A few words about me ...

Through my experience, training and background, I bring a combination of technical knowledge (electronics, physics, Internet, marketing and psychology) as well as sound business acumen. This, along with my diverse cultural experience, offers my clients a solid platform to grow their ambitions into tangible results.

Having being brought up around the world (literally, as my father was an airline captain working in different countries), I developed a real sense of understanding of different people, their beliefs and their cultures. This has allowed me to grow up with a very open mind, and this attribute still serves me well.

After graduating from Hull University (UK) in Applied Physics (with Laser Technology of all things!), I went to work at Oxford University (UK) for 5 years, as a research assistant and then worked in Dartmouth College (NH, USA) for just over a year, before coming back to Surrey (UK) to work for a company specialising in development, manufacture and installation of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment. I did this for about 5 years, and this took me literally around the world. I had significant experience in development, servicing, installation, project management and as an Application Scientist.

1999 saw the opportunity for me to start my own company, which started as a consultancy and has evolved into a successful international Internet services and development company, Openia. This company specialises in open source and Accessibility, in creating applications such as Content Management Systems (CMS) and mail applications such as Accessible Mail.

In the mean time, I had learned to fly gliders (GSA Silver Certificate, RAF Bicester) and powered planes (FAA PPL, NH-USA)), and also learned to sail dinghies and have nearly completed RYA Yachtmaster (including celestial navigation!). I then saw a significant gap in my health and fitness and filled that by running the London Marathon then a Triathlon in 2004. I also took up Aikido with the Aikido Fellowship (UK), and have found it to be a great challenge. I have been able to build new empowering health and fitness habits, that are still in-place, and growing. While this was going on, I got married to Rachel and we have four lovely little girls (Hannah, 12; Amaani, 9; Leila 7; Mariam 3).

NLP came into my life via a close friend who gave me some tapes to listen to, and then asked ITS to send me a book (Principles of NLP). Wow! So, I went to a Tony Robbins UPW seminar (Unleash the Power Within). I then decided to find out and learn this stuff properly. I successfully completed the NLP Practitioner, NLP Master Practitioner and then NLP-Coach courses with ITS. I also completed the "Train the Trainer" program run by NLPU in Santa Cruz (CA, USA). I have been weaving and applying what I have learned into all areas of my life; personal, family, work, sport etc.

I have found a great passion in Coaching and NLP, and I don’t "use" them, they have become an integral part of the way I do things. And I tried to put a little back into the coaching community at large, using my brief role as a Director with the UK-ICF (International Coach Federation).

With my background, I bring a very pragmatic approach to the coaching session and also a tested business acumen that ensures that my clients get a realistic, yet ambitious undercurrent and foundation to the coaching experience. This leads to results.

Recently, I have taken to radio broadcasting, and have greatly enjoyed a regular slot on a local radio station in East London, and another station in Slough (near West London). My shows were about making the most of life by being aware of your actions and beliefs, while being focused on Goals and outcomes. The shows went very well, I will be returning to the air-waves soon with more!

In order to follow my passion for understanding people and working with them, in 2005 I started a Ph.D. project at the Psychology department at Surrey University. The thesis is focused on the area of user experience with technology. This draws, very well, most of the areas of experience and education that I have had so far. I am really enjoying the study, the travelling to conferences and the learning.

Life is great, bring it on!!

Ali Azzawi

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