Brews, Views & Truths: Issue 1, 10 Nov '24

Grab a brew, settle in, let's begin.

Here we go, LinkedIn newsletter, issue 1. An insight into my world and that of the leaders I serve, very informal, best enjoyed with brew in hand. “Brew” meaning a hot beverage of choice. Yep, you’re going to have understand northern here.

Desk Diaries

A glimpse into my coaching life

Most weeks are filled with coaching brilliant clients and this week has had plenty of that – IRL as well as video calls. I love my work – it fills me with energy and inspiration.

This week I’ve spent a day fully absorbed in planning for the year ahead – what I want to be doing, what I need to park, forecasting the finances, etc. – you know the kind of thing. Bring on 2025!

Practicing what I preach I had my business coach in the room with me which was such a massive help, enabling me to get to the right outcome quickly. We met up in Leeds, had a great meeting, a fab lunch, and plenty of chat and laughter to complement it all.

And lastly, contracts were signed with a new team member who starts part-time next week. Exciting times.

Leadership Lens

Hot topics from real life leaders

I have the privilege of hearing the inner thoughts of senior leaders daily. Fear not, I won’t be spilling the beans – confidentiality being the cornerstone of all things coaching.

But there are themes that come up, irrespective of sector and role, and I find that interesting. If nothing else, it illustrates that you’re not alone in what you’re experiencing - that leadership challenges repeat themselves in various places.

Current hot topics:

• Strategic planning for 2025 and beyond … and the seemingly common frustration that company processes seem to have the approach back-to-front.
• Budgets, cost challenges, re-structures, and redundancies – it’s the time of year for money talk – but it also seems to be a period for much tougher and emotive cost driven initiatives. No matter how senior and experienced you are, this stuff ain’t easy.
• Job movement – more uplifting – plenty of promotions, successful interviews, and new jobs being started. I know the job market is slower that it’s been for a while, but there is still movement and some exciting roles being landed – keep the faith is my message.

What’s the hot topic for in your world right now?

Moments & Musings

Life beyond the desk

We’ve had bonfire night and a US presidential election – fireworks everywhere! I don’t enjoy the conflict that comes with either. Local disputes over fireworks and the slanging matches of politics – it's so divisive.

In these circumstances my attention turns to what I can control, to what’s bringing me joy, and to where I can make a positive impact. It makes me feel a whole lot better. The alternative being the noise and negativity dragging me down.

My joy givers this week include – walking through crispy autumn leaves, Lexi being VERY bouncy on our morning wanders, a new hanging basket offering some colour outside my office window, receiving thank-you flowers, dinner with a friend, and an overdue haircut.

Best Brew

My favourite cuppa

Clearly the most important feature … as someone who has an entire kitchen cupboard dedicated to tea, I thought I’d share my brew of the moment. And yes, I want to know yours too.

As autumn has arrived I’ve become a bit hooked on Chai tea for its warming effects. After tasting a fab blend in a café recently I bought some for home - ‘Sweet Chai of Mine’ from Twist Tea. Mmmm.

Subscribe and Share your Thoughts

If this note feels like your kind of thing, please subscribe - happy dance from me with each one. Share your thoughts in the comments too.

The next issue will follow in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, stay well and I’ll see you in the newsfeed.