Author: verawoodhead

#internationalwomensday Let’s remember that gender equality and women’s empowerment go beyond a single day of recognition. This commitment requires us to act every day, embedding inclusivity, support and equal opportunities for women across all aspects of life and work, not just on March 8th. Creating environments where women can thrive, lead, and share their invaluable…

Last Saturday night, amidst the flashing lights and sounds of my 1980s fundraising disco, I found myself oscillating between the dance floor and our group table. It reminded me of a metaphor that I often share with my clients. ‘Moving between the balcony and the dance floor’ Coined by Ronald Heifetz, Marty Linsky and Alexander…

Delighted to have been selected as a delegate for UN Women UK at the 68th Commission on the Status of Women Looking forward to connecting and collaborating with global leaders, activists and change-makers from around the world to accelerate the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. For those who may…

Have you ever experienced: × Constant tiredness despite enough sleep× Difficulty making decisions× Increased frustration or irritability× Tasks taking longer or feeling more challenging× Physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension× Overwhelm and loss of enthusiasm This was me and my body telling me to pause, stop, take a break, rest, recharge…..And I did. I’m not one for spa breaks…

How effective are you at making critical decisions? In my last post , I shared some insights from McKinsey’s findings on the importance of organisational health for sustained performance and success, where decision-making emerged as a crucial skill. We’ve all face critical moments where decisions carry significant weight, yet effectively navigating them can be challenging.…

Q: What sets apart the organisations that thrive despite disruptions from those that struggle to stay afloat? A: Organisational health Lots of food for thought from these findings so thought I would share some highlights from McKinsey’s extensive research spanning over 2 decades. Organisational health encompasses how effectively leaders steer the ship, make decisions, allocate…

How has EI played a role in your leadership journey? What practical strategies do you find most effective in enhancing EI in your team ? In leadership, technical skills and strategic acumen are crucial. However, there’s another dimension that often distinguishes the exceptional leaders from the rest: Emotional Intelligence (EI). EI is the ability to…

Ever caught yourself scrolling through LinkedIn and your feed is full of people smashing it, celebrating big wins, successes….leaving you feeling a bit envious and then deflated? That was me recently. Had to hit the pause button and do some self-coaching. Welcome to the Comparison Trap! Whether you are job hunting, seeking promotion, running a…

🤔 Ever been in a situation in which you did not perform as well as you could, leaving your confidence at a low and a reluctance to put yourself in such situations again? I have! The beliefs that we form when such events take place are usually not based on any evidence. They are assumptions…

The people you surround yourself with can play a pivotal role in in shaping who you are and what you aspire to become. Jim Rohn, famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time”. Your inner circle can have a significant influence on your thoughts, behaviour and outlook on…