if not now, then when?
Sometimes there is never a perfect time to make a decision. Instead, there comes a point where the risk of continually postponing it become greater than the uncertainty of saying yes. For me, this is one of those moments.
sometimes the biggest decision isn’t where to go – it’s whether to go at all
There will always be another proposal to write, another workshop to design, another client conversation to have or another opportunity to pursue. One of the side effects of running my own business is how easy it has become to convince myself that taking time out to do something like this will need to wait until things are a little quieter. Eight years on from setting up the ASM difference I’ve realised that the reality is, I need to make that day happen. At the start of this year I found myself returning to the same simple question: if not now, then when?
So, rather than waiting for the perfect time, I decided to create the time. Over the coming weeks I’ll be travelling to South Africa, Namibia and Malawi. I’ll be volunteering in schools, supporting girls to build confidence and self-belief through The Shona Project, facilitating workshops with women entrepreneurs and spending time experiencing cultures, communities and landscapes very different from my own.
why this matters
People occasionally ask me what the ASM difference means. Whilst they often expect me to talk about consultancy, leadership development or organisational change, the answer is much simpler than that.
At its heart, the ASM difference has (and will) always been about creating understanding, building confidence and helping people realise more of what’s possible. Sometimes that happens through consultancy. Sometimes that happens through facilitation. Sometimes in happens through a coaching conversation. Mostly it happens simply because we’re willing to step into someone else’s world with curiosity rather than certainty – and that’s what I’m about to experience for myself.
choosing perspective
If I’m honest, this isn’t just about what I hope to contribute. It’s equally about what I hope to learn. While I’ve been fortunate over the years to obtain qualifications, attend insightful conferences and experience some fantastic leadership coaching, I also know that our most powerful learning also comes from experiencing life through a different lens.
This is my opportunity to be what I often encourage others to be: healthily selfish. To step away from the familiar. To reconnect with my sense of purpose. To create the space to think, reflect and simply be present.While I have no doubt that I’ll return with photographs, stories and memories, my hope is that I’ll also return with fresh perspective, greater curiosity and an even deeper appreciation for the conversations that connect us, regardless of where in the world they happen.
Nestled between the volunteering and workshops is two weeks camping my way across Namibia. For those who know me well, I suspect learning to pitch a tent might prove just as challenging as facilitating a workshop!
looking ahead
One of the things I love most about my work is the opportunity to help others discover what’s possible. As I step into unfamiliar environments, listen to different perspectives and immerse myself in new cultures I’m optimistic about what I’ll discover about myself and curious about the perspectives I’ll bring home. Some will undoubtedly shape me personally. Other will quietly influence the conversations I have, the partnership I build and, ultimately, the way the ASM difference continues to evolve.
I’d love for you to follow my journey and you let me know if some of my reflections resonate with you.
