Back in November 2023, I wrote a high-level introduction to coaching and how it differs from other development approaches. If you have not read that yet, it is a great starting point. But since then, many of you have reached out asking for more detail: What does the coaching relationship actually look like? How is it different from mentoring, therapy, or just having a good conversation with a trusted friend? What should I expect if we work together? This article goes much de

A couple of months ago a trip to the Scottish Highlands reminded me, once again, how stepping away from screens and into nature isn't just a luxury, but rather an essential ingredient for our wellbeing. Spending time surrounded by blue spaces (water) and green spaces (forests, parks) can quiet mental chatter, spark clearer thinking, and restore the calm we lose in our busy routines. Today, I want to go further and explore something I've been learning more about, and implement

For years, I was that person who never said no. Every one ‘great job’ led to three more projects. Every compliment fueled my drive to take on even more. I was caught in what I now recognise as the dark side of excellence: the more competent you become, the more work finds its way to your desk. I thrived on the praise and fed that part of me that had always sought approval through achievement. I'd show up to work even when I was unwell, convinced that was what dedication looke

Today, I finally get to write about a topic that I have been mulling over for quite a while: lifelong learning. I am not talking about formal education only here, rather every opportunity, no matter how big or small, to add something to our knowledge, or change our current way of thinking. So let’s dive right in! The power of curiosity It was once thought that the neural networks in our brain remained mostly fixed, until they started degrading with age. More recent research,

As we have stepped into a new year, I have decided to institute a new tradition: an annual review of the books I have read over the course of the previous year. Books have been one of my greatest sources of learning, inspiration, and reflection, and I feel this is the perfect way to share that journey with you. Each time, I will be highlighting my key takeaways from all the books that have kept me company over the course of the prior year, including my recommendations as to w

Today I want to talk about something different. In fact, I want to talk about someone: me. For someone like me who generally prefers not to be at the centre of attention whenever possible, this makes for quite an interesting change. However, I believe this is actually needed here. Coaching is very personal, and relies heavily on the trust between coach and client. I always tell people that they will get out as much as they put in, and for that to happen, they need to feel com

I recently looked up some stats on career change, and I was quite alarmed (although not surprised) by the results. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workforce 2024 report, employee engagement among European workers was as low as 13%, with one-third of respondents stating that they are currently seeking to change jobs. The reasons for people wanting to leave their current job vary: lack of progression opportunities with their current employer, lack of or poor flexibil

Empathy is often misunderstood, especially in a professional setting where emotions are thought to be best left at the door. But what if empathy could be the key to creating a more innovative, collaborative, and resilient team? In this article, I want to explore the true power of empathy, both as a tool for better leadership and as a skill that can significantly impact workplace dynamics. As I mentioned in a previous piece , empathy is one of the five components of emotional

Today, let’s unpack the concept of core values and their significance. Core values are the deeply held beliefs that shape our decisions and interactions, providing clarity and direction in both our personal and professional lives. Psychologist Susan David highlights that values should empower and guide us, not constrain us. Being aware of your values provides you with a moral compass to guide your decisions, shape your relationships, and determine how you want to live your

This month we’ll delve into the topic of emotional intelligence (EI), unpacking what it is, how it impacts our personal and professional lives and how we can cultivate it more. The concept of emotional intelligence, or emotional quotient (EQ), was first introduced by Daniel Goleman in the mid-90s. He defined it as ‘the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships.’

To those of you bursting with satisfaction and happiness, having already smashed through your goals for the year, let me start by saying a huge well done. Unless you are still roaring to go and tackle the next big thing, you can now relax and savour the moment – you have truly earned it! In this article, I want to help those of you who may have looked back at the past six months wondering where the time has gone and feeling quite deflated about it. Perhaps you have not been

Today I am back with some reflections I have been making over the past few months on the topic of unlearning to make space for new knowledge, and rethinking to find new solutions to existing problems. But also, appreciating how humility, curiosity and openness to challenge and being challenged can lead to excellence in organisations. I recently devoured Adam Grant’s book on the topic (details are at the bottom, as usual, and if anything you read sparks your interest, I defini

Self-awareness – a concept frequently discussed in the realms of personal and professional development – remains elusive for many. In fact, research by Tasha Eurich reveals that while most people believe they possess self-awareness, only 10-15% meet the criteria. But what exactly is self-awareness, and how can we cultivate it? In essence, self-awareness involves a deep understanding of oneself, encompassing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Essentially, what you feel, why y

‘I am not cut out for this.’ ‘I do not fit in.’ ‘I do not have enough experience.’ ‘I am too young / old for this.’ ‘I will never be smart / good enough.’ Most of us will have likely told ourselves something along these lines at some point in our lives. In fact, this is the case far more often, and for way more people, than you might think. Welcome to the world of limiting beliefs. Broadly speaking, these are convictions in the truth of a certain idea or status quo that hinde

When the word 'failure' is mentioned, what's your immediate reaction? Discomfort? Anxiety? Fear? Shame, perhaps? Or, just maybe... curiosity? My perspective on failure has evolved significantly over the years. The catalyst for this change was my coaching journey, introducing me to new concepts, diverse ways of thinking, and, most importantly, instilling the habit of regular self-reflection. I used to perceive failure as something to be ashamed of. I believed that capable and

We've all encountered the concept of 'paralysis by analysis', where overthinking hinders decision-making, leading to delayed or abandoned plans. This not only does a disservice to ourselves, but also to those who could have benefited from our actions. I have personally faced this challenge multiple times. In fact, I almost fell into the 'perfectionism-procrastination loop' quite recently, when starting this newsletter. Yet, here I am, writing my third article in a row. Overco

As December unfolds, many of us take a moment to reflect on the year gone by and contemplate what we would like to achieve in the coming one. However, fast forward a few weeks, and you might find yourself in a conversation where someone's New Year resolutions have faded away. So, does it mean that setting goals is pointless? This month's newsletter delves into why I believe we should not give up on having goals, but instead be more strategic about them. It is much more than ‘

Since the beginning of my journey towards becoming a coach, many have asked me what coaching is all about. In this newsletter, my aim is to bring more clarity on what coaching really means, the key differences between coaching and other learning interventions, as well as its transformative potential. So let’s dive right in, shall we? ‘Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximise their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.’ (Sir Joh