I had another fantastic coffee catch up today – having been head down for three years, I really did miss these mental stimulation opportunities. One of the many topics we discussed was AI and once again I was reminded that no matter how clever it is, it definitely has limitations. AI is really an amazingContinue reading “It will never be everything”
Category Archives: For Purpose
We need to end fragmentation
In case you didn’t notice, it’s hard out there. Increasing number of organisations applying for a smaller pool of donations. New contracts are almost unheard of while compliance is a never ending beast. If we want a thriving charitable sector, we need to be smarter. We can’t keep on setting up new organisations in theContinue reading “We need to end fragmentation”
Who needs a sounding board?
It works well for purposeful leaders. It can be a hard and lonely place when passion and management collide. I can relate; I’ve been there. When you need someone who can listen well, think clearly, and stay grounded, you need is a sounding board.
You’re making a decision? Why?
When trying to find solutions, we’re told to first understand the problem. Many of the decisions we make as leaders, and as people, don’t stem from what we see as a problem. We don’t sit and try and analyse it, we just know we have to make a decision and that’s what we do. SometimesContinue reading “You’re making a decision? Why?”
Just Explore
In an environment where everyone is trying to give you advice, it can be reassuring to sit down with a sounding board and just explore. This what I do…. I’m not a coach or advisor; I’m not an expert on some American management model that is apparently the answer to every issue, and I certainlyContinue reading “Just Explore”
Advisory Boards
We see that advisory boards are becoming more common in the commercial space, especially with SME, but I haven’t noticed this flowing through into the for-purpose sector. Advisory boards are set up to provide guidance and expertise to an organisation on a specific issue or strategy, not the business-as-usual governance, compliance and decision making thatContinue reading “Advisory Boards”
Veni, vidi, adiuvi
After yet again seeing the term veni, vidi, vici (I came, I saw, I conquered) pop up in a movie, I thought I’d shake up ol’ Julius’s phrase. In business we should be looking to conquer issues – and no, not our competitors. Grow the pie instead of trying to scoff it all. From anContinue reading “Veni, vidi, adiuvi”
A reflection
A period of reflection this afternoon reminded me of the time I had my first midlife career tangent. When you receive support, even though you had no prior knowledge that you needed it, it can have a profound impact. Suddenly giving back becomes really important to you. It’s more than just being thankful. It mightContinue reading “A reflection”
Survival is a plan
It’s tough out there at the moment – we all know that. If you’re purpose driven, you see it from both sides. The need has increased while funding and/or sales are difficult. We want to do more, but it feels like we have less. It’s OK, saving the world takes time. It might sound counterintuitiveContinue reading “Survival is a plan”
Look back to see the way ahead
I was idly looking through my notebook from the CELF* course I undertook a few years ago. On the first few pages, two quotes stood out for me: If you have great understanding of your values, you can be totally committed to an organisation – even if that organisation itself may not be clear aboutContinue reading “Look back to see the way ahead”
The Optimistic Cynic 