Tag Archive for: Learning

Sharing Light, Building Hope

Earlier this year, I was asked to coordinate the Church’s Light the World charity machine initiative across the UK for Christmas 2025.
The Initiative features customised vending machines and kiosks stocked with tangible items and services to help people in need, either in the UK or across the world.
In turn these items and services provide a meaningful and memorable way to show love and extend hope to individuals and families.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all costs associated with the charity machines and receives zero financial benefit.
100% of every donation goes directly to the participating nonprofit organisations.
For me, it’s been a wonderful opportunity to serve and build many new friendships along the way too.

Light the World

Following a lovely meal together on Friday evening, yesterday, many of us from across the UK Communications Council gathered at the Preston Temple in Chorley, for our annual training meeting.
It is always a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and refocus our shared purpose for the year ahead.
It was also great to finally meet Naomi Notice, our City Lead for London, face to face.
In recent months, like so many involved in the Light the World campaign, we’ve had frequent calls and messages, as the pace of the project quickens.
Naomi’s enthusiasm and creativity have already made a massive difference.
She brings oodles of energy, professionalism, and a huge heart for service – essential qualities that perfectly capture the spirit of the whole Christmas initiative.
As we met together, the temple provided a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do: to share light, to build bridges of understanding, and to invite others to feel the love of Jesus Christ.

Giving

This initiative offers both givers and receivers the chance to experience “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10).
Meeting together throughout the day, there was a real sense of shared purpose and hope for all of us as we looked ahead over the next 5 to 10 years of significant projects not only here in the UK but around the world.
It was a reminder of how much can be achieved when we work together in faith and unity.
2025 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for Light the World – Charity Machines in the UK, and yesterday’s meeting renewed our collective commitment to make it our best yet.
Look out for the machines in December this year at the Bullring in Birmingham and Spitalfields Market in London.
What small act of love or service could brighten someone’s day this week?

Creating Space to Learn

Its been a quick week.

On Monday, I arrived at our venue a couple of hours before the start of the latest leadership session, I was just observing after all, but my fellow facilitators had been there for a good wee while longer!

Arriving early as a learning facilitator, is critical.

The magic however of a great learning experience doesn’t begin when the first participant walks into the room, it starts days, weeks and even months, before.

Long before a single chair is straightened or a workbook is placed on the table, facilitators are already deep in preparation.

For this programme, the preparation began in partnership, working closely with Korn Ferry Management Consultants to shape the design, alongside Aviva’s learning consultants to refine the flow and feel of the sessions.

From there came hours of reviewing materials, crafting thoughtful questions, building stories, and attending to the small details that help people connect and learn together.

Then of course there is hours of work done by our events team, who have been organising venues, coursebooks, materials, travel, meals, and most importantly of all – delegates!

This week our facilitators travelled from far and wide, bringing not only their suitcases but their energy, insights, and passion for helping others grow.

Arriving early to set up the space, check the slides, arrange materials, and make sure every table feels ready for learning, it’s all part of facilitation life.

Because when the first delegate walks in, everything should quietly say, you matter, and we’re ready for you.

Facilitation isn’t just about delivery.

It’s about intention. Preparation. Presence.

It’s about creating the conditions where learning can truly come alive.

What does great preparation look like in your world?

A Fireside Chat to Remember

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of observing a fireside chat with a senior leader unfold in the Lead the Way programme at Aviva in Perth.

It was enjoyable to sit there and watch the learning unfold.

As I understand it, a few days earlier, there was a short call between the facilitator and the cohort sponsor, to discuss the opportunity at hand.

That early conversation helped shape the flow, clarify expectations, and set the tone for what would become a powerful learning experience.

These chats don’t happen in every session, but are organised when calendars and time align.

From the moment the chat began, there was an openness in the room and a genuine curiosity to learn.

Course participants were invited to ask questions, and they were asked with warmth, thoughtfulness, and respect.

The leader’s responses were real, honest, and at times filled with humour.

Many personal stories brought key topics to life, offering both insights and reassurance that leadership, at its heart, is a human endeavour.

One of the standout moments came when someone asked, “How would you describe your work–life balance?”

The leader paused, smiled, and replied with calm confidence: “Disciplined. I have outside interests, things that are non-negotiable. They keep me grounded.”

That simple, authentic answer said it all.

Throughout the conversation, there was laughter, reflection, and a shared sense of purpose.

It wasn’t just a Q&A, for many in the room, it was a real live mentoring session.

The whole session sparked real connection, fostered networking, and built relationships across the cohort.

For me, it was a joy to see such a positive experience unfold, that blended insight, humility, and humanity in equal measure.

What stories from your own journey could help others see the human side of leadership?

A different kind of tired

I’ve had a great, but exhausting week!

At the start of the new leadership programme – Lead the Way, with Aviva in Perth, there’s a familiar pattern emerging.

People arrive mid-afternoon, often after an early start and a long journey.

They mostly arrive with a little travel tiredness, having transitioned from back-to-back meetings into something unknown.

After all, they’ve just stepped away from the buzz of their day jobs, where decisions are constant and time is tight.

