Outside - Stefan’s Week-Notes 07/12/2024
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
Delivering two online workshops for my friend and founder @angela_mclelland on our digital boost programme; on behalf of Liverpool city region.
Day 2 - Recommendations, IS your business your IKIGAI, Empathic concern for customers, Knowing your worth.
Day 3 - Your marketing week and cadence, Likes to meetings, GREAT presentations and Resilience.
Loved it and received the testimonial below from one of the delegates whom I have also held a single mentoring session with.
“Stefan has a remarkable ability to encourage you to think outside the box, pushing you to expand your limits and challenge your limited ideas. His guidance has helped me to focus on what I need to do and given me guidance into how I can do it to successfully make connections, and ultimately grow my business. Stefan’s innovative approach and strategic thinking have been invaluable, and I’m truly grateful for his support. Thankyou Stefan”
Coaching
Coaching a wonderful female leader in the digital and transformation space. looking at leaning into the bullying tactics of men around her, by drawing on her own self worth and abilities.
Coaching another wonderful female leader in the pensions arena, looking at what she needs to feel empowered, confident and able to endure; including exercise, ‘me’ time and partner time.
Coaching a male leader, again, in the digital space - who wants to embolden the voluntary sector to become bolder in leading then changes that need to be lead in this world.
Coaching an endurance athlete to make some short term decisions about their future so that they can inspire themselves to go on the longer journey
Business and Admin
Creating a new WhatsApp coaching offering in collaboration with one of my coachees; very excited. Send me a WhatsApp message and within 24 hours I will come back with a reply, be it a question (s), be it a quote or be it a suggestion for insight. We are nailing down the boundaries - but so far it has worked beautifully. Get in touch if you’d like to know more. It doesnt have to sit alongside full coatings sessions.
Last weeks reminders:
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:
A couple of walks around and through Bonchurch and Ventnor as a wind down after some busy days.
managed to get some good nights sleep - again as the painkillers and treatments begin to work a little magic.
Play - This week:
I’ve picked up the guitar again this week; written the start of a new song; delighted.
More Listening to the new album from Linking Park on Vinyl; perfect.
Playing my old band songs with Vera and singing along at full blast; listen here.
Sustenance
Friends - This Week:
Brew up with Jason - men being open about what they are facing into
Exercise - This week:
Yoga and plenty of neck stretches
Walking (as above).
I got on my bike again for the first time in a few weeks; whilst not physical rest it brings me solace and rest in so many others ays - delighted.
Family - This week:
A great chat with my dad and a weekend planned with Will and Vera.
Brew up with Jason - spot on
This Weeks Writing
This week I enjoyed writing a piece on Wisdom - Letting Go In Leadership (and life) here’s a quote from it:
“Letting go can be liberating. It opens the door to fresh possibilities and new ways of thinking. However, it also brings a certain weight of nostalgia for what once was. The relationships formed, the projects completed, and the collective victories achieved are hard to forget. Yet, I’ve come to understand that holding onto these past experiences too tightly can hinder my ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive in new environments”.
Here are some extras from previous weeks.
A video post, by me, on how to OVERCOME DISAPPOINTMENT - Here
7 reasons your strategy days aren’t working; here.
HOW TO CHOOSE A COACH - I also wrote apiece on how to choose a coach here:
NEWSLETTER - read back issues and consider signing Up for my BE THE WAVES newsletter here:
Testimonial
Less a testimonial and more a case study of the potential impact of a bugle coaching session. Thank you to my coachee for sending this across and agreeing for me to share it anonymously.
What's been good about this week?
It’s a good question.
The session I ran for Angela yesterday, Friday, was awesome - such energy in the room and such warmth. I like it when I work with a group and am completely me; yesterday felt like that.
What do I mean? A fluffed line, a pause and vulnerability. a moment of passion and purpose and questions upon questions which help to transform. I'd like to think that the workshops I run are like nothing you will see from anyone else. Like riding waves, they glisten and glow, they crash and they bash but ultimately you learn something from them and about yourself that you didn’t realise you needed to learn.
Beyond that and the lessening neck pain, I adored my coaching sessions this week, three people young at heart and boldening in spirit - each of them visioning off the work we do and smiling. Thats what makes it not work - thats what makes it purpose and I loved it. (I’m smiling).
Sifting my thoughts post Dominique; reading lots, watching lots and walking away with nothing but love and raised awareness for what we had and what we have learned. Thank you.
What am I grateful for?
