FEAR- Stefan’s Week-Notes 30/11/2024
Inspired by the weeknotes of friends and coachees including John Fitzgerald, Steve Messer and Nour Sidawi - I thought I'd give it a go.
Inspired by the weeknotes of friends and coachees including John Fitzgerald, Steve Messer and Nour Sidawi - I thought I'd give it a go.
Here's a dive in to the happenings of the past week. I start with what I’ve been up to, to frame the week and then the successes.
Why? Because it's easy to look into the dark rather than the light; isn't it?
Hope you enjoy it; comments, observations and thoughts welcome.
What have I been up to?
(Question inspired by @James_ Arthur_Cattell week notes).
It's been a busy week.
Work
Mentoring for my friend and founder @angela_mclelland on our digital boost programme; on behalf of Liverpool city region. This week I worked with:
A founder of an alpaca farm with focus on providing experiences for SEND families. Looking at conveying and fulfilling there key purpose.
A founder of a styling boutique who provides exceptional service to their clients and stylists; looking at how to fulfil theft purpose of developing great stylists support themselves across their lifetime.
Coaching
Coaching my friend and brilliant coach, in his own right, @ben_whitaker looking at increasing his impact.
Coaching a world endurance athlete; becoming a coach rather than ‘just’ an expert.
Coaching a leader in the voluntary sector who wants to become a coach on how to be the change they wish to see.
Coaching a CPO on stakeholder politics and circles of influence
Business and Admin
Sorting my newsletter and gently ‘automating’ some email marketing
Launching my group coaching programme for 2025
Agreeing a retainer with an organisation for my coaching services; a pre greed amount of hours you can call upon to support leaders within you business - excited about this.
Rest - This week I did:
Plenty of walks around and through Bonchurch and Ventnor as a wind down after some busy days; plenty of photographs
Relaxing at the @ventnor_exchange after some late night walks; great to relax with cool vibes.
Play - This week:
I’ve been picking up the guitar again this week; when the nerve pain has subsided.
Listening to the new album from Linking Park on Vinyl; perfect.
Playing my old band songs for Vera and singing along at full blast; listen here.
Sustenance - This week:
Friends
Brew up with Jason, Darren and Adrian - men being open about what they are facing into
Exercise
Yoga and plenty of neck stretches
Walking (as above).
Family - This week:
Great chats with Will, Vera and my ex wife Becky.
Brew up with Jason, Darren and new joiner Adrian - spot on
This Weeks Writing
This week I enjoyed writing a piece on why we need more female leaders AND 7 reasons your strategy days aren’t working; here.
Here are some extras from previous weeks.
A video post, by me, on how to OVERCOME DISAPPOINTMENT - Here
HOW TO CHOOSE A COACH - I also wrote apiece on how to choose a coach here:
NEWSLETTER - If you enjoyed reading that piece; consoler signing Up for my BE THE WAVES newsletter here:
Testimonial
Less a testimonial this week and more of an introductory note from one of my fabulous coachees. International recognised, I couldn’t be more proud of this glowing endorsement.
Why? it speaks to the ‘little boy from Wolverhampton’, who still lives in side me. It keeps him at bay.
“Hello! I’ve spoken to you both now and so wanted to connect you up! Stefan is coach extraordinaire and business leader who’s been there and done it… I think you both would enjoy meeting and so hope you do so. All the best…”
What's been good about this week?
The first thing with which springs to mind is that I heard today that one of my coachees has been successful in obtaining a role on the board of trustees for an international charity. We did a little bit of interview and panel coaching; leaning into feeling of imposter and how best to play it. But the well done is all theirs; they knocked it out of the park.
I heard this week that one of my coachees had a brilliant interview for a new leadership role. Again, we held an hour ‘preparation’ session for their interview, looking at ensuring that their examples were strategic and would give confidence to the board that they could walk, as well as talk the talk.
I had some wonderful feedback for the third edition of my newsletter which you can sign up here and read this months edition here.
I completed and announced my new group coaching program for 2025; which will start in February. Aimed at providing a more affordable option for coachees who would like to work with an executive coach.
