At the risk of sounding totally bonkers, I was excited to be back at the ExCel for another networking event and game-changing conversations. Thanks to Michelle Raymond. I haven’t felt this level of excitement since I got my first batch of business cards.
In a world where it’s easier to see others as competitors instead of collaborators, a world where scarcity is more common than abundance. Events like these bridge the gap. Where you mix, connect and hang out with others who share and champion your ambition.
With a stellar lineup of speakers, it goes without saying there were a few mic-drop moments 🎤
Key takeaways:
Do your research, be intentional with your strategy and distinguish yourself. BE the only one in the room. Stand out so you get noticed.
Certification is key.
Build a team if you want to work with Tier 1 corporates to mitigate risk. If you can’t deliver a project because you fall ill, your team can step in.
Give before you ask: networking is about building relationships. Offer help, share resources, or provide value before asking for anything in return.
Billion Dollar Roundtable – a non-profit that recognises and celebrates organisations that achieved spending $1 billion partnering with diverse-owned suppliers.
Krystle Sands from Meta emphasied using your network strategically and doing your due diligence when approaching corporates by understanding their needs.
What are you buying right now?
What are some of the challenges that you’re finding within your departments, with your teams?
Then tailor your approach to match their needs.
Expanding Horizons – An Inside Look
A panel of female powerhouses scaling business heights, sharing their insights. Because at the end of the day, we want to hear from impactful individuals sharing real stories, real experiences.
Annemarie Lewis OBE & Yanmo Adetula – the importance of picking the right mentor, because their reputation carries weight. Build your network before you need it.
Claudine Reid MBE– expand your network and find new audiences. A great example she gave was to speak to your accountant they have a huge network you could tap into.
Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE – You have to have skin in the game, do the work. Be magnetic and visible, stand out on LinkedIn. And don’t be disappointed if you don’t win the pitch.
“Don’t be bitter be better“
And there was me thinking networking was a bunch of suits in stuffy hotel meeting rooms handing out business cards like candy on Halloween night.
The Only One
When I joined Midland Bank in 1989 (pre-HSBC) at the start of my corporate journey I was the only one—the only brown skin girl in the office. It didn’t bother me. I thought I’d lucked out to get a job in a bank. I was ambitious and eager to climb the corporate ladder.
DEI wasn’t the hot topic it is these days. It’s encouraging to see how far it has come. But it’s not the system that changed it’s when the people decided to change—to make the playing field more equitable, fairer and inclusive with better-educated leaders and advocates with the cultural intelligence to mix and do business across borders. And I champion the women flying the DEI flag the likes of Samantha Lubanzu, Michelle Raymond, Reshma Sheikh.
And here I am decades later to hear Anna Richardson talk about the programme HSBC runs that helps diverse suppliers get pitch-ready. As I sat listening to her I felt a tinge of pride that my former employer was the Exclusive Headline Partner and Sponsor of the event.
Championing Diverse Perspectives and Leading with Curiosity
If I look like you and I sound like you guess what? Nothing changes. Your results will stay the same. Diversity of thought is a key business skill that promotes personal & professional growth. It’s what makes you stand out from your competitors.
I want to be in a room where my views are challenged.
Where my perspective is changed.
Where I’m thinking bigger and making bolder decisions.
Why?
Because in the words of Karren Brady…
“If you risk nothing, you risk everything”.
Playing safe and not colouring outside the box leads to an unfulfilled life. When your life flashes before your eyes, don’t be the person who didn’t nurture their relationships, missed opportunities and let their dreams die. You deserve to be unreasonably happy. So have the courage and confidence to ask BIG.
Russian Nesting Dolls
As a coach, I have to be mindful of the language I use—namely the use of acronyms. A tip I picked up from DEI expert Samantha Lubanzu on one of her trainings.
You’ve already had me in a box so now you want to put me in another box? Until you feel like a Russian Nesting Doll—unstack one then another then another till you’re left with the tiniest of dolls and realise oh I’m human first—the only label that matters. I’m not a minority, I’m the majority.
DEI is about fostering talent, innovation and growth for the greater good. Please don’t let anyone put you in a box or edit yourself to someone else’s version of what is right ‘n proper so you can *fit in*. Instead, be authentically rebellious. Learn to stand up and amplify your voice.
Global Diversity Awareness Month
Is there something in the air? Or is the universe sending us a clear message to sit up and listen?
Not only was it UK Black Business Week, but October is also Global Diversity Month and next month Michelle Raymond is running the Diverse Business Summit https://lnkd.in/e6xxf7Zs. Where you can network and build relationships with industry giants.
Michelle is relentless in her pursuit of helping diverse suppliers, especially women, secure lucrative and rewarding contracts with top-notch corporates. She’s the “corporate whisperer” or the “connectpreneur”—the person who’s in front of the people who are going to hire you. It’s like having a VIP backstage pass. The skills, network and opportunities she presents, whether in-person or virtual are staggering.
There’s also a great e-book compiled by Lucy Brazier OBE that you can download. Covering a cross-section of articles on topics ranging from resolving conflict to fostering belonging to insights on combating ageism, gender bias, and more.
I tick a few of those boxes: but the one I want to talk about is ageism.
Good Girls Don’t Change The World
I’m an expert on reinvention having been through a few life transitions. And one of the biggest ones was starting a business in my 50s after 29 years in corporate. Women are smashing the age ceiling in their careers and businesses and reinventing themselves—take Trinny Woodall who started Trinny London at 53.
If women like us are willing to break societal norms, we deserve all the support we can get. It takes guts to step out on your own and not be afraid to take risks. Be a rule breaker, be the first, and don’t accept no as an answer.
Your personal brand says a lot about your values and your cultural intelligence.
I’m passionate about three things: people, places and purpose:
people – it’s my job
places – I’m a travel junkie
purpose – it’s why we’re here
And when you combine all three, you have a culturally curious and creative problem solver.
I attribute a lot of my skills to the life experiences I have had most notably with travelling and my background working for global law firms.
