Cobalt Red

Posts and Provocations

  • Courage and fear

    Courage is recognising what is frightening.

    It is not the absence of fear.

    If it was a cartoon one character would be grabbing the other by the shoulders and giving them a good shake.

    Questions about ‘what could go wrong’ is a good start. Then planning how to minimise those bumps in the road starts to fill the courage reservoir.

    We often wait to feel brave before we act.

    But what if courage isn’t a feeling at all?

    It is a choice – made in the presence of fear, not its absence.

    In my work with leaders – especially women navigating change – I often hear:

    “I don’t feel courageous.”

    ‘’I don’t feel that brave’’

    “I’m afraid I’ll fail.”

    Here’s the truth:

    Fear doesn’t mean you’re not ready.

    It means you’re human.

    And courage? It’s layered. It’s quiet. It’s choosing to move forward anyway. Yes, it takes guts and determination but what is the alternative?

    Would you really be satisfied to never have that buzz, the high of doing something that scared you – but you did it anyway. And – guess what – the courage reservoir starts to fill.

    Not because you’re fearless.

    But because something deeper – your purpose, your values, your voice – matters more.

  • This is not semantics.

    Having presence is not the same as being present.

    You can be in the room and still not show up.

    You can speak and still not be heard.

    You can lead and still don’t have the impact you want.

    I see it often—leaders navigating change, transitions, new chapters. They’re visible, yes, but something’s missing. The spark. The conviction. The why. Their presence.

    Presence isn’t about being busy or booked.

    It’s about being intentional.

    It’s about showing up with your values intact.

    Some things I ask in coaching conversations:

    •      What are you holding back that needs to be said?

    • Where are you showing up out of habit, not purpose?

    •      What would shift if you led from alignment, not obligation?

    • What do you need to do today that if you don’t do it, you will regret it in 6 months?

    Leadership isn’t about noise.

    It’s about clarity. And sometimes, the quietest voice is the one that changes everything

  • What are you silently agreeing to if you don’t speak up?

    💫 “Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.” — Maya Angelou

    We learn to navigate systems not built with us in mind.

    To make space, even when it’s not given.

    So what do you want next?
    More impact? More clarity? More space to lead on your terms?

    It takes more than courage—it takes clarity, timing, and a willingness to be seen and heard. Here’s what the research and coaching wisdom suggest:

    🔍 What it takes to ask for what you want at work:

    • Clarity of desire
      Know what you’re asking for and why it matters. Is it about impact, balance, recognition, or growth? The clearer you are, the easier it is to communicate.
    • Emotional readiness
      Asking isn’t just about words—it’s about being prepared for the response. That includes hearing “no,” negotiating, or even being surprised by a “yes.”
    • Strategic timing
      Choose moments when your contribution is visible, when trust is high, or when the organisation is open to change. A well-timed ask lands better than a rushed one.
    • A sense of consequence
      Not asking has a cost. It can mean staying silent while others shape your path.

    Not speaking up is still a choice.

    It’s a quiet yes.
    To staying small.
    To letting others define the terms.
    To accepting consequences we didn’t choose.

    In coaching, I ask:
    👉 “If you say yes to this, what are you saying no to?”
    But sometimes, the real question is:
    👉 “If you don’t speak up, what are you silently agreeing to?”

    Leadership isn’t just about being heard.
    It’s about choosing to be heard—especially when it’s uncomfortable.

    💬 What’s your silence costing you?

  • Are you being present or do you have presence?

    This is not semantics.

    Having presence is not the same as being present.

    You can be in the room and still not show up.

    You can speak and still not be heard.

    You can lead and still don’t have the impact you want.

    I see it often—leaders navigating change, transitions, new chapters. They’re visible, yes, but something’s missing. The spark. The conviction. The why. Their presence.

    Presence isn’t about being busy or booked.

    It’s about being intentional.

    It’s about showing up with your values intact.

    Some things I ask in coaching conversations:

    •      What are you holding back that needs to be said?

    • Where are you showing up out of habit, not purpose?

    •      What would shift if you led from alignment, not obligation?

    • What do you need to do today that if you don’t do it, you will regret it in 6 months?

    Leadership isn’t about noise.

    It’s about clarity.

    And sometimes, the quietest voice is the one that changes everything.

  • Incongruence

    Incongruent : out of keeping; unexpected, not what you thought you were getting.

    In a recent visit to Cape Town, we enjoyed some amazing food at the Waterside Restaurant at the V and A waterfront. Looking down at the menu we were intrigued by the course named catus garden.

    It was a narrow trough of assorted catus plants. But nestled in amongst them masquerading as a catus was our palate cleanser (middle of the photo).

    It could best be described as a solid Margarita sorbet – all tequila, chilli and lime, the spikes were flower stamens.

    Creative and quirky- yes.

    Delicious- utterly

     Incongruent – most definitely

    And what has this to do with coaching?

    There are times when working with my clients, they start to see and appreciate some aspect of their work from a different perspective, a different lens, something unexpected and incongruent.

  • How would you define courage?

    The Chambers dictionary definition of courage is

    The quality that enables people to meet danger without giving way to fear

    My definition would be

    Saying yes to something with no clear idea of how you will do it

    Doing something that you had never considered before

    Not being afraid to fail, because you know you won’t

    On our recent adventure in Botswana, we came across a lioness who was, singlehandedly, raising 8 cubs. Her sisters were killed when the babies were about 3 months old. Not only did she lose her sisters, but she also lost an eye and has a deep gash in her face still.

    So, in addition to her own twins, she suckled all 8. The cubs are now 6 months old and thriving- look at the photos.

    She represents all the elements of my definition.

    So what, what is the relevance for us at work?

    Take another look at my definitions and ask yourself did you rise to the challenges at work and if you did how did you celebrate your courage?

  • Self reflection; article by Stephen Fleming, University College. London

    This is thought provoking;

    By boosting self awareness in our daily lives we might notice things we haven’t noticed before in ourselves, in others and in our surroundings. These changes may permeate many aspects of our lives, because being self aware is central to how we experience the world, The kind of consciousness we cherish- the kind that allows us to appreciate the smell of coffee, reflect on the beauty of a sunset- involves ‘meta awareness ‘, a state of knowing that we are conscious.

  • Vulnerability- your superpower?

    Vulnerability is definitely an under explored topic-for both men and women. Often seen as a weakness, I believe we should redefine it as a superpower which encompasses confidence, self awareness and authenticity.

  • Bologna and Cobalt Red

    Another glorious month in Bologna, living and speaking Italian. On our arrival hundreds of Bolognese were sporting blue and red colours. Their team had just reached the Champions leagues for the first time in 62 years. Know I loved the city especially when I saw cobalt blue and red napkins nestled together!

  • 50 clients and still going!



    When I set up my coaching business, Cobalt Red, just under 5 years ago, I decided that 20% of my work would be offered on a pro bono basis.

    I am delighted to announce that I have now coached over 50 pro bono clients from more than 12 African countries all of whom are the alumni of the African Leadership Academy (ALA). This seminal organisation takes the crème de la crème of young people from across the African continent. They are supported to complete their first degree, then often move on to Oxford, Harvard, Stanford and other prestigious universities for a second degree- be that a PhD or MBA.

    They are undoubtedly the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow and the coaching partnership I create with them is the catalyst for so much more.

    The experience is one which is challenging, rewarding and sometimes humbling-and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

    My thanks go to my clients, some of whom are listed below and those at ALA who helped to have it happen.