What am I grateful for?
This week, I have gratitude for the conversation that I had with a leader within the voluntary sector who wanted to know how to become a coach and wanted to know how to get to ‘do’ what I get to do.
In the chat I answered questions on accreditation, course choice, niche and purpose, and whether coaching was a running toward or running way from career choice.
This lead to a great conversation around which activity could influence more change, leadership or coaching. If you’d like to know what I said; get in touch.
It was also fabulous to talk to them about the plans that they have for their organisation and their commitment to empowering talent of all types on their organisation to thrive.
I'm also grateful for the friendships I have including Jason Hayles, Darren Cole and Adrian (Adrians Bike Shop) as well as my ex-wife Becky. Becky in particular has gone above and beyond in helping to support me with the challenges I'm facing with my neck and shoulder injury as well as helping me manage my emotions since breaking up with Dominique.
You couldn't ask for more from your ex-wife. She truly is an amazing human being.
Social media gratitude…
This week I am grateful for some wonderful new connections here on linked and a fabulous shout out from @ben_whitaker HERE. Thank you.
Likes, comments shares and signs ups make these 3 main differences:
They help me get seen on linked and on instagram by ‘leaning into’ their algorithms.
They mean that others, outside of my immediate network, get to see my work, know I exist and contact me to find out more about my work, chat about the great thing they are leading, or wish to lead, and just maybe ask me to coach them.
They makes me feel valued and motivates me to do more.
Thank you all for helping me to do more of what I love.
What could have gone better?
This week; I’m drawn to say that I was gutted to lose out on a piece of strategy work.
The client; someone who I know well and whom I have added considerable value to in their senior leadership role over the past two years, sent me an email to say that they’d decided to go with the facilitator that they used last year. The facilitator they’d said was too detailed and hadn’t really brought the team cohesion that they’d looked for from me.
I believe that I was more expensive than the alternative and I believe that the client had found it difficult to sway their board to go with me instead.
Now I believe that this is a growth opportunity for me; I offer bespoke strategy days based upon what the client is facing into - no two days I run are the same because what is needed by one client is very different to the needs of another. Thats why I see the results I do. Self reflection 1: I think I would benefit from articulating that difference more effectively.
Self reflection 2: What would have made it different? From my perspective, it would all have felt a little better, if they had called me and had the chat. I could have looked at reducing the overall price by removing embedding activities and I could certainly have helped them to lean into the board conversation. Leadership?
On the plus side; it led me to write a new opinion post on strategy days; which you can read here. I’d love your thoughts.
I’m not bitter; I’m just being honest. I love what I do and I like adding value - just as I’d ask my coaching clients: is it right that you sell yourself short? No.
It reminds me of the quote ““Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.” "Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honour, I lose myself."
What am I reading?
I am currently reading about the Sikh ‘living scriptures’ Guru Granth Sahib which my fabulous friend Daljinder Singh Sidhu introduced me to last year. I have a firm belief that we need to acknowledge the benefits of a ‘higher purpose’ - not necessarily religious - and I really am beginning to see that the teachings within the ‘living scriptures’ have a universal message for all.
This also connected with recent podcast episode between Dr Ranjan Chatterjee and Alain De Botton and a fabulous conversation I held with Joe Redston earlier in the week. In the chat we discussed everything meta crisis and the ‘missing’ element of culture in the UN Sustainability Development Goals. Now thats a chat I’d love to facilitate with the UN panel.
I was asked for some book recommendations this week also ; and so I recommended the “5 people you meet in heaven” as part of a reply to the insightful @benjamin_murray. You can read more here. Prompted by a great question from I also outlined my aspiration for the world too
What am I wishing for?
I am wishing for more female leaders in significant positions of influence.
Why? Because I believe that this is exactly what we need, in order to help achieve what I am calling my vision “a thriving world”.