So, we slow them down.

It’s one of the quiet, yet very special gifts of this programme: two full days where they’re not doing the day job, rather, they’re encouraged to think differently.

Reflecting.

Paying attention to themselves and others in ways they usually don’t have time for.

A New Tired

And yet by the end of those two days, my discovery this week is they’re still tired, just in a completely other way.

It’s not the tiredness of logistics or deadlines.

It’s the stretch that comes from working with new models, testing fresh ideas, and forming new connections, not only in their minds, but with each other too.

It takes a great deal of effort to tune into those emotions, to have honest conversations, and explore their own leadership habits.

It’s also the kind of tired that comes from meaningful work.

And somewhere in all that effort, I have witnessed many who start to see a shift in mindset.

A quiet clarity.

The occasional Aha moment where something lands differently and opens up in a new way.

It’s not always comfortable, but it is purposeful. And for many, it’s long overdue.

So yes, they do leave tired.

But it’s a good tired, for each of them.

A stretched, thoughtful, worthwhile kind of tired.

And from what I’ve seen, it’s the kind that stays with you.

When was the last time you were stretched in a way that felt meaningful?

New. Uncomfortable. Stretching.

Yesterday was my first time running the new Lead the Way leadership programme for Aviva in Perth.
I’d worked with my co-facilitator Jane many times online over the last 26 days, but this was the first time we had actually met in person.
So right from the start, I was feeling that mix of excitement and a wee bit of nerves too…
And I wasn’t the only one!
As delegates started arriving, there was a quiet tension in the waiting area.
A subtle mix of anticipation, nerves, and curiosity.
Uncomfortable, yes. But that’s often where the good stuff starts to happen.
Jane and I were definitely in the stretch zone too. After all we were delivering this session live together for the first time.
There’s always a bit of uncertainty when you’re doing something new, even if you’ve prepared.
Life has taught me for sure, that growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone!
Early on in the session, we invited each delegate to pause and simply notice what they were feeling.
Not to fix it or fight it – just to notice.
There’s real power in staying present, in leaning into the awkward, uncertain, or emotionally charged moments and I have learned its essential for growth, but not easy for everyone.
We talked about how useful it is to stay with those tricky emotions rather than brushing them aside.
In leadership and in life too, I know that discomfort can show up right before something meaningful happens.
That ability of noticing without reacting is key when you’re leading teams too.
It can help you understand your own reactions and allows you to empathise with the emotions of your team.
By the end of the day, everyone had started to explore their own leadership style with more honest feelings.
There was more openness, more self-awareness, and definitely a bit more ease in the room too.
It was a solid start and a good reminder that discomfort isn’t a sign you’re doing it wrong.
Most of the time, it means you’re right where you need to be.
Day 2 – here we come!
What helps you stay grounded when things feel uncertain?

The crazy side of leadership

Having a BYU student come stay with us, has brought out our younger thinking again, and on Saturday, we decided to do something fun together.
Monic, Amilya and I spent the afternoon at Adventure Island crazy golf.
It was a fun hour, full of laughter, silly obstacles, and some interesting putting techniques!
Both Monic and Amilya even managed to get a hole in 1…!
Monic emerged as the victor with the lowest score, I was second, and Amilya took third spot.
But truthfully, the real joy wasn’t in the positions, it was in the hilarity of it all, somehow, I even managed to miss scoring one hole altogether. 😆
Learning is all around us, and reflecting afterwards, two simple leadership lessons stood out.

Lessons Learned

Firstly, like life, the course was full of twists and turns.
Crazy golf is deliberately designed to throw you off balance.
Just when you think you’ve got a straight shot to the hole, a hidden slope, an awkward obstacle, or some weird random bounce or twist, changes everything.
Leadership is no different.
Plans rarely play out in straight forward, predictable ways.
Obstacles crop up, a few spanners are thrown in the works, things shift unexpectedly, and what looks simple suddenly becomes really complex.
Yet it’s my experience, that good leaders don’t get upset, they simply adapt, laugh at the obstacles, and keep moving forward.
Secondly, celebrate each other’s wins.
On Saturday, we kept a scorecard, but at the end, what mattered was cheering one another on.
Monic’s victory became a fun celebration for us all.
There were several high fives and congratulations offered on the course.
In teams and organisations, many times I’ve witnessed leaders who celebrate others’ successes create an environment where people feel recognised and valued.
That spirit of encouragement can lead to even more motivation and trust than any personal award could.

So, whether on a putting green filled with pirate-ship obstacles or in the middle of a leadership challenge at work, remember to expect the twists, and cheer loudly when others succeed.

In the end, it isn’t just about the score, it’s really about the experience you create together.
What “crazy golf” moments are shaping your leadership right now?

A Divine Seating Plan

As we entered Kyle and Emily’s wedding celebration last Monday, the very first thing that caught everyone’s eye in the function room, was the seating plan.
It was simply divine.
It was framed with fun photos and carefully arranged names. (Talking of photos, I’m sure there will be more soon!)
It was clear too, that they had given a lot of thought to where every guest would sit.
At every table, we found our names on an individual place card.
There was no guesswork, no confusion and no one was left out.
Each person had a place prepared for them, including Oscar in his wee highchair.

