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

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

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

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