The Senior Discount Advantage

A few weeks ago, I officially joined the “Golden Club.”
I turned 60, and in Scotland, that comes with a rather wonderful perk: a free bus pass!
That’s right, I can now roam the length and breadth of Scotland, without spending a single penny on a bus fare.
Edinburgh? Free. Inverness? Free. Fort William? …. Free!
Now, to be honest, I didn’t rush to use it.
Something about showing my bus pass, made me hesitate for a wee while.
Plus, my loving family and friends didn’t hold back with their gentle mockery, sniggers and raised eyebrows!
But, once I actually used the pass, I realised this wasn’t a sign of aging, rather, it was a badge of wisdom.
Of earned perspective and of strategic advantage.
Throughout my career I have done my fare share of driving with company cars aplenty, even hitting some 60,000 miles a year in some of my early sales jobs.
But now, at 60 I’ve earned the right to climb aboard, to let someone else do the driving and instead enjoy the journey even more.
I’m just as happy standing at a quiet bus stop, letting the world slow down for a minute, and remembering that not every journey needs to be rushed.
The pass may be free, but there is one priceless lesson: you don’t have to drive everything.
In my coaching and leadership practice, that’s half the battle, knowing when to take the wheel, and when to sit back and let the journey unfold.
There’s also something just plain old good fun and humbling about taking the bus.
So yes, I’m 60. And if that makes me “old,” then so be it.
I’ve traded life’s hustle and bustle for clarity, swapping out acceleration for direction.
And I’ve got a pass that proves I’ve arrived and can still go anywhere I want!
Now the real question is – where to next?

A Sure Compass

Just before setting off on my walk along Scotland’s West Highland Way this May with my missionary friends, my brother Paul and his wife Gwen gave me a beautiful gift to mark my 60th birthday: a 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔, inscribed and deeply personal.
Oftentimes, I’ve carried it with me, not always for navigation, but for what it reminds me of: direction, intention, and trust in something steady.
One of my favourite activities as a facilitator involves asking groups, sometimes 10, 20, or even 100+ people, to stand, close their eyes, and point in the direction of north.
The results are always the same: arms point in every direction.
Some are confident, many are uncertain, and only a few ever get it right.
Then I pull out a compass and show them how quickly truth is revealed when you use the right tool.
I always gift them each a small compass to keep, a simple reminder that knowing where you’re going, starts with knowing what you’re using to guide you.

What tool do you use?

In a similar manner,  I love the words of Marvin J. Ashton:
“…just as a compass is valuable to guide us out of the dense forest, so the gospel points the way as we walk the paths of life.”
There’s something insightful in that comparison.
I know that life can be full of dense forests: uncertainty, doubt, temptation, fear, distraction.
I also know that the gospel of Jesus Christ doesn’t eliminate these things, yet it’s my experience that it helps us move through them without getting lost.
President James E. Faust once said: “The gift of the Holy Ghost is available as a sure guide, as the voice of conscience, and as a moral compass. This guiding compass is personal to each of us. It is unerring. It is unfailing.”
Not perfect circumstances. Not perfect knowledge. But a perfect guide.
I’ve learned that you don’t have to see the whole map if you trust your compass.
Whether you’re navigating the Highlands of Scotland or the hard questions of life, it’s the same principle.
The Spirit points true. The gospel holds steady. And I’ve kept walking.
60 years with the gospel as my guide. I still face storms, but I never face them alone.
As 2 Nephi 32:5 reminds us:
“For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.”
What are you using today to find your way, and is it pointing you to True North?
If you’d like to know more, speak to a member or a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Help Isn’t Always Easy

Recently, whilst in London, I was coming up the stairs from the underground at Victoria Station.
I saw her, seated quietly, seeking help.
In that moment, I reached into my pocket and gave what little change I had.
It wasn’t planned, it was simply the right thing to do in that moment, a quiet offering to help.
Moments later, as I rushed to sort out my ticket and catch a train to Mitcham, another woman approached me, much faster, louder and demanding money.
I had nothing left to give, yet she insisted.
I apologised and kept walking towards my train, feeling shaken and guilty.
That moment has stayed with me, especially this morning as I have been studying all about charity.
I gave freely at first yet somehow, I felt like I’d failed in the second.
Have you ever experienced something similar?
Reflecting further this morning, I remembered that helping people isn’t always simple.
That has certainly been my experience.
Some needs are gentle through a simple act of kindness, others can feel overwhelming.
Showing love isn’t about trying to please everyone, it’s much more about doing what you can with a willing heart.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
We can’t solve every problem, but to give what we can and to let go of our guilt when our hands are empty.
Sometimes our offering is a coin.
Other times it is a simple act of kindness.
And sometimes we simply have to walk away with nothing else to give.
We give what we can and trust God with the rest.
How do you discern between when to give and when to step back?

