Setting boundaries for me has been a work in progress that has taken place over many years.  After a lengthy corporate career I was far more skilled in how to work hard, be helpful, say yes, and not make things difficult. The Covid months made it easier to forget my personal boundaries as I was working from home all the time and had nowhere else to be. It was easy to fill my hours with calls.  Calls at 10.30pm or at 6.00am were easier to accommodate and I was used to being accommodating.  Then I set up my own business and realised that the boundaries were all mine to set. 

Purpose has always been central to how I approach life and work.

For those who know me well (and for those who have worked with me) that probably won’t come as a surprise. It is one of the core beliefs written on my own purpose on a page, something I return to often and which forms the foundation of the way I live and work.

When I work with clients who are navigating a career transition, establishing their personal purpose is often one of the most powerful places to begin.

When an interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” it can feel like a formality — but it’s actually one of the most important moments in the interview.

The questions to  ask at the end of an interview should be thought provoking, show how you think, what you value, and whether you’re genuinely interested in the role beyond simply getting an offer.

Having worked with leaders for many years, one of the clearest and most useful definitions of the role of the leader I’ve come across was shared with me during a purpose session many years ago. It’s a definition I often return to, especially when leadership feels complex or pressured, and it feels worth sharing here.

At its core, the role of the leader can be understood in four simple but powerful responsibilities.