A Reflection on My Coaching Journey with the AC

As a Fellow of the Association for Coaching (AC) since last year, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the immense value this community brings to my professional growth. Over the past 10 years as a member, I’ve forged numerous connections, attended a variety of events, face to face and online, and more recently become involved with those new to the coaching profession.

I also recognise the significant contributions of other coaching bodies such as the ICF, AOEC, and many others, all of which play a crucial role in supporting the coaching profession. The collective efforts of these organisations create strong and supportive communities that I believe significantly benefits coaches worldwide.

Since the start of 2025, I’ve had the opportunity to work with coachees who are neurodiverse, including those diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. While these engagements have been rewarding and stretching, they’ve also brought me some new challenges. There have been times when I’ve felt out of my depth and unqualified to support my clients effectively and so I turned to the AC for help.

Help Online

Since the start of 2025, I’ve had the opportunity to work with coachees who are neurodiverse, including those diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. While these engagements have been rewarding and stretching, they’ve also brought me some new challenges. There have been times when I’ve felt out of my depth and unqualified to support my clients effectively and so I turned to the AC for help.

This week, I attended an online café event where Fellow members could catch up and discuss our journeys and any concerns at hand. It was there that I connected again with Jo Brophy, Cara Hooper MAC BA (Hons), and Gill How, BSc, MBA. We shared our experiences and had a thought-provoking discussion on a few things, including neurodiversity, which left me feeling far more informed and confident in my approach.

Later, I attended the first of a three sessions in the Coaching Neurodivergent Minds webinar series, presented by Gillian Higgin. This deep dive into strategies for success and empowerment for neurodivergent clients was invaluable. And I’m really looking forward to the next two sessions in the weeks ahead.

I am incredibly grateful for the AC’s unwavering support, its invaluable resources, and the ongoing accreditation that has been a cornerstone of my professional development – thank you!

I also find the AC Values Wheel particularly helpful, as it encourages reflection on core principles that guide my practice—values such as integrity, respect, and collaboration, which are vital in any coaching relationship.

The AC community has continually pushed me to grow and adapt, and I’m confident that it will remain an integral part of my journey as a coach.

If you are looking for a place to grow your own coaching practice, then I believe you can’t find a better place to start than with the Association for Coaching.

How has the support of your coaching community helped you overcome challenges in your practice?

Shine a Light

Last week whilst in London, I finally met up with a new friend, Jordan Broadbent in person after weeks of working together remotely.
Jordan leads humanitarian efforts for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Europe North Area.
It is such a small world, as it turns out I’ve known his brother Jamie for years through our church connection as well!
The two of us are teaming up this Christmas (yes, we’re making lots of preparations already) with a host of others to help shine a light through service and giving.
We’re working closely to support several charities globally, nationally and locally, through the Light the World initiative.
In December you’ll find donation machines in some hi-profile locations in Birmingham and London.
I’m really excited about what’s ahead this Christmas season and very grateful to be working alongside Jordan on such a meaningful initiative.
Let’s Light the World, one act of kindness at a time. ✨
What small act of kindness could make a big difference in your community?

Surprise!

Last week, whilst I was in London, brought a beautiful and unexpected moment, that I won’t forget.

While attending meetings on the third floor of the Hyde Park Chapel, busy planning this year’s Light the World Christmas campaigns, I heard some news of some unexpected visitors downstairs.

Someone mentioned that the BYU ballet group were rehearsing in the cultural hall.

I knew Emma Bair, one of our former missionaries from our time in Belgium and the Netherlands, was part of that group.

We had already made some plans weeks before, to meet for lunch the next day in Bayswater, but I couldn’t resist the chance to surprise her early.

I quietly went down to the hall.

And sure enough, there was Emma, completely unaware I was just outside in the foyer.

I introduced myself to one of her supervisors, and we hatched a plan: I’d return in an hour, just as practice ended, and surprise her.

An hour later, I came back.

