Field Notes

Whatever benefits AI and technology may bring us, there is nothing quite like meeting someone in person. Yesterday, I met Michael Bungay Stanier in person. For many years I have been inspired by him and I often recommend his wonderful book The Coaching Habit. Before I read it, I struggled…

Last night, I had so much fun with our son attending the West End production “Austentatious” – an all-star cast who improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen novel every night! Inspired entirely by a title from the audience and performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment, it’s a riotous,…

Last Thursday evening, I had an unexpected experience which taught me that you don’t always know the effect that you have on people’s lives. I was meeting Coachsource colleagues at a venue  close to the Bank of England, some of whom I have worked alongside for nearly 20 years. I…

Many leaders have started 2025 with high ambitions but their effectiveness can be derailed by a failure to manage a “red mist” moment. One red mist moment handled badly can take ten further interactions to repair. A “red mist” moment refers to a situation where emotions, particularly anger or frustration,…

Coach the Person, not the Problem Sometimes, we read a book that has a profound affect on how we view things and it changes us in some way. One such book for me was Marcia Reynolds’ “Coach the Person, not the Problem”.  I had the pleasure of meeting Marcia last…

Last night I attended the closing celebration of the Chief Community in London and while it was a bittersweet moment for the founders, what an enriching time it has been to be a Guide in this community of smart, sassy women leaders. Chief’s mission is to create a trusted private…

As a CHIEF Guide I am fortunate to be able to attend some wonderful events, most recently where Lisa Sun was the guest speaker. Lisa is person who embodies character, courage and candour in a way that is so engaging and inspiring that I felt compelled to share some of…

What Triggers You? As leaders, how we handle situations in full view of others can have grave or unintended consequences. Last week, I observed how two clients were triggered by situations and how important it is for such leaders to understand their triggers and how to manage themselves appropriately in…

This month, a dear friend and I had the privilege of visiting David Hockney’s exhibition: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) in London’s The Lightroom. One of Hockney’s most famous and innovative ideas was his use of “joiners” or photo collages. He would take multiple photographs of a…