Once again, my trusty friend LinkedIn has reminded me that it is my work anniversary this month.
Neon is eleven years old!!
I always try to mark her birthday in some way, so here is my post to celebrate her success this year.
Growing up?
When I asked ChatGPT to list the characteristics of an eleven-year-old child, it came up with this list:
- Beginning to enter puberty
- Starting to think more logically and problem solve better
- Starting to seek more independence and perhaps challenge more
- Increasing vocabulary and language
- Developing more interests and hobbies
- Improving concentration
- Developing a more sophisticated moral code
It made me smile.
She (you all know she is a she, right?) is definitely going through some kind of significant transition that started at the end of 2022. It is a growing up of sorts, I suppose, as I put in place more strategic foundations and start to blend organic growth with something more structured. I know that it’s bringing a greater rigour of thinking to how I approach the development of the business.
Neon’s language has certainly grown in the last year with ‘Deeply Human’ featuring highly on the top of the Neon lexicon these days. ‘Thriveometer’ is another new word I have added (and invented?) to describe the models I have developed to help you assess your wellbeing in work and life.
With regard to some of the other points on the list and their relevance to Neon, I have to say that independence and challenging of authority have always been a strength of hers. Neon has always been a strong, assertive woman (way beyond her year), who knows her own mind, and is definitely guided by a moral compass and a set of values about what it means to live, lead and work well. And yet I do think she has reached another level of confidence and authority in the last year. She has also always been blessed with a great concentration span (thank goodness) and an array of interests that are sometimes a little tricky to keep under control! Ha ha!
Maybe, like so many eleven-year-old girls, she is 11 going on 19!
The truth is that the core of what I do has remained consistent over time. The substance of what I stand for has also remained true. The detail of exactly what I do, how I do it and with whom continues to evolve. So in case you are not sure, here is an up-to-date summary.
Neon’s leadership coaching work
I am a consultant and coach that specialises in leadership development with teams and individuals.
I also facilitate complex dynamics, tricky conversations and the building or strengthening of relationships between or within groups or teams.
I deliver workshops and development programmes designed around the Neon ‘Five Cs’ of Deeply Human leadership.
I run a programme for women in leadership called The Art of Becoming.
I speak on topics such as Deeply Human leadership, organisational culture and workplace wellbeing.
Neon’s life coaching work
A Neon life is a Deeply Human life that is lived in intimacy and connection with yourself, others and the world. It is a life lived from a place of active choice, not from a place of fear, expectation or habit.
I coach successful professionals to create bold new beginnings in life or work.
I run wellbeing retreats (upcoming dates on 19-21st April) combining creativity and the outdoors
I facilitate one day Urban Vision Quests for people seeking to get unstuck and find new direction.
And who is Kate?
Behind every great woman is…………another great woman!
This is quote I found somewhere that made me chuckle.
I am an adventurous-spirited, big personality that longs to make a difference in the world, both in terms of how people live and how the world of work operates.
I am a huge advocate of gender equality and do what I can to help women bring more of themselves to the world. I have often felt that my own brand of being a woman is too much for most men (and some women).
People see me as strong and confident. I am those things but I am also remarkably thin-skinned and easily hurt.
I love the energy, diversity and sparkle of London, a city I am proud to call home.
I love wild places and adventure.
I speak French, love Mali music and have a deep love for the continent of Africa.
I love music and poetry and theatre and film and books and painting and photography and all things arts and culture. I write my own poetry and write and sing my own songs.
I am often restless in my quest for more / better and yet am more content now than I have ever been.
I both love and despair of the world in equal measure.
Unlike Neon, I am in my 50s and can honestly say that it’s my best decade so far.
I love Neon and am proud of both who she is and who she is becoming.
Happy Birthday to Neon!
So I want to take a moment to celebrate the success of this brave eleven-year old. She has my undivided support but I am a single parent and it’s not always easy.
So consider this a reminder to all of you out there who lead and manage teams, to do the same thing and to celebrate the success of your people. Today is as good a day as any to do so. You don’t need to wait for an anniversary.
To all of you who have read this far and who are part of her life, I am so very grateful. I will tell her to write some thank you letters!
And for those of you who want to hear more, you can sign up here to receive inspiration, posts, insights and resources straight to your inbox. Neon is not great at doing her homework, but she’s getting better slowly but surely. 😊