What followed was one of those rare, joy-filled reunions.

The look on her face when she saw me was priceless.

We hugged, laughed, and even shed a few happy tears.

It was a beautiful tender reminder of the lifelong bonds we’d formed in our missionary service together.

The next day’s lunch was even sweeter for it.

Sitting in Bayswater, catching up on Emma’s journey and everything she’s doing now, felt like a continuation of all of our joyful moments together.

There’s something truly special about reconnecting with those we’ve served alongside.

Their stories continue to inspire me, and Emma’s certainly did.

Happy Birthday Emma!🎊🎉🍰

Have you ever had a surprise reunion that filled your heart?

A Wake-up Call

A few nights ago, whilst down in London, I experienced something very unexpected.
It was late, and I had just fallen asleep in my hotel room when suddenly the fire alarm sounded.
What a noise!
I jumped out of bed, put some clothes on and headed for the stairs.
As I made my way down, I noticed something worrying as some guests had already decided it was a false alarm and were turning back, heading upstairs again.
The alarm was still ringing (loudly), but doubt had crept in for many of them.
Yet, the majority kept moving down the stairs, urging those turning back to reconsider.
Eventually, even the doubters turned around and followed the others out onto the street.
Hundreds gathered outside and I got lost in the crowd.
Some in pyjamas, others clearly having rushed out in panic in their bare feet, I was glad it was a warm evening.
A few were calm, chatting, and there were many others unsure.
Then the fire engines arrived with their lights flashing and sirens wailing.
Eventually, it was confirmed: a false alarm.
We were safe and it was after midnight before we were all able to return.
As I lay in bed, I found it difficult to fall back over as my thoughts returned to the earlier alarm, my rude awakening and to those who doubted.
The alarm had come suddenly and literally pulled me from my sleep.

False alarm or real call?

In Romans 13:11–12, the Apostle Paul wrote: “It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand.”
It was just an unexpected fire alarm.
Yet the experience left me pondering.
Maybe it was also an unexpected spiritual wake-up call.
A sudden jolt, to stop, think, and look forward with more faith.
How often does the Lord send each of us spiritual wake-up calls?
Are we alert and responsive – or are we spiritually asleep, do we turn back, assuming it’s nothing?
The night is far spent.
The day is at hand.
What might the Spirit be gently waking you up to today?

Roadshow Surprise

My brother and I had a great day recently at the BBC Antiques Roadshow at the Hill of Tarvit Mansion & Garden in Fife.
It was beautiful sunny day, a great location and there was a wee bit of telly magic in the air.
Paul had brought along a few items to be valued, and after checking-in, we were off queuing with our two tickets – one for jewellery, one for miscellaneous.
The line for jewellery was already fairly long, but everyone was happy, and we had some lovely chats with folk while we waited.
Then the fun started.

Everything Changed

We got to Siobhan (one of the experts), and Paul started sharing some items.
A few estimates were given, all very nice… then he pulled out something else and her face lit up.
She just said, “I think we need to get these filmed,” we looked at each other with big smiles!
“Do not doubt, just believe” – we thought.
From there, it was like entering a different world.
We were moved into another waiting area (and then another!), then finally (after a fair bit of waiting) – filming time.
Paul was great.
When the final valuation came through, I nearly had to pick him up off the grass.
Let’s just say… it was worth the wait! 😊
We never did make it to the miscellaneous line; our time had run out!

Effortless

We were both impressed how well the whole event was run and organised.
Yes, we had a bit of waiting to do, but smooth check-ins, clear signage, friendly staff, and when something unusual cropped up, the process adapted – fast, all made for a hugely enjoyable day out.
I noticed too there was no fuss and no drama throughout the day, just a well-oiled team who knew their roles and trusted each other to get on with it.
That’s how good events feel effortless.
So, whether you’re managing antiques roadshow or running a business, there’s something to be said for:
• Having a clear plan.
• Empowering your team to be in the moment.
• And always being ready to shift gears like Siobhan when something kind of special turns up.
Paul and I had a great day out and fingers crossed we make the cut when it airs!
How agile are you or your team to pivot, when opportunity shows up?

