According to Lao Tzu, the father of Taoism, a leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it all ourselves. I resonate with this idea of collaborative leadership that empowers others. But I don’t expect old Lao Tzu would have imagined that his wisdom might also apply to women, who I believe are particularly skilled at … [Read more...] about Would you don the invisible cloak of leadership?
inner wisdom
The joy of finding wisdom in your family tree
I love the BBC genealogy programme Who Do You Think You Are?, which takes well-known people deep into their family history and on an emotional journey that often changes their lives for ever. There is something truly profound about uncovering your roots, finding out who your ancestors were and what challenges they faced in their lives. I’ve dipped in and out of my family history over the years … [Read more...] about The joy of finding wisdom in your family tree
Plug in to wisdom and surf the web of life
I’ve just returned from an entertaining and enlightening day in the presence of authors/coaches/inspirational speakers Robert Holden and Michael Neill. Among the many nuggets they shared with us was the following metaphor. If you were given the choice of a sophisticated computer with a huge hard drive that wasn’t connected to the Internet or a sleek laptop with a fast broadband connection, what … [Read more...] about Plug in to wisdom and surf the web of life
What is The Pearl Within?
When I was contemplating what to call my coaching practice I knew I wanted a name that symbolised the essential truth of my work. After going down a few blind alleys, I returned to the metaphor of the pearl. Why? Because when an intruder such as a grain of sand lodges itself in the soft, vulnerable flesh of the oyster, it protects itself by enveloping the irritant in layers of nacre - a lustrous … [Read more...] about What is The Pearl Within?
I’m doing what I love; the money will follow…
I didn’t work at all this week. Which doesn’t mean I did nothing. In fact, I have been very productive this week, but I haven’t earned any money. This is part and parcel of setting myself up as a solopreneur, creating a coaching practice from a standing start. Much time and money is spent on working out what your brand is, what your niche is, what services you want to offer, and … [Read more...] about I’m doing what I love; the money will follow…
Would a million-pound handbag make you feel rich?
Super-luxe French retailer Hermes has just unveiled its latest creation: a miniature diamond-studded Birkin handbag with a price tag of £1.2million. I have no problem with objects of beauty. But there is a point at which conspicuous consumption reaches a level of obscenity. The super-rich, who will snap up these mini totes, live on a different planet to the rest of us. A planet on which … [Read more...] about Would a million-pound handbag make you feel rich?