Category: Inspiring

Half Time

At the half way point of 2014 – here’s a quick summary of who matters to me at this time.

Monday 30th June. We’re half way through 2014 – time flies and all that. Today is also the fifth anniversary of my departure from the BT corporate machine.

I was reminded of this half year point by my friend Michael Carty – who has just published his Social Media Half Year Honours List. I enjoyed reading and reflecting on Michael’s post and scribbled a short note about some people who are making an impact around me this year. As encouraging as ever, Michael suggested I play with the notion further, so I have. Lists are flawed, this one has little in the way of data to back it up – and I’m doubtless going to forget someone’s worthy inclusion – but here we go.

First up is everyone who has offered me work so far this year, even those whose offer I’ve politely declined. Your contribution is essential – thank you.

I couldn’t do this work without Carole’s support – smart, kind, adaptable and with an elegant ability to kick my ass, which I sincerely appreciate.

Heather Bussing is someone I always look forward to hearing from. She is bright, and through her provocative writing, she encourages and invites the very best challenges and thinking. Unvarnished loveliness and a pleasure to know.

Dwane Lay – funny and considerate, and a karaoke master.

Neil Usher’s personal rage against the machine is written with such elegance and prickle, it commands attention.

My dialogue, friendship and work with Meg Peppin is inspiring. With Meg’s help I’ve truly come to appreciate the importance of having someone to check in with. She is:

Open
Thoughtful
Caring
Just a little dangerous
Truthful
Trusting and Trustworthy 

Meeting Michael VanDervort has been a 2014 highlight for me. We follow each other from afar on social media and having a chance to share jokes, beer and pizza in Louisiana will live long in my memory.

I’ve only met Euan Semple once or twice, and his shares and scribbles are often a joy and a challenge.

My good friend Ade Bird, with his mix of kindness and vulgarity is an essential friend. We met at school a bazillion years ago and have failed to shrug each other off since then.

August and September hold so much potential it’s scary – trips to Illinois, New York City and Ohio will give me opportunities to catch up with so many good people and the chance to see Sabrina Baker and the team at ILSHRM again, and do experimental stuff with Joe is very exciting. Steve Browne aka The Joustmaster aka The President of the United States of HR is also right in the mix along with the team at OHSHRM.

Robert Ordever is someone who cares about his work, and puts a smile on my face. So does Bina Briggs – a focussed optimist who I’m fortunate to know.

The 2014 Facilitation Jam team have been excellent. I love the Jam – and through my interaction with others who enjoy the concept, I’m convinced that more people need to find the time to hone their practice, their work, in an emerging, free form way.

And I couldn’t do what I do without Carole so knowing she’s here too is very important to me. I know – I already mentioned Carole – but hey, it’s my list I’m in charge.

What does all this mean? I’m just grateful for the people in my life I guess. Michael – thanks for inviting me to think about this. At the 2014 half way point – who is doing it for you? Whoever it is – I hope you find a way to let them know.

The Art of Recognition

A perfect thank you

It is the end of another enjoyable, packed, fascinating week of work. In the middle of this week’s canvas was a trip to Tate Modern to enjoy the Matisse cutouts with a small group of friends.

I returned home on Friday to find a bright purple envelope waiting for me. I opened it, and inside was this beautiful hand made card:

Thank YouWhat a lovely surprise! This gift hits all the right recognition buttons for me:

  • It was unexpected.
  • It is personal.
  • It is relevant – I love the simple genius of making a cut out card after visiting an exhibition of cut outs.
  • It is timely – we visited the exhibition on Wednesday afternoon – the card is with me on Friday.

Thanks Hilary – what a pleasure. I’m really grateful.

Running Out of Excuses

Getting over yourself and making stuff happen.

I used to ride a bike. Then I fell out of love.

I used to run. Then in 2012 I picked up a couple of injuries and had to stop for a while. A while doesn’t have an end date, so weeks became months, months became years. I got lazy and out of shape. Worse still, I convinced myself that a recurrence of my injuries wasn’t worth the risk, and though I’ve been a much more active walker of late, I know I’m not really getting any fitter. I keep kidding myself that being in shape will somehow just magically happen.

Yesterday evening, out of the blue Keira suggested that the three of us go for a run the following morning. Carole runs regularly and Keira is full of beans and super fit. Maybe it was the prosecco talking, but I agreed to join in.

Sunday morning. I got up regretting my commitment to run and then, serendipitously, read ‘How Far Will Your Baby Steps Take You?‘ by Tim Scott. Tim’s post is a lovely piece of encouragement, and he wins extra points for mentioning guitars too. It turns out that Tim’s post, and Keira and Carole’s enthusiasm are a powerful combination.

I’m not kidding myself, it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock n roll. But you have to start somewhere and this morning’s 3.1 miles (my first run in over two years) will do me just fine.

Update: May 2015

The running didn’t stick, my knees are definitely not as fond of the idea as the rest of me! I kept on walking through the Spring and Summer and then I discovered a few friends in America taking part in Runners Week Run Streak. This was a challenge for people to try and run for at least a mile every day between Thanksgiving and New year’s Day. I joined in at walking pace and managed to get the job done. You can read more about how I got on here.

Once the Runners Week challenge was complete, during which time I completed 111.1 miles (spooky huh), I just kept on going. I’m currently clocking up somewhere between 140 and 150 miles a month, you can read more about how I’m getting on here.