Stuck leading when all you wanted was to build something great?

Hi Reader, "We just can't find the right people!" I hear this a lot from accidental leaders. The problem isn’t the market. It’s not even the job description. It’s you. You’re not hiring, you’re searching for a mini-me—and it’s sabotaging your growth. · Senior developer candidates? "Not technical enough." · Seasoned project managers? "Won't understand our complexity." · Experienced team leads? "Lack the domain expertise." You’re not hiring for talent—you’re hiring for comfort. I did the same...

Hi Reader, Quick q: What’s the hardest part of high-stakes conversations at work? 👉 Come vote over on Linkedin. (And if your brain replays those conversations at 3am—you're not alone.) "I'm handling it." "Just need to push through." "This is what I’m paid for!" After 13 years coaching, I can't count how many times I've heard these words - usually right before someone mentions their migraines, insomnia, or that relentless anxiety they can't shake. Here's what I want us to talk about: Your...

Hi Reader, Ever seen someone physically relax—like a visible weight just lifted off their shoulders? Last month, I did. I was in a coaching session with a CEO drowning in AI overwhelm. So I made up a framework on the spot. I am tired of seeing brilliant leaders either ignore AI or cause chaos trying to use it. Turns out, this accidental framework works. So, I’m sharing it with you. Here’s the gist: 🚦 Safe Zone – Routine stuff where AI shines (drafting, summarising, and research) ⚠️ Danger...

Reader I wanted to write a shiny, brag-worthy year-in-review post. But I can't. Looking back on what my clients have been through in the last 12 months makes me sad. The UK economy has been on its knees. Cost of living through the roof, and in no way matched by any increase in wages. Inflation and interest rates high. GDP crawling. And businesses slashed across the board. No job seemed safe. Behind the headlines, here's what leadership really looked like in 2024: -> Knowing WHO was being made...

Hi Reader, Last month, G sat across from me in a meeting room, overlooking the City. “Everyone’s looking to me - the board wants growth plans, my team needs direction, investors demand results." "And here’s what terrifies me… I’m not sure I have the answers anymore.” His voice dropped. “And I can’t tell anyone that.” 61% of senior leaders report feeling profoundly alone in their role. It’s the leadership paradox nobody talks about: more responsibility → fewer people to confide in bigger...

Hi , Two leadership moments collided in my mind this week: Watching Yuval Harari and Sam Harris dissect the future of leadership [see their fascinating conversation here] A question from a coaching client: “my team’s burnt out, budget’s frozen - now what?” 65% of UK leaders would take a pay cut for a better role. Let that sink in. While most leaders reach for the wallet, high-performing team members want something else entirely: ✅ purpose: work that matters beyond the pay cheque ✅ autonomy:...