Miles for Meals

Four years ago, Cristi and I jumped out of a plane and raised £4000 for Mary’s Meals, just as covid restrictions were being eased.
The goal this time around is to raise £20,000 with 20 of my dear friends from our Belgium Netherlands Missionary days.
That’s enough to feed 1000 children for one year.
Since launching our campaign 24 hours ago, we’ve raised over £1000 for Mary’s Meals – its a great start!
We are so grateful for all those who have donated – Thank You!
This May, we’ll be walking the 96 miles of the West Highland Way – an incredible challenge through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes.
We are literally walking miles for meals.
We are both excited and grateful to walk and raise money for such a good cause.
Your support means everything to us and to the children who will benefit.
Please give generously as we get our fundraising efforts underway.
Use the link in my story or in the comments below.
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!
Thank you!

Frazzled and Frayed?

Lately, I’ve heard the phrase “spreading myself too thin” over and over.

It seems to be something that many of us struggle with from time to time.

We simply take on too much, pushing ourselves beyond our own capacity and then eventually start to feel overwhelmed.

Academic pressures, job changes, work life imbalance, self-doubts, digital overload, trying to please everyone, multiple roles, workloads, endless to do-lists….and so forth!

Have you found yourself in that space recently, with lots to do and juggling lots of different responsibilities?

I know I have a little.

Sometimes the weight of “too much” can simply become too burdensome.

My experience is that in order to catch up, we need to slow down.

The scriptures offer some wisdom on this very issue.

In Mosiah 4:27, we are reminded: “See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.”

It’s easy to believe that saying yes to everything is a virtue, but I’ve learned that wisdom teaches otherwise.

Even the Lord’s counsel acknowledges our limitations.

Overexertion can lead to exhaustion rather than effectiveness.

I love the promise in Isaiah 40:31, which gives us a greater perspective: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

For me, the key is finding a way to get the balance right.

Essentially its about knowing when to run and push forward and when to walk and regain strength.

Wisdom lies in our ability to discern what truly needs our time and energy.

Are we aligning our efforts with the Lord’s priorities for our lives?

My invitation today is to reflect a little longer and consider this question:

Are you running faster than you have strength?

If so, perhaps it’s time to slow down, reassess, and let the Lord renew your energy in His way and in His time.

 

Making Metamorphosis Stick

Graduating from university many years ago, literally changed the direction of my life.
I recall attending one of a myriad of careers fairs, where numerous companies visited the university and talked about job opportunities.
One company in particular “Metamorphose” sourced and developed graduates for sales positions and after enduring an intensive selection process, I was offered my first graduate sales role with a major company.
Over the course of the next year Metamorphose were set to fine tune my sales skills through a series of training seminars and inspirational leadership events.
During each session and the subsequent year-long follow up, the big idea was to transfer some of the greatest sales skills and ideas into our daily conduct and routines.
To make it “sticky” enough to make a real difference in our sales abilities, our effectiveness and ultimately the results that we achieved.
In essence it was important for Metamorphose that their training manifested itself in the personality, conduct and performance of each graduate student.
The training certainly was first class and to this day, I still use their materials and powerful techniques.
Sadly however, along the way, there were many who failed.

Adaptation

In life, I’ve discovered that there are many who can hear a great message and not be deeply stirred – we are all different after all.
Yet others, have the ability to take ideas successfully through the early stages of their metamorphosis to where they become ingrained habits that drive long-term success.
The difference often lies in commitment, mindset, and the willingness to apply what is learned consistently.
I saw first-hand how some graduates thrived, seizing every opportunity to refine their skills, while others struggled to implement the lessons.
The most successful individuals were those who embraced continuous learning, adapted to challenges, and stayed persistent even when results were slow to appear.
An effective way to make learning “sticky” is through constant practice, by applying new skills in real-world scenarios until they become second nature.
Another is by repetition, revisiting key concepts over and over to reinforce retention.
For me, coaching and mentoring others has proven to be the best “sticky” method of all.
Looking back, I realise how much of that early training has shaped my approach to business and personal growth today.
What’s one lesson from your early career that has stayed with you?

