Free to build a cathedral

I signed up to the Self As Instrument programme with no expectations; only the hope of finding some much-needed time out to focus on myself and my practice.

I wanted to reflect on how I was showing up (and not showing up) in my multiple roles of CEO, mother, partner, daughter and friend. I knew I’d also benefit from the reminder that the most powerful tool we have is the self that we are.

From the very first moment, the atmosphere was warm and supportive. In an isolated and rural Berkshire location, I found kinship with the other group members. Accomplished in our fields, we all shared similar human experiences: fear, doubt, self-inflicted pressure and a tonne of psycho-emotional baggage!

When these experiences were identified, they were explored and worked through using a number of exercises and practices.

The group was expertly held by a team of committed, empathic facilitators who offered challenge and support in equal measure. Everyone moved beyond their comfort zones and towards the results they wanted to achieve for themselves.

We were invited to think about our purpose. It was framed in terms of what was important to us, the contribution we wanted to make, the cathedral we wanted to build. This exercise gave me a better appreciation of my strengths, weaknesses and drivers.

Many months on, I still feel the benefits of that activity and attending the programme as a whole.

Starting with my family, I am far more ‘present’ with my children and have used some of the questioning techniques and practices I picked up with them, which has had a huge impact on their behaviour.

At work, I’m clear about my boundaries, expectations and aspirations. This has, in turn, improved my effectiveness and clarity as a leader.

I also took the plunge and gave away control of one of my businesses, which had, over the past 12 months, drained me emotionally, mentally and financially. I was unwilling to let go because of a pervading sense of failure and not wanting to let others down. However, the sense of relief at making and implementing the decision in an authentic way has been completely liberating and I feel so much stronger as a person. I feel better equipped for the adventures that lay ahead.

I signed up to the Self As Instrument programme with no expectations; only the hope of finding some much-needed time out to focus on myself and my practice.

I wanted to reflect on how I was showing up (and not showing up) in my multiple roles of CEO, mother, partner, daughter and friend. I knew I’d also benefit from the reminder that the most powerful tool we have is the self that we are.

From the very first moment, the atmosphere was warm and supportive. In an isolated and rural Berkshire location, I found kinship with the other group members. Accomplished in our fields, we all shared similar human experiences: fear, doubt, self-inflicted pressure and a tonne of psycho-emotional baggage!

When these experiences were identified, they were explored and worked through using a number of exercises and practices.

The group was expertly held by a team of committed, empathic facilitators who offered challenge and support in equal measure. Everyone moved beyond their comfort zones and towards the results they wanted to achieve for themselves.

We were invited to think about our purpose. It was framed in terms of what was important to us, the contribution we wanted to make, the cathedral we wanted to build. This exercise gave me a better appreciation of my strengths, weaknesses and drivers.

Many months on, I still feel the benefits of that activity and attending the programme as a whole.

Starting with my family, I am far more ‘present’ with my children and have used some of the questioning techniques and practices I picked up with them, which has had a huge impact on their behaviour.

At work, I’m clear about my boundaries, expectations and aspirations. This has, in turn, improved my effectiveness and clarity as a leader.

I also took the plunge and gave away control of one of my businesses, which had, over the past 12 months, drained me emotionally, mentally and financially. I was unwilling to let go because of a pervading sense of failure and not wanting to let others down. However, the sense of relief at making and implementing the decision in an authentic way has been completely liberating and I feel so much stronger as a person. I feel better equipped for the adventures that lay ahead.