The executive backhand

In an imaginative, if rash, moment I took up tennis again recently after more years away from the court than I dare to admit. It has been simultaneously a delight and an irritant, humbling and encouraging, a time of growth and a time of deep frustration. Perhaps I’m not alone in my love-hate relationship with […]
Work is love made visible

The famous quote “work is love made visible” from the Lebanese poet Kahil Gilbran is often quoted and often misunderstood. It is so often equated with the woolly and fluffy ‘soft skills’ which sound and feel ‘nice’ but which don’t drive impact. This is a fallacy. As intentional a body as the World Economic Forum […]
The Role of Executive Coaching in Fostering Business Innovation

In the rapidly evolving contemporary business landscape staying ahead of the competition and driving innovation has become more critical than ever. To navigate the challenges and seize opportunities in this dynamic environment, businesses need visionary leaders who can foster a culture of innovation. Executive coaching has long been recognised as a powerful tool to develop […]
Book Review: “Creating the Reflective Habit” by Michelle Lucas

Creating the Reflective Habit is a practical guide for coaches, mentors, and leaders. Although the title positions it primarily for professional coaches, it is accessible, relevant, and impactful for any leaders who want to develop their self-awareness and learning skills. The author, Michelle Lucas, is a highly experienced coach and coach supervisor who has been […]
Why is hope important for human flourishing?

Hope is a powerful emotion that can inspire us to overcome challenges, pursue our goals, and cope with adversity. Hope can also help us to connect with others, find meaning in life, and foster positive well-being. But what exactly is hope and how does it affect human flourishing? According to psychologist Charles R. Snyder, hope […]
The value of the Clifton Strengths in leadership development
Clifton Strengths, also known as StrengthsFinder, is a popular tool for personal and professional development. It is based on the idea that everyone has a unique combination of talents and strengths that can be used to achieve excellence and satisfaction in work and life. Clifton Strengths helps individuals identify their natural talents and learn how […]
Impact of microcredentials on corporate learning and development

Microcredentials are short, focused, and verifiable learning experiences that demonstrate a specific skill or competency. They are increasingly popular among employees and employers as a way to enhance professional development and career advancement. Microcredentials can be offered by a variety of providers, such as universities, online platforms, industry associations or employers themselves. Some examples of […]
Book review. “Emotional Capitalist” by Martyn Newman

In this influential book (Emotional Capitalist), Newman, a respected academic psychologist and leadership consultant, argues that emotional intelligence is the key to success in the modern economy. He claims that emotional intelligence, or the ability to understand and manage one’s own and others’ emotions, is a vital skill that can help leaders create positive relationships, […]
The coaching ripple effect

There can be few leadership development consultants who deliver executive coaching, nor corporate OD and L&D specialists who commission coaching, nor the countless senior leaders who have benefitted from coaching, who would doubt the value of coaching in leadership development. Many studies have addressed its ROI and the growing financial commitment to leadership coaching of […]
Effective time management for the hard-pressed leader

Time is a precious commodity for us all and we all know only too well the sense of overwhelm that we feel when we don’t manage it well. This has a particular resonance for very senior leaders for whom their vast array of responsibilities coupled with fast-moving decision environments make efficient operations both the key […]