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Profile of Mykal Pinder
What inspired you to set up Matrix Memory Systems?
After a major turning point in my life 4 years ago, I realised the importance of personal development. I had read many books about memory improvement and accelerated learning techniques and attended various courses including Landmark Education, which taught me to take control of my life and become more confident in my self. Overall, I was inspired by the fact that no matter what age you are (and I started at 36!) anyone can improve their memory and in a short space of time with amazing results. I decided to create my own destiny and share what I had learnt. After analysing the market, I realised that there was a need for quality courses designed for individuals and businesses that have an interest in improving their overall mental performance.
Why did you choose Matrix for your company name?
The word matrix means 'an environment in which something develops' and this idea really appeals to the way I see my company growing and nurturing confidence in others.
Why is memory so important to everyday life?
It is not possible to do anything in life without your memory being involved. Everything you do, your memory is involved in that process. People often get frustrated when their memory lets them down in social as well as work situations. Remembering names, important conversations or even the meaning of a word is commonplace for most people so bringing memory to life is key. A lot of the memory experts out there are extremely intelligent but don't know how to communicate their ideas to the general public. I want to bring memory to life and make it something that everyone wants to do. By making the experience fun and exciting and getting away from all the science, I can bring it down to a level that everyone can understand and get involved in.
What other areas interest you?
As well as memory techniques, PhotoReading and other accelerated learning techniques, I am interested in coaching and training people to see their true potential: empowering people to make themselves more accepting of others and open to new ideas and practises.
What types of people go on your course?
As I said before, accelerated learning techniques are accessible to all types of people and profession and age. My far-reaching audience includes company directors, management consultants, students, researchers and editors – the list is really endless and I love to have such a variety. No one is excluded!
Which people have you had the most success with?
I have most success with people that are open to my dynamic method of teaching. Working with me involves letting your inhibitions go and having fun, getting away from the intellectual and experimenting with your creative side.
How would you describe your teaching technique?
I coach people in a straight and honest way. I help to empower people to go out into the world and explore the potential they have.
My purpose as a coach is to break through people’s resistance to learning something new or challenging. For example, one delegate on my course had problems working creatively, with mind maps and drawing. He was very resistant to this technique and it took coaching over the two days to bring it out. I challenged his resistance in front of the class, coaching him gently. I requested him not to intellectualise the situation but just trust in it and give it a go. The next day I was startled but overjoyed to see him gradually start to use colour on his mind maps and by the end of the session his mind maps were gorgeous!
I also believe that the key to effective teaching lies in pinpointing individual learning styles. There are 3 types of learning styles: visual, auditory and kinaesthetic. Each person has a dominant learning style and it is important to use a variety of teaching methods to reach all types. For instance, children who are kinaesthetic often fail to excel academically at school because the teaching style of sitting inactive at a desk all day does not work for them. Kinaesthetic people learn most easily by doing, by being active and using their senses. They need an output for their boundless energy and if stifled it often interferes in effective learning. I am able to pinpoint people’s specific learning style and help them to excel in the all three areas.
I strongly believe that learning in general should be a shared experience - working in isolation can be counter-productive.
What do you think makes Matrix Memory Systems unique?
My courses are extremely popular and I am the only PhotoReading instructor who runs the course every 2 weeks due to high demand. My courses are never bigger than 6 to ensure feedback and individual attention.
I also offer a money back guarantee which shows my utmost belief that my courses work and you will leave feeling satisfied and invigorated.
The courses are fun and interactive and cater for all learning styles. I encourage the use of imagination that helps us to remember things more clearly. How you remember something is a very much to do with human contact: I want to make memory a social event and a happy association that you want to return to again and again. Interaction is key to remembering successfully. If you sit in a room on your own you only remember certain things but if you were recounting a holiday with family or friends it becomes a lot easily to retell and you remember it for much longer.
How has your background/experience helped with Matrix Memory Systems?
My background experience is in architecture and interior design and so I have allowed my skills as a designer to shine.
As a designer I ensure that my website and all teaching material is modern and up to date – to appeal to the young as well as older clientele. My presentation is slick and I constantly review how I present both orally and visually.
What did you do before you set up Matrix Memory Systems?
I have always been a creative person. I went to Barnet College to do A-level Art then Medway College of Design in Kent where I studied to be an Interior Designer. I also did an MA in Public Art at Chelsea College of Art & Design. After my studies, I worked for various design companies for about a year then set up my own design consultancy called Effects Design, one of my clients was Peter Gabriel and I designed the interior of his entire house in Notting Hill. In 1997 I then set up a residential design company called Dare Id, designing shops, bars, restaurants for clients. My proudest achievement as a Designer was creating the whole look of a whole chain of retail shops called Pie.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Most of my time is now spent running this company. However when I do go out I always pull out all the stops! I’m a regular clubber and love dancing. I enjoy listening to an eclectic range of music from classical to Bjork to clubby stuff. I sometimes go to watch opera or ballets and have been known to dress up in tails to go! Films really inspire me as well, especially those by Peter Greenway. Above all I love creativity and ideas so whatever pastime involves this – count me in!
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