Conversations, Creativity & Community
The South Downs, March 2025
The arrival of spring brings with it a sense of renewal with longer days, renewed and refreshed energy, and the opportunity to pause and reflect on what truly matters to us and our leadership. It is a time to embrace creativity, to nurture meaningful conversations, and to cultivate a sense of community in various parts of our lives.
I have always believed that leadership is built through conversations. Whether through deep one-on-one dialogues, collective reflections in nature, or shared experiences in community, these conversations shape how we lead, collaborate, and grow.
Creativity, too, plays an essential role. It is not confined to the arts; it is a way of seeing the world, of questioning assumptions, and of imagining new possibilities. And at the heart of it all is community, the people we engage with, learn from, and support and who support us in our journey.
This month, I am embracing conversations, creativity, and community in new and exciting ways, and I want to share some of the moments that are inspiring me, gatherings, discussions, and reflections, that I hope will resonate with you, too.
The Power of Thoughtful Conversations
Conversations are where transformation begins. When we take the time to listen, to ask the right questions, and to engage with curiosity and care, we open the door to new ways of thinking.
Earlier this month, I reconnected with Febronia Ruocco on my podcast Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend. Febronia is a leadership coach with a deep understanding of personal and professional growth. Our conversation explored the evolving journey of leadership coaching, how it transforms individuals, how it fosters resilience, and how it enables leaders to unlock their full potential.
The beauty of mentoring lies in its ability to create space for reflection. It encourages us to step back and consider not just what we are doing but how and why. Febronia’s insights remind us that leadership is not about having all the answers but about staying open to learning, adapting, and growing.
Similarly, I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Victoria Rennoldson on her Culture Cuppa podcast. We explored how cultural awareness, communication, and psychological safety shape the way we lead and collaborate. One of the key things we discussed is the framework I co-created with my friend and colleague, Lucy Kidd, called Collaboration Equation™ which is built on the ideas that trust, shared purpose, and co-creation are essential to building strong partnerships and effective leadership.
In an increasingly interconnected world, our ability to navigate different perspectives and foster inclusive dialogue is more important than ever. It is not enough to have a diverse team; we must create an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged.
Creativity as a Practice, Not a Product
Creativity is often misunderstood as something reserved for artists, writers, or musicians. But in reality, creativity is a way of thinking, a mindset that allows us to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and approach problems with fresh perspectives.
For me, creativity comes in many forms. Writing has always been a reflective practice, an opportunity to pause, process, and share ideas. This month, I am dedicating more time to writing, capturing not just thoughts on leadership and collaboration but also personal reflections on the creative process itself.
Photography is another creative avenue I enjoy exploring. This month, I will be working with photographer Ben Harvey on a project that combines portrait photography with storytelling. Photography for me, like leadership, is about seeing, truly seeing, people for who they are, understanding their stories, and capturing moments that convey depth, emotion, and meaning.
Reading is playing a big role in my creative process and, currently, I am reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. I recently read I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You by Miranda Hart, a book that blends humor, vulnerability, and storytelling in a way that feels refreshingly honest. I believe that books have the power to shift our perspectives, and I am always eager to hear what others are reading and finding inspiration in.
Community and the Power of Gathering
There is something uniquely powerful about coming together with others, whether in structured events or informal settings. The act of gathering, of sharing space, ideas, and experiences strengthens our sense of belonging and collective purpose.
On March 7, I was excited to highlight Within Retreat, a one-day retreat for women, led by my colleagues Lucy Kidd and Jane Baggott. This retreat is designed for those seeking to reconnect with their inner confidence, values, and sense of purpose. So often, we get caught up in the demands of daily life, and it becomes easy to lose sight of what truly matters to us. Taking time for reflection, guided conversations, and intentional pauses can be transformative.
Another event I am looking forward to in a few days is Walking Partnerships Day on March 20. Walking has always been an integral part of my thinking process, moving through nature, side by side with others, engaging in deep and uninterrupted conversations. There is something about walking that opens the mind, fosters creativity, and allows us to connect in a more natural and meaningful way. Alongside Natalie Shering and Lucy Kidd, I will be hosting this walking day on Horsell Common, Surrey, as an opportunity for leaders to step away from their busy schedules, reconnect with nature, and engage in rich conversations.
I will also be attending Anthropy25 next week, a major leadership gathering at the Eden Project. This three-day event brings together leaders across industries to reimagine the future of business and society. Along with Lucy Kidd, I will be sharing insights on our Collaboration Equation™ and discussing how trust, shared purpose, and co-creation drive meaningful change.
What excites me most about events like Anthropy25 is the opportunity to meet and engage with people who are passionate about shaping the future in thoughtful and collaborative ways. Leadership is not a solitary journey, it is strengthened by the communities we build and the conversations in which we engage.
What Conversations and Creative Practices Are Inspiring You?
As we move through the rest of March, I invite you to reflect on the conversations, creative practices, and communities that are shaping your own journey by asking.
What conversations are challenging and expanding your thinking?
How are you cultivating creativity in your daily life?
Where do you find community and connection?
For me, this month is about embracing curiosity, stepping into meaningful conversations, and making space for creativity and collaboration. Whether through writing, walking, podcast discussions, or leadership gatherings, I am reminded that growth happens when we engage with others, share our ideas, and remain open to new perspectives.
I would love to hear from you, about what is inspiring you right now, and the conversations that are sparking new insights for you. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how we can support each other in leading with curiosity, care, and courage.