Lost in the Hurry…

We live in a world filled with “hurry”.
For many, there never seems to be quite enough time.
In recent weeks, in many of my coaching conversations, one constant theme has arisen: “Time.”
Time rushes onward.
Never ceasing.
There is nothing so swift or more relentless than it.
In truth, the only time we ever hold is now.
Tomorrow is just a promise, because when it comes, it’s already today.
And once today is gone, we can never have it back.
Living in such a busy world with so many things to do, with many responsibilities all pulling for our attention, can be overwhelming.
Before we know it, a week has passed by, then a month – and perhaps it can feel like we have not done anything that really matters.
Time, which seemed to stand still, did not keep its promise…
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Time Isn’t Just Measured — It’s Managed

In business, we often measure success by productivity and results.
But just like in life, if we’re not intentional with where our time goes, we can be busy without being effective.
A full calendar doesn’t always mean a fulfilled purpose.
Many fill their lives with devices designed to save time yet feel more rushed than ever.
The tools meant to free us have only made it easier to stay busy with what doesn’t matter.
The most successful leaders I’ve met don’t just manage their time – they own it.
“The key is not in spending time, but in investing it.” – Stephen R. Covey

Living Intentionally

They don’t let urgency set their agenda.
They know what matters, and they make space for it.
They choose what matters most and protect it ruthlessly.
It’s a regular daily discipline.
What will you choose to do with your time today that could shape tomorrow?

Every Day Counted

My mum, brother Paul, and niece Linsey, have all been celebrating birthdays this week.
Many family members will gather today to celebrate mum’s 90th birthday this week.
Ten years ago, on her 80th, we stood (all much younger) in a garden and snapped these photos, I’m sure there will be more today.
Look closely and you’ll see a cheeky wee smiler tucked in one corner.

Numbering the Days

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
There’s something powerful about this verse when you’re celebrating someone who’s lived more than 32,800 days.
But this isn’t just about counting time—it’s about valuing it.
We all know that mortality is very brief, yet so immeasurably important.
The older I become, the more I understand that numbering our days isn’t a maths problem.
It’s a spiritual practice.
It reminds us life isn’t about how long we live, but how well we love.

A Life of Love

In John 15:12 we read, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
I can’t think of a better way to describe how my mum has lived.
Through happy times and challenging times, through grief and many changes, along with every twist that life has brought her way, she’s remained rooted, steady and faithful in her knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ.
I love the line from C. T. Studd’s poem, “Only one life” …
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Mum’s constancy has been like a gospel soundtrack running in the background of all our lives.
Never demanding attention, just always there.
Always playing.
Her love has outlasted storms, outlived losses, and held our family together as our Matriarch and constant example for years.
So today mum, we come together to honour all that you are and all that you have become.
A celebration not just of age, but of endurance and unshakable faith.
Of a mum who abides in a gospel life filled with love, that never fades.
Mum’s days have truly been numbered and have truly counted for all of her family and friends.
Thank you for enriching all of our lives.
Whose quiet faith and love have shaped your life?

Built Right, Still Wrong…

At home these last few weeks, Monic has been on another mission, painting and decorating.
 
At times the house has been upside down and, on a few occasions, I’ve been enlisted to help.
 
It may have been to move a bed, lift a rug, order something online, build some flat pack furniture, pick up something from a shop etc.
 
Monic’s work ethic is amazing and when she gets started, you simply need to get out of the way.
 
It got me thinking about a few things – especially when it came to flat pack self-assembly furniture this week.
 
I ordered the items online, picked them up from the store and duly started to put the bedside cabinet together.
 
It wasn’t too difficult and within an hour the first was completed.
 