The Cost of Being Lukewarm

Have you ever taken a sip of lukewarm water?
It’s unpleasant, not refreshing, just bland.
Sometimes our lives can feel the same way.
“Fire” or “heat” often serve as symbols of power, knowledge, enthusiasm, vigour and yet can also represent destruction and judgement.
Consider the following:
– She’s set the world on fire.
– He has got a fire in his belly.
– She is a ball of fire.
– He is burning with ambition.
Over the years I have worked with many leaders who have some “fire in their belly”.
Others I’ve met who may be in that undesirable place midway between hot and cold, or even more strikingly “lukewarm”.
I’m reminded of the scripture in Revelation 3:15 – 16 which says “I know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold not hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
In this context the scripture represents a lack of spiritual passion or commitment.
This idea of someone being lukewarm could be described as follows:
– She’s just going through the motions.
– He’s just coasting along.
– She’s half-hearted about it.
– He’s blowing hot and cold.
It has been my experience that if we want to be successful in our personal or professional lives, we need to ignite that inner fire.
Don’t settle for lukewarm!

Lukewarm: the enemy of progress

Passion, drive, and commitment fuel progress, innovation, and meaningful change.
Without them, we risk stagnation, simply drifting along without direction or impact.
When you are lukewarm about something, the results are frequently the same.
That’s not to say enthusiasm alone guarantees success, but when combined with purpose and perseverance, it becomes a powerful force.
The most effective leaders I’ve met are those who bring warmth, energy, and conviction to their work.
Their hearts can inspire other hearts with their fire.
Their secret? It’s quite simple really, they do something they love to do!
They go to work but never “work” a day in their life!
So, where do you find yourself?
Are you on fire, lukewarm, or simply going through the motions?

Speaking Up for Faith

Last week, I spent a couple of days in London on business, attending a book launch, and I also spent some time with a new friend, Celine Brown.

Celine is interning with the Freedom of Religion or Belief Foundation (FoRB), which acts as the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the same topic in Westminster.

Just before Christmas, I joined FoRB as a trustee and have been finding out about projects all around the world where the basic human right of Freedom of Religion or Belief is being challenged, restricted, or actively defended.

Freedom of Religion or Belief is a fundamental human right that protects the conscience of all individuals.

It allows us to think, express, and act upon our deeply held beliefs, whether in private or public settings.

This freedom encompasses the right to change one’s religion or belief and to manifest it through teaching, practice, worship, and observance.

However, globally, this right faces numerous challenges, including governmental restrictions, societal pressures, and acts of intolerance.

International Religious Freedom Summit

A few of my FoRB colleagues attended the International Religious Freedom Summit held in Washington, D.C. this week, where Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasised the importance of compassion in religious freedom advocacy.

He stated, “Protecting religious freedom is a key to peace and stability around the world.”

Elder Soares highlighted that fostering understanding and respect among diverse religious communities is essential for building peaceful societies.

My personal commitment to FoRB stems from a heartfelt belief in the inherent dignity of every individual and the conviction that freedom of belief is essential for human flourishing.

In Galatians 5:13, the Apostle Paul said: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

This scripture highlights the principle that our freedoms are not just for personal benefit but are opportunities to serve and uplift others.

In my role as a trustee, I am dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote religious freedom, understanding, and mutual respect among all people.

By doing so, we can contribute to a more just and harmonious world where everyone’s right to believe, or not to believe, is upheld.

How can you and me, in our daily lives, promote a culture of respect and understanding for religious freedom in our communities and our workplaces?

