Back to Life, Back to Reality

Last week, I had the absolute joy of being part of the Clore Social Leadership residential. While it was about 'leadership,' the real magic lay in the relational connection - something we prioritise in therapeutic work, parent coaching, and community education.

The countryside was beautiful, being away from reality was beautiful, and being surrounded by so many kind, generous-hearted, curious, and creative minds? Simply beautiful. You know, when you look around and can’t quite believe how amazing your life is in that moment in time? That was it. Pure gratitude.

No Space for Imposter Syndrome

We were sparked to think bigger picture, and all of us were held in such respect, regard, and humour that it was safe to throw all the ideas on the table. This environment, where there was no fear of judgment - "is it too out there?", "is it not enough?", or "is that thought stupid?" - is the very basis of relational safety we aim to create for children and families.

While some of us spoke about having experienced imposter syndrome previously (and quite frankly, who hasn't?!), even if we had brought it to the residential, it wouldn't have had the chance to stay. There was no space for it. It was a room full of diversity, acceptance, and celebration.

People were happily rolling the red carpet for each other, throwing the confetti for their own successes and others' too. Competition was not in the room. Collaboration was, alongside a sense of growing a community that will build a stronger network of kindness, connection, and leadership. The core sentiment of this residential was going from Me to Us.

Leadership by Imperfection

Listening to Margaret Heffernan speak filled me with an awe-inspiring energy: the celebration of the imperfect, the celebration of not knowing, being present, being curious, and playing. I’m in.

If this is the leadership of today and the future, I love it. It is having the exact plan that scares me; the promise to be a certain type, having to have all the responsibility just on my shoulders. Imperfection runs through my life, and I am comfortable here. I get excited by mistakes.

When things turn shit, so much beauty comes out of it. It’s the manure we didn’t know we needed.

She spoke about building your legacy like a cathedral - it’s there for generations, but no one knows the architect. Are you ready to let go of your ego for the greater good? Knowing that we can lead like this - built step-by-step, agile, and not knowing exactly what the final outcome will be - fills me with trust. Building organisations is much more exciting, and it can surprise you in the best possible way. Something might fail on the way, but they'll simply be your teachers, or added as another wonderful story to be told.

It All Comes Back to Connection

At the end of the residential, we were all on a high, riding the wave of connection and shared understanding. This collective belief in the power of Me to Us is exactly what transforms communities and supports resilient child development. We need to stay connected to see what beauty will grow from there.

If you’re interested in exploring how trauma-informed, relational practice can transform your approach to education, parent coaching, or wider community engagement, please get in touch. Let's keep the good stuff flowing.