As I approached the conclusion of the challenge, (#365DaysOfMusic) I anticipated feeling a bit adrift. For an entire year, I had established a rhythm - making daily decisions and embracing a sense of quiet accountability. I even considered continuing the challenge for another year in order to not feel 'lost' as I thought that that would happen. I was searching for certainty through the routine. Certainty for what purpose though? 

 

 

I Stopped Posting. I Didn’t Stop Playing. 

 

 

 

This January, I’m going to share something a little different.  

 

 

 

 

Just some reflections - from a year-long challenge I nearly didn’t do. 

 

We hear it all the time: “Be authentic.” It’s hailed as the gold standard of modern leadership — a trait that inspires trust, builds connection, and signals integrity.  

 

But when we look beneath the surface, authenticity isn't always as simple as it sounds.  

 

What if the self you bring to work doesn’t match the mould of expected leadership? What if your version of “real” makes others uncomfortable? 

Travelling. 

Like it or loathe it? 

I am firmly in Team Like. 

What do I like about it? 

I like, weirdly enough, being uncomfortable. No, not my clothes but the whole thing. Being in places that I wouldn’t ordinarily be in. Speaking to people who are totally different to me. Doing things that I wouldn’t ordinarily do. Visiting places that aren’t accessible to me at home – although I do wonder if the sunny/warm location that I find myself in is the reason it suddenly has appeal 😊. Eating local delicacies or in local hostelries. 

All of these things, and more are exactly what I love about travelling. 

One of the reasons why I have taken myself to a country this week that I am totally unfamiliar with – Iceland – is for this very reason. 

I couldn’t understand it. 

 

The warm welcome was absent. It was as if they had never met me or Marley before. 

 

I collected Marley and we left the park and went home. 

 

As I walked home, I couldn’t piece together what I had just experienced. 

 

What had gone wrong? 

 

Did I offend someone? Was Marley anti-social with another dog? Did I miss something? 

 

Did I misunderstand what was said? Had the group had second thoughts about me? 

 

None of it made sense – and it still doesn’t. 

 

I clearly was made to feel unwelcome and I certain didn’t belong. 

 

So - what is belonging? 

Checkout Assistant “Ok….. can you remove your items from your basket and place them onto the conveyor belt please? Thank you………………. 

 

*Beeping of the item being scanned* 

 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy/Racial Equity statement following the death of George Floyd in 2020 - check; 

 

*Beeping of the item being scanned* 

 

External Diversity, Equity and Inclusion /Race Equality audit commission - check; 

 

*Beeping of the item being scanned* 

 

External Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consultants commissioned - check; 

 

*Beeping of the item being scanned* 

 

Staff training sessions booked with the solutions to key Diversity, Equity and Inclusion /Race/Sexuality/Religion issues in two sessions or less - check……..” 

 

If you are a Trust leader or school leader - this may be a little bit (or a lot) tricky to read. 

 

There is a lot of discontent in the world today. 

 

It’s got me thinking, has it always been this way? 

This blog is inspired by a thread initiated by @msybibi (Yamina Bibi) that I engaged with on X, formerly known as Twitter, stemming from her participation in the @ChilternTSH #REND event on July 15th. The acronym REND stands for Racial Equity Network Dinner. This remarkable event, among other crucial messages, highlighted leadership narratives from individuals who, at first glance, may not have been perceived as leaders. The subsequent expressions of appreciation, love, and respect in tweets from school leaders and supporters who attended underscored the inspiration drawn from the journeys of those who had overcome challenges. 

Leading in Uncertainty. 

 

Understatement of the century. 

 

Leading? Really? 

 

Uncertainty? Yes. Plenty of that going on right now.