I’ve encountered many cultures on my travels where I’ve seen things that I don’t agree with, especially regarding the treatment of women and girls. But one of the focuses of my travels is to be more culturally aware of the world I live in. To be more accepting and less judgy by challenging my subconscious programming.
A company culture where candidates came from different walks of life enriched my legal career and I made friends for life. From India to Australia to South Africa, Dubai, Singapore to the Cayman Islands. The most potent DEI policy is where you embody it in your personal life.
Your perspective expands in ways you couldn’t imagine. You broaden your business, your horizons, and your network. Your connections can open doors to new markets and endless opportunities.
So when you’re next tendering your services to be on the legal panel for a Japanese bank. Spice it up with some small talk on the sweet subject of Ikigai, and see where the conversation takes you. It’s not just about sealing the deal. It’s about creating connections that go beyond the boardroom.
Save this article and let me know what stands out for you.
“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Gandhi
It all began with a woman called Jodie Salt – and just like her name she is the salt of the earth.
I randomly came across her while “retreat shopping”. My first retreat ticked all the boxes, in Bali, a no-brainer. And the fact I love supporting women-owned businesses.
She and her business partner Claire Gregory run women-only global retreats that provide a dose of rejuvenation and adventure. We met on Zoom for a debrief and that was my first contact after making payment in full to a complete stranger. But my gut was telling me it was the right thing to do. And as I’ve gotten to know Jodie over the past 18 months, not only do I admire her passion for female empowerment, her business smarts but she’s also a damn good coach! And recent winners of Boutique Agency Global in the 2024 in the World Luxury Travel Awards whoop whoop!
The gem who wrote this review is now one of my closest friends (we shared a room in Bali).
“I’d say it’s difficult to describe how brilliant the retreats are. You have to experience it for yourself. There’s a broad range of activities. Good company with the best women and new experiences. With the opportunity to push yourself if you want to. Everyone gets something different from the experience. something that’s right for them, it gives you what you need in your life, be that a renewed purpose. unloading of negativity. friendship. fun or space to think and relax.”
Bali was a spiritual adventure that awakened the senses. One of the most famous islands in Indonesia is often called the “Island of the Gods”. Bali’s unique blend of ancient animism and Hinduism has created a distinct culture that permeates all aspects of life on the island.
Our hotel was nestled amongst lush rice fields. As you stepped through the doors you knew this place was magical. You could feel the love that had gone into its creation and I knew we were going to create something special here.
We immersed ourselves in a journey of self-discovery. The perfect blend of outdoor activities set against the backdrop of lush forests, majestic mountains and spiritual gods.
A retreat *like no other*, where adventure meets tranquility, and every experience is a step towards renewal and revitalisation.
We laughed, we cried, we bonded, we released, we grounded, and we danced.
Spending time with like-minded people, all there for a shared purpose creates absolute magic. Gifting yourself permission to take your hands off the wheel and trust everything will work out exactly as it is meant to, is a powerful place to be.
Jodie and Claire create a space that elicits safety, relaxation, and a sense of trust, of knowing exactly who you are and where you need to be. Space to quieten down the noise of life, filter away the expectations, the hustle and the roles. So that you can hear yourself again is something truly special as you learn to let go of the old and make space for the new.
Discover the magic of retreats that create memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Appreciate the modern with the ancient. Learn about new cultures and immerse yourself in their traditions. Expect unique accommodation. Drift off to another time, space, reality. The level up you receive on a retreat can not be measured with words alone.
Their retreats fill up quickly. Rightly so, expect…
⭐ Sunrise Yoga
⭐ Life-affirming breathwork
⭐ Midnight beach walks under the stars
⭐ Soul connections
⭐ Full Moon meditation on the beach to the sounds of the waves
⭐ Boat trips
⭐ Sundowners on Seminyak beach
⭐ Spa treatments
⭐ Lush waterfalls
⭐ Temple Purification Ceremonies
So why all this talk about retreats?
Because they are a form of self-care not flights of fancy. Radical self-care is not selfish. It’s a necessity. Taking care of yourself is essential not only for personal health but also for long-term professional success.
👉With that promotion comes more responsibility. You need self-care to manage your stress and resilience.
👉That business you’re building? You need self-care so you don’t burn out.
👉And what about all the curveballs life throws at us? And the roles we take on? Self-care enhances your emotional intelligence so you can navigate it all with clarity and compassion.
I’m hot ‘n heavy on self-care for women – it’s the foundation to build your best life. And why it’s a core component of the C.A.R.E.™ Plan, the framework that benefits my clients, based on my own journey.
I lived most of my life in high states of stress and went through burnout in my 30s. And when life collapsed a few years back, it took me 2 years to fully recover – because I had no self-care strategies to lean on. I started from scratch and built myself back up again and Koser 2.0 was born.
Check out Jodie’s post on stress, burnout and perimenopause. It’s worth a read.
I’ll be releasing a guide soon 24-hour-self-care-practice/ to help you better navigate daily life. If you’re curious, message me with your best email address and I’ll add you to the waitlist.
In the meantime, here’s what the C.A.R.E.™ Plan can do for you:
👉Feel stronger, more capable and fill yourself up with joy and hope.
👉A toolkit that fits into your life in a tailored way that works for you.
👉Daily habits and rituals that will uplevel your strength and resilience so you can boost your mental health.
👉Know exactly where to invest your energy to create positive shifts in all life areas.
👉Equip yourself with practical tools to integrate and elevate your daily life.
👉Uncover areas for personal growth and wellbeing.
👉Learn techniques to release stress, detox the mind, emotionally rebalance and restore inner peace.
👉Enhance your focus and clarity for faster decision-making.
Save this post and come back to it whenever you need to recalibrate your central nervous system.
Let’s talk about the power of networking and branding.
I was so pumped after spending 2 days at the Karren Brady Women in Business and Tech Expo—a heady concoction of high-level speakers, dynamic talks and inspiring keynote speeches.
The magnetism of the event was nothing short of inspiring with enough energy to power The National Grid!
