What's in a picture?

For example, in this one…

…am I happy or sad?

I guess you'd say happy. Fancy cocktail in my hand, laughing, and behind the camera my lovely wife. We are off to the Ritz after this for afternoon tea. Life is good right?

The real answer to happy or sad is – both.

This was taken at the end of March 2023. In a few days I would be leaving a job I had loved – restructured out and no longer needed. Inside I was sad and had been for months. Leaving people I wanted to spend time with, projects I wanted to deliver, a business where I had felt at home.

So, yes. I was happy. It was a lovely day and one I look back on fondly (seriously how many sandwiches and cakes can one person consume in an hour?!)

But we are complex people, and we can carry sadness, whilst enjoying the moment.

What really worked for me was talking to people about it. Often that was loved ones – the best kind of emotional support. But sometimes I needed to do the work. Process how I felt about losing my identity and focusing on how I built a new one.

That's when working with a coach became invaluable.

Whatever you are navigating at work right now – you may be feeling torn:

• Happy and sad

• Settled and restless

• Challenged and bored

I work with leaders across lots of different organisations who are going through their own career highs and lows – and transitions towards something new. I help them map out what really matters - their environment, their beliefs, what they value, who they are, what they're here for - so they can work out their next.

My 'next' took another couple of years to arrive, and throughout that time I had the support I needed – at home and from professionals.

If you want to talk about where you are at, and where you are going – and what you're carrying whilst you figure it out – get in touch for a chat. You don't have to have it all figured out.

Looking forward to meeting you.