This week I have gratitude for my friend Daljinder Singh Sidhu.
Although I mentioned him a few weeks ago; I want to mention him again. Daljinder has brought much joy into my life recently with his wisdom, humility and his insights from the Sikh faith.
Our chats are causing me to search out the wisdom of his culture including these words "Sukh Vele Shukrana" which translates to "Thank you in times of happiness," emphasising the importance of gratitude during positive moments. This phrase encourages individuals to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings and joyful experiences in their lives.
It can be applied in everyday life through personal reflection, sharing appreciation with loved ones, or incorporating gratitude into cultural or religious practices, ultimately nurturing a mindset focused on positivity and joy.
I am emboldened by what Daljinder brings to our conversations and I am mindful that we used a ‘tweaked’ version of the “spaces for listening framework” developed by Brigid Russell and Charlie Jones - which brought a new dimension to our friendship.
Thank you to Charlie and Brigid for including me in their very first sessions all that time ago. You are still making waves and you can read more about their work here too.
Gratitude for my mate Jason too - a legend. And someone who is become a great coach too; I’m hopeful I can bring him into the coaching fold.
Social media gratitude…
This week I am grateful to @Immy_Kaur who continues to be a beacon of light in an ever darkening world. I need to help her and her circle in some way but I’ve not worked out how yet. You can read one of her most recent posts which touched me deeply here and my reply here. I love her work
Thank you Immy.
What could have gone better?
Nothing this week. This week has been what it needed to be. Joy to enjoy. pain to learn from, friendships to be grateful for and peace to absorb.
Thank you for everything.
What am I reading?
This week I have watched and read some beautifully beneficial pieces on attachment styles including this high level overview from the The Personal Development School .
Enlightening; “Attachment styles play a significant role in our relationships and overall well-being. Developed in early childhood, these patterns influence how we connect, communicate, and form bonds with others. By understanding attachment styles, we can gain insights into our own behaviors and those of our loved ones. In this blog post, we will explore the basics of attachment styles, their impact on relationships, and how recognizing and working with them can foster healthier connections.”.
Every day is a school day and it’s been fascinating to know what sits behind some of the behaviours both I and those around me have exhibited.
I thoroughly recommend that you read more about it.
It could help save your relationship or save you from one in which you lose yourself.
What am I wishing for?
I am wishing for the same thing that I did last week; more female leaders in significant positions of influence.
This doesn’t exclude men - in fact I would welcome more men who see female leadership as the inspiration for their own work and I am blessed to work with a number of male clients who bring wonderful balance, empathy and care to their work - long may that continue.
I believe that this is exactly what we need, in order to help achieve what I am calling my vision “a thriving world”.
Here’s a quote from the piece I wrote: “We stand at a crossroads where the inclusion of women in leadership positions is no longer just a matter of fairness or equity; it is intrinsic to the prosperity and sustainability of our global society.
Female leaders bring unique skills and perspectives that can foster creativity, resilience, and inclusivity—essential ingredients for thriving organisations and communities.”
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 - Outside
Getting outside in the the world and immersing yourself in nature fosters a profound appreciation for the environment and all that it has to bring into our lives.
As you engage with the natural world—the highs and lows, and the striking beauty and intricacies of biodiversity—you can be profoundly influenced in your approach to environmental sustainability. Experiencing diverse ecosystems firsthand can ignite a sense of responsibility and urgency to preserve our planet for future generations.
In my reply to Immy Kaur that I mention above, I write that many of our leaders “….can't face into hope. They don't know what it is, to truly walk in the sunlight, to rejoice in the joy of others and to sit on a bench and feel blessed to have life, in abundance, all around them. When you haven't experienced it; you don't know to save it. They will say they have, but they haven't. They have spent their whole lives cocooned in rooms only temporarily exiting in outside spaces. But they weren't present; no - their heads were still in those rooms. We need to get them outside of themselves”.
Leaders attend so many key note speeches in their lives and the ‘buzzword’s the past few years has been resilience.
Nature's landscapes are rich with lessons about resilience, interdependence, and the delicate balance that sustains life. Observing these intricate systems can evoke a sense of wonder, sparking your curiosity about the interconnectedness of all living beings.
For you, as a corporate leader, this realisation can translate into a deeper understanding of corporate responsibility—not just as a regulatory requirement, but as a moral imperative. When you witness how ecological diversity enhances resilience and adaptability in nature, you may become inspired to advocate for similar principles within your organisation.