Why do we need more female leaders in a role of influence; quite simply, female leaders bring diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to the forefront. Female leaders possess unique experiences that foster collaboration, inclusivity, and empathy—qualities essential in today’s complex landscape. Increasing their representation in leadership roles not only promotes equity but also ensures that women’s voices are heard in critical discussions, shaping policies that positively impact communities. As Gabor Maté aptly puts it, "It’s not enough to be just a leader; one must also be authentic and compassionate." This authenticity paves the way for more humane leadership that addresses pressing social issues and drives meaningful change.
Moreover, studies show that organisations with greater gender diversity tend to perform better financially and operationally, underscoring the undeniable link between diverse leadership teams and successful outcomes. By embracing female leadership, we unlock the potential for sustainable approaches to challenges such as climate change, education, and healthcare, ultimately leading to a more balanced and prosperous society. It’s time to champion gender diversity in leadership, for a healthier, more inclusive world where everyone can thrive.
You can read a little more of my thoughts on this topic - HERE - in another of my opinion posts; Why do we need more female leaders.
A Last Word - FEAR
This week, I’d like to leave you with the word FEAR.
So much of the change we need to see in this world is not happening because of fear.
Fear is a significant barrier that prevents individuals and societies from achieving important goals, especially when it comes to creating a thriving planet. Many people experience fear in various forms—fear of failure, fear of the unknown, or fear of making the wrong choice. This fear can lead to inaction, as individuals become paralysed by the very thought of stepping out of their comfort zones. When faced with critical issues such as climate change, social injustice, and economic inequality, allowing fear to dictate our responses not only hinders our progress but also makes us miss opportunities for meaningful change and innovation.
Identifying and confronting our fears is essential for effective leadership. Leaders must recognise that fear is a natural part of the human experience, yet it can be transformed into a driving force for action. By leaning into our fears, we can develop resilience and foster a culture of openness and vulnerability. This approach encourages collaboration and diverse perspectives, which are vital in tackling complex global challenges. When leaders model this behaviour, they inspire others to do the same, paving the way for collective problem-solving and creative solutions that can benefit the planet as a whole.
How can we do this?
Ultimately, transforming fear into a catalyst for growth and action is necessary for the well-being of our communities and the environment. Embracing our fears allows us to develop a deeper understanding of our values and what truly matters. It empowers individuals to step forward with courage and purpose, driving initiatives that promote sustainability, equity, and social responsibility. By facing our fears head-on and leading with authenticity, we can create a thriving world where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a healthy, vibrant planet.
Addressing my own fears as a father, executive coach, and business founder has been a transformative journey that has not only released me from self-doubt but has also enhanced my ability to support others as a coach. By recognising and confronting my fears—whether they are fears of inadequacy, the pressure of responsibility, or the uncertainty of navigating various roles—I’ve cultivated a greater sense of authenticity and resilience. This personal growth has allowed me to connect more deeply with my clients, as I can empathise with their struggles and challenges.
Sharing my own vulnerabilities has built trust and rapport, creating a safe space for others to explore their fears and aspirations. As a result, I find myself more equipped to provide insightful guidance and encourage meaningful transformations in those I coach, ultimately fostering a supportive environment where we all can thrive together.
Thank you for reading my week notes; Questions…
For now, let me leave you with 7 questions, based upon leaning into the final word - Fear . I hope they are useful.
What specific achievements or milestones have I accomplished this week in my personal or professional life?
How have my recent interactions with friends, family, or colleagues contributed to my well-being and sense of community?
What lessons have I learned from the challenges I faced this week, and how can I apply them moving forward?
In what ways have I engaged in self-care, and how has it impacted my overall mood and productivity?
What goals do I have for the upcoming week, and how can I ensure that I stay focused on achieving them?
How can I foster a more positive mindset when faced with setbacks or disappointments?
What actions can I take to support the growth and development of female leaders in my community or workplace?
If you’d like some help answering those questions get in touch via my contact page here; or via stefan@stefanpowell.co.uk
Have a great weekend and love to you all
Stefan
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For now; thank you
I am…
An executive coach who specialises in helping good people lead great things.
Good people care about others, our planet and beauty. Great things are changes for the betterment of society and all that lives within an around it.
It sounds big and fun - it is.
I'm also an endurance racing cyclist and a go. getter.
You can read more about me and what I do; how I work here