the blog

When we first went into lockdown a couple of months ago, I went into rescuer mode. Like many others around me, my first thought was “Well, I’ve got to help those I can”, followed swiftly by “So what can I do to help?”.  Because helping people invent better futures is kind of what I do […]Read More

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and with the theme for this year being kindness, I spent a really enjoyable few hours earlier in the week putting together a little playlist of top tunes that tip a hat to kindness. I had a lovely time, listening to some old faves (surely it’s impossible to […]Read More

With people across the creative sector struggling to make sense of how we’ll live and make a living while Covid-19 continues to make its impact felt on our daily lives,  the need for peer support has arguably never been greater. That’s why I’m really excited to be launching a new virtual action learning programme for […]Read More

With people across the creative sector struggling to make sense of how we’ll live and make a living while Covid-19 continues to make its impact felt on our daily lives,  the need for peer support has arguably never been greater. That’s why I’m really excited to be launching a new virtual action learning programme for […]Read More

So What is Open Space? ‘Open space’ events are so-called because the agenda at them is set by the people who come along. At the hub we use open space principles at many events we run as it puts the responsibility for tackling issues on us – the artists, promoters, venues, technicians, advocates and others […]Read More

Action learning is a bit like group coaching…. Imagine having a team of brilliant, inspiring coaches –  working with you to help you with the big decisions you need to make – and you’re in the right ball park. Sounds great, right?   That’s what you’ll get if you join one of our new action learning […]Read More

So as you know, we’re launching a new, entirely free, action learning programme for folk working in Colchester’s creative sector – everyone from artists and freelancers, to those running their own creative businesses or working in larger cultural organisations. Applications close on 2 June.    Take a look at our intro video Earlier this week, […]Read More

I’m really excited to be bringing action learning to 37 Queen Street…. I’m a big fan of action learning as a professional development tool; having joined my first set around 10 years ago, it’s something that has really informed my development as a leader and entrepreneur. Having run action learning programmes up and down the […]Read More

There was a great turn out at Sheaf Street on Monday 26 March for good food and an evening of conversation and debate about how we can begin to tackle inequality in the music industry.  In fact so good was the Leeds open space that I was struck dumb (literally, with the flu, hence the […]Read More

So, exactly how can we how we can begin to tackle inequality in the music industry? This question was the focus of a day of discussion, reflection and debate at the wonderful Constellations in Liverpool last Saturday. A small but select gathering of musicians, promoters, journalists and researchers came together for the second of our […]Read More