Biodiversity, much like a well-functioning corporation, thrives on variety and collaboration, suggesting that a diverse corporate environment can lead to greater innovation and problem-solving abilities.
Speaking with the fabulous Isle of Wight based @Ian_boyd reminds us that the experience of being in nature also brings to light the stark realities of environmental degradation. Witnessing the effects of pollution, deforestation, or climate change can serve as a wake-up call.
When you confront these environmental challenges firsthand, you are more likely to understand the importance of sustainable practices. By connecting with the emotional and visceral aspects of these environmental issues, you can translate this understanding into actionable change within your organization. In this context, excursions into natural spaces become more than leisure activities; they morph into transformative journeys that challenge you to rethink business strategies and prioritize sustainability.
Exploring ecological fringes—says Ian - areas where different ecosystems meet, can be particularly enlightening for you. Often teeming with unique species— these transitional zones are emblematic of resilience and adaptation.
When you witness the flux of life in these areas, you can gain insights into innovation, adaptation, and the need for flexible thinking in business. Much like ecosystems, businesses must learn to adapt to changing environments, embracing new ideas and strategies to thrive in uncertain times. This perspective can lead to a corporate culture that prioritises sustainability and encourages employees to think creatively about ecological impact.
Additionally, spending time in nature allows you to reflect on your values and the kind of legacy your organisation will leave behind. When you see the beauty of thriving ecosystems, you can envision a world where businesses not only focus on profit but also contribute positively to the planet. This vision can inspire you to cultivate a corporate philosophy that values environmental stewardship, promoting practices that can lead to a flourishing, sustainable world.
Being outside can also remind us to be more humble and realise that we can’t make it alone. In the words of O S Schmitz the Oastler Professor of Population and Community Ecology, in the Yale University School of the Environment.
“Our technology won’t save us … we need life’s diversity on this planet to help us live and thrive.
Stepping outside the confines of corporate offices and engaging with the natural world can profoundly shape your leadership. It fosters a deeper understanding of the planet's fragility, promotes resilience and adaptability, and inspires a commitment to sustainable practices.
I call upon you and your teams to get outside.
Through this transformative journey, you can cultivate a vision of a thriving world that balances economic success with environmental care, paving the way for a healthier planet for all.
I call upon you to inspire your organisation to adopt more sustainable practices, innovate in product development with an eye towards eco-friendliness, and ultimately influence industry standards.
By recognising the critical role businesses play in environmental stewardship, you can drive initiatives that align corporate success with ecological health.
And that should be your legacy, of you, for your people and in service of your family and their families to come
Stefan
ps - If FEAR is hindering you in this topic read this piece I wrote a few weeks ago on.
Thank you for reading my week notes; Questions…
For now, let me leave you with 5 questions, based upon leaning into the final word - Outside . I hope they are useful.
What lessons from nature can enhance collaboration and innovation in your organisation?
e.g. Reflect on how diverse ecosystems rely on collaboration for survival, and consider how fostering a similar sense of teamwork among your employees could lead to more innovative solutions and a vibrant workplace culture.How can your experiences with environmental degradation shape your sustainability initiatives?
e.g. By witnessing the negative impacts of pollution or habitat loss, you may feel a stronger commitment to implementing practices that reduce your organisation's environmental footprint and promote sustainability.
In what ways can you inspire your team to engage with nature and embrace environmental responsibility?
e.g. Encouraging outdoor team-building activities or offering volunteering opportunities in conservation can help your team connect with the environment, fostering a shared sense of responsibility towards sustainability.How can you integrate the principles of biodiversity into your company’s values?
e.g. Consider adopting policies that celebrate diversity within your workforce and promote a variety of perspectives, reflecting the value of biodiversity found in nature while enhancing creativity and decision-making in your organisation.What specific actions can you take to promote sustainability and influence industry peers?
e.g. By committing to measurable sustainability goals and publicly sharing your success stories, you can set an example for others in your industry, encouraging them to prioritise environmental responsibility as well.
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
Enjoyed reading this? Consider doing one of these:
Get in touch - If any of this topic resonated with you and you have something you’d like to share with me or if you’d like to discuss working with me on this topic - stefan@stefanpowell.co.uk works really well for me.
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I’ll continue this in 4 to 5 Thursdays time when I continue the topic of ‘Rest” in my Thursday Journal.
Book an inquisitive session with me to find out more about what I do and how I do it or run a challenge or thought you have passed me.
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