It was a powerful reminder of the importance of being in the right environment to foster innovation and growth.
This is how to thrive without the hustle…by raising your visibility, to surround yourself with seriously successful and formidable people who make you raise your game.
What I loved the most about the event was the wonderfully diverse community of disruptors and change makers – all of whom are passionate about sharing their message with the world. It really was unique and uplifting.
There were so many mic drop moments 🎤 I now have a notebook full of quotes which serve as motivational reminders for the moments I doubt myself.
Never be the smartest person in the room. Strive to mix and mingle with high achievers in life and business. The likes of…
The Formidable Karren Brady
Who gave an impassioned fireside chat on courage – putting your fears to one side and having resilience in the face of rejection.
The importance of ambition and the independence of having your own money.
How to Champion Your Career – by taking ownership of yourcore values, communicating your needs throughout the year, and following through with action. So when you ask your boss for that pay rise they can’t say no.
“If you risk nothing, you risk everything.” Karren Brady
From Market Stall To The Apprentice – Linda Plant
Linda’s high-octane talk on seizing opportunities, even if you don’t know how you’re gonna pull it off. Full of golden nuggets imprinted on my brain forever (that would make for great bumper stickers or fridge magnets).
Two of my favourites:
“Walk through every door.”
“I say yes until I have to say no.”
Katie Piper
Katie’s harrowing life-changing trauma to finding purpose within the pain gave me goosebumps.
“Trapped in a body that didn’t represent me”.
Floella Benjamin
Floella’s talk took me back to my childhood.
She emphasised the importance of looking after our children as a society. The many firsts she achieved in the face of adversity by breaking down barriers. Which I can totally relate to, I’ve been smashing stereotypes since I was 16.
Vanessa Vallely
Who delivered a sassy talk on the power of branding, networking and supporting women who are in “the sticky middle”.
Focus on your brand to accelerate your career by enhancing your online profile. Treat LinkedIn like your front door.
To get ahead you need people to support you. Relationships thatbuild confidence and create influence. Be brave, send that invite!
Alice Boardman
On transforming caregiving skills into career success was a great reminder of the hidden strengths of women carers. This one was close to my heart, as I was once a carer.
By bringing all of you to work and being reminded of your transferable skills. Because sometimes when you’re a carer your self-worth can take a beating.
To name a few:
Empathy
Resilience
Flexibility
Problem-solving
Organisation
What’s in your control?
Tenacity
All of which are needed in the workplace.
Catherine Wright
Inspired the audience with her talk about owning your career journey. And knowing your own value because no matter what level of success a woman reaches self-doubt and imposter syndrome can creep in at any given moment.
Then there’s the audience stories, the likes of Arvinder Kaur Thandi. Who stood up and shared her successes and the many awards she’s been nominated for, after attending last year’s event.
That’s the purpose of these events to inspire action that creates a ripple effect.
My Top 5 Tips On Networking Like A Pro
Build relationships not walls. Collaboration over competition. The universe is abundant and there’s plenty for everyone. When you hold someone’s hand you both climb.
Give before you ask. Nobody wants a Del Boy rubbing up against them. The hard sell doesn’t work. Instead, offer value and it will be reciprocated.
Follow up. People are busy. Keep reminding them who you are, without being a pest.
Be authentic. We crave connection and experiences. Your first impression is your lasting impression.
Maximise your value by deciding where you want to put your energy. You can’t work the room, pick 1 or 2 people and have a genuine conversation.
“You can have it all, but you can’t do it all.” – Michelle Pfeiffer
There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people driven to create change. That shared energy fuels the inspiration to build a better future not just for yourself, but for generations to come. An event that matches your ambition. To stretch yourself with higher-level conversations to get you playing and winning bigger.
I needed to be in that room and hear those words! I’ve been playing small for too long!
This wasn’t just another event; it was an experience that ignited your imagination and sparked ideas. I levelled up my game by creating new relationships, connections and contacts.
Reminds me every day about the unlimited opportunities we have out there. By just finding the right community that can welcome you stimulates you to get out of your comfort zone and expand.
To make women feel happy being the best version of themselves. This way we build our confidence, our resilience, learn how to show more compassion towards each other and be good leaders driven by a higher purpose.
We’re all unique, yet we share common bonds. Expanding beyond your bubble is a journey of personal and professional growth.
Big thanks to the Karren Brady Women In Business & Tech Expo and to the thousands of impressive, progressive women and powerful influencers you devastate me with your passion and drive.
And if you’re looking to raise your visibility and profile, drop me an email. It’s time to show the world the real YOU!
So I’m sitting in Pret’s munching on my Posh Cheddar & Pickle Baguette…
when the conversation on the next table gets me triggered…a woman is talking to her friend about feeling nervy as she contemplates reducing her hours.
Gosh, it took me back to the time I was a carer and made the decision to go down to a 4-day week. Life had thrust upon me this new role that I was ill-prepared for.
Silently feeling resentment, it had come at the worst time (as if there’s ever a good time). You see I was a career addict – addicted to work because I knew who to be at work – in a clearly defined role, I thrived in that environment. But to be honest, work was also a secret escape from my personal life which was a hot mess.
Then the resentment brought on the guilt of thinking such thoughts. Could I really be so cold-hearted and selfish?
So I suffered in silence juggling work and home trying to hold it all together until I was at breaking point; feelings of isolation would surface so I decided to go down to 4 days. And that relief took away the pressure cooker feeling.
I have no regrets about being a carer. I just wished I had the courage to ask for support. Carers need support too. And why my C.A.R.E.™ Plan is centred around radical self-care, so you can thrive in life and work (and avoid burnout). The bumps in life are the universe’s way of telling you to put the brakes on. Because you can’t see what’s coming ahead – be it a pile-up or a train wreck.
A lot happens behind closed doors that we don’t feel safe sharing in the workplace for fear of appearing weak or jeopardising that promotion you’ve been working so hard for.
As women, it’s ingrained in us to care for others, especially those from my cultural background. That’s steeped in stereotypes and a sense of duty. And as a fiercely independent woman, I really struggled with being put into a box.
