Hello Friend!
Some weeks stretch you in different directions. You feel pulled between the professional challenges that push your limits, the projects that test your creativity, and the personal commitments that remind you of what consistency and patience really look like.
This was one of those weeks. It was exciting, humbling, challenging — and full of lessons.
🚀 Endeavour: The Art of Challenging Conversations
This week at Endeavour was both exciting and challenging. One of the unique aspects of my work is the position it puts me in: on one hand, I interact with highly talented, seasoned professionals who, even without trying, challenge me to raise my own game. They push me to refine my knowledge, stretch my creativity, and sharpen my problem-solving skills.
On the other hand, I am also the one who has to hold up the mirror. Often, that means telling senior leaders where the gaps are in their organisation — not from a financial or operational perspective, but from a human one. These are not easy conversations. They require me to be articulate, sensitive, assertive, and diplomatic, often all within the same discussion. Some moments call for honesty that feels almost uncomfortable, while others require a more nuanced, careful approach.
One project I mentioned in earlier entries has been testing me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. After five months of hard work — a mix of individual coaching sessions, group meetings, and ongoing conversations — things are finally settling into a rhythm. We’re gaining traction. My role has been about supporting the company from a business structure perspective, laying HR foundations, and keeping stakeholders aligned with both vision and strategy.
Another part of my week was spent in those “in-between” conversations that happen when Endeavour’s long-term projects move from one phase to the next. These check-ins are critical because they allow us to reflect, adjust, and tailor our approach. Often, clients ask for something very specific, something tailor-made. That is the part of the job I enjoy most, but it’s also the most demanding. It requires a foundation of trust and open dialogue — without it, customization just doesn’t work.
This week also had me reflecting on how I manage the Endeavour team and how we showcase our work. Because of client confidentiality, most of our social presence gravitates around the GROWTH Schema podcast. I’ve been thinking about more creative ways to shine a light on what we do, without breaking trust. It’s a challenge, but an exciting one.
🎙️ GROWTH Schema: Finding Your Voice Without Losing Yourself
The 70th episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast will go live this week: “Leading From Within: How Not to Lose Yourself on the Way Up.” I sat down with Dr. Maria Loumpourdi — a leadership and talent development expert, coach, author, and neuroscience researcher.
Maria brings a rare mix of rigour, humanity, and science to leadership. Our conversation explored the tension leaders often feel between performance and authenticity, the importance of doing the inner work before climbing the ladder, and why neuroscience shows us that sustainable change is possible — but never instant.
If you’ve ever felt caught between “fitting in” and “standing out,” or worried about losing yourself as you grow professionally, this episode is for you. For me, it was a reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy; it’s about identity.
On the practical side, I’ve been brainstorming new ways to make use of our new podcast studio space. We’re even exploring collaborations where selected individuals could share the space and equipment at a cost. It’s early days, but it feels like a natural way to maximize what we’ve built. I’ve also got some DIY updates in mind — small adjustments that will make the setup even better.
⛺ Scouts: Growth, Succession & Gratitude
This week, my Scout leadership team held our annual BBQ — a simple but meaningful tradition. Leading this team at the national level is one of the most rewarding roles I have. We’re responsible for shaping the educational programmes across all five Scout sections: Beavers, Cubs, Troop, Ventures, and Rovers.
Over the past four years, this team has transformed. When I started, there were only six of us. Now, there are 18 dedicated volunteers. This growth didn’t happen by chance — it was intentional. I knew that in five years (and that milestone comes next year), most of us would be reaching the end of our term. Succession planning wasn’t optional; it was essential.
Seeing this vision come to life at the BBQ was humbling. Each person brings something unique to the table, and the dynamic has shifted in ways that I couldn’t have predicted. It’s also been a space where my own leadership has evolved. I’ve learned when to step back, when to push forward, and when to simply listen.
Succession planning, I’ve realised, is less about replacement and more about continuity. It’s about creating a culture where growth is inevitable, because people are given the space to step up.
🩺 Personal: Recovery, Consistency & Coffee with an Old Friend
On the personal front, my physio journey continues relentlessly. The progress is visible, but it’s slow and requires a lot of patience. This week, I started adding some workouts into my daily routine — small steps toward getting back to my full physical capacity. It’s early days, but I’m proud of the consistency I’ve managed so far.
Consistency, I’ve realised, is one of the most underrated qualities. It’s not glamorous, it’s not exciting, but it’s what carries us forward when motivation fades.
The weekend brought a few lighter moments. We spent time planning upcoming trips, which gave me something to look forward to, and on Sunday I had a completely unexpected encounter. I ran into a childhood friend I hadn’t seen in years. We were both heading for a coffee, so we sat down together and caught up.
It was simple and unplanned, but it made me reflect on how much of life’s value comes from these serendipitous moments. They remind us of who we were, how far we’ve come, and the threads of connection that quietly hold our lives together.
🌙 Witch of the Crossroads
This week, I found myself returning again and again to “Witch of the Crossroads” by EchoesofVelandria. There’s something in its haunting rhythm and ethereal tones that seemed to mirror my own inner landscape—mystical, uncertain, yet quietly powerful. Listening felt like standing at a threshold, aware of choices and change, but also grounded in the strange comfort of the unknown.
🌱 Closing Thoughts
This week reminded me of the importance of balance: between challenging conversations and listening deeply, between leading from the front and empowering others, between pushing for progress and simply being consistent.
It’s easy to get caught up in the big milestones, but growth often hides in the quieter moments — in a conversation over coffee, in a consistent workout routine, in the trust built during a difficult discussion.
I’d love to hear from you:
When was the last time a tough conversation helped you grow?
And how do you stay consistent when motivation runs low?
Until next week, Grow Beyond.