Part 2 - Meet Cheryl Sutherland - Speaker, Workshop Facilitator and the Founder of PleaseNotes Goods

In the second part of this series, Cheryl goes deeper into the practical impact of her work. From the transformations people experience in her workshops to how organizations benefit from clearer communication, stronger leadership, and more self-aware teams, this section explores what actually changes when personal growth is treated as a lived practice, not just a concept. This is where insight meets action, and reflection turns into real movement.

7. Ok so, fun fact time, if you were a Pokémon, which one would you be?

Ok, this good!  As a PoGo enthusiast, I would have to say Eevee.  Not only because it's cute, but depending on it's circumstances and environment, it transforms into one of 8 different evolutions, all with different skillsets.  I feel like when I'm in different situations, I also can change, shift and adjust, and I'm also super cute!

8. Getting back into your workshops, what transformations do participants typically experience after your workshops?

People often leave feeling clearer, more confident, and more grounded. They gain language for things they’ve been feeling but couldn’t articulate and tools to navigate conversations more effectively. Many share that they feel more self-aware, less reactive, and better equipped to communicate with intention. I'm really focused on making sure people can easily apply what they've learned with me and make it a daily habit.  What can I say, I love a high value experience.

9. What formats do you offer?

I offer keynotes, 30, 45, 60 minute, half-day and full-day workshops, facilitated conversations, panels, and retreats. Each format is adaptable depending on the audience, goals, and environment. My work can be intimate and reflective or scaled for larger groups while still feeling personal.

10. What makes your facilitation effective for both small and large groups?

I’m highly attuned to energy, dynamics, and communication styles in a room. I know how to invite participation without forcing it and how to hold space for both quiet reflection and open dialogue. People feel seen, respected, and engaged, which makes the work land regardless of group size. As a facilitator, in smaller rooms, you have to focus on building connections between the attendees, in larger ones, you're focused on making people feel seen. 

11. How do organizations benefit from bringing you in?

I'm biased, but HR and ERG leaders have shared with me that in post-event surveys, attendees feel like they have stronger communication, increased self-awareness, and teams that feel more equipped to navigate complexity and change. My work supports leadership development, collaboration, and culture by helping people understand how they show up and how their behavior impacts others.

16. What types of organizations are the best fit for your work?

Organizations that value growth, reflection, and honest conversation tend to be the best fit. I greatly dislike going into places that book me as a bandaid for something, without creating systems to support their staff in implementing the work we discuss.  Performative is NOT it.  I love companies who see value in investing in their people, and this includes companies navigating change, teams working on culture or inclusion, and leaders who want to build trust, clarity, and accountability within their organizations.