Why heliotrope?

Deciding on the name ‘heliotrope’ for my company was one of those moments of inspiration. I was brainstorming options with my brother, a brand consultant, and considering the pros and cons of puns on my initials or even using a random word (what does Google mean after all?) when the word suddenly popped into my head. I don’t know how – but once it did, it just seemed right.

Having studied Latin at school, the idea of turning (trope or tropic) towards the sun (helios) appealed on both a logical and emotional level.

The heliotropic principle describes the scientific process of an organism rotating toward or developing into the sunlight, with the most recognised example being the sunflower. The sunflower pinpoints the sun’s progress as it journeys across the sky.

But a heliotrope is a plant in its own right (hence the drawing on this page) and also a colour, so I’ve gone with the broader definition, rather than just an image of a sunflower.

Still, I love the idea of something or someone following the sun – it’s such a positive action. And this is what I hope to bring to my training; that’s why Heliotrope Learning’s strap line is “better skills, brighter future”. For me, little things can make such a difference. I call them ‘lightbulb moments’. It’s a great feeling, as a trainer or facilitator, when you say something and someone’s face lights up because they ‘get’ it. It doesn’t have to be profound, it’s just the right thing at the right time.

My husband and I have a property in France in the Loire Valley and we’re surrounded by fields of both vines and sunflowers – the sight of the latter under a cornflower blue sky with the gentle ‘hum’ of the day’s heat is so uplifting. And, as it’s a place for us to relax and recharge, the metaphor is even more appropriate.

So, I’m doing my best to be a heliotrope and accentuate the positive. I hope I can help you do the same.