Mentoring

One recent Sunday morning, I went over to Edinburgh, to meet with a dear friend and mentor, Ben B. Banks.
I first met Ben in 1987 when he and his wife Susan, were called to serve as leaders of the Scotland Edinburgh Mission (as it was then) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I was 22, recently returned from my own mission in London and ready for some direction.
A successful businessman and now General Authority Emeritus, he has served in a host of leadership roles all around the world since his time here in Scotland.
I have always looked up to Ben.
For me, his greatest influence came not from titles or offices, but from his presence, which was always, steady, kind and wise.
Since his time in Scotland all those years ago, I have followed his life with interest.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with him in his home, over meals, and in many church meetings.
In each setting, he’s offered not just counsel, but clarity, along with guidance that always felt both practical and inspired.
This morning, I chose once again to study a number of his talks and devotional addresses available online.
Mentoring, at its core, is about helping someone become more of who they’re meant to be.
It’s not about giving answers but helping others find their own.
Ben was masterful at that.
He never just told people what to do.
Like the best mentors and coaches, he invited reflection, sparked insight, and quietly nudged others toward action.
His storytelling in particular always stood out, always simple, honest, and memorable.
Whether recounting long cycle rides, goal-setting moments, or challenges faced, he made truth come alive.
That’s the power of a good story: it makes ideas stick and principles personal.
His life continues to be a masterclass in kindness, service, and devotion.
I left our meeting feeling renewed and grateful.
Mentors like Ben don’t just shape your path, they shape who you become while walking it.
If you’ve never heard Ben speak, I encourage you to seek out his talks online and listen.
They’ll stay with you.
Who has helped shape your path and how might you pass that gift on to someone else?

When the Journey Stalls

Recently, while driving south on a long trip, we hit a massive delay.
Traffic slowed to a crawl and then a stop, not because of any obstacles in our own lanes, but as we listened to Radio 2, we learned of an accident on the opposite side of the motorway.
Like many of these moments, it was a reminder of life’s unpredictability.
The delay cost us nearly an hour, and the accident shut down the northbound side for miles.
As frustrating as it was, it reminded us of another incident years ago, driving home from a meeting in Utrecht, headed toward Leidschendam.
That night, there had been an accident on the “snelweg.”
We were far back in the queue and stuck.
Then something unusual happened: people got out of their cars.
Some lit cigarettes. Some chatted. Soon there was large crowds.
I got out to investigate further.
Shortly thereafter, I remember offering brownies from our meeting and spending time talking with total strangers for a while.
There was a kind of spontaneous community born from that unusual moment.
What struck me was how quickly people shifted from isolation (each in their own car, their own world) to connection.
Monic and I have spoken of that event often.
That hour of delay became something meaningful, not because of where we were, but because of how everyone showed up to connect.
It was something we’d never experienced before, nor have again since.
Sometimes life can suddenly bring us to a halt, plans can stall, and our progress stops.
We can get stuck behind a difficult tragedy or trial that comes along.
But in those moments, we can either get upset… or connect, like that day on the Dutch snelweg.
We can either retreat inward or look outward and bless others, even with something as simple as conversation or a brownie.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
We rush through life so fast, but delays remind us to slow down and actually see each other.
Maybe that’s when we’re most able to help carry someone else’s load.
When things stop, don’t just wait. Look around. Who needs you?

Still My Favourite Part

It’s been just over a year since Monic and I returned home from our mission in Belgium and the Netherlands and honestly, one of the things I still love most is catching up with the missionaries we served with.
Week after week, I get to sit down for 1-on-1 coaching conversations.
Whether they are just home a few days, or even a few years now.
We talk about life, school decisions, job paths, relationships, faith, challenges, disappointments, wins.
Big things and small things too.
Sometimes it’s figuring out how to stay spiritually grounded outside the mission.
Other times it’s about handling stress, setting goals, or building good habits and routines.
Every conversation is different, and that’s what makes them powerful.
Just real life.
This week alone, I’ve had the opportunity to catch up and connect with several missionaries.
Every conversation is a reminder: the mission may be over, but the connection isn’t.
And I’m so grateful for every moment of it.
What do you think makes a great coaching conversation?

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?