 

Bee-Inspired

Last night, I had the chance to meet up with some dear friends and fellow coaches, Philip Atkinson and Dave Kesby.
I joined with many other guests for the launch of Philip’s leadership book “Bee Wise” at the Royal Over-Seas League in London.
Philip is not only a remarkable Organisational Coach, but he is also a beekeeper and an accomplished one at that.
In his book he “lifts the lid on what happens inside a hard-working hive and uses this as a refreshing metaphor to examine working life.”
In essence, “the beehive is the ultimate business case of complex organisations and working life today.”
Philip gifted me a limited-edition hard copy of his book around Christmas time, and I’ve loved perusing it ever since.
The book considers twelve key topics relevant for leadership in organisations today, including change, communication, continuous learning, decision making, diversity, purpose, productivity, teamwork and many more, all through the fascinating metaphor of an industrious beehive.
I’ve discovered a few favourite chapters and understand a little more about the life of bees, and the lessons they can teach us.
Dave was one of 12 guest writers who Philip partnered with to share additional or alternative views, helping to create a community of shared thinking or in other words some hive-logic!
Last night was not just about celebrating the launch of a book; it was about celebrating friendship, shared learning, and the power of collaboration.
Spending time with Philip, Dave, and so many like-minded professionals reminded me of the importance of community and the strength we find in exchanging ideas.
Philip’s ability to weave wisdom and leadership lessons from the natural world into our working lives is truly inspiring.
I wish you every success Philip with “Bee Wise” – may it continue to spark meaningful conversations and insightful reflections in organisations far and wide!
And to all those who have yet to pick up a copy, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in and discover the buzz for yourselves! 🐝
Bees thrive on teamwork; just as great leaders foster collaboration – I have a free limited edition signed hard copy to give away!
Tag a colleague, mentor, or friend who embodies the spirit of teamwork and share why they inspire you below.
I’ll pick a winner and send the signed copy to one lucky participant!

The keyboard cat

Since returning home a few months ago, we’ve inherited our daughter Cristi’s cat, while she completes her university studies in Edinburgh.
It’s been quite an adjustment for me, as I am definitely not much of a cat lover.
This week, the cat (Blue) has taken an extra special liking to my office for some reason.
A couple of days ago, he decided to perch himself – quite disruptively, right in front of me on my keyboard!
Admittedly, I became annoyed, and a little frustrated by Blue, as I had things to do!
Reflecting upon that moment, I realised that there was a lesson to be had from this persistent feline, about personal development: how we respond to disruption, can shape our growth.
And since coming home – we have experienced a lot of disruption!
In coaching, I encourage clients to reframe their challenges and look at things from a different perspective.
Disruptions, just like Blue sprawled across my keyboard, can seem like an obstacle.
Yet, they present an unexpected opportunity to pause, reassess, and refocus.
Instead of getting annoyed, I asked myself: What’s the lesson here?
Blue reminded me (again) that life rarely goes as planned, and sometimes the best response is to simply adapt with patience and creativity.
Blue, indifferent to my to-do list, brought me back to the moment.
He reminded me to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the present, even if it wasn’t the one I had planned.
Life often brings unexpected interruptions.
When we embrace them, stay present, and set healthy boundaries, we can create space for growth.
So, when life places a “cat” on your keyboard, pause, reflect, and adapt.
You might discover a lesson you didn’t know you needed.
What unexpected “disruption” in your life has taught you a valuable lesson?

