Why Connection is at the heart of what we do

So why did I start What now? What next? And why does it matter to me? It’s been a six-year journey to this point. And it’s been informed by the following moments and corresponding learnings:

1. Everyone deserves to have someone in their corner.
   I know I’m not the only person who had a mini-Lockdown wobble. Mine was triggered by the removal of the routine on which I didn’t realise I was so reliant, and which was covering up 35 years of masking and not dealing with some fairly fundamental issues. But I found the right people to help me – people like Gerrard, Zoe and Anthony. And things became less wobbly.

2. It’s worth carving out some time to think about and explore what you truly want to do in your life.
   After several years working in consulting, I Knew it was time for a change. I was getting far more satisfaction from managing and growing a team, than solving client problems. A few people suggested professional coaching, which sounded appealing. People at work – thank you Kate and Jon – encouraged and supported. And I embarked on a coaching qualification.

3. If you’re doing the right thing, then learning becomes a joy.
   I hadn’t undertaken a proper qualification since university. Probably for a number of reasons – a lack of time, a fear of failure, a lack of motivation. But my coaching qualification unlocked my joy of learning, for which I thank Helen, Lynne, Christian and the rest of The Coach House team. And via the subsequent PQ coaching course, with Sarah and Claire, I continued to learn the basics around personal motivation and development.

4. It’s important, but hard, to slow things down and enjoy the journey.
   This is something I’m trying to get better at. To be more present. To appreciate what’s happening now. I’ve really tried to do this while launching What Now? What Next?. I’ve not always succeeded, but I am hugely thankful to those people who have made time for me and supported me as I work out what I want to do. So, thank you Dan, Mark. Charlie, Simon. Craig, Nev and Mat.

5. When you put yourself out there, it’s amazing how people will be there for you. Just there. With no strings.
   I manage to combine two states: a great self-belief in what I am doing and why it’s important. And a periodic, crushing lack of self-confidence, which can make me spiral downwards. So many people have supported and encouraged me – often through the medium of dog walks. And I’m so grateful to you all.

The theme that runs through all of these moments is the importance of connection. What Now? What Next? Has provided me with an opportunity to spend time crafting, nurturing and enjoying amazing connections with amazing people. This endeavour is still pretty new. And I still have to fight a bit of impostor syndrome every now and then. But I bring all of my experience and every bit of my passion for coaching and personal development to every coaching session and every development program. I know I’ve only scratched the surface on what there is to know. But I’m excited about how much more there is to do. Rather than worried about what I don’t know. And I’m always excited about the opportunity to help someone unlock their potential.