Asking for help isn’t weak it’s a sign of strength.
Just because it’s your duty.
Just because you’re a daughter, mother or wife.
Just because you don’t have a choice.
Just because you love them.
It shouldn’t break you. Don’t lose your sense of self with all the roles you take on.
And if you’re reading this and thinking this doesn’t apply to me, it might one day. The fragility of
life can turn in a moment and life as you know it will never be the same again.
Alice Boardman gave a fantastic talk on the hidden strengths of women carers at the Karren Brady Women in Business & Tech Expo.
Sometimes you don’t want to shoulder everything, you just want to SCREAM!
So here’s your permission to scream.
What struggles are you facing as a parent or carer that’s affecting your focus and wellbeing? Do you yearn for some breathing space and direction on how to navigate things?
Feel free to message me or email me at hellokoser@lifelesscomplex.com and let’s get you some headspace. A problem shared is no longer a problem.
“Courage” is the brainchild of Sarah Makinde – 25 authors coming together to share their struggles with mental health and the techniques that helped them through their darkest moments. Turning adversity into achievement and the struggles that shaped them.
With all sale proceeds going to the UK charity “Mind”, to support the amazing work they do.
Packed with inspiring personal stories that offer guidance on building resilience and embracing vulnerability when overcoming challenges.
Taking you…
From self-pity to self-love
From holding it together to letting it go
From having it all to burning it down
From burning it down to rebuilding it all
From shedding the old to reinvention
From struggle to survival to success
As a high-performance coach who’s passionate about human potential, mental health is key to your happiness and success. A healthy mindset can accelerate your growth and performance and help avoid burnout.
This matters to me…
In order to understand who I am and why I do what I do. You need to know who I was.
I had a disruptive upbringing which led to living most of my life in a high state of stress which led to burnout. And in 2016 the bottom fell out. But that was the turning point to find a better way to do life.
Having suffered from trauma, grief, anxiety and burnout I know all too well the fragility of the mind. And what happens when we don’t take care of ourselves. This is why I am so hot & heavy on radical self-care – so you don’t go through what I went through.
Knowing that the universe had a plan and that my life did have a purpose, I started to build up my psychological capital. I was able to become the hero of my story (rather than the victim) and overcome my challenges. I built a Positive Protocol that I follow to this day. For those moments I feel inner turmoil.
I pull out the relevant tools from my ever evolving spiritual toolbox and its incredible to watch myself quite quickly go from dark, confused, upset and feeling sad to light, clear, loving and feeling at peace.
No matter your role or status. We all have our stories. How we use our personal struggles and trials is everything. Mental health affects everyone directly or indirectly. No one is immune from stress, anxiety or trauma. Whether that’s big trauma or little trauma – it can affect us silently.
Sound familiar?
Self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, feelings around *deservability* that hold you back from your dreams. Because on a very subtle level you’re not ALL IN – leaving you feeling unfulfilled in your life and career all affect your mental wellbeing.
Having proven tools, structures and strategies to help you activate breakthroughs is so important when you want to access your next level of personal and professional success.
The truth is, no one is ever truly alone. Support and understanding are always available, even when it might not feel that way. You don’t need to suffer in silence.
And as the high-performer that you are, the most useful books and tools are self-help and personal growth focused. That’s where the most successful people know the value is.
Please remember that you matter, and your wellbeing is important. Feeling good about life is one of the most powerful tools you have when it comes to manifesting your goals. So be kind, and be your most charming self.
Fill up your resilience bucket, buy a copy or gift it to someone in need. And help a good cause while you’re at it. I’m gifting a copy to a friend. Details below.
Transform your life into a playground for manifesting your gifts and dreams. Reclaim your identity and reach your true potential.
Using Intuition To Unlock The Magic Of The Universe
Are you ready to venture into the depths of your intuitive abilities and live life on the leading edge?
Let me wave my magic wand and cast a hocus-pocus spell on you.
By understanding intuition as a phenomenon beyond the limits of time and space, you can unlock the vast expanse of the universe and create a life so magical you’d think you had superpowers.
Intuition is your innate intelligence that steers you towards growth and purpose. The inner compass that unlocks your dormant abilities as you feel an irresistible magnetism drawing your deepest desires towards you.
When you are tuned in, life just becomes easier. The better it gets the better it gets.
Busting The Intuition Myth
Backed by science and used by wildly successful entrepreneurs, brilliant boffins with PhDs, and top professionals around the world all of whom emphasise the importance of intuition in various aspects of life — business, innovation, creativity, personal relationships, and love.
It’s not an abstract state — look up quantum physics and lose yourself in the realm of quantum intelligence (which is just a fancy way of saying get in touch with the intuitive side of your brain). Like accessing your invisible ‘Cloud’ and seeing things from the meta-view…the truth of your soul.
Intuition is a natural cognitive function that complements our intellect, ultimately having an extraordinary effect on our lives.
I’m A Spiritual Gangsta
Not a lot of people know this about me but I have a deep spiritual side. Soul work feeds my world and I often speak about the importance of intuition in guiding life choices.
By tuning into your intuitive senses, you can make decisions that are more aligned with your true self and desires.
My favourite way to make big decisions is by not trying to make them. Just go about life and let them percolate. I get divine downloads every single day. They’re insanely spot-on ideas that are always pure gold.
But you do have to be open to a whole new way of looking at life. You’ll need to trust the advice of your deep inner wisdom instead of the part of you that wants to make it harder than it needs to be (aka your monkey mind).
I use intuition in my business all the time and it’s been such a powerful tool for me. From saying yes to opportunities to the connections I’ve made along the way, blows my mind.
What makes this so potent is that you’re tapping into your own wisdom, so it’s an internal transformation that happens right on the spot instead of an intellectual process that may or may not land.
I used to stress out like a crazy person. Because I’m a doer, always applying logic, now I feel into things more.
There’s an underlying mystique, a sense of wonder that is just waiting to be explored by anyone with the desire to do so.
