Hey there fellow Apprentices,
We’re now in month 3 of 2023 - ain’t that crazy?
Buckle yourself up for an update full of everything that’s changed in the last 4 weeks and the lessons I’ve learnt along the way. It’s the first few pages in a new chapter and I’m enjoying how the storylines of the main characters are continuing to evolve. I hope you do too.
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Let’s dive in…
What’s Been Going On
Life has really stepped up a gear recently.
The move back to London has required a shift in context.
I’ve had to adapt from quiet days with lots of time for introspection to a back-to-back calendar that leaves few moments to sit with my own brain. Sometimes it can feel like a sensory overload of experiences with my mind struggling to keep up. But other times I’ve felt completely at ease, letting the tempo of life pull me along in a trance-like exploration of everything that interests me. How my mind reacts depends on how I’m feeling before I take my first footstep out of the flat. If I’m already stressed, the stimulation can make it worse. But, if I’m already calm as is the experience that follows.
Beneath this speed, I’ve a found a clarity in who I am, what I’m doing and where I’m going. And even though there’s still a sea of uncertainty ahead, the desire to specialise at the intersection of the future of work and future of careers has never been clearer in my mind. Which is proving undeniably helpful in rejecting and accepting what works in my life. So much so that I’ve decided to draw out exactly what this looks like…
In exploring these intersections I’ve had quite a few opportunities to solidify my understanding through teaching. From a 2-hour guest lecture for an MBA programme on “Starting a New Business in the Future of Work” to a “Portfolio Careers” workshop for Queen Marys University London to a podcast appearance on “Self-Mastery”. Each one has forced me to consolidate every idea that’s been buzzing around in my mind and articulate them in a way that others can understand. Which is not only useful for sharing new ideas, but is also the best way to reinforce the mental models in my own mind, as demonstrated by the learning pyramid below.
Also strengthening my identity recently is the number of non-fiction books I’ve read that have been true “aha” moments. I’m already on book 9 for 2023, but three in particular have been game changers - “Brave New Work” by Aaron Digman, “Less is More” by Jason Hickel & “Bullshit Jobs” by David Graeber. Combined together they articulate how Capitalism’s relentless focus on growth at all costs is destroying both our planet and what it means to do purposeful work. Jam packed with ideas for implementation, they’ve all helped me define the project of my lifetime that is ahead of me… “to create Evolutionary Organisations that enable sustainable & purposeful experiences of work”. Rather than destroying our planet and overworking our society organisations can become an enabler of human flourishing that brings out the very best in individuals. Now wouldn’t that be awesome? I think so.
To get there requires organisational redesign on a grand scale. Which isn’t the area of expertise many 24 year olds get much of a say in. So, alongside the continued efforts to build a personal brand, network and the like, I’m also broadening the options to include masters programmes, full-time roles and accreditations to deepen my understanding and credibility. For working with someone to help you create a lasting change in your organisation requires a whole other level of trust which could take years to build. But, it’s a timescale I’m willing to play given the importance of the issue we face.
I’ll keep you updated as the next steps in the career continue to evolve.
Alongside the change the last 4 weeks have also seen me cash in that sporting fitness that I’ve been grinding at for the last 5 months…
I ran a 69:55 at the Hampton Court Half Marathon on Sunday 26th Feb, coming in 1st place by at least 2 mins. It was an 80s PB which I didn’t even realise would be possible off triathlon (not running) training this year. So, it’s safe to say that I am absolutely buzzing. For there’s nothing sweeter than seeing the sub 70 on my watch as I crossed the line. It had smiling the entire day (and still does now a week later). Proving to myself once again that with enough work anything is possible. But the best part? Alongside the champagne and £100 voucher for winning, the time also qualifies me for the London Marathon in 2024 - which is SUPER exciting indeed.
This SEASON is GONNA BE GREATT. I just need to remember NOT to cycle off a cliff again in Mallorca. Take the corners easy Charlie, it’s not worth it.
And there’s one other small, incy wincy activity that’s been taking up my headspace the last 4 weeks… Organising our 1st in-person event on Friday 24th March 2023 in London! We’ve now got the 40 attendees confirmed, the guest speaker organised and I even went to check out the nature-inspired space which is perfect for the low-key house party vibe I’m going for. If you fancy getting involved, check out all the details here and drop me a reply ASAP to be added to the waiting list.
This Month’s Lesson: Embrace change with open arms. Focus on the future you’re creating over the past you’re leaving behind and it’ll become infinitely easier to move forward. And allow yourself to get excited by it.
What’s Coming Up Next
Here’s how I expect the next 4 weeks to pan out…
Defining the next steps in the career
By the next newsletter I’m sure I’ll have an announcement or two to make, because March is gonna be all about defining the best opportunities, negotiating how they fit into my life and ensuring it all makes sense financially. I’m in the eye of the storm of change right now and I’m loving it. But, it will soon need to steady out as the weeks progress.
Hosting the 1st In-Person Event
I’m not sure you can tell but I’m SUPER excited by this one. Getting 40 of us multipotentialites into a room together to talk everything on life, mastery and how to navigate our careers is going to be good. There’s no doubting it. And the surprising part? I don’t feel nervous at all. The event feels like an expression of who I am and I know it will be a success.
Another running race of two
On the back of the half marathon I’m eyeing up another running race or two to smash some PBs over the 5k & 10k. Nothing confirmed just yet, but I’ll find something for the calendar in March or April, which will give me a great target before the club training camp comes round at the end of April. It’s there the fitness will seriously start to skyrocket before racing from May.
A Final Note
That’s a lotta change in just 4 weeks. Life is moving both fast and slow right now with a lot getting done in a short period of time. And I’m loving it. Here’s to ever more in-person experiences, It’s where it’s at.
But, that’s enough from me. How has your February been? Let me know down below I’d love to hear all about it.