Find out who you are…

I never thought I’d be quoting Dolly Parton! But I only heard this apparently well known quote on Sunday morning courtesy of Radio 2 “Find out who are you and then do it on purpose”. And I wanted to shout it from the roof tops.

It’s what drives me in my personal & professional life, and certainly in my fascination and work with others. We spend so much time working away, meeting challenges head on, avoiding others… Dealing with what life throws at us, working out what we throw back.

But I promise you, exploring & being open to looking at the whole you - it’s an adventure & investment that is so worth it! #leadershipitspersonal #getintouch

Constantly finding out more about who I am…

What it takes in a team to deliver!

It’s special to have been a small part of the Pegasus Gymnastics family over the years🙏 what amazing 🥇🥈🥉 And while I’ve found myself glued to every sporting achievement in the last weeks including the Euros - there’s something wonderful about apppreciating everything & everyone that goes into medals; delivering what ever your service is & the many aspects of leading yourself or others!

Really looking forward to my day with another NHS today. Making the most of a day for a reality check, building as a team & agreeing together what they need & will make happen together.

#teameffort #leadershipitspersonal

Any achievement takes a team, no matter what business you’re in

The Paradox of Chilling Out Giving Energy

In my study call yesterday, I had a great challenge “you’re saying you want to take more space, chill out & enjoy some down time, but we’re seeing your energy rising - which is it?” A good challenge that stopped me for a moment, but I had no doubt in my response. “When I take time out, whether it’s a couple of hours in my hammock or simply a coffee in my garden between calls - I get such a boost, clearer thinking or getting creative”. And if I had a penny for every time a leader I’m coaching said “I don’t have time to…”

Whatever you do this week, notice if you take any time at all for yourself. Find some new many ways, micro moments whether alone or with others - it makes a difference!

#leadershipitspersonal #reflectivepractice #timeout

A coffee outside, FaceTime with a friend & time in my hammock…

OFL/Living Lab Part Two Done! June 2022

Charting new adventures & where I’m going to go next

Who really gives you straight feedback?

Last week was so important.

Taking quality time out to study, be challenged & get the type of quality feedback that makes things happen the nature of which is so hard to find day to day in our work, organisations & careers. Experiencing some phenomenal international leaders & leaders of the future, really going for it for themselves & for others.

I cannot wait to see what everyone does next! And for me, I’ve definately decided where to chart my boat next…

#leadershipitspersonal #investinyourself #investinyourbusiness

Leadership & Organisational Development in Action (May 2022)

OFL & Living Lab Part 1 Done!What a 5days of wall to wall challenge, direct in the moment feedback without filter (rare) & some amazing leaders from all corners of the globe. Academia meets commercial, non for profit & so many backgrounds & perspectives all coming together. Connections & courage to take us all another leap forward in our professional & personal lives. You inspired me, tested me & cannot wait to experience Part 2 with you all in June!

#leadershipitspersonal #breath #act

With just a moment to dip our toes in the sea👍🏻

A few moments in the sun as a Personal Action Learning Group

What a development weekend! March 2022

After 2 long years, being able to have a weekend of development with some brilliant people felt really special. I’ll not speak for my group amigos as not my story to tell, but with Elisabeth Henderson we made shifts & did some amazing work together that I’m so grateful for!

Can’t wait to put it all into practice… watch out world:-)

#leadershipitspersonal #developingpeople #leadershipinsight

Able to travel & be with people again!

In 2022 - I believe...

Yes, it’s that time of year when like many I reflect, take stock & notice what I’m grateful for & think about what might lie ahead. And for the last few years I’ve included finding a word for the year - part aspiration, part curiosity & to see how it might unfold in an emergent way rather than driving my actions.

Last year I chose to ‘explore’, with no idea how that might unfold or take shape in our second year of Pandemic with very different ways of living, coping & connecting. My exploration may have been physically & geographically fixed with travel, programmes and events cancelled or moved online; but I’ve found myself working in new places & with new clients around the world onscreen that would not have taken shape in other circumstances.

With family we’ve explored together how to work with what’s thrown at us from no GSCE exams & stringent teacher assessments through to multiple apprenticeship roles closing down & early lessons at work - as for many neither of my children expected to face. Valuable lessons in handling uncertainty, constant change & not being with their peers as a ‘normal’ part of growing up.

Alongside all of which I’ve completed the first 11 months of a development programme that is pushing me & daring me to examine my self-limiting beliefs, ways of operating & how to bring all my experience of the last 29years into the next 10+ of my career, what I’m interested in & good at!

So to this year - what’s coming to mind & coming to the surface for 2022?

It’s to ‘believe’.

Why? It’s coming through strongly with things I’ve already started & further exploring I want to do. Believing in myself & what I have to offer my clients, colleagues & teams working as senior leaders & professionals across healthcare & other sectors. Belief in what is possible for my family & friends, what we can achieve & make happen together. And believing whatever is thrown at us next, we can work through it, learn & grow stronger.

All while being acutely aware that there’s an important balance. Taking action & making things happen myself, alongside how I seek advice, guidance & support at the right time. Making the most of challenge & feedback of any kind - even when it’s tough to hear for whatever reason.

As you may have heard me say many times I believe leadership - it’s personal; so come on 2022 let’s get personal!

Because everyone deserves coaching...

Really lovely to get unsolicited feedback & thanks on a Friday afternoon, especially when it gets to the heart of why I do what I do!

To listen, notice, explore & challenge whether one-to-one coaching or working with & alongside a team - it has to be about getting into the struggle, what’s important and making things happen.

Because as you may have heard me say before - Leadership, it’s personal!

Do you dare to dream or look forward?

After a busy week with NHS, College & care home colleagues, I’ve been hearing from so many in the last week how worried they are about what the next few months might bring for everyone. I’m noticing every day the contrast of holding onto the new, the hopeful & connection, balanced with how people cope, keep calm & carry on solo BUT at what cost? I’ve dared to dream starting an ambitious project, that will see me in new places in 2022; while I simply wish for nearest & dearest not to be alone again this Christmas. I hope you find some hope, new challenges & look forward to a new year - here for you if you need #leadershipitspersonal #daretodream #askforhelp

Sometimes you need to struggle first!

Facilitating several sessions with teams last week I had amazing feedback, but also we shared that sometimes you just need to be in the struggle together. I witness how hard it is when you give everything to your role & yet are finding things really tough when you look at what’s working & what’s not. BEFORE you can start working out what you need and what will make a difference - can you avoid taking it personally & first, own what’s getting in the way!

#leadershipitspersonal #growth #ownit

Before you can see the light, you may need to rummage in the dark