative problem-solving exercises, playful group challenges, and mindset-shifting games, the session will cover how to:

  • Shake off self-doubt – simple strategies to shift mindsets, calm nerves and reduce stress
  • Overcome overwhelming feelings – powerful tools and insights that ignite confidence and resiliency
  • Know your worth – tactics to connect with your self-worth and shift your money mindset
  • Be more courageous - learn to embrace new opportunities and challenges with less fear and second-guessing

Karen McMillan, Business Founder, explained: “I wanted to create this workshop because I’ve seen firsthand how stress and overwhelm can stifle creativity and confidence in business.

“I want to offer female entrepreneurs a space to reconnect with their playful side, knowing that play isn’t just fun—it’s powerful.

“Research from institutes such as Stanford University and University College London has shown that play can help manage stress, improve problem-solving abilities, boost creativity, and even enhance decision-making. By taking a more playful approach, we can open up new ways of thinking and unlock ways of being that might otherwise feel out of reach."

Karen added: “Running our own businesses can feel stressful and overwhelming at times, but it can also be an incredible journey of growth and self-discovery—especially when we allow ourselves to embrace playfulness along the way.”

The announcement followings Karen's networking workshop, ‘Ground your Confidence’ which provided a fascinating insight into the power of positivity, tackling issues around how to reduce stress, manage energy and use body language to boost confidence.

One of the participants, Jen Whitfield from Tea & Marketing, said: "This was one of the best workshops I’ve been to. It left me inspired, calmer and ready to tackle any confidence issues that might come up. So much so, that I used two of the techniques that Karen taught us the next day. It was fantastic and I highly recommend going."

‘Ground your Confidence’ forms part of a series of three Confidently YouTM workshops that have been carefully curated for women keen to build confidence, elevate their communication skills and thrive in business.

The remaining two workshops, Unlock your inner confidence and Connect with confidence, will run in January and March 2025 and are designed to tackle the relationship with our inner self-critic and imposter syndrome, as well as how we can improve our communication with others to build meaningful connections.

Karen McMillan launched her communications and coaching consultancy dedicated to supporting conscious-minded businesses earlier this year.

Operating in the wellness, charity and community sectors as well as working with entrepreneurs and organisations keen to champion their ethical and sustainable credentials, Karen Vera McMillan specialises in what she says is “creating compelling communications strategies that resonate authentically with the target audience.”

Contact Karen: contact@karenveramcmillan.com