This blog is inspired by Jim Ewing’s book Braving Uncertainty, a powerful exploration of leadership at the edge of change. Ewing describes how leaders often find themselves standing on a precipice “where talent and vision meet uncertainty, fear, and wide-open possibility”. It is in this space that true learning occurs—not through safe, shore-bound instruction but…

Picture a mountain shelter on a long hike. It’s a simple space, four walls, a roof, maybe a bench. Yet in harsh weather or when darkness falls this basic refuge becomes a haven. In Scotland we call this a bothy, a traditional Scottish shelter that offers respite to travelers.  I’ve been reflecting recently on the…

The research around self compassion has developed over the past 20 years. Kirstin Neff has been instrumental in developing this and has strived to make it as accessible and as meaningful to as many as possible. However, as healthcare practitioners, we know that sharing of a new evidence base rarely results in an overnight change…

Throughout my 30 years working in and therefore contributing to the leadership culture within the NHS I have studied leadership in many ways. There’s been year-long programmes, one off presentations, action learning sets, intensive residentials, the practice of repeatedly going outside my comfort zone, reflective logs and the more sedate academic learning in master’s modules…