Finding Flow with Danny and DJ

A Transformative Equine-Centred Coaching Experience at Martinstown Lodge

In the heart of the Meath countryside, at the serene Martinstown Lodge, two dedicated leadership coaches, Carina Furlong and I, embarked on a unique journey of continuous professional development. Guided by two extraordinary “coaches”—Danny and DJ, two magnificent horses—and under the expert facilitation of Emma Jane Clarke, an experienced executive coach and former director at Sport Ireland, we ventured into the world of equine-centred coaching. This morning of exploration, vulnerability, and hands-on learning gave us valuable insights that we knew would enhance our coaching, leadership development, and team coaching programmes for our clients and our plans to launch Team GLWS in 2025

Carina and I have worked together in various capacities, from our roles as Presidents of PWN Dublin to our collaboration with Talking Talent. Sharing a passion for growth and continuous learning, we were both eager to step outside our comfort zones and discover new ways to elevate our practice. Inspired by a previous equine-centred coaching session I’d attended, we decided to dive into this experience together, aiming to uncover insights that would bring additional depth and value to our client work.

Our session began with an introduction to our equine coaches, Danny and DJ, who taught us more than we could have imagined about human-centred leadership. Through a series of exercises guided by Emma Jane, we learned to approach leadership through a lens of curiosity, vulnerability, and even a little fun. These horses revealed truths about connection, trust, and presence in ways words never could.

Key Learnings:

1. Building Trust is Essential – We learned quickly that no amount of coaxing or pulling would make Danny or DJ move unless they felt a genuine connection. Building trust required us to be fully present, patient, and willing to connect.
2. The Power of Human-Centred Leadership – In a world marked by VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity), human-centred and connected leadership is crucial. Equine coaching reminded us that genuine, mindful connections are the foundation of inspirational leadership, especially in today’s challenging work environments.
3. Be Present and In the Moment – Horses live in the moment, responding to our energy with immediate feedback. To work effectively with them, we had to focus on being fully present—an essential skill in leadership and coaching.
4. Stay Outcome-Focused – The importance of focusing on the desired outcome became clear when working with the horses. Leadership requires a clear sense of direction, purpose, and presence to guide teams effectively.
5. Embrace Discomfort – Whether leading or supporting, finding flow often means embracing discomfort and staying grounded even when things feel uncertain. This lesson encouraged us to lean into new roles with openness.
6. Hold Your Head High – Keeping our heads up and pointing in the direction of our goal was a simple yet powerful behaviour. This small act is crucial in leadership, as it projects confidence, clarity, and direction.
7. Role Clarity Creates Flow – Whether leading or supporting, clarity in roles is essential to establish a rhythm and find flow. In leadership, knowing when to step forward or lean back adds value to collaboration.
8. Supporting Roles are Valuable – We learned that stepping into a supporting role doesn’t diminish our value; instead, it amplifies our ability to contribute to a collective goal.

Actions to Embrace Flow: Our time with Danny and DJ inspired us to apply these principles actively in our work. Here are a few actions we’re focusing on to embrace flow and bring a new level of mindfulness to our coaching:

• Start Each Day Grounded and Present – Building presence from the beginning of each day sets the tone for impactful leadership.
• Prioritise Role Clarity in Collaboration – Defining roles early helps build trust and alignment in collaborative relationships.
• Embrace Discomfort – We’re choosing to lean into the unfamiliar, knowing that discomfort can lead to growth.
• Take Purposeful Action – By aligning our actions with purpose, we can lead more effectively and authentically.
• Truly Align and Be Clear on Purpose – Clarity in purpose drives focus and flow, ensuring every action aligns with the bigger picture.

To see our learnings in action Click here

A Morning Well Spent in Nature’s Classroom Our morning at Martinstown Lodge was more than a coaching session—it was a powerful reminder of the wisdom we can gain when we open ourselves to learning from nature. Through the gentle yet profound guidance of Danny and DJ, we gained insights that will continue to shape our approach to leadership and team development.

If you're seeking to deepen your understanding of leadership and explore personal growth in an authentic, transformative way, an equine-centred coaching experience at Martinstown Lodge is an experience we’d highly recommend. The lessons we learned with Danny and DJ will stay with us for years to come, reminding us of the power of presence, purpose, and trust in every aspect of our work.