Every night, I read to my 4-year-old, and it’s a moment I treasure. Recently, we picked up The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by C. Mackesy. A simple story, yet its insights on kindness, courage, and connection hit home—not just as a parent but as a leader. In business, we’re often looking for complex strategies, but sometimes the simplest lessons remind us what matters most. Here are six takeaways that may inspire how you lead, connect, and grow on your journey: “We have such a long way to go,” sighed the boy. “Yes, but look how far we’ve come,” said the horse. The road to success can feel endless, but celebrating progress keeps teams motivated. Takeaway: Celebrate milestones and achievements—big or small. Reflecting on progress fuels continued effort and inspiration. Final Thought Kindness, courage, and connection matter just as much in business as they do in life. Leadership is about navigating challenges with authenticity, building meaningful relationships, and staying true to your values. What’s one lesson that stands out to you—and how can “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Kind,” said the boy. Kindness in leadership fosters trust, engagement and drives productivity and innovation. When we create a culture where people feel valued, they give their best. Takeaway: Recognise effort, listen actively, show care and build genuine connections. Kindness isn’t a soft skill—it’s a success strategy. “Sometimes I feel lost,” said the boy. “Me too,” said the mole, “but we love you, and love brings you home.” We all feel lost at times, it’s natural. What matters is having a network that supports, grounds and helps us find clarity. Takeaway: invest in building both personal and professional relationships and networks. Connection is key to navigating challenges and finding clarity. “What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” “Help,” said the horse. Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s courage. Vulnerability fosters collaborations, builds trust and strengthens leadership to create better outcomes. Takeaway: Foster a culture where vulnerability is encouraged. Openly share your challenges and seek help when needed, as collaboration thrives when we ask for support, leading to better solutions. “Everyone is a bit scared,” said the horse, “but we are less scared together.” Fear is normal in uncertain times or during times of change, but shared purpose reduces its weight. Takeaway: Align your team around a clear vision. Together, even the toughest challenges feel lighter and manageable. “When the big things feel out of control… focus on what you love right under your nose.” Overwhelm is part of leadership. Focusing on values, people, and purpose to help find stability and direction. Takeaway: In moments of chaos, reconnect with your “why.” Clarity comes from alignment with what matters most. Ready to get started? Get in touch! www.theelevationcompany.com

As the calendar turns to a new year, we often find ourselves reflecting on the past & looking forward to the future. Cue the setting of New Years (NY) Resolutions (and cue the eyeroll). In recent years, I have found the practice of setting intentions a powerful distinction that makes much more of an impact in my life.

NY resolutions are typically concrete goals we set for ourselves, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, or saving money, often coming with a sense of pressure & obligation, based on a lot of SHOULDING.This mindset can lead to feelings of guilt or inadequacy when we fall short. Have you ever set a resolution that has not felt like a chore?

And where are you usually at with your commitment come February? (Mid January for me ;))!

NY intentions offer a gentler, more compassionate path. They are not about achieving specific outcomes but about guiding principles that shape our actions & attitudes. Rooted in the present moment, reflecting our deepest values & desires, intentions are flexible & forgiving, allowing for growth & adaptation, whilst focussing on the journey rather than the destination, allowing for celebrating progress & effort. (I am already feeling calmer). 

Intentions are inherently more purposeful than resolutions for several reasons:

1. Alignment with Core Values: Intentions are deeply personal & align with our core values. They stem from a place of self-awareness & authenticity, making them more meaningful & sustainable.
2. Embracing the Journey: Intentions invite us to be present & mindful, embracing the process of growth rather than fixating on specific outcomes. This perspective reduces stress & allows for a more fulfilling experience.
3. Flexibility & Compassion: Unlike rigid resolutions, intentions are adaptable. They acknowledge that life is unpredictable & that it’s okay to adjust our path as we go. This flexibility fosters self-compassion & resilience.
4. Internal Motivation: Intentions are driven by internal motivation rather than external expectations. This intrinsic drive makes it easier to stay committed, as our actions are fueled by genuine desire rather than obligation.