Life is an incredible journey, leading us to the most extraordinary people, places and experiences.
It’s far more mystical and magical than it appears at first glance. Even just a few steps on the spiritual path can show you that. It might seem you’re ‘just’ tapping in, it’s really about stepping into the mysteries of life and awakening your OWN magic. A journey like no other.
Live An Extraordinary Life By Tapping In
Tapping into your intuition is how you automagically attract what you want.
For many years people have said to me you’re so inspiring and asked how I had the guts to do what I’ve done. And the answer was always the same…”it felt right”. I didn’t always have a plan, I didn’t always apply logic. Sometimes it was scary. Other times I doubted myself. But I always felt I had to do it.
I didn’t put it down to my intuition, just the feeling of excitement. And that’s what intuition intrinsically is — enthusiasm pushing you to be the best version of yourself.
My journey to understanding intuition is far from spacey. It’s not the oracle cards, moon wisdom, tarot reading journey. Far from it, more painful than mystical.
It was ignited by grief and the healing journey that followed. Where I witnessed the immense impact intuition had on my life. I’d receive meaningful guidance to navigate the challenges I was facing.
I felt more empowered and connected to the universe and experienced such deep peace and inner clarity that soothed the emotional scars.
I see intuition as practical psychology, the intelligent way to set goals. It connects you to the part of you that knows everything. It’s your trusted guide as you “find yourself” in this life’s journey. It teaches us that impossible things are quite possible, after all.
It was through an intuitive hit that my signature C.A.R.E.™ framework was birthed — a radical 4-step practice to ignite the extraordinary power within you.
Intuitive Decision-Making
Follow your instincts. While managing your ego.
We’re not rational humans. We’re emotional beings. To make stellar decisions, focus on alignment before action.
My intuition is intentional. I do everything from an alignment perspective — if it feels right and is aligned with my values.
You don’t have to understand all the ins and outs of how something works in order to benefit from it. And you can’t add logic to something you’re supposed to experience. Experiences are about feelings. Rely on your skills and intuition rather than an itinerary of how you think it should be. Logic isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, the most illogical solutions create the biggest impact.
Life isn’t linear and neither is your path to greatness. My intuitive nudges have directed my career choices — from London to the Cayman Islands; from employee to entrepreneur.
I said goodbye to a 29-year corporate career and turned down two job offers on the back of an intuitive hunch. Risky or gutsy?
Sometimes when we get in this place of analysis paralysis it’s because our intuition is calling us to do something that is the harder choice or maybe not exactly what we want to hear. But your heart knows what is right and true. You know the truth by the way it feels.
I consult my intuition from small things such as what to eat to making big business decisions. I just ask the question and wait for the answer.
Take a moment and just put your intention on it…”which is the best path for me”.
Instead of trying to interpret it with your mind, or mould the answer to want you want it to be. It may not be the direct action that brings the results you want, but it’s the action which tells the universe that you are ready. The intention that starts a chain reaction where you’re telling the universe I’m ready for more.
If you get stuck you could always consider working together. I’m a superhero when it comes to bringing greatness out in others. You deserve good things…just because.
Unicorn Tip: the best female leaders use intuition to guide them. Make your mark with authenticity and let your unique voice be heard. The profound impact intuition can have on your life and leadership style shows greater compassion and empathy.
Create a special bond with your inner self and dive deep into the ocean of emotions. Though it’s not your typical leadership workshop match-up, the shared vibes of compassion and spiritual insight beautifully link with your intuitive world.
Never be a generalist. Promise me you’ll never do that, ok?!
Follow Yourself, Not The World
Intentiondrives your choices, the rest are beliefs. Your destiny isn’t based on what’s written in the stars or some oracle card reading. You have the ultimate power so learn to trust yourself more. But it takes purpose and focus.
Intuition is subtle communication. At first, you’ll feel frustrated with it – like you trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in the dark. You have to allow it to breathe. Allow it to be. It’s not something to figure or force out.
Your inner guidance can hook you up with new intelligence from any time and space that has ever been or ever will be in the universe. That’s how much power and free will you have. Enjoy this freedom and use it to your advantage.
Intuition Bends Time
A moment of reflection can stretch into a lifetime of wisdom.
Your soul travels at its own pace; it doesn’t follow the clock or the calendar. If you worry about time, decide it’s going to happen and time will open up.
Trust the timing of your inspiration. Don’t do that thing you think you’re supposed to do until you feel “called” to do it. You’re being guided to the optimal timing. Everything else is false timing. There are no time or space restrictions. If you try to force something to make it happen you’re coming from fear.
“Your desires are not miles away. They are vibrations away. Alignment collapses time. Miracles happen in an instant.”
Can Intuition Help Me Find My Purpose?
I get asked this all the time.
Spoiler alert: No. Because YOU are the purpose!
Your purpose isn’t outside of you. It isn’t to end world hunger, save every tree on the planet or some other grandiose project, as noble as they might be.
The brighter you shine the more your innate gifts will come through and this is how you end up doing work that sets your soul on fire. You just need to uncover your dormant abilities and embrace a new paradigm.
You can’t find your purpose until you’ve found yourself.
Take the pressure off trying to find that one thing and focus on being the best, truest version of you and everything will fall into place, which is what happened to me.
Truth opens you up.
It was only after my self-discovery journey when I came into my true power that I discovered my purpose. All I wanted was to heal my pain and live a better life and this is how it manifested, every crumb, sign, message leading me to this point. The work I’m destined to do; my social promise to the world.
“The two most important days of your life. The day you were born and the day you find out why.”— Mark Twain
Feel the goosebumps then follow the breadcrumbs…using your intuition is enough. The blanks will get filled in. You can’t dip your toe into life…you’ve got to be all in. And that means you gotta bring your intuition to the party.
So make the time to tap in and express your true authentic self because the human spirit won’t settle for a compromise.
Evidence enough for you?
For the ones rolling their eyes…I see you…I was you!
