What happens when you bring together 12 clinically obese individuals and a team of experts to tackle weight loss and save lives?

In this episode of The Action Factory Podcast, I share the behind-the-scenes story of a groundbreaking NHS pilot program, where I was invited to be the unlikely "Mr. Motivator." From personal epiphanies to clashes of philosophy, the whole project produced some surprising lessons about the power of mindset in creating lasting change.

Most importantly this project influenced my approach to youth work and personal transformation, it confirmed it’s your brain that holds the key to success. Whether you're a youth worker or someone intrigued by the process of change, this episode is quite an eye opener, and even a sneak peek at Michael’s upcoming book.

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THE REAL MR MOTIVATOR

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Ever witnessed a young person repeat a self-destructive behavior that seems to defy all logic? I know I have. And today, I'm diving into a story I’ve never shared before — not just about the young people I’ve worked with, but about my own inexplicable, self-destructive behavior as a kid. If you're wondering why young people sometimes act against their own best interests, stick around. Because even after decades in this field, I don’t have all the answers — just the questions that haunt me still.

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Finally, if you’re a youth work team who would be interested in building team consistency, better confidence in crises, and offering better outcomes, you might want to check out my webinar below.

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Welcome to The Action Factory Podcast, and it’s great to be back! After a long hiatus due to moving house, I want to talk about how we might save our council a few million pounds.

My name is Michael Dawson, and I developed a universal, principle-based framework for youth work teams. During the design of the Solutions Toolkit, I’m often asked about my experience. It’s broad and covers most sectors, but I’ll always refer to three fantastic and revolutionary projects that I was lucky enough to have been involved in.

In today’s episode, I want to talk about one of them. It was a project where I jokingly used to say that, in private industry, we would all be driving Mercedes.

Why?

Because, based purely on the financials, we were saving city councils millions of pounds a year. We did this by keeping young people at home instead of in the care system. In fact, (after recording) I found a fascinating article in The Guardian by George Monbiot that confirms exactly what I’ve been saying.

If you’re a City Council influencer, we could easily do this again in a new and modern way.

In this episode, I’ll describe our service and what we did. Sadly, it’s a kind of rise and fall of the most cost-effective service the City Council ever created.

Although I found the article below after recording, I think you’ll find it interesting:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/may/18/child-care-cost-year-wealth-funds-councils-britain-residential

Oh and the Simpsons of course

Finally, if you’re a youth work team who would be interested in building team consistency, better confidence in crises, and offering better outcomes, you might want to check out my webinar below.

WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR

Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson.

Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"

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Less a sales pitch, more a request for help. Are you a young person's residential care home manager with a team of between 2 and 12 people?

Care home managers, the Solutions Toolkit is almost here, a game-changing framework designed specifically for residential youth work teams. It’s principle-based so it serves as a foundation for existing regimes and personalities, while seamlessly complementing and enhancing other working models.

In this episode, I want to delve deep into the insights and strategies that will transform your approach to working with young people, while tackling the challenges of making the Solutions Toolkit accessible and universal.

Highlights: - Embrace the three A's (Adopt, Adapt, and Abandon) and the three C's (The circles are - You, Your Clients, and Your Tools) for a bespoke approach.

Overcome the main training obstacles with the three M's (Mobility, Membership, and Money) An exclusive offer for residential care home managers to participate in the Solutions Toolkit pre-launch for just £250 (instead of the £5,000 launch price).

A two-year money-back guarantee for accepted focus group members.

Access a free micro-course on the basic ideas of the Solutions Toolkit at www. theactionfactory.com

If your a residential care home manager with a team of 2 to 12 people then don’t miss this episode.

www.theactionfactory.com

Welcome to the Action Factory Podcast, I'm Michael Dawson, the creator of the Solutions Toolkit, the first framework designed for those working with young people in care environments.

In today's episode, we delve into the real, raw experience of the admission process into care — not the procedures and rules, but what it actually feels like for a young person going through it.