To transition from resolutions to intentions, start by reflecting on what truly matters to you. Ask yourself “How do I want to feel?” or “What kind of person do I want to be?” This shift in focus can illuminate your true desires & values.

Write down your intentions & revisit them regularly. Allow them to evolve as you grow & change. Celebrate your efforts & progress, no matter how small, & be kind to yourself if you stumble. 

As we step into the new year, let us embrace the power of intentions. By setting heartfelt, compassionate intentions, we can create a life filled with purpose & joy. Let go of the pressure to achieve & instead, focus on the beauty of becoming. After all, the most meaningful transformations come not from what we do, but from who we choose to be.

Ready to get started? Get in touch! www.theelevationcompany.com

If only I had the time; the space; the money; the energy……

Sound familiar?

We always seem to want more of something.

Be it money; time; relaxation; opportunity – there always seems to be something we are yearning for, and it always seems to be just out of reach.

There are so many places to explore, people to meet, adventures to live! If only life wasn’t so busy.

As we snap back into our reality of the stable yet unfulfilling job, the relationship that is merely OK, and that cluttered messy space we call home, we begin to fantasise about the changes we would make if things were different – If we only had what we needed to make changes.

Well, here’s a Newsflash!

We already have what we need!

It’s a little thing called Desire.

Because once there is true desire, unwavering 24/7 passionate desire to make a change, we have a starting point. This isn’t just about vaguely wanting something; it’s about deciding you’re ready to pursue it wholeheartedly.

Then, as we take the first wobbly steps in the right direction, it will get messy. That is guaranteed.

And we may feel like quitting, but the rewards are far too great! It’s all too easy to slip back into the unfulfilling yet comfortably familiar, but if we remember that our commitment to change must outweigh our desire to stay the same, we will soon see we are on a winning path.

And it is critical to make space for what we want in life. If it is filled with physical, mental, emotional or metaphorical clutter there is no space to invite the new, the exciting and the fulfilling.

So clear the space!

Physically remove clutter or remnants of a life no longer relevant.

Ground yourself on the grass and stretch your arms to the blue sky.

Breathe in new life.

Meditate and sit through the messy bits.

Dare to believe in yourself even if it’s only for 20 seconds at a time.

Want a lush garden? Start by pulling weeds and enriching the soil. Dreaming of finding a new employee? Set up their workspace and create a welcoming environment. Ready to travel? Get your passport sorted!

Whether it’s taking cooking classes to win MasterChef or selling old furniture to remodel your living room, every choice counts. Every space counts!

Making space means being brave enough to let go of the fear that holds us back.

Choose to create opportunity, Choose to continually step out into something new and unknown. And choose to live life by design and not default.

Ready to get started? Get in touch! www.theelevationcompany.com

Conflict is part of life, especially in teams. As a coach, I’ve learned that how you handle it makes all the difference.

Two approaches I’ve used (and seen others use) are compromise and resolution. Initially, I thought they were the same, but I’ve learnt they’re quite different, and each has its place.

🤝On Compromise

‘Meet in the middle’. Compromise is often the quickest way to move forward. Both sides make a small sacrifice, arriving in the middle. Compromise can leave everyone somewhat unsatisfied. It often focuses on tolerating the issue rather than solving the root problem.

In the Workplace
A marketing team was divided over budget – digital ads vs. events. Deciding to split the budget equally, with neither side satisfied. The digital team wanted more, and the events team couldn’t do enough with what they got.

In Sport
Coaches couldn’t agree on using experienced players or younger talent. Eventually selecting a mix of both. Lacking alignment with anyone’s strategy, ideal results weren’t achieved.

🟢My takeaway: Compromise may ease tension, but it often feels like settling, not solving. Unresolved issues often linger and can resurface, affecting performance.

🛠️Seeking Resolution
What if we didn’t have to settle? Unlike compromise, giving a little here and there, resolution asks us to dig deeper—to clearly define and address the root of the conflict.

At Work
We analysed the data. Digital ads drive short-term sales, while events build long-term customer relationships. We built a resolution that met both needs – prioritising digital for immediate returns, allowing us to invest in events for future growth.

