September's diary

I started September in my 1950's outfit, off for a day at The Goodwood Revival (my, did my thick and very large synthetic petticoat keep me warm!) I danced, I people watched, I drank champagne and ate lunch under an umbrella as the rain poured down - Britain at it's best and a happy way to kick off what has been a wonderful month.

September marked my first month of stepping out or away from what I call the much needed ‘painful pause’. The end of introspection and navel gazing, to the getting out and bringing to life the new ‘me’, the next chapter in my career.?

So what am I up to?

I am running a few initiatives concurrently with the view that they will ultimately dovetail into the bigger ambition.

With intention

Over the summer I worked on my personal brand. I got clear on my intent, vision, values, skills and experience. I thought hard about what motivates me and what doesn’t, what I want more or less of, and where I am in my flow. This work is vital. But sadly too many people ignore it or skip over it. I love doing this work as it opens up so many possibilities, grounds you in your capability, interest and focus and therefore makes the next steps of growth so much easier and more enjoyable.

Reengaging and growing my network

With this newfound clarity I have started to meet up with a variety of people already in my network, as well as those whose work I admire. No hard sell or big expectations – just an opportunity to share where I’m at and more importantly, listen to what they have to say, share insights and ask for introductions to be made. All along observing what resonates with them and what doesn’t. Simply and importantly growing and deepening relationships with people I admire and respect. So thank you Sarah-Jane Butler Julia Fenwick , Laura Kenyon Sarah Taylor Phillips Holly Whelan, PhD Lucy Standing CPsychol, AFBPS, CPBP, MSc, BSc Nina Ferguson Andy Hurst

Women’s business, leadership and career coaching

Those of you who only know me as the CEO of 2to3days will not know that prior to setting up this business I was, for over 10 years a business and executive coach for entrepreneurs and women in senior leadership. I brought this expertise and passion into my role at 2to3days but couldn’t do as much as I would have liked. So part of my next chapter is to grow this part of my capability and passion. September saw me kick off this strategy with a handful of female entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses on terms that work for them, as well as women wanting to pivot to new directions or reignite their careers following a break. So, if you or anyone in your network would be interested in learning more about how I work then please DM me.

Personal development

I am super excited that this week I am about to start two amazing programmes and in fact I have a classroom clash on Tuesday!?

Firstly, I am in France this week studying to become a licensed practitioner of one of the world’s leading psychometric tools based on the psychology of Carl Jung, called Insights Discovery. It has been built to help people understand themselves and others, and make the most of relationships that affect them in the workplace. My aim is to weave this formative framework into my coaching business as well as to help inform my hiring decisions as I grow my new team. A couple of my classmates are Annabel Nichols (she, her) and Nicole Le Saout

Secondly, I am taking on the personal branding challenge with Female Founders Rise on LinkedIn. So heads up, you are going to be seeing more activity from me as I deepen my knowledge and understanding of how to master and leverage the full potential of LinkedIn. I would love your feedback!

?Health is wealth

This is me with Elaine Hart ?? the founder of Power is Bananas after completing, for the second time this month, an early morning spin class on the beach at Bracklesham Bay. It’s an amazing concept (Elaine goes anywhere with her bikes in her van, corporate gigs are her thing!) with motivational music and inspiring words being streamed through headphones. I love this… I am done with being burnt out, lack of balance, too much stress, not sleeping – it’s simply not worth it. I am not interested in going fast and hard, 24/7, or the ‘go big or go home’ attitude to growing a business. What I am very interested in, is growing a business on terms that work for me. That means my physical, psychological and financial wellbeing all grow together and are not mutually exclusive. I am passionate about redefining the definition of success for both myself and for others and I am deeply encouraged by the conversations I am having from people who share my ambition.

?The other bits and pieces I have been up to.

• ?I watched Oliver at the theatre and I have been switching off to the very charming and beautifully acted series, The Durrells.
• I have been swimming in the sea - the temperature is dropping - as October approaches now is the pivotal month to keep dipping if you are going to make it through the winter.
• I am having an alcohol free month.
• I have taken my daughter to University. The wrench in me has been huge and I am still feeling very unsettled worrying constantly. A mother’s job is never done!
• I am reading The Underground Railway by Colin Whitehead
• I am listening to Much More to Come by Eleanor Mills - an inspiring and thought provoking read!

Enjoy what is left of September!

Juliet

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