Anniversary, NHS leadership & 10 Downing St – A coaching week

It’s been quite a special past seven days or so. In fact every day is special and I’m very fortunate to do a ‘job’ as a coach, speaker and author that I deeply love and through which I can make a rich contribution. There’s something about the last week that highlights all that so here’s a very quick round up of the last seven days:

Last week began with the 3rd Anniversary of my book Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back into Your Business.

It’s been quite a wonderful 3 years and I’ve been very touched by the stories of people who have read the book, bought the book, recommended the book and been on a journey with it. I want to thank you for your support, publishers Kogan Page and the editor Liz Gooster.

I wrote more about the journey behind the book over on my Soul-Trader.biz website and do check out the site if you’re on the journey of being you’re own boss because it’s full of free articles, videos, webinars, podcasts  – and my coach yourself programme to help you on your own path.

At 3 years old the book is still very young but has brought bundles of joy as those early years do. I look forward to how thee book will grow, develop and flourish even further.
The week was busy with coaching, workshops and the usual types of activity and really peaked with a very full day on Thursday. Thursday day was filled with my first day coaching some of the amazing staff at West London NHS Mental Health Trust on the leadership programme for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff. It’s always amazing when you meet people who are so passionate about their work and serving others. It’s something I’ve experienced over and over again, when I’ve been coaching staff at health trusts from Brighton and Sussex, and East Sussex on the coast through to at Barts her in London where I’ve been running a career development staff which is drawing some wonderful initial feedback from the amazing participants on it. So it was a joy to start with the staff and West London on Thursday. Tomorrow that journey will continue as I work with a handful of staff at Broadmoor – one of the most well known locations of all.

At the end of the back-to-back sessions in West London I had to dart back across into central London for the first Black History Month event in my calendar which just happened to be a reception at 10 Downing Street.

It was my first time in Downing Street. I only just about made it and there was a bit of scenic route getting in – which added to the adventure. It was fascinating going into a space that in some ways we all have a connection with through the years and decades of seeing leaders come, go, visit – run their premierships. What actually struck me most was the wonderful energy that the actual street of Downing Street has as well as the impact of 10 Downing street and it’s famous staircase lined with images of all the Prime Minister incumbents who’ve held the post.

It was a reception of leading black British entrepreneurs, entertainers and those in community life. It was nice seeing  many people I’ve met over the years and many who have played an important role in the cultural fabric of our society.

It was a nice moment to gently reflect and appreciate my first decade as a coach and speaker and to appreciate that journey and to focus on the work that I’m doing at the moment – and the work yet to come.

All in all it’s been wonderfully full week in a full couple of months between now and the end of November with a real rich blend of working with individuals and teams. It’s especially a joy working with a variety of people from entrepreneurs, entertainers, those who work in our key public services and members of the public.

For example I was touched when pretty much my last call of her day was from an accomplished sportsperson / athlete who has begun a new career as pundit and commentator on TV. It’s quite amazing when people seek out your counsel and input into their careers and performance. But really above all this the real win is when you see people flourish and see their ow potential. Just this morning I read a feedback email from one of the staff the Career Development Programme I’m running at Barts NHS Trust. It’s when I read  an email like that of someone sharing how they have grown personally, professionally, in themselves and in confidence – it is that that is the reward and it is that that reminds you (if you every needed any reminding) why you do the ‘job’ that you do.

It is about living the mission that you speak of. It is about being and contributing as best you can. The fruits will emerge in their own way at their own time.