This quote by John Burroughs from Julia Camerons' book 'The Artists Way" has become the brand and tag for my coaching practice.
A statement of faith and a commitment to keep on trying new things because everything we learn is distilled from our mistakes, errors, mis-judgements and hiccups.The shadow teaches us the most and the universe is generous with those who dare to try.
30 successful years in the music and media business working as musician, producer, composer and creative consultant have given me insights into the creative process, working to a deadline and a brief and performance stress and pressure.
As a musician LISTENING is my main tool. I can read nuance, subtle change and emotional inference in peoples voices to better understand you.
I ran a boutique record label for a while and understand the balancing act required to be a creative and in business.
I've