On the Field
We used performance data to decide when to play younger vs experienced players. Creating a smart, strategic decision based on our strengths and the opposition.

🟢Lesson learned: Resolution aligns the team, fosters long-term solutions, and encourages open communication and collaborative problem-solving. Creating lasting change and contentment for both parties, though it takes more time.

🔑Compromise vs. Resolution: When to Use Each
When to Compromise vs. Push for Resolution:
Compromise is useful for quick fixes with low stakes. It’s about making progress, even if it’s not perfect. 
Resolution is essential for complex issues where long-term success hinges on getting it right.

💡Reflecting on the Bigger Picture
Compromise may get you through the day, but resolution builds stronger teams, deeper relationships, and sustainable success. It demands more time and effort, but the rewards are worth it.

So, what about you? Have you ever settled for compromise when a resolution was possible? Share your thoughts below!👇

#theelevationcompany #businessculture #businessleardership #valuesbasedleadership
#empowerment #personalgrowth

I recently watched kids playing a game, wilfully changing the rules as they went along to suit themselves. And it made me think about the unwritten rules we live our lives by.

Think about it. You probably set your alarm for the same time, shower & wash yourself in the same order, have the same thing for breakfast, often choosing a grain cereal (as that is recommended), travel to work the same way, have the same conversations & arrive home, watch the same TV shows & retire to bed after setting your alarm for the same time again tomorrow.

Meanwhile you ponder why you feel unfulfilled & trapped by the status quo, & cannot understand why you are losing your edge in the corporate world.
Think for a moment about all the perceived rules we are living by. Make a list. Then challenge the ones you can change.

A good question to ask may be “Am I following this rule because it’s the best way, or because it’s the only way I know? Have I just found a way to be uncomfortably comfortable in my box of rules. Does the rule even apply to me? Is there another option?”
I like to play the “What If” game.

What if I set my alarm for 5 minutes earlier each day until I ended up with an extra hour of “me” time?

What if I washed head to toe one day & toe to head the next? Or brushed my teeth with the other hand? What synapses in my brain might be stimulated?

What if I challenged the consumption of grains for breakfast after finding out it was the grain board who funded the study recommending cereals, & had eggs instead?
What if I chose a different form of transport, or a different route to work? And then posed some thought-provoking questions to those I work with for more productive conversations?

What if I decided to eat dessert before dinner because life is too short?

And what if I actually blew the dust off that pile of books on my bedside (the ones I will read some day) & actually consumed something inspirational for an hour before bed instead of watching another episode of Love Island????

Turn your life upside down & see what falls out; Allow yourself to experiment, to fail, & to reinvent; See with fresh eyes; Doubt the default; Color outside the lines; Move your furniture around or swap the paintings on the wall; Look for different options in all you do & ask What else?; Get a big scrapbook & make a wild ideas page; Generate more ideas; Percolate a new mindset, one that does not argue for limitations but dares to believe that there are miracles close enough to reach out & touch.

An inspired path isn’t about adhering to the predetermined, but about forging our own. So if you are looking for a life filled with innovation, growth, & progress, dare to question your assumptions, experiment with unconventional approaches & ask What if?

And if you ever feel a little stuck or need some inspired & elevated ideas get in touch with us here at The Elevation Company.

#theelevationcompany#whatif#endlesspossibilities#inspiration#elevation

When your bad day turns into a bad week or month, at what point do you reflect and choose to adopt the steps you know bring you from a basal energy to an elevated state?

As human beings we are designed to feel and process different emotions (energy in motion) within our bodies, even the ones that feel really yuck. It is important to allow these feelings to be felt and expressed, because, as we know – what we resist, persists. Emotions can really affect our mood and outlook on life – but remember – all feelings are merely visitors.

Sometimes we may have trouble expressing certain emotions for a number of different reasons, which can result in them sitting heavy within the body, keeping us stuck in a certain mind frame that may not be helpful to our passions, aspirations and goals. When we become aware of experiencing this basal energy state, it is useful to know that there is a way forward.

