Acknowledge the previous leader, even if they were deemed poor, avoiding the blame game. Create space for team frustrations and letting go of the past before moving forward. Listen before acting. This may feel like doing nothing, but before you can do, you need to understand. How are you going to lead differently? e.g. building trust, empathy, effective communication, new worthwhile ideas etc Communicate the vision and goals... Why we heading in this direction? What I will do

If you are thinking anxiety is getting in the way of you leading a more fulfilling life, you are not alone. People can have varying degrees of anxiety, some of which may involve... Perceived fear (although it feels real to the person). Being unable to overcome or be defined by their past. Focusing on problems (rather than solutions) associated with their anxiety. Behaviours such as, showing up angry, procrastinating, irritable or detached. Irrationality. Copious amounts of pe

The latest offering from Russell T. Davis, "Tip-Toe" is a harrowing watch. Watching it, you could be forgiven for thinking nothing has changed in the last 60 years and lay the blame, primarily at the male population. There is truth in the narrative of course, but there are lots of good guys out there. Having lived through those last 60 years we appeared on the surface, to be a much more accepting society 20, 30, even 40 years ago. Perhaps this is rose coloured thinking or may

Does the world owe you something? Do people owe you something. (I'm not talking money here!) Perhaps... you owe it to yourself to understand why you are playing the 'Victim'. you owe it to yourself to create your own empowerment without taking away others. Recognise yourself in the headlines below? 'Victim' blames others for their life. 'Victim' gets defensive about everything. 'Victim' wallows in self pity and problems. 'Victim' wants sympathy from the 'crowd' gathered. 'Vic

If you can recognise who you are and what you might need to do from the 10 points below, that's the beginning of potentially doing something better. Listen to understand, avoid trying to fix things or find a solution. (They may not want one...listening is enough) You've asked a question like "What would you like to happen now?" Stay calm and quiet while listening to and processing their response. State the impact on you, not what they need to do...that will be up to them. Be

Some or all of these things may matter to you, depending on your personal values. Credentials - Independent Coach Federation (ICF) trained. Coaching in practice across The John Lewis Partnership 2004 - 2021. Motivational Coaching 2022 - present. Why coaching? - Because you need someone to explore potential future solutions with while still being in control of your own destiny. Advice - You won't get that from me. It's your life, not mine. You may get some hypothetical situati

Whatever your views are about the world we live in today and with a little thought, you can get the best out of yourself and others by re-examining your communication methods. Here are 10 things you might like to consider... Get curious - Respectfully ask someone about their 'identity'. e.g. "Do you mind if I ask you a little bit more about.....for my own understanding? Explore more - e.g. "What brought you to this conclusion?", "What have been your experiences so far?" Show

I wouldn't be where I am now without the support, care, kindness and excellent leadership of these wonderful human beings. They presented me with thoughtful, worthwhile opportunities, letting me grow at my own pace and offering their wisdom and insight when I needed it. From retail management to facilitation and coaching, I look back on a career which has given me great fulfilment & enjoyment, thanks to their leadership and personal attributes. I know not everyone can be as f

For those of a certain age, you may be familiar with this song from a certain Liverpudlian songstress. Some of you may be less familiar, indeed uncomfortable with seeing men in bright colours! I test this theory regularly by wearing colours that 'society' still tells us are not really for men. And if you are scratching your head thinking, really...I hadn't given it a thought...thank you! I'm just talking about a colour, nothing more 'controversial' than this, but it still see

When was the last time you had a conversation with someone and... The outcome was very different to what's been discussed & agreed? The conversation seemed to go round in circles? The other person was trying not to, but ultimately did offend you? You were scratching your head trying to understand their behaviour? Assumptions were made about you and/or the situation? There could be a number of reasons why people don't say what they mean. Here are a few... Fear of being dire

It's a key question to ask yourself if you believe your relationship needs reframing, you are being misunderstood, taken for granted, unsure of what to say to your friend/partner of 6 months, 6 or 60 years!! If none of this is important to you, perhaps you should move on or move out and stop reading here! So, your relationship is important then? In which case... When was the last time you really listened to your Partner without interruption? When was the last time you told yo

When I google this term it comes up with everything sport related, which is understandable considering the title, but personal development coaching can be at speed too, with the right topic. Are you... Preparing for an interview? About to have a potentially challenging conversation? Looking to be creative in a session you are running soon? Wanting to run ideas past someone before an important meeting? Needing a 'partner' for a specific goal? Keen for a better understanding of

Which one's resonate with you? Here's an example...some of which may be mine? STOP Making assumptions about things and people. Wasting energy on things you can do nothing about. Saying 'Yes' to everything. Neglecting yourself. Comparing yourself to others...there is only one 'you' and if you don't like 'you', change it on your own terms! Doing everything alone. Sharing does not = failure. Being indispensable - because you're not and you'll never have any peace! START Someth

Bad experiences Perhaps you've worked with a so called 'Coach' only to find out they had their own agenda, gave you lots of advice & feedback you didn't ask for and you came away with a lack of trust & feeling not in control of your own future. The downside of being a genuine coach like me is the industry is not regulated, so anyone can call themselves a coach. A real Coach will always have what is important to you at the heart of the conversation , ask open questions, liste

I could spend time talking about why people don't take responsibility for their own actions, however people are likely to know the reasons why and if they don't, perhaps they need a Coach ?! I'm much more interested in how taking personal responsibility will support a more positive future for you and those around you. The Benefits You understand and own your actions. You take control of your future vs hanging on to the past. Helps to build your self esteem. Empowers you to le

You'll be successful with your personal and professional goals when... you commit to things which are most important to you now. you are completely motivated to achieve them, even if there are curveballs along the way. you are being honest with yourself about what you are prepared to do. you accept responsibility for your actions and put in place accountability measures. you are willing to be stretched (to a realistic point!) you are excited about what's ahead. you prioritise

It can be difficult sometimes to know what's real and what isn't in this world. This is likely to get even more challenging in 2026 and beyond. Having someone like a Coach can help you to cut through what is real and what isn't, helping you to live a genuine and fulfilling life. Do beware though of the style over substance 'Coaches' they could be giving you their fakery! For example... Creating an illusion of your success - Creating a performance over substance mentality...i

It doesn't have to be. Of course you might like your life this way, however... If everything becomes about communication through technology, what are you and indeed I, potentially denying ourselves? So when you get the opportunity to have some face to face (F2F) time, either personally or professionally, seize the moment or challenge yourself...depending on how you see it. From my personal experience, here are 10 real benefits of mixing face to face interaction with media co

What's important to you isn't always important to others. This is a core truth about individuality and perspective , highlighting that everyone has unique values, goals, and priorities. You define your own path, not relying on others' validation for happiness or self-worth. Focus instead on personal growth, integrity, and what brings you meaning, even if it seems small to someone else . However, what can you do/say to those who deem 'their thing' is of utmost importance! "

This month - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Use the quick coaching checker method below for each of the 5 blocks of Maslow's diagram above, starting at the bottom of the pyramid. Only move to the next block once you are satisfied your needs are being met in the current one. What action/s do you need to take before moving on? Coaching Checker 1st Block - How am I getting all the basics in life which are important to me? 2nd Block - What do I need to feel secure in life? 3rd Block