BLOG | Authentic Spark

September 8, 2016

The power of positivity

‘The best coaches do not see themselves as talented or otherwise but approach life as a constant journey of learning. They are open to and indeed welcome feedback as a means to improve’ Matt Driver, Coaching Positively I am fortunate in that, over recent years, I have encountered a number of people who, as truly authentic coaches have, in different ways, enabled me to experience and to harness: […]

February 16, 2017

What I learnt from my dogs!

Nearly four years ago I became a dog owner. Or rather I became owned by a dog since I think he and his canine sister (who we got 10 months later) have me well and truly trained! But what I have learnt from the experience of ‘being owned’ has given me a greater insight into my Authentic self. Love unconditionally There is nothing more heartwarming than […]

February 16, 2017

I think, therefore I am; I visualise therefore I can

New Year, January 2017 – the traditional time for us all to set out our Resolutions for the year, to itemise the things we will stop doing and to list those we want to do instead. I have never been one for New Year’s Resolutions myself – they always seemed a bit of a hostage to fortune; something too easily broken, forcing ‘shoulds’ and ‘should nots’ […]

May 8, 2017

Creative visioning and goal setting: Visualise your Future

Creative visioning and me This time next week I will be looking back on my first coaching workshop. Will you have been there to Visualise your Future? Joining Coaching York this year inspired me to put my head above the parapet and volunteer to provide an event. As part of this year’s International Coaching Week, I will be sharing with others the power of creative visioning. […]

August 20, 2017

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SPARK your Creativity: successful interpretive writing

Sharing skills in successful interpretive writing I love running interpretive writing workshops. I get a great thrill from sharing the tips and techniques of successful interpretive writing. The principles are simple, when you understand them. The trick is… practice! A masterclass in writing Some of you may have been to one of my Tips and Hints masterclasses on the PLB stand at M&H Show over the years. Those […]

August 10, 2023

Are you talking to me?

Tone of voice in interpretive writing I’ve been reflecting on the often forgotten aspect of tone of voice in interpretive writing. It’s been prompted by some interpretation I saw recently at Warkworth Castle. Their new graphics include panels written in the first person. As you explore you discover five different peoples’ perspectives or stories about life in the castle. Clearly first person content isn’t going to be suitable for every […]

August 31, 2023

Peeling back the layers

Hierarchy in interpretive writing This Bank Holiday weekend I enjoyed a few days in Northumberland with the Heritage Hounds. Plenty of walking and the opportunity to revisit Lindisfarne Priory, which has been reinterpreted since I last visited. Of course my interpretive writing brain couldn’t fully switch off. I spotted something which got me thinking about the importance of layering, or creating a hierarchy, in interpretation. So I thought I’d share […]

December 5, 2024

Investing in coaching for SMEs. What’s it worth?

Valuing coaching in SMEs I recently completed a programme of coaching for an SME in Yorkshire. I have worked with several of their team members over the last few years. And it has been a real privilege to see these individuals develop as we worked together. I’ve also observed the impacts for the business too. So it got me thinking about what we place value on in a business. […]