You know, in your heart of hearts, what makes you feel good. Sometimes, in our dark times we experience a kind of amnesia to these actions, which is why it can be helpful to actively create your own Elevation Recipe. This is basically a list of activities that bring you back into the present, encourages self compassion and has you realigning with your Big Why and values.

For me, my recipe looks like this:
30 minutes of meditation (guided, using a theme that assists with the struggle I am experiencing)
20 minutes of moving my body (this might be as simple as dancing around my room as I get dressed)
15 minutes of creative joy (this could be singing, drawing, writing or playing my guitar)
10 minutes of breathwork (deep intentional breathing is an amazing state changer)
20 minutes of connection (reaching out to a loved one to vent or laugh)
20 minutes of self reflection (journalling – how am I living my Big Why, what action steps do I need to do to honour my values?)

After investing my energy into each of these ingredients, I am rarely still sitting in my funk.

And if I am, I simply rinse and repeat!

The magic is in the knowledge that we have the power to adopt a different mindset by putting into action the steps we know elevate our energy, without pushing down and suppressing a visiting emotion.

What is your Elevation Recipe?

#theelevationcompany #businessculture #businessleardership #valuesbasedleadership #empowerment #personalgrowth

Who first coined the phrase “comfort zone”? 

We hear it so often, yet its implications are profound. We are prompted to consider what comfort truly means to us and why we hesitate to put a toe outside its perceived safety.

When we talk about stepping outside our comfort zone, it mostly carries a negative undertone—a place of uncertainty and potential danger. It’s where predictability ends, and the unknown begins, a place where fear lives. And we are taught that fear of the unknown is a natural and protective instinct. But what if this fear is preventing us from experiences that could profoundly enrich our lives?

Every skill learned, every milestone achieved—walking, reading, even eating—required stepping beyond what was initially comfortable and familiar. Imagine if we never ventured beyond those initial boundaries; our lives would be severely restricted. But somewhere between learning to walk and eat our vegetables, we have settled into a place that avoids inducing that same fear, that same opportunity for growth. 

And although we might understand this, we often choose the discomfort of familiarity over the potential comfort of the unknown and the gifts it holds for us. We cling to what is known, finding solace in the adage “Better the devil you know.” How many other sayings exist to keep us safe but ultimately confined? And yet we feel stuck, unable to make changes but continue to crave comfort over growth.

Those who dare to venture beyond the known are often labelled as reckless, unless they succeed, in which case they’re called visionaries! Society rewards innovation and bravery, yet simultaneously discourages risk-taking. We’re taught that risk is bad, and that being safe is responsible.

Mind you, discomfort, isn’t necessarily negative; it’s just unfamiliar. Like breaking in new shoes, stepping into uncharted territory can initially feel awkward. But with time and persistence, those new shoes become the comfortable ones we prefer. Have a look in your cupboard, you know the ones I mean!

Of course the comfort zone isn’t a physical place. It exists in our minds. We put it there. And if we should choose, we can move its boundaries. We can become comfortably uncomfortable in seeking the new, embracing the unknown, learning from failure and living a bigger life.

Think of all your favorite inventors, explorers, artists and leaders and their stories of exploration and failures before success. Their achievements didn’t stem from complacency but from daring to explore uncharted territory. They understood that true fulfillment and success lie beyond comfort’s walls.

So how can we break free from our comfort zones? It starts with a mindset shift—viewing discomfort not as something to avoid but as a sign of growth and opportunity. Instead of fearing the unknown, we can embrace it, knowing it unlocks new experiences, insights, and capabilities.

And thankfully help is at hand! Surround yourself with those who inspire you to push boundaries. And with each step in the right direction, we venture into the place where magic happens. Stepping outside your comfort zone is daunting, and setbacks are inevitable. Every stumble is a chance to learn and grow stronger.

Ultimately, the comfort zone isn’t a destination to live in, but a starting point—a place to launch toward personal and professional fulfillment. Life begins where comfort ends.

