Category: Professional development
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How to succeed by failing
We’ve all been there. A really crucial event at work has gone wrong – and it’s your fault! It’s over and you’re home now, bracing yourself for all the criticism and fallout from your mistakes. Your stomach’s fluttering, your mind’s buzzing with regret and with those ‘staircase thoughts’ – the sort that only come when…
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Six reasons you won’t be needing a coach any time soon
I’m a mentor and coach for non-profit leaders. And I’m about to list six incredibly good reasons why you might not need to work with one. Am I mad? Well, maybe. I’m thoroughly convinced of the power of coaching and what it can do for purposeful leaders, but…. It isn’t right for everyone, all of…
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Own your strengths and soar
I gave a talk at the FSI Skills Conference last week on how to encourage Star Performers in small charities. I loved it! I enjoy speaking to live audiences and I don’t get to do it that often. So when I do, I relish the connection, the in-the-moment responses to the journey we’re on together,…
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Coffee, Croissants and Connection
We meet early – before the challenges of the working day put paid to our best intentions – and feast on croissants and fresh fruit in a lovely, bright, spacious room. We talk, we share, we laugh, we learn. I think there have even been tears, which is fine by me. This is what it’s…
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How coaching transformed two leaders lives
I’ve recently finished coaching two totally delightful third sector leaders. Liz is Head of Policy and Advocacy at Traidcraft. Claire is Head of Brand and Creative at Diabetes UK. Both are sparky, dynamic, thoughtful women who have responded to coaching with real commitment and energy. Both say it has changed their life. I will miss…
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Have no passport. Will travel.
I’m a secondary school governor as well as a coach and trainer. One of my clients volunteers for another fabulous charity. Another leader is a Director in a social enterprise. A third mentors young people. Through experiences like these, senior leaders in our sector are enhancing their ability to shine in their roles. What about…
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Leaders Who Brunch
So, at last, it’s happening. Leaders Who Brunch is opening its doors. I’ve been dreaming about setting up this group for, literally, years because I know how much it’s needed. And finally, here it is. Leaders Who Brunch is a short, regular, morning meet-up for non-profit leaders just like you – when we’ll get together…
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Give me space! Why I like my clients to take a duvet day
Do you ever have ‘off’ days at work? Days when you’re unfocused, your brain is a fog and you’re not on top of things? Days when you wish you could just crawl back under the duvet? I’m sure you do. We’re not robots! Well, when my third sector coaching clients show up to a one-to-one session…
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Why leaders need to tell stories
I recently went to a wonderful event, Being The Story, run by digital storytelling organisation, Sound Delivery (strapline – ‘we champion stories that need to be told’). Over the course of the day, twelve speakers with personal stories to share about why they were working for social change made the audience of nonprofit people whoop,…
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How to speak in public – even if you hate it
So, you’ve known about your speaking engagement for ages. You accepted it months ago, not quite believing the day would ever come. But the weeks are whizzing by and you’re beginning to have sleepless nights over standing up there in the spotlight. You know you need to get preparing but each time you even think…