When health scares come up, they can shake your understanding of who you are, what you are made of and feel like a block in your path. They can also be transformative and lay the foundations for your future...

When my oldest niece, Chloe, turned 21 it got me thinking about my own journey since this tender age and I decided to use her landmark birthday as a chance to share a few things I wish I’d known at 21 with her. I’m sharing this letter with you because, although you are likely not 21, sometimes hearing about others’ values and journeys can spark a fresh curiosity in life or a new perspective at any age.

2018 was the year I decided to live by the mantra of “contribute, play and relax”, as opposed to “work, work, work”. This decision, combined with several major life-changing experiences, has transformed my perspective on how I can lead a fulfilling life. I’ve distilled what I’ve learnt into this post.

After years of supporting teams to improve their working relationships and boost commercial success, I’ve found that the golden rule is to collectively establish expectations upfront; and stick to them throughout the programme. I use the following principles to guide the contracting phase of the relationship.

Autumn is a good time to stop and reflect on your year so far. For me, the timing is particularly poignant as my closest friend Jayne, took her own life this summer. The lessons I’ve learnt over the last nine months during the depth of her despair will stay with me forever.