Turning to the Light

Yesterday, I had the privilege of facilitating a couple of learning workshops with young adults (18-35 years old) from across Scotland and Ireland.
They had gathered for a three-day weekend conference at the Preston Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chorley.
The theme of the weekend was Light the Temple, and I was invited to share experiences from our time serving as Mission Leaders in Belgium and the Netherlands.
For the workshops, I chose the title: Turning Toward the Light – How Missionary Service Changes Us.
And it truly does!
The two one-hour sessions were experiential learning feasts, filled with hands-on activities, meaningful discussions, and plenty of laughter.
From role-playing missionary experiences to heartfelt personal stories, the room was alive with energy, enthusiasm, and faith.
There was something special about being together, learning, sharing, and even laughing about the unique and often humorous moments that come through missionary service.
As missionaries, we strive to follow the Saviour’s example in Acts 10:38 – going about “doing good.”
And in doing so, we are changed.
There were four key learning takeaways:
We become…
• Changed for Good
• Fluent in Discipleship
• Closer to Him
• Builders of His Kingdom
It was an absolute joy to spend time with these incredible young people.
Their testimonies, their light, and their laughter filled the room with a spirit of unity and purpose.
Being with them reminded me of how turning toward Christ shapes not just our missions, but our entire lives.
How has turning to Him changed you?

Treading Water?

Returning home a few months ago has been an opportunity for lots of deep reflection, causing me to review a couple of key questions.
What do the next ten years look like?
Where am I really heading before retirement?
Recently, I was in a deep conversation with a dear friend.
He mentioned a phrase that really resonated with me.
He said “It sounds like you are just 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫…”
I discovered the phrase has a couple of meanings.
Firstly, it means “to float vertically in the water by moving the legs and the arms up and down.”
It’s a survival skill and it’s definitely not sustainable for too long.
Secondly, “not to be advancing in any way” suggesting lots of continuous effort, yet with little forward momentum.
In essence, its lots of hard work, expending energy, yet, remaining static and I could relate to that.
Have you found yourself in this sort of space before, hoping that you are doing all the right things, but not feeling any progress?
Does it look like this?
• 𝑹𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉 – Feeling like every day is similar to the last, with no real forward movement.
• 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 – Working hard but unsure whether it’s leading anywhere meaningful.
• 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 – Engaged in things, yet wondering if the time and energy is truly well spent.
So, what can you do when you sense you’re treading water?
1. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 – Instead of just keeping things going, consider new ways of thinking, working, or living.
2. 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – It’s hard to measure progress, if you don’t have a clear direction. So, what does real movement look like for you?
3. 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐡, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Sometimes, we need to dive deeper rather than push harder. Learning, reflection, and seeking inspiration can unlock new paths.
4. 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 – Not all movement is visible, I’ve learned to be patient. Some seasons prepare us quietly for what’s next.
If you feel like you’re treading water, ask yourself: 𝑰𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒘𝒊𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏?
The answer might just change everything…

Scheduling with Heart

I enjoy a large network of people, including coaching & business clients, colleagues, and many friends all around the world.
Subsequently, my calendar is always buzzing with something!
Scheduling, it seems, is a constant daily ritual for me.
I’m always Juggling time zones, priorities, and opportunities to maintain my meaningful and important connections.
Yet, there’s one thing I’m determined to keep old-school: 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓!
While automated scheduling tools are all the rage these days, I prefer a much more personal touch.
I always seem to have competing priorities, yet for me, every meeting is unique, and I like the flexibility to decide when and where I meet someone.
Plus, I am constantly aware of Monic’s calendar too.
It’s not about efficiency, it’s more about intention.
Here are a few of my own tips for managing your schedule with heart:
1. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬: I try hard never to pack my day back-to-back. Allowing breathing spaces between calls are golden and absolutely essential.
2. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬: Connecting across the globe requires some care. A little planning can turn a logistical headache into a pleasant experience.
3. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 “𝐲𝐞𝐬” 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐲: It’s often tempting to say yes to every meeting, but clarity on priorities helps me keep my calendar purposeful.
4. 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 “𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡-𝐮𝐩” 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬: I block out times specifically for reconnecting with friends and colleagues, which really helps to keep key relationships thriving!
Scheduling isn’t just logistics; for me it’s also about relationships.
Whether it’s a coaching session or a catch-up call, each meeting represents an opportunity to connect.
How do you manage your calendar?
Are you a fan of online schedulers, or do you prefer a more hands-on approach?
I’d love to hear your stories, tips, or even some of those scheduling mishaps!