October Blur

Hello everyone and hello/goodbye October! Where did that go?!?

It’s lovely to welcome many new subscribers this month following a whirlwind of fresh human connections sprouting out of the many opportunities and events that have kept me busy over the last few weeks.?Thanks for joining us!

My theme this month has been ‘reframing’. Those who know me will know that this time of year is a toughie. I’m working on acceptance, gratitude and leaning in rather than my usual ostrich approach of ‘head down, just get through to January’.?

One thing that has really helped has been keeping up with outdoor swimming despite the change of seasons. It’s been a complete revelation. My body is so grateful to be gliding through water rather than pounding pavement and my mind loves having space to process without earphones in and podcasts blaring.

Just one article and one recommendation this month! I've had to adjust my expectations. Hopefully it's quality over quantity. ??

An article

The problem with leaders is that they are human: Why investing in being better humans makes us better leaders - We often forget that behind the title of "leader" is a human being. The very qualities that make us human are the same ones that challenge our effectiveness as leaders. And those things that make us imperfectly human are what give us the capacity to lead with heart, wisdom, and resilience.

A recommendation (ok 2)

Diary of a CEO with Adam Grant - I always learn something new whenever I listen to Adam Grant . This episode is, predictably, full of gems and is where I got the idea of ‘living life like a scientist’. Think of every decision, every branch point as an experiment. It might work, it might not. Either way, you’ll get data and that data will be valuable. I’ve played around with this mindset personally and it completely unlocked a client who was feeling stuck in a loop of indecision.

I plan to read Kind: The quiet power of kindness at work by Graham Allcott . I really desperately wanted to have read it by now to officially recommend it this month but I haven’t. I’d still like to put it on your radar… If you think kindness is meek, think again! The book is getting 5 star ratings all over the place and the reviews are out of this world. If you want to read a little about Graham’s story that sits behind the book, check out this article in the times.?

Updates

“Coaching Leaders in times of crisis” with Animas Centre for Coaching has come to an end. I had an absolute blast curating and delivering my sessions on self-awareness and resilience (*2). I learnt so much from the participants and the process, including that I really value the butterflies and the buzz of new experiences that feel slightly out of my comfort zone. If anyone is interested in exploring these topics with their teams/organisations, do reach out for a chat.?

‘Inside Out: The pathway to resilient leadership’ is taking off like a rocket ship. ?? It's so exciting! If you are interested in hearing more about how we support leaders to build their ability to “effectively address challenge, change, and complexity, and in doing so, to be enhanced, not diminished by these experiences” (Taryn Stejskal), do reach out for a chat.?Our next cross-organisational cohort starts in January and we still have a few spots left.

With the help of our wonderful new associate, Roger Bretherton , we are reviewing, updating and improving the programme. If it ain't broke, break it!

One question we have is around the concept of 'resilience'. When you hear of a programme that ‘builds resilience’ are you intrigued or put off??We'd love to hear...

I’ve officially joined Rebecca Morley PCC 's Third House as an associate coach and leadership development consultant. We had a fabulous day in London getting acquainted with their ‘Intentional Leadership’ model and diagnostic tools and brainstorming what we all bring to the table that is greater than the sum of the parts. It felt so good to find community with super smart, like-minded but completely different people!

If you are a creative disruptor at the top of a fast growth, scaling company doing exciting things and seeking to hone your leadership with more intentionality and find greater clarity amongst the chaos, reach out for a chat.?

That’s it for this month!

I hope that whatever is going on in your world, you are being kind to yourself.

Take care,

Astrid