I recently (and unexpectedly) opened up about my own journey during an interview on The Passionate Youth Worker podcast, revealing an event I hadn't touched on for years.

It took a sudden burst of tears while watching a TV drama to realize how deeply my past experiences still affected me.

That moment on the podcast inspired me to revisit and break down the very scene that caused me so much trauma. Today, we’ll explore that scene together and uncover the lessons that might lie hidden within.

If you’re involved in running a children's home, this episode is crucial.

Hopefully, the scenarios we discuss aren’t familiar, but they are an important learning opportunity.

To help you after the episode, I've developed an interactive "Admissions Audit" document. This tool is designed to help ensure that the admission process is as comforting as possible for young people — a stark contrast to my own experiences and those of the young girl in the drama.

Also, don’t miss out on grabbing a free copy of the Key Worker Compass by clicking the link below. This handy tool keeps all your key worker information right at your fingertips.

At the moment, I'm offering a two-year subscription to all my personal training for the cost of a single month. Under $20 will grant you a two-year full legacy membership as we continue to spread the word and make a difference.

Join us on this journey and help change the way we support our youth in care.

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THE PASSIONATE YOUTH WORKER PODCAST

THE KEY WORKER COMPASS DOWNLOAD

Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson.

Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"

WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR

Now, let's get started...

Today we dive into the heart of Residential Youth Work—a realm I'm so passionate about, I literally wear it on my sleeve... and my head!

You will have seen my wardrobe additions, shirts and hats, boldly proclaiming it "The Greatest Job in the World."

Why such enthusiasm? Well, it's the unique magic of making even the smallest difference in a young person's life that has me shouting from the rooftops. But today, I'm dialing back the volume to extend a warm, inviting hand to those considering a path in residential youth work.

Join me as we delve into my six compelling reasons why residential youth work stands apart from the rest. Whether you've been contemplating a career that enables you to positively influence young lives, or you're simply curious about what makes this job so rewarding, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire. Let's embark on this journey together and discover why residential youth work is, indeed, the greatest job in the world.

Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.

WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR

Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson.

Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"

WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR

Now, let's get started...

In this thought-provoking episode, "A Day With Milton H Erickson - Lessons from the Master," I embark on a fascinating journey to explore the hypothetical yet illuminating scenario of having Milton H. Erickson himself as a staff member in our modern-day children's home.

Imagine the unparalleled insights we could gain by working a shift alongside the master of psychotherapy himself. This episode delves into the rich teachings and innovative approaches Erickson might bring to our team. With his unparalleled ability to connect and effect change, I'll dissect how Erickson's presence could revolutionize our practices, challenge our perspectives, and deepen our impact.

Join me as we step into a day with Erickson, drawing lessons from his wisdom and envisioning the profound influence such a figure could have in the realm of residential youth work today.

This episode is not just a tribute to Erickson's legacy but a practical guide inspired by his work, offering valuable insights for anyone dedicated to nurturing change and growth in the hearts and minds of the young individuals in their care.

Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.

Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson.

Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"

WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR

Now, let's get started...

In this episode titled "Milton H. Erickson - The Rockstar of Change," I dive deep into the extraordinary life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in psychotherapy. With a mix of admiration and healthy skepticism, I unravel the stories of a man whose methods and teachings continue to inspire and provoke thought long after his time.

Whether you're a novice to Erickson's work or a seasoned professional in psychotherapy, this episode offers a unique lens through which to explore his world. I'll briefly outline Erickson's remarkable journey, his pivotal role in the field, and his undying influence on therapeutic practices.

Moreover, I delve into six transformative lessons that residential youth workers—and indeed, anyone interested in effecting change—can draw from his approach. Join us as we navigate the legend, the skepticism, and the undeniable impact of Erickson's work, making this episode a must-listen for our students or anyone intrigued by the power of change and the stories of those who master it.

Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.