Are you curious to find out what lies beyond your comfort zone? We can help you.

#theelevationcompany #businessculture #businessleardership #valuesbasedleadership
#empowerment #personalgrowth

 

 

As a professional, I am always on the lookout for inspiration from unexpected sources. Lately, I’ve found myself marvelling at the wisdom my 3-year-old daughter imparts on me, lessons that resonate deeply in the world of entrepreneurship and corporate culture. Here are seven key insights gleaned from her innocent yet profound approach to life, that I believe are applicable to business:

1. Fearless Curiosity: I observe my daughter watching the world go by, intrigued by what is happening around her. She puts almost everything in her mouth to understand what it is, and now her favourite question to ask is… why? She is curious, gives everything a crack, and isn’t afraid to be wrong. She is developing at a rapid rate, which inspires me.

It is important that we encourage a culture of curiosity and experimentation in our professional lives. This will lead to future innovations and breakthroughs within business.

2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Nothing is more exciting than watching your child take their first step; however, the journey to get there is tough. They get up and fall multiple times before they finally achieve the outcome. My daughter is now trying to navigate her bike, scooter, and even a skateboard, and it is safe to say, it doesn’t always go to plan. This hasn’t stopped her from giving it another crack, watching her friends to find the way her way to achieve it.

Cultivating a resilient mindset within your organisation is crucial for navigating setbacks and failure. It isn’t always going to go to plan; there will be difficult times, and it is important that we keep going.

3. Authentic Communication: As a parent, there is no more honest person in our life than our children. You soon learn if you’re a good cook, if you’re funny, or if you are potentially saying the ‘wrong’ words far too often around the house.

Having open and transparent communication fosters trust and strengthens relationships both internally and externally.

4. Creativity and Imagination: I walk out to my living room most evenings, and it is like a bomb went off. I have to play a game called “spot the floor.” Lego is spread everywhere, playdoh is built up, books are all over the couch, and toys are in places I didn’t even know existed. This is when I know it’s been a successful day at home.

Tapping into and allowing creativity leads to innovative solutions and fresh perspectives in business. Make sure that you allow yourself to step back and see things with a bird’s eye view, work on the business, and ask the quiet people within the organisation what they see.

5. Unconditional Love and Support: Seeing my daughter smile, laugh, put her arms up for a hug, and say “I love you” is truly the best gift a father could ask for. She doesn’t care about our title, our job, if we won or lost. All our daughter wants is attention, love, and our support. She thinks we are the best in the world no matter what we think about ourselves.

It is important to foster a supportive environment within the business. A place where everyone within the organisation is aligned and celebrates everyone’s victories. This culture enhances morale, productivity, and loyalty among team members.

6. Embracing Playfulness and Joy: The last three years have been the best three years of my life. I don’t think I have ever smiled or laughed so much. I get to play make-believe cafes, run around the house making different animal sounds, play hide and seek at the park, and sometimes just laugh so hard that we both nearly wet ourselves.

We spend most of our lives at work, so it is important that we aim to create a playful work environment, a space that allows fun, creates joy, and is safe. When we create these businesses, it enhances creativity, collaboration, and job satisfaction.

7. Embracing Change and Adaptation: Everything is constantly changing for my daughter. As she gets older, she gets introduced to new toys, new books, bigger words, and a much taller toilet. She is apprehensive at first, a little unsure, but with the support of her parents, clear communication, and sometimes visual stimulation, she jumps at the opportunity full steam ahead.

Encouraging employees to have a growth mindset and embrace change is essential for success in a dynamic business landscape. It is just as important to have leaders who can clearly articulate the change strategy, the why behind it, and the outcomes it will achieve, as this will make those less accepting of change more willing to give it a go.

Let’s incorporate these valuable lessons from our children into our professional lives, fostering a culture of curiosity, resilience, authenticity, creativity, unconditional support, playfulness, and adaptability. After all, sometimes the greatest lessons come from the smallest teachers.

#BusinessInsights #LeadershipLessons #Curiosity #Resilience #Communication #Creativity #Adaptability