Issue 4, Festive Fun vs Christmas Crawl (20/12/24)

Grab a brew, settle in, let’s begin.

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Desk Diaries

A glimpse into my coaching life

Undoubtedly it’s been a busy couple of weeks, much busier than this period in recent years. The sprinkle of festive cheer here and there has made it even more of a joy than usual. There’s been:

• Many coaching sessions with wonderfully brilliant leaders
• A new team member getting up to speed with the inner workings of the business
• New clients onboarding and finalising 2025 contract extensions as budgets start to get signed off
• Diving into some marketing education – watch out LinkedIn, new ideas for 2025!
• And let’s not forget our team Christmas Do for 2 humans and 1 pooch! ??

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Leadership Lens

Hot topics from real life leaders

I’m not going to sugar-coat it, it seems pretty darn challenging right now and the ‘Christmas Crawl’ is in full force as leaders and their teams reach for the finish line of 2024. A few themes coming up:

• The relentless pace of 2024 with a big push right to the last day, and some fears of needing to be “on and available” during the festive break.
• With that, the associated conversations about boundaries and burnout risks, and how best to manage.
• Cost pressures and budget battles, balancing short term pressures with long term risk and opportunity.

On a brighter note, we’ve also been reflecting on 2024 – the wins and proud moments – and I’ll admit I’ve teared up several times. So much has been achieved – true change-makers in action. It’s important to keep hold of this and recognise your brilliance!

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Moments & Musings

Life beyond the desk

I’ll be honest, there hasn’t been too much ‘beyond the desk’ in the last 2 weeks, but here are some highlights:

• Walks, walks, walks – mainly morning and evening walks in the dark (see pic below), but also weekend walks with friends, where some of the best conversations happen.
• Catch-ups with friends in other ways too – video calls to Oz, soup night at mine (I make a fine soup!), and a couple of pub dinners. All nourishment for the soul.
• Gift wrapping complete and presents posted and delivered – that’s a sense of accomplishment.

?But here’s the confession: it’s 20th Dec and I haven’t yet got my Christmas decorations up – adds to urgent to-do list, but also wonders whether it’s too late to bother … ??

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Best Brew

My favourite cuppa

Brew quantity is at an all-time high, keeping me warm, comforted and energised on the last push. If I had to choose a favourite right now it would be my cinnamon number. It’s not even a tea bag.

Simply a couple of cinnamon sticks in a teapot, leave to stew, and hey presto – a gorgeously sweet and seasonal brew. You’re welcome! ??

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Let The Wind Down Commence

Remember, perfection is not what matters right now. Choose mindful presence with those you treasure, replenish the batteries, reflect on your wins, and choose what’s important for YOU in 2025.

And lastly, if you do want to explore working together in 2025 or have a good read through the blog archive, feel free to browse my website whilst enjoying your mulled wine and mince pie! https://www.deborahbulcock.com

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