Member Spotlight: Kellie Noon, Founder – Onno Training

Each week we get to know one of the pro-manchester membership a little better. This week it’s Kellie Noon, Founder – Onno Training…

1. Favourite quote or saying?

“If you don’t take risks, you don’t drink champagne!”

While I’m not a huge drinker, I love the idea that you only get the finer things if you push yourself (and who doesn’t love a glass of bubbly?)

2. Career highlight?

Being invited back to present at a conference this year that we worked at last year – I’d almost forgotten about it but it was a real reminder of how much of an impact your work can have, and a real pleasure to be remembered and valued, even amongst everything that’s going on.

3. Why do you love pro-manchester?

It’s a great community and there are so many opportunities to get involved. It’s a lot more ‘hands-on’ than other organisations and the members are very pro-active. Not forgetting the staff – always so quick to reply and accommodating!

4. What are you reading at the moment?

The Offing by Benjamin Myers. He’s a northern author and has written some great books but this is a bit different to the others he’s done – it’s a good bit of chicken soup for the soul.

5. What are you watching at the moment?

Dark on Netflix – it’s a bit far-fetched but is a great way to disconnect from what’s going on around us at the moment, it really requires a lot of focus.

6. Favourite meeting place in Manchester?

My beautiful office space at the Beehive Lofts. It’s so cosy and welcoming and full of wonderful people. The breakout areas are a great place to grab a coffee and take 5, or sit down and chat to clients in a clean and cosy space. I also bring in friends for a relaxed coffee break without having to move too far!

7. Favourite lockdown activity?

Hiking. I usually spend a lot of time outdoors anyway but I made the most of the great weather we had earlier on and explored lots of new areas. I’ve also been getting more involved with Freshwalks which has been a great way to meet people and discover new areas of the north west.

8. Most creative meal that you cook?

I’m really not a very creative cook but I love to eat and am a fan of a big pot of spicy chilli and rice. Yum!

9. Most creative thing you’ve seen on a video call during the lockdown?

Working outside in the sun and having a shade for the laptop screen made out of an old box. Who needs a parasol?

10. Most mundane task you’ve completed since being in lockdown?

Cleaning out my spare room to create a home office. Really boring and time consuming but it was needed and actually has really made my flat feel like it has a whole new area I can explore. Defrosting the freezer is still on the to-do list, it hasn’t quite made it, yet.

11. Do you write a blog that you’d like us to share?

I don’t, but I have been trying hard to be more active on Twitter (@OnnoTraining and @KellieNoon) and I’m in the process of creating a new website: http://onno.training

12. What are you looking forward to doing again the most after lockdown?

Hugging people! I’m a big hugger, even at work, so I’ve found it hard to stop myself. Watch out Manchester!