Social Mobility Isn’t Equal: Why “Work Hard and You’ll Succeed” Isn’t True for Everyone

February 21, 2026.Reading time 7 minutes.

We’re told the same story over and over. If you work hard, you’ll get ahead.If you try harder, you’ll succeed.If you fail, it’s because you didn’t want it enough. It sounds motivating. But it isn’t true. Because social mobility isn’t equal — and pretending it is only hides the real problem. Not Everyone Starts From […]

Burnout Culture: When Being Exhausted Becomes Normal

February 15, 2026.Reading time 6 minutes.

Somehow, being tired has become a badge of honour. Working late.Skipping breaks.Running on caffeine.Pushing through illness.Being constantly “on”. We’ve normalised exhaustion. And that’s not healthy.It’s harmful. What Is Burnout Culture? Burnout culture is the belief that productivity equals worth. That resting is lazy.That slowing down is weakness.That struggling means you’re not trying hard enough. It […]

Where to start?

March 19, 2017.Reading time 11 minutes.

Today I kinda ran a half marathon. Tonight, I don’t even want a Gin. There’s the context for this blog. Firstly, the good stuff. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Your words of support and encouragement over the last few months, since I started this crazy-ass idea, this morning before my first official half marathon […]

Back in the saddle

January 22, 2017.Reading time 11 minutes.

On Tuesday 17th January, a scaffolding lorry took me out on the M5. I was travelling in lane 1, in the roadworks near Bromsgrove, at 50mph and the lorry was in lane 2. We were travelling at pretty much the same speed when he moved into lane 1. Errrm, HELLO….I am here! He clearly couldn’t […]

Innovation and Me

December 11, 2016.Reading time 11 minutes.

I would love to share with you why and how I do what I do that led to such a fantastic award for my work recently. The National Innovation in Training Awards are also know as The NITAs. Heard of them? Let me share a little about what they are. The NITAs highlight the individuals […]

Is Working From Home Code For Skiving?

November 19, 2015.Reading time 5 minutes.

On Monday, I felt the twinges of a cold setting in. I dosed up on Vitamin C, cold and flu remedies hoping to keep it at bay. By Tuesday I was starting to feel rough. I still went out and continued with my meetings; contributing to the sorrows of presenteeism (sorry if any of you contracted […]

Challenge Perception

August 14, 2013.Reading time 7 minutes.

I’ve heard some things this week that triggered reflection of the last 18 years and got me thinking about perception. Whilst on the commute to London on Monday morning, I overheard a man talking on his phone who uttered the line “I shout at you to motivate you” My mouth aghast, that anyone could even […]