NOW

This is a Now page — a concept I picked up from Derek Sivers via Alex Hagan. Think of it as a working snapshot — not a promise.

What's got my attention, what I'm turning down, what I'm still figuring out. Shared with the full knowledge that circumstances evolve and the future remains blissfully indifferent to whatever I write here.

WHAT HAS MY ATTENTION

Right now, I’m spending a lot of time thinking about the heightened uncertainty leaders are dealing with, and futures getting parked due to daily firefighting.

I’m especially thinking of the leadership teams that have problems that really matter, that if solved would unlock a flow of benefits …but the time is never found to tackle them.

Why does this feel important to me now? Because the world is throwing a lot of challenges and distractions at us right now. If we give up our agency and do nothing, then we will end up living in tomorrows designed by others.

AI-for-good has been on my mind, too. After some stimulating dinner conversations in Manila with Jessie Hughes and Aurelian Chu, about how they are using it for creativity and to create a positive impact!

WHAT I'M WORKING ON

My Leadership Practice

I have stepped sideways after founding ThinkPlace NZ 17 years ago. I’m still helping out a bit, but letting Peter and the team take it forward.

I have always loved starting things. Before ThinkPlace, I changed roles and even countries every few years.

So I am working at two levels:

·    equipping the changemakers coming through with whatever I have that is useful to them (like September’s energising innovation lab in Manila)

·    being an ally to leaders keen to open up spaces for better futures. I call this: shape or be shaped!

Alongside this, I’ve been giving guest lectures at our Wellington Unis to design and business students.

Leaders as great Designers

I have just been asked to speak at a leadership conference, and keen to lean into more. The core of what I speak about is that leaders are, or should be, great designers. The future depends on it.

Focus partner

I was also asked to be a mentor to a couple of leaders and enjoyed it, so I might do more. I see myself as their co-design and focus partner.

WHAT I'M SAYING YES (and No) TO

I am most energised by working with people who aspire to create a positive impact in the Now and in the Next. These are people with good intent and experiential assets, and need a thinking and designing partner.

I’m also saying yes, a bit of pro-bono (or low-bono) for the same reason, especially with young change-makers.

I’m actively saying no to work that:

  • doesn’t create a meaningful difference

  • is not creative, impactful or rewarding.

WHAT I'M WRITING

Shapers. Because the Future is Too Precious to leave to Chance.

It celebrates those who have opened up possibility spaces and shaped better futures, as well as suggesting this stance to others. I’m aiming to publish it in 2026, but I am a newbie author.

WHAT I'M READING and WATCHING

I’M READING

I’m mostly writing! But I just read Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon.

I’m Watching

A few good French movies of late, The House of Ninjas (more interesting than it sounds), Leonard Cohen’s later work and videos, The Rest is Politics and Playing for Change (for a pick-me-up).