A few weeks ago, I wrote about the evolving answer to the question: What are you learning? that I received from a good friend at the start of the year. A few weeks in, I can say that things have moved forward on the learning padel front. I first had a lesson approximately two years ago and was very lucky to have a 1-1 session with the coach that I received. Last week, I went back and had another 1-1 session with an equally supportive coach. I knew this time I needed to get my

Love it or hate it, or never tried one because you think they're for older people...I recently returned from my second Norwegian Fjords cruise. The first was pre-pandemic with a different company. Every now and then I do embark on this kind of downtime as I have a parent that has a penchant for cruises. Whilst some parts of it were challenging - service was not as good as previously and it was half term meaning that a significant figure of the 4000 or so passengers were young

This question popped up early in the year, and it really stuck with me. Partly because learning and studying are big parts of a portfolio career, and also because it's just such a great question! I'm pretty sure that specific learning will become a focus in one of my six-week blocks. I've been brainstorming something formal for this year, but I'm not quite there yet. So, this post is about how learning shows up in different ways and what I've noticed since I got asked this qu

Given that 12 weeks is a long time for this kind of experiment, I have decided to try and break this down into 4 lots of 3-week updates, with this being the first. The nature of this block is allowing for the overlaps, whilst maintaining focus. The Anchor Let's go back to the last update. I said I was slightly behind on organizing my 'homework' activities. This too can be broken down into sub-categories: Life Admin Organizing things at home for optimization in the future Fam

A bank holiday weekend really allows for reflection! The Anchor If I had to pick the thing in my portfolio that was the anchor for the second six weeks, it would be homework. Defined here mainly as 'family' with a sub-theme of getting the house in order in the more proverbial sense. Much like for the first six weeks, as a known natural gap appeared, it becomes an opportunity to define what matters most and get organized for what is to come - you know, clear the old to make wa

I woke up this morning full of a head cold. One that I knew was coming. The type of sick that comes when your body shuts down after something ends. With a contract ending last Friday, and my travelling to Madrid for my anchoring break early on Saturday, it took a little longer than it may have otherwise done. Madrid in itself was energy consuming in its own way - through rich conversations, the brain was still mentally active. The habit of walking that I have gotten myself in

Breaking the year into smaller, manageable segments can transform how you approach your goals and daily life. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a full 12-month stretch, dividing your year into 6 week chunks offers a fresh way to plan, stay intentional, and remain open to new opportunities. This method balances structure with flexibility, allowing you to focus deeply while still adapting to what appears along the way. Out in the woods at a cross roads - 6 week planning Why Div

The last two weeks in December are always fascinating for me. We either totally switch off and take the time off or we work through knowing that in certain industries, it is going to be quiet anyway. The latter has been the case for me the past couple of years. If you are working in a quiet office or indeed working from home knowing things are a little calmer or quieter because other people aren't around, one may decide to have a proper clear out in readiness for the new year

Building a successful career often depends on more than just skills and experience. One key factor that many professionals overlook is internal networking —the connections and relationships you develop within your own organization. These connections can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable support, and help you navigate your career path more effectively. Internal networking is not about collecting contacts or superficial conversations. It’s about creating meaning

I get it. Some of you will read the title and freak out. Networking is business. Keep it out of personal stuff unless, of course, you've...

I recently spent two weeks at a friend's flat to look after their cat while they were on holiday, following a shorter trial period last...

Reflecting on Change and Growth I write this across the last day and the first day of the financial year change in 2025 in the UK. On the...

As we come to the end of Q1 of 2025, I've managed to refocus myself. March has been a month of a few curveballs however with that, I'm...

My accountability buddies - cute cat not normally included This month began on a high note! I quickly realized I had reclaimed a...

Making space in the English Countryside with a fire As we hit the last week of February, I'm already aware how my March portfolio is...

I've taken myself away for the weekend as part of a commitment to give myself some space (physically), creating space for the next phase...

Over the last couple of days, I've been exchanging messages with a family member in India - and I recall saying to a friend yesterday,...

After sharing my previous post about my UK adventures in 2024, I eagerly grabbed my diary and photo gallery to dive into the thrilling...

On the coast in Devon, March 2024 Pretty much every chat I've had in the last month or so has brought up how much I was traveling in...

In a recent post, I reflected on how we make decisions about career or job moves based on where we are in our lifecycle. This is a...