Reflecting - One Year Later

I’ve been inspired by several colleagues to take a moment to reflect on the past year. I will confess that for someone who has a daily practice of reflection, I struggled to collect my thoughts on what the past year has provided the most meaning and learning.

As many of you know, I made a significant move back to my birthplace; London England, after a 31 year departure and life in Los Angeles, CA. This was the place I moved to in my very early 20’s and the place I established my business career, freelance musician, board member and community builder, and raised my three wonderful children. Just over a year ago, I decided that I wanted to reopen a chapter of my life, and return back to London.

It has been more than a year since I returned ‘home’. The experience has been challenging and exhilarating and so incredibly wonderful. It is not common to shout out friends and family on LinkedIn, but I would be remiss not to mention the people who are my support network. I had lots of fun renting spectacular flats through Airbnb for the first two months. I realised during this time that due to the fact that I had not been a resident, I wasn’t going to be able to rent my own flat. That’s when I reached out to my sisters and was taken in by my sister Audrey Samuels . Audrey is not only a big sister, but someone who is a sort of glue of our transatlantic family.

Along with June Samuels , Paulette W. , and Marjory Maclean, my ‘big sisters’ were the incredible moral support I needed to make such a significant transition successful. And I would be remiss to mention Jan Sinclair , my dear cousin and fellow coach.

A little less than a year ago whilst struggling to navigate the complexities of moving across the world, I had a temporary lapse of memory and left everything important to me on the tram. Within thirty minutes of this incident, I received a phone call from whom I suspected to be a scam artist, but rather was the person who gathered my personal effects and took the time to track me down and return them to me in person. Tim Clarke-Payton is the kind soul who did this and a new friend.

I feel particularly grateful to have joined the Institute of Directors (IoD) and developed significant relationships with IOD personnel such as David Gandon and a slew of fellow members including Gavriella Abekassis , Caroline Terry , Jocelyn Lightfoot , Dace Briede-Zalite and the very special Jemima Cooper who recently left for Australia. I am looking forward to collaborating with Level39 as a speaker and mentor/coach to start ups in the City of London. I want to extend my thanks to Rick Tolfrey for his generosity and openness to collaboration and partnership.

One of my personal values is service to my community. For the past 10 years, I have served on the board of several non-profits/charities. I am honoured to serve as Member of the Board of Trustees? and Lay Canon at Rochester Cathedral. This appointment combines my spiritual values and leadership experience and commitment to the Church.

I have a lifelong experience in music performance and the arts and developed and instant? connection with CEO Jocelyn Lightfoot’s vision and the live performances of the London Chamber Orchestra . There was an instant recognition of how our experiences and perspectives were aligned for future goals, and joining board of trustees was a perfect partnership.

As I reflect on 2023, I am grateful for the opportunity to begin a new chapter in my life and highly anticipating new business partnerships, friendships, and leading and serving various communities.

Happy New Year 2024!