God’s Seating Plan

It reminded me of a simple gospel truth, that our Heavenly Father has a “seating plan” for each of us.
He knows us individually, loves us personally, and has a divine seating arrangement for each of us in our families, communities, and circumstances, in order to help us grow.
Nothing is random to Him.
The longer I live, the more sure I know, that God is at the helm.
Just as Kyle and Emily thoughtfully arranged their guests so everyone would feel comfortable and included, similarly, God lovingly prepares opportunities and circumstances where we can grow into who He knows we can become.
Sometimes we may wish we were at a different “table,” or sitting with different people, but it has been my experience that over time, as we trust in Him, we begin to see His wisdom and love.
Jesus Christ taught His disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).
The ultimate promise is that each of us has a place in His kingdom, lovingly prepared and reserved, just like Kyle and Emily had done for each guest at their wedding.
Where is God inviting you to sit right now, and what do you think He might want you to learn there?

A new chapter

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Leadership Development Facilitator at Aviva!
Day one (yesterday) was all about collecting my new IT kit, getting set up, and (most importantly!) receiving a very warm virtual welcome from my new colleagues.
I’m really looking forward to collaborating on impactful leadership development programmes over the coming months with them all in Perth.
And yes… the thoughtful wee welcome biscuit that arrived in the post was the perfect finishing touch! It was much appreciated and enjoyed! 🍪⭐
I’ll still be doing a little bit of coaching and leadership work through my own company, plus all the other voluntary work including the FORB Foundation.
Here’s to learning, growing and making a difference together.

From Rolls to Rest

My wife and I enjoyed a mini tour and a wee wander through some of Scotland’s iconic spots yesterday with Carter Hunsaker and Izaak Bevell.

Driving on the left was tricky for our guests so I volunteered to take the stress away for them for the day and allowed them to relax in the back seats.

Our journey passed by Knockhill and onwards through Glendevon, arriving at the world-famous Gleneagles Hotel and Golf Resort.

I thought it would be nice to show them some of the rolling fairways, the luscious greens and the grand hotel.

But for these two dear American friends from our Belgium and Netherlands days, it was all about the wheels and the choppers!

From a gleaming 1960’s Rolls Royce parked proudly out front on the double yellow lines, to rows of shiny sports cars that looked like they’d just rolled off a movie set, and a helicopter preparing for an afternoon flight, they were in their element.

And when they weren’t admiring the motors, they were soaking up the view from the deckchairs like Lords of the Manor!

Somehow – I was able to squeeze in for a photo too!

Their grins were as wide as the 18th fairway!

Onward Travel

On to Crieff, the Sma Glen, the Falls of Braan, the Hermitage and a wee shopping spree in Pitlochry all followed on, to make for a fun day out.

Heading home, these two young, vibrant, and energetic lads – simply couldn’t stand the pace.

After all the excitement of the day, no sooner had we left the car park in Pitlochry, that both of them were fast asleep in the back seat of the car!

After 7 European countries in only a few weeks, the two of them were out cold.

And you know what? I was glad to see it.

Because they had soaked up everything: the landscapes, the luxury cars, the helicopters, the history, and the fresh Scottish air.

They gave the day their all. And their batteries had officially hit zero.

Leadership Lesson

It reminded me of something I often overlook in leadership and coaching: we can’t expect sustained excellence without building in space to recharge.

Too often, we glorify pushing through.

But smart leadership recognises that our energy levels are finite.

Taking time to simple recover isn’t weakness… it’s wisdom.

So next time your team’s running on empty, or even just quieting down after a big win, don’t fill the silence.

Let them rest.

Let taking a pause do its work.

Because that’s where the reflection happens.

And that’s where growth sticks.

Even a Rolls Royce needs downtime between drives.

Defining Experiences

Over the weekend, we spent time with a dear friend, Phenix Kline, and her husband, Sam, who we met for the first time.
They were visiting from California.
It has been 11 years since we first met Phenix, when she was a full-time missionary in Dunfermline.
She visited our home regularly back then, always with warmth and a quiet strength.
As we talked and reminisced, Phenix began sharing stories from those visits – small, seemingly ordinary moments to us.
But to her, they weren’t ordinary at all.
They were defining.
She remembered the feelings, the kindness and the impact, those moments had upon her.
The was one story in particular she shared about a pivotal leadership session I had facilitated for her and a number of her colleagues at the time.
I’d walked into the room with a whole bunch of leadership and personal development books and talked about each of them 1 by 1.
That moment, along with a few others had shaped her life in ways we never knew at the time.
It reminded me of something important: We often have no idea which parts of our lives will leave a mark on others.
And that is particularly the case, not only in the facilitation of a leadership or coaching session, but also in our day-to-day friendships and conversations.
We often learn so much in our quiet, everyday interactions.
And yet, they can echo for years.
What small moment have you been part of lately that might matter more than you think?
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