Lessons in personal regeneration… in August I took a summer staycation with my family - with a stack of important sustainability books to read, a backlog of podcasts to listen to, and a couple of big strategic things to nut over. I didn’t pick any of them up. Returning to work, I still struggled to get back going at full clip. It felt like I couldn’t make any progress on anything. Pushing systems change and business change is tough going, and the fact is I was exhausted. I was overwhelmed by the weight of the system, by encroaching climate tipping points, geopolitics, just the heaviness of it all. So I’ve been focusing my energy elsewhere, on the micro, day to day small things that can make a big difference to individual people. And in turn, this has made all the difference to me over the last few months! 🤝Mentoring a junior staff member who wants to grow their presence and voice. 👍Giving a team member the moral support they needed to really shine in a big client meeting. 👏Congratulating a colleague who did an incredible job leading a really important workshop ✋Escalating unhelpful behaviour I observe to leadership. 🙌Letting collegues who got promoted know how proud I am of them! ☕️Listening a lot and buying lots of coffees. All of our small actions and how we show up with and for others helps open up new possibilities for those around us. And who knows what larger changes we help put in process when we do!
So wonderful Kim. The beautiful thing is that systems are made up of people. Spending time supporting yourself and supporting others IS systems change. We don’t need to be grand to be effective 💚
I’m around whenever you like to help you add to your coffee quota.
Love this Kim, just what I needed to read today. My plan for today was to focus my attention on my future career goals but instead I have planted a beautiful Camillia and planned an adventure with my 18-year old and it feels like just where my attention should be. Nurture & rejuvenate my inspiring sister-in-law.
If you haven’t read it and need another thing to bully you from your list of books- staying with the trouble is good….
Love this post for many reasons - because you speak truth about being kind to ourselves, about paying it forward, and because it sums up the awesome human being that you are 🤩
Love this! Thank you Kim Paykel for sharing your journey and showing up vulnerable and support those struggling similarly around you. Can you share some of your wisdom with me over a (virtual) coffee 🙏
So lucky to be in a team with you, Kim! You make such a difference and are such a great role model.
Love this Kim! Getting your priorities right is what creates action, action creates momentum and momentum results... in all aspects of life and work!
Systems change is hard! And not instantly gratifying. Bringing the right people together that share your vision will reignite the drive and energy you are well known for. 💚
Activating courageous leadership, collective impact & systems change | IMAGINE Leader | Sustainability and communications leader | board advisor
1wSo gorgeous to read Kim. I often find I am arming myself with books, journals, knitting etc amd then realise what I really need to do is stare into space