Having built one, the second was easier and within half an hour, the last thing I needed to do was put the drawer in.
 
But alas, for some reason, it wouldn’t fit!?
 
Cue that familiar DIY moment: denial, frustration, blame.
 
Was it me? Did I mess something up?
 
Stumped, I took a closer look.
 
The drawer rail pre-installed by the manufacturer was the wrong one.
 
I couldn’t do a thing.
 
I called on Monic to check it wasn’t just me seeing something wrongly…
 
She confirmed that no tool could fix that.

The Life Lesson

 
And that’s when it clicked, this was a real-world lesson in control.
 
– I had 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 control when I laid out the parts and followed the instructions.
– I had 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 control when I checked my work and asked for a second opinion.
– But with the faulty rail? I had 𝒛𝒆𝒓𝒐 control. All I could do was adapt. Accept. Return it and reorder.
 
On reflection – I followed the instruction manual with exactness, step by step.
 
But the part was wrong from the start.
 
There was nothing I could do to fix it.
 
Sometimes, even when you do everything right, things still won’t work—because the problem was built in from the start.
 
The real test is how you respond when the plan fails.
 
Are you solving problems—or just following instructions?

Generations Rolling On

We had a lovely visit on Sunday from Megan and our grandson Oscar.
It was the first time I’d pushed a pram since our own kids were that age, more than twenty+ years ago!
I was a little rusty on the corners, but Oscar didn’t seem to mind… he spent most of the walk trying to eat the harness strap! 😅
He kept up a steady stream of gooing and gurgles all along the way, clearly he had a lot on his mind…!
We all responded in kind, of course – it was some serious baby banter!
We had quite the conversation… no one else could understand it, but it seemed very meaningful to all of us. 😆
The pram itself?
Let’s just say things have moved on a bit since our day.
Megan said choosing it felt like test-driving a car, with a showroom tour and all.
Suspension, sun visors, turning radius, cup holders, storage compartments etc
I was half-expecting it to come with heated handles, cruise control, and some kind of voice-activated nursery rhymes with flashing lights!
There’s something very special and heartwarming about these full-circle moments… doing the same thing, but in a different season of our life, with new hands holding ours.
And yes, Oscar also tried on Grandad’s hat… and somehow he made it look cooler than I ever did.
What’s something you’ve done again recently after decades — and how did it go?

Not Everything has a Burning Fuse

At the end of my recent walk along the West Highland Way, on the last evening a few of us watched the new Mission Impossible film.
In these kinds of films someone’s always defusing a bomb with seconds to spare, racing down hallways, jumping off cliffs, and generally saving the world on an impossible deadline.
The opening titles usually have the iconic burning fuse racing across the screen, a powerful visual metaphor for everything at stake and as usual time is running out – fast!
It’s gripping and fun too, but it also got me thinking.
In real life, we all face true emergencies now and then. Medical issues. Financial crises. Family needs. Things that demand immediate action. These moments matter, and responding well to them can change everything.
But here’s the thing: most of life isn’t lived in “burning fuse” mode.
Or at least—it shouldn’t be.
Some of the most important things in our lives don’t come with dramatic music or countdown clocks.
They just sit quietly, waiting. You can ignore them for a while and nothing seems to happen. But procrastinate long enough, and you’ll feel the consequences!
For instance, recently the engineer arrived to service our gas boiler. If we forgot to do that year after year, then eventually the system would fail.
Or think about regular health checkups, saving for retirement, spending time with your family, or nurturing a friendship. These aren’t emergencies. Not yet at least. But they really matter.
CS Lewis said:
“The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
We’re all moving through time at the same speed.
The difference lies in how we use it.
Are we constantly reacting to what’s urgent, or are we giving time to what’s important?
So, the challenge is this: Don’t wait for the burning fuse.
Pay attention to the stuff that doesn’t blow up when ignored—but shapes everything in the long run.
What might fall apart later if it keeps being ignored today?