I am passionate about catalysing and supporting human flourishing in the home, community and workplace. I draw on years of experience as a change leader, group facilitator, coach, consultant, psychotherapist, educator and academic.
My focus is on the relationship between the person, pair
or group and the context in which they live and work. How well do they fit? What habits of mind and behaviour are working well and facilitate their engagement, growth and wellbeing? What might be getting in the way? What needs to be cultivated to build on and expand what’s working well, and to nourish human flourishing over time?
I am committed to change and development processes that include, involve, excite and mobilise all members of a group, team or system to collaborate for the greater good. I define the outcome of inclusive, relationship-focused change processes as relational alchemy. The overall effect on the group, team or organisation is far greater than the sum of its’ parts. Just take a moment to imagine the difference that a focus on relational alchemy could make to you, your family, your community and your workplace?
Why now?
The past year has felt like a rollercoaster of relentless social, economic and political change. All the uncertainty, physical separation and isolation engendered by the pandemic has turned lives upside down, causing significant distress and harm. At the same time, there has been growing awareness and unease about the use and misuse of power by those in authority, and the precarious state of our planet. Many of us, including me, have been taken out of our comfort zone and forced to re-evaluate our habitual ways of thinking, behaving and meaning making.
What have I learned?
As I sought to navigate a mindful path through the year, I was reminded of the value of staying curious and open to each unfolding moment. I learned to foster kinship and connection online and to create replenishing, safe spaces where individual clients, coaches, consultants and leaders could come to share their stories, dreams, nightmares and dilemmas. Working together in this way we found ourselves walking a more soulful path than before.
Why take a more soulful path?
Our work became more probing and deep. We began to integrate the external factors involved in managing a sensitive or difficult situation with a more soulful, heart-centred and relational approach. Clients reported a greater sense of confidence and ease in engaging others in meaningful conversations. We grew into listening deeply to our own embodied knowing, and lingering longer together in places of unknowing. When taking this way of being back into their communities and workplaces, they were able to harness and nurture the collective energy of the group. Solutions to intractable problems began to emerge effortlessly and people felt more connected, engaged and invested in making change happen.
Would your team or workplace benefit from a more soulful, relationship-focused route to managing change processes?