Keystone Women CIC

If you're reading this because you're wondering if you should sign up, I only have one thing to say to you - do it! You will not regret the investment in yourself and your future for one moment and I suspect you'll get so much from this programme and the incredible women you'll meet for many years to come. I did the virtual version of the course in 2021 and it was brilliant. I was working as a consultant after leaving a long career with one company and taking a year out to study. I was looking for connection with others and a sense of direction. Keystone really helped me to ground myself and ask questions about what is really important to me and my future. There were also some real surprises in the coursework - I LOVED the module on finances (which I had been dreading) as it was the first time I'd been asked to question my relationship with money, what I've learnt from my parents and what that means for how I handle it now. It gave me real confidence to tackle financial stuff head-on that I'd been scared to do before and was dragging my heals on.The women I met were fantastic and having that close and trusted connection made me realise how so many of us are going through the same thing often questioning ourselves, our ability and our confidence. I am still in touch with the group and still feel like Keystone is an active part of my life. I took so much from it and would encourage anyone else who is considering the course to do it too.

I've actually done Keystone twice- in the first in person year and then again online. In the first round it hugely supported me return to work after a challenging period where I'd been unwell, been a carer and became a mother. At this point the community of women was magic. A place of advice, wisdom, nurture and endless championing. The coaching circles and gatherings invited shifts in my nervous system, confidence and feelings of belonging. Not all the course work was relevant to me at that stage, but to be in the conversation and witnessing others leaps, creativity and growth was both energising and inspiring.When I returned to do Keystone online, I'd launched a new business and was ready to make a website, focus in on my vision, values and purpose, get on top of my finances and expand. A perfect time to dive into the course content which delivered exactly what I needed in one place and in an energising short period. Whilst the in person meets were often 50 women strong, the online community was intimate which fitted my readiness to dive deep, be seen and heard perfectly. I'm still in touch with my coaching cohorts from both stages, and ever grateful for these honest, championing women!Do it! The ripples are endless!

I participated in the first Keystone programme and loved the chance to develop my business, connect with other amazing businesses from across Edinburgh and the Lothians and learn from the most incredible trainers. Totally recommend Keystone to any woman who wants to push their business to the next stage.

I took part in the very first programme of what is now Keystone and found it to be a very supportive and holistic experience. As women we go through many different stages in our lives often requiring different types of support. Finding inspiration and support to review our lives and build to meet priorities is not always easy. Keystone provides a great starting point for this with a diverse range of experiences and input from face to face sessions, online learning, coaching groups and networking opportunities and events. I met a wonderful cohort of inspirational women, many of whom I'm still in touch with. If you are looking for inspiration and support to make changes in you life considering Keystone's offer is a great starting point, with new Year beckoning go for it!

Sometimes we need encouragement, guidance and above all a sense of trust when putting ourselves in a vulnerable situation of change, growth or simply re booting ourselves, wanting to take a different course. Keystone is exactly what I needed. A place to meet others at the same point as myself, but all so very different from me. What an inspiration to share, explore possibilities and support woman in believing in themselves. I gave and I recieved in equal quantities. Ailsa and Dan were just incredible, stepping in appropriately and not 'teaching'. Insigtful and intelligent ladies.

I took part in the first cohort, I was at a bit of a crossroads in my freelance creative career, and it helped me reflect and gain the confidence to take action with the direction I wanted to take, in a supportive and constructive environment.

Absolutely loved this programme. I joined at a time when I wanted to find some direction for my small business as well as some head space for myself. The women in the cohort were so inspirational and the programme was incredibly well structured, enabling me to plan and move forward with growing my business. In addition, we learnt to take time for ourselves to reflect and recharge. I would highly recommend to anyone feeling like they need to find some direction, space and a chance to connect with like minded women. Thank you Keystone for offering something so unique.

The Keystone programme has been nothing short of transformational. I joined the programme at a time of personal crisis. I'd been signed off work with burnout and was at a very low ebb. Dani, Ailsa and the amazing group of women I was privileged to join have had a considerable and lasting impact. I'm now on the brink of starting my own business and have a much clearer understanding of how I want the latter part of my working life to be and how to make it bring me joy rather than wearing me down. I commend this programme to anyone who feels a change is necessary or desired but doesn't have the tools to make it happen. Whether that's business kmow-how or a big dose of confidence-building, Keystone will equip you with all you need to transform your life.

The whole experience with keystone was really quite amazing for me. Being surrounded by like-minded people within a structure which has a holistic approach to business was refreshing and exciting for me. It was also the community that I never really had in the early days of running a business. I couldn’t recommend them enough.

Keystone truly helped me reimagine my working life and shift away from internalised capitalist notions around productivity, success and urgency culture. I appreciated the holistic approach of the programme, in particular the emphasis on wellness, self-reflection and community connection. I met women who continue to make a difference in my life, both personally and professionally.