The Truth About Working at Pace, The September and October Update

If the last few months felt like a blur, that’s because they were. September and October brought the kind of pace that tests your systems, your resolve, and your belief in why you do what you do. It was a proper whirlwind, moving across two continents and managing multiple roles, and I want to share the reality of that with you.

It’s been challenging, yes, but more importantly, it has been hugely rewarding. It’s the kind of season that reaffirms that the consistent, focused effort we coach really does deliver phenomenal outcomes.

Two Time Zones, One Focus – The Transatlantic Juggler

My work as a non-executive director, holding roles in two different time zones, has demanded constant presence and strategic thinking. It requires deep Self-Management (a key part of Emotional Intelligence) to manage the energy output and time zones, but the results have been brill.

With ALG Fine Art, we took on an incredible project. Starting with engaging over 72 artists for a major campaign and exhibition. The work of whittling that down to 31, coordinating all the logistical drop-offs, and curating the content details, from Instagram handles to the exact medium used, was an enormous undertaking. The reward? An opening night that saw over 400 people join us, a vibrant community connection, and a high number of pieces sold. We also solidified the future of the team with a key senior hire. That’s what focused execution looks like.

On the consulting front, I was simultaneously working to restructure a company by streamlining the team to create more efficiency. This wasn’t just about saving money; it was about optimising for patient engagement to deliver better potential outcomes for those who rely on their services. We also created engaging content that has resulted in even more growth for the business. The power of simplicity and focus is real.

The Boardroom – Finding the Leaks in Your Visibility

Sandwiched between the flights and the board meetings were two incredibly deep days with The Boardroom community. We spent two full days looking at the circular economy of visibility and finding the leaks. The places where energy, money, and time are escaping your business and your personal brand.

Three key highlights from that foundational work –

1. Pinpointing the Energy Drain. We identified the exact activities and relationships that are creating noise instead of net results, giving leaders permission to quietly STOP pouring effort into what isn’t serving them.
2. Visible with Purpose. We moved beyond just being “busy” or “seen” to becoming visible with a clear, intentional purpose, linking every public action back to core business goals.
3. The Freedom of the Simple Message. We clarified that the true confidence and freedom in leadership come not from complexity, but from ruthlessly THINKING about and simplifying your core value proposition.

Legacy, Leadership, and the Power of Intersection

We then moved on to some grounding work on legacy and leadership, centred on opportunity mapping and impact statements. This work is the bedrock of building a business that lasts.

Starting with the ground piece of work on your Personal Values Proposition and the power of intersection, here were the three key highlights –

1. Your Compass. Your Personal Values Proposition isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s your indisputable compass. It’s the quiet voice that guides every decision, especially when the noise gets loud.
2. Where History Meets Purpose. We uncovered the power of intersection. That unique, powerful space where your diverse history, seemingly random skills, and deepest personal values collide to create an undeniable business purpose. That’s your competitive advantage.
3. Opportunity Mapping. We shifted from chasing every possibility to identifying the few key opportunities that deliver maximum human and business return, teaching leaders how to say PAUSE to the rest.

All of this was running alongside the constant work, keeping up with business development (BD), driving internal team development, holding critical team meetings, and maintaining my 1:1 coaching commitments.

The Seasons of Work – Why Hustle is Not Burnout

You might be looking at this list and thinking, How? This brings me back to the core of what I teach, Stop, Pause, Think, Now Act.

There are absolutely seasons for hustle. And I want to be clear about what I mean by hustle. It is not burnout, and it is not chaos. It is focused, intentional, high-paced work toward a specific goal. We have to work hard in those moments because those concentrated bursts of ACTion are what build the foundation, land the client, or launch the new venture.

The key is that it is followed by the intentional PAUSE and STOP. You must schedule the rest as non-negotiable. Your rest comes after working with intention, and then you have to take that rest to be ready for the next season. The speed of the race doesn’t matter if you crash before the finish line.

Five Reasons I’m Sharing This Big Season

I’m sharing the bigness of what I’ve been focused on for a few important reasons. It’s not about seeking applause; it’s about correcting a dangerous narrative.

1. It’s Not Luck. I want to dispel the myth of overnight success or “luck.” This outcome is the direct result of years of consistent work, showing up even when it’s hard.
2. It’s Not Generational Wealth. My success is not built on a foundation of generational wealth or connections; it is built on hard-won experience and persistent effort.
3. It’s Consistent Effort. The big wins you see are simply the result of compound interest from thousands of small, daily, consistent actions.
4. It’s the Methodology. This process works. The ability to Stop, Pause, Think, Now Act is what allows for the strategic output in two different countries.
5. It’s About the People. Ultimately, the work is challenging because the impact is huge. It’s about helping clients, employees, and our people all get through to the other side and win.

We are all capable of having our seasons of massive impact, as long as we treat our well-being and our focus as the essential business assets they are.

RESOURCES AND NEXT STEPS

If you’re looking for more support and guidance, here are some valuable resources:

• Book a conversation to see how we can help you with your next steps HERE.
• Have meaningful conversations. Connect with your people deeper by sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Use our Flip The Thinking Tool kit and share it with people around you. See how it helps you enrich the connection and conversation.
• Follow along on LinkedIn HERE
• Find out more about our women’s leadership programme HERE