I was a sceptic. And scepticism is the antithesis of trust! This is why we dismiss practices like these because they’re not steeped in logic.
Your current self will want to make this hard.
Even though intuition can feel wobbly. Just show up for yourself. Expanding your awareness beyond your bubble is a journey of personal and professional growth.
Something is only “woo” because we don’t understand it and it’s only “weird” because it’s different. But you’ll never become a believer with a fixed mindset. Instead, immerse yourself in a new way of thinking and adopt a growth mindset. In the words of Einstein:
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Warning: you’ll want to disbelieve the simplicity and ease, that’s 21st-century thinking for you.
As a species, we like to overcomplicate things. If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Well, I’m going to say if it feels too hard then it bloody is too hard! Hard and complicated doesn’t guarantee success or happiness.
Your intuition is natural but your results will feel supernatural because at first, you won’t believe it could be this good, this easy and that you could manifest such epic results.
To the doubters: Schedule intuition time into your calendar. Make it a daily practice. Be consistent and get some quiet time. Start to keep a journal as an evidence log to strengthen your belief and quash the doubts.
By journaling, you can see the patterns and synchronicities and truly understand the power you have within you. By writing down the messages you’re setting up an opportunity to revisit, reflect and validate intuitive hits.
When you’re racing through life, it’s hard to hear the messages your Higher Self is sending you.
On A Wing And A Prayer – What Intuition Isn’t
I love getting lost in the mystical realm but I love living in the real world so I blend strategy and spirituality in my life.
Here’s a twist on an old saying…
If it’s to be, it’s up to me.
It’s a lie that you just tap into the divine and everything you want shows up. It takes purpose and focus, and then, the right people and situations will be drawn to you.
I set my intentions for what action steps to take for the day. Instead of pinning all my hopes on the horoscopes.
Your intuition is your North Star, guiding you. So calm your mind and listen to the whispers of your soul…and create the life you are destined to live. Because I know you’re playing small…
…there are layers to you that are waiting to be discovered.
Using your intuition is the secret sauce when setting goals and objectives that are aligned with who you are.
Just by reading these words, you’re cultivating a sense of curiosity which is fertile ground for igniting your intuition, leading to those light bulb moments that showcase your intrinsic gifts.
How deep are you willing to dive into the depths of your soul and journey offshore into the unknown?
You need to grab life by the ghoulies and milk it for everything it’s got. And to do that you need to call on every resource available to you and the biggest and boldest is your inner knowing.
Creativity Fuels Your Intuition
Your soul knows when something needs to truly be done and how to make it easy. What we do is we actually turn it over to our intuition to tell us a story and speak to us. And it does via your imagination. Because that’s how creativity works, right?
Reclaim your lost childhood gift of storytelling. Give yourself permission to dream again, and unleash your ability to envision at a level where nothing is too hard and everything is possible.
Powerful visions are the anchor of your manifestations. So create vivid and inspiring visions that represent your most authentic desires big and small and then accelerate them into reality by projecting them in the present.
Card image: Daughters of Cambodia
Every Idea Is Borne From Intuition
It’s a flawed premise to think it takes hard work to make your dreams come true. It’s the intangible that makes the tangible happen.
That spark that ignites the imagination. Those eureka moments that shaped our modern world — from the light bulb to the telephone to the World Wide Web. Because some genius had a wild knowing to build this thing and to run with it even when no one else believed in them.
You have the ultimate power to create miracles in your life. Now doesn’t that just set your panties on fiyyahhh!
As a passionate high achiever, I geek out on human potential. This is why I chose to become a high-performance coach and not just any ‘ole career coach. To use creative and innovative ways that pull the truest version of you out.
So my invitation to you is to go down the spiritual rabbit hole. And see where it leads you…
At first, when you try something new, it might feel like a lie. Simply because it’s new to you. But you won’t become a believer until you try.
To plant the seeds of creativity, decide the best version of what it is you want. Get really really excited and ideas will start to pour in. Innovation comes to me through journaling, dreams and the people I talk to. I never try to figure things out…they just come. In fact, when I try to figure it out I get stuck and frustrated.
Expect to have the best outcome and keep tuning in to make it even better and more exciting.
Don’t focus on how it’s going to happen when in idea mode. Focus on generating the best experience and the how will be revealed step-by-step the more you lean into the unlimited version of your desire.
Like the universe, your dreams are boundless.
Your job is to TRUST the guidance you receive. Don’t focus on productivity, focus on feeling grounded.
Inspiration, Not Desperation
I love how one astrologer describes it “intuition is inner tuition”.It’s like being back at school, re-learning with a beginner’s mind.
They call it our sixth sense. Intuition is as reliable as our senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, agreed? Our intuitive abilities are something we’ve always had, we’ve just forgotten how to use them.
Part of being an intuitive person is becoming in tune with and trusting your power centre. Sometimes, when logic prevails, we ignore our gut and live to regret it. And you’re left with that gut-wrenching feeling.
Follow the inspiration and what feels right and true in your heart. Roll with it like there was never a doubt in your mind. When you trust your choices, your bright light shines into every dark corner of the world. Like diamonds in the sky (cue Rihanna).
So if you feel your life has totally flatlined and you’re operating on a super toned-down version of yourself. Simplify your world and just let your true essence come through. It’s time to stop hiding in the shadows, be loud and proud and let your freak flag fly!
How To Make Seismic Shifts In Your Life Without Burning Yourself Out In The Process
Because intuition is a knowing – those “I just can’t explain it” or “nobody gets it” moments. It comes down to noticing the signs and trusting whatever is true for you. It could be through noticing a song, reading a phrase in a book, or someone saying the right thing at the right time. By creating the space you’ll learn to read the signs and symbols of your own blend of inner wisdom.
And if you want help distinguishing inspiration from desperation the C.A.R.E.™ Plancan help you do just that.
The Hardest Lesson To Unlearn
Back in the day I was a “Type A” person and it wasn’t easy to crack this zen code. It took some graft to chip away at the hard exterior and learn to tap into my sixth sense.
I learnt that bigger gains come with less effort. Instead of big, massive, aggressive moves that tire you out even before you start, it was the subtle signs and micro changes that gained more traction. The simplicity of it kills me!
One of the ways my guidance speaks to me is through seeing repetitive numbers also referred to as Angel numbers.
I remember the time I was sitting at my desk having decided my next career move was gonna be the Cayman Islands. Soon after making that decision, I started seeing 333 everywhere.
Now, I didn’t Google ‘why do I always look at my screen at 3.33 pm’? It freaked me right out, afraid it was some bad omen. Nothing like getting in your own way! So even 20 years ago the signs were there guiding me but I wasn’t open to receiving them.
The other day “so time to be yourself” came to me in a dream. Ironically, I was drafting my VIP Offer at the time.
You’ll want to complicate it. There aren’t a lot of role models for simple success. Simplicity is the key if we keep it simple *we get it done*. Intuition will always lead you to the highest path and purpose. Because it arrives from a place of abiding peace and power.
It’s not shrouded in fear, doubt or worry. Intuition is the language of the soul. Limited beliefs are the language of the mind.
But don’t leave it all to the gods, learn to trust yourself first and foremost because you can easily misinterpret signs. When that happens it’s your ego and you’re coming from fear.
The most important thing to get from all of this is that you must ask! You have got to notice and be diligent about your thoughts. Thoughts create reality. If you don’t like aspects of your life, ask better questions, think better thoughts, create a better life, it really is that simple.
Embody how damn worthy you are. Go after the BIG THINGS. Get to the ROOT of your physical or emotional imbalances, stresses or anxieties.
Trust
Did you catch the underlying theme of this post?
I talk about intuition but I teach self-trust. It’s about taking ownership of your decisions and reality and that can be scary.
When you embrace and reconnect with your inner spirit you will silence that inner critic and liberate yourself from the need for external validation, fostering a sense of self that is unshakeable.
Knowing is the new thinking. Where you can feel it in your bones before your brain kicks in.
It’s not about losing yourself. It’s about becoming yourself. As I did when I was grieving.
Learn to put everything through your soul filter for the seal of approval first. It’s your intuition which feeds your intellect. And when you’re coming up against resistance it’s because you’re ignoring your values.
Does it take courage? At first, hell yeah! Then it becomes natural. It’s natural for your soul to support your decisions. Intuition isn’t only a spiritual tool but a practical one.
So why is it so hard for some people to tap into their intuition? Lack of self-worth. They feel it shouldn’t be so easy. They’ve made it up that it should be a struggle. Which is an insidious lie.
It takes practice to be in your power. It’s not always easy to distinguish between gut and ego and the subtle energies of the body. Such as those sneaky suspicions we choose to ignore — don’t take that job, don’t date that person.
We squash down our intuition because it’s not steeped in logic. Because we’ve been raised in a certain way, live busy lives, never stopping to pause and reflect on how we perceive things. We are all born with a knowing until it’s knocked out of us, we’re taught to ignore, suppress or gaslight our instincts.
You don’t have to understand how something works to experience the magic of it. Just to allow yourself to trust and your eyes will see the magic unfold. The things that don’t make sense are the most powerful. It’s like finding the map to a treasure chest but way cooler because it’s your future we’re talking about.
When you expect epic endings, the entire universe will bend around reality. It’s natural for your soul to guide your decisions and for the universe to support them.
Truth bomb: if your intuition gave you the desire it also has the means to manifest it. And when desire and opportunity meet, that means the resources are somewhere within reach…even if they’re not yet visible to you.
Risks vs Chances
What’s a risk?
Every decision has a consequence. But a decision is better than no decision. Flip it and take a chance on you instead.
I don’t take risks. I take chances. On me.
If you’re risk averse it’s because you don’t trust yourself. Fear, doubt and worry are the ultimate intuition repellants. Yes, some risks might not pay off. I’ve suffered bumps in my business but you can’t focus on the loss alone, you have to think about what you’ve gained from the experience.
You can’t manifest the things you want with a mediocre mindset. So release the resistance. And remember, your worth isn’t tied to your hustle.
The intention of your intuition is to expand your capabilities so you can experience a fuller life. My intuitive breadcrumbs took me to the foothills of the Himalayas and the dizzy heights of CEO.
Where do you want your intuition to take you?
Intuitive impulses can be vague, wild and downright crazy at times (start a business WTF!). So here’s the rule of thumb: if the impulse comes from a joyous thought that feels good, follow it. If it came from an uncomfortable thought that felt bad, don’t follow it.
Your intuition is always guiding you towards what you want. It’s never protecting you from something else.
Are you looking for cues in all the wrong places (including other people’s opinions)? Move in faith whenever an opportunity comes your way. Second-guessing, missed opportunities, wrong decisions, excuses for not going with the flow are all signs you’re not listening.
You can’t escape fear, scary moments will crop up, as will obstacles. But we won’t allow that fear to stop us from going where we want to go. And becoming what we want to become. Don’t let the little dark secrets of your mind take over.
Here’s a mantra you can say when self-doubt creeps in (mantra means mind direction). It’s a way that we can focus our attention and anchor ourselves into the present moment:
I have full access to my intuition at all times. My intuition is super accurate, reliable, timely and sassy.
Want To Roll Back The Years?
When you work with your intuition you raise your vibration and allow flow in, where there’s a rhythm to life, vs force. And when you flow you glow, it’s an anti-ageing miracle!
Your skin looks smoother, you have more vitality and energy, your cognitive functions are razor sharp, no brain fog! My youthful looks affirm this — the black & white photos on my Work With Me page were taken last week — I turn 55 in a few weeks. It’s not vanity it’s a necessity, self care matters.
I’m grateful for my spiritual toolbox, that’s ever-evolving, and the importance of the time I invest into my routines and rituals. When I need a little break to incubate all the shifts, it’s incredible to watch myself instantly uplift my mood and my thoughts.
So, if you want an ethereal glow, be more sparkly than a Christmas tree and have an irresistible allure that turns heads, check in with your intuition and release the toxins.
Toxicity makes you look and feel ugly — plain and simple! EVERYTHING from negative self-talk, to toxic people, to that sneaky turd: people pleasing. And don’t even get me started on toxic positivity what a load of BS that is!
Love Bomb Yourself With These 3 Practices
There are plenty of tools to help you tap into your intuition, and I’d love to share three that are part of my regular self-care practice. These yummy saviours have helped strengthen my intuition and tackle overwhelm. Simply click the purple links throughout.
There’s something luxurious and indulgent when you incorporate these practices into your self-care rituals. Where you feel nurtured and nourished on the inside.
Meditation: Medicine For The Mind
Grab your meditation cushion, get some incense, play that Tibetan bowl playlist, and meditate on your career and life direction.
Or maybe you can use that time to let go of the stress and cut out the noise instead.
Don’t concentrate too hard on perfecting stillness; you’ll just end up feeling frustrated. Instead focus on consistency over perfection you’re less likely to give up, and then it’ll be easier to find peace in the stillness.
This is a great meditation to ground you when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
I took up breathwork after hyperventilating at my dad’s funeral. It’s scary when you can’t control the only thing that’s keeping you alive.
I’d been doing yoga for a while but found breathwork “boring” so brushed it off. It’s not boring when you discover the numerous health benefits.
It’s a practice on its own: boosts your mood, balances your blood pressure, promotes creativity, improves focus and memory are just a few of the benefits.
So start tuning in to your body to create a greater sense of flow and balance.
Yoga Nidra is such a lush practice. Nidra translates from the language of yoga, Sanskrit, into English as “sleep”.
But the real essence of yoga nidra is not to sleep, it’s to relax your body enough so that you’re somewhere in the hypnagogic state where you can completely let go.
Yoga Nidra
An oasis of calm in a chaotic world
By cultivating these practices on a daily basis you create a sanctuary for your soul. One you can escape to whenever the world seems too much to handle.
Get Your OM On With The Girls
If you struggle to get started why not have the girls round – create a zen den and practise together? Set the scene: burn some incense or essential oils, light candles and have a notebook nearby.
Power Play: once you’ve finished the practices, grab your notebook and journal on these three questions. By doing some “automatic writing”. Let your hand write whatever comes naturally without overthinking. Avoid looking at your writing until you’re finished.
1. What do I know that I don’t want to know?
2. What sets my soul on fire and makes my heart race?
3. Why am I not doing it?
What came up?
These embodiment practices teach you how to get out of your own way. The quieter you become, the more you’ll hear.
A Bit Of Woo Woo Magic To Light That Fire!
I want you to expand your mind, your thinking, your awareness, and even your compassion to what you can achieve. Your personal and spiritual powers are the difference between you living a basic life or blow your own damn mind life.
Dive deep into the essence of your being, uncovering the strengths and values that make you uniquely powerful. If you deny your feelings, you’ll go nowhere fast with manifesting what you want.
By venturing into new territory with bold dreams, beliefs, habits, actions, and strategies. How else will you reach your unicorn potential? You can’t make magic happen if you don’t believe in it.
So flex that intuition muscle, own your power and before you know it you’ll be in the middle of a chain reaction. A chemical reaction that takes you from one good thing to the next, and the next.
Do You Have An Intuitive Itch To Scratch?
My brilliant C.A.R.E.™ framework weaves in a practical approach to awakening your intuitive nature that empowers women to live better lives.
It’s time to speak your world into being.
Think about what you want. Do you really believe you can create it? Do you believe you have what it takes or do you secretly doubt yourself? (Worse, are you quietly preparing for failure?).
The insights offered within the C.A.R.E.™ Plan will ignite those inner whisperings. Where you’ll discover how to connect the dots and take inspired action.
Being delighted and surprised by the universe at every turn. Where opportunities fall into your lap, synchronicities line up for you, luck is on your side and help comes out of nowhere.
Come off autopilot and live a more intentional life. Learn how to turn the airy fairy into something practical to manifest your goals and aspirations.
Drop me an email if you want to take this adventure together. And fly the magic carpet. A journey like no other, where every experience is a step towards your best version.
Write back and share your inspirational sparks. I’m excited to muse on this and open up thoughts and conversations around what you can do to invite new beginnings to flow in.
The signs are everywhere right now…are you paying attention…?
They say it’s easier to create a new habit than to change an old one.
Let’s be honest, your self-care is always on your to do list, but it somehow gets pushed down to the bottom.
It’s more than the odd day at the spa with the girls, or for after hours. Or something you squeeze in at the weekend in between chauffeuring the kiddos around. Radical self-care is about nourishing yourself from the inside out, every day, in every moment. By taking care of your four states of being. Because your mind, body and spirit are screaming out for some TLC.
I know all too well the toll juggling work and home can take on you. The heavy weight of responsibility and expectations crushing down on you. When you yearn for a breather. When you want to run away. When you want to be someone else because you hate your life. When you want to be irresponsible and don’t give a f*ck. And then, of course, there’s the guilt of contemplating such things.
I lived most of my life in a high state of stress and in survival mode. In my 30s, I went through burnout. In my 40s, I had a meltdown after suffering heartbreak – the grief just broke me. That was the wake-up call that turned everything around, and it started with having a self-care practice. The 3M™ process I curated, became my saviour. My routines and rituals literally saved my sanity and my soul.
Now it’s time to share them with you. Because I see you. I feel your struggles. You’re not alone even though it might feel like it at times.
So what’s inside this Self-Care Practice?
⚡An introduction on how to get the best out of the guide so you don’t fall off the wagon.
⚡24 genius hacks that will take care of your mind, body and soul.
⚡How to win back your time, boost your energy and reduce your stress levels so that you fall back in love with your life. And if you already love your life, you’ll love it even more.
⚡How to master your mood so work feels great again, yep that’s right no more Monday morning blues.
⚡Next best steps and moving forward.
And so much more…
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I kid you not, it’s hotter than a pitta out of the toaster!
