Carroll Macey

“Misery is a moment of suffering allowed to become everything.” That was the line that stopped me this morning. Written by Mark Nepo, a man who understands both the fragility and resilience of being human. And as I read it, I thought of leaders. Because in leadership, suffering is not optional. There will be moments: • A decision that lands badly • A conversation that fractures trust • A redundancy you didn’t want to make • A silence in a meeting that feels heavier than words These are...

This week, in the middle of a coaching conversation, something quite simple and quietly moving happened. A client paused, looked up, and said something along the lines of: “What you do… this is what leaders actually need right now.” I’ve been sitting with it ever since. Because what struck me wasn’t the compliment. It was the context. This client has been leading inside a system marked by prolonged pressure, unresolved conflict, and repeated change. The kind of environment where people don’t...

At the start of each year, I begin as I hope to end, with lots of energy, a vision and purpose, hope and also openness to what will come. As the year begins, in my coaching sessions many leaders are already being asked for certainty, clarity, and confidence. Plans to finalise.Decisions to land.Energy to muster. Many of you will have rituals that help you to slow down, come back to yourself, and notice what this new year is quietly asking of you. And yet, even with the best intentions, the...