Thoughts – The Optimistic Cynic

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”

Dear LinkedIn

Dear LinkedIn, please be assured I really do love you, but I think we need to have a chat. We’ve known each other for a long time, and I feel we can be honest with each other. What were once endearing and informative traits are now becoming a bit repetitive. Do you think we could,Continue reading “Dear LinkedIn”

Because not everything needs to be serious…

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”

Integrity

Integrity can sometimes mean doing the right thing, even if it’s not safe to do so. Not every environment is supportive or welcoming of honesty. Sometimes it’s met with anger, resentment, or worse, total silence. When faced with these situations, trust your own values and instincts. You are the sole protector of your integrity, don’tContinue reading “Integrity”

We do make a difference….

Thanks to the great folks at Impact Hub Waikato for sharing this quote in their newsletter. We do need to remind ourselves that the little things do matter… “You make an impact in the world around you every single day. Whether it’s how you treat the tired grocery worker or how you react to the rushed personContinue reading “We do make a difference….”

hmmm could this be my new motto?

Are you recruiting

as previously published on substack Being “open to opportunities” means that I have been applying for various roles, and it’s already been interesting. Some organisations are great at recruitment and a joy to work with, but many others just seem, well let’s call it for what it is, rude! Having done a fair amount ofContinue reading “Are you recruiting”

Reconsidering scalability in the not-for-profit-sector

I wrote this over six years ago and it still rings true today. Growing the new wave It was interesting to reconsider the point I made about scalability and infrastructure: “There is a place for mergers and joint ventures. We need to look past our own brands and ‘local solutions’ if we wish to makeContinue reading “Reconsidering scalability in the not-for-profit-sector”