In his lecture from the early 90s, the comedy legend John Cleese brings some simple yet powerful insights into the business world. Firstly, that creativity is not a talent you either have or don’t. It’s a mode of thinking you can enter, if you create the conditions for it. Secondly, that playfulness and laughter signal safely and are a gateway into creative thinking. And thirdly, that there is a clear distinction between being serious and being severe . Two modes of mind He

Troubled by questions all my life, Like a madman I have been knocking at the door. It opened! I had been knocking from inside. ~ Untitled poem by Rumi Today I joined a webinar hosted by Inspired to Learn with guest speaker Ross Nichols, editor of Poetry for Coaching . This unique Anthology brings together poems and the stories entwined with them, written by coaches, counsellors and therapists to inspire others with their insights. The session explored the value of poetry in

A conversation I often find myself having with clients is about the never-ending challenge of achieving work-life "balance". Many people find it hard to role model what they believe "good" looks like as leaders, simply because of the sheer volume of what they’re managing. Others are deeply passionate about their work and love fully immersing themselves in it. Whatever your view, work is only one part of the human equation. So perhaps the real question is: can we find a better

I never expected to find myself listening to nearly 30 podcast episodes on menstrual health – yet here I am, and it has been one of the...

Have you ever noticed that once you start thinking about buying a certain car, you suddenly see it everywhere? Psychologists sometimes...

"The first half of life is devoted to forming a healthy ego. The second half is going inward and letting go of it." ~ Carl Jung "In the...

I wasn't feeling "all that" this morning so decided to head to the local beach for a blast of sea air and to clear my thoughts......

In this thought-provoking TED Talk, Psychology professor Lisa Feldman Barrett challenges us to consider how we are responsible for our...

I've been particularly struck recently by the negative connotion surrounding gossip and how I've come to associate it with with...

Over 12 months, I worked with Wiltshire College & University Centre's senior leadership team to create space for fresh thinking, honest reflection and stronger connections.

Although not (yet?) a surfer, I love the sea. And to me, life often feels like being out on the ocean. Some days are calm and clear, some...

I’ve been thinking recently about how readily we avoid having potentially 'tough' conversations and I came across a What’s Up Docs?...

I can’t remember how I first came across this video, but it has stayed with me as a little lift whenever things begin to feel...

One of the subtle challenges I’ve wrestled with in my own practice as a coach and supervisor over the years is the place of praise. On...

Breathing is something we do all day without thinking. Yet when it comes to managing stress, emotions and focus, how we breathe makes all...

In a moment of existential angst, after hearing doom-laden talk on the radio about AI, I turned to ChatGPT while in the car with my...

As the calendar year comes to a close I find myself once again drawn to this natural opportunity for reflection.   Cultural traditions...

Frequently dismissed as mundane or overly simplistic, checklists can be powerful tools that offer significant benefits – from...

I’m acutely aware of the stigma attached to crying. That it’s a sign of emotional instability or lack of strength; something socially...

Are you able to to adapt to changing circumstances, thoughts and emotions while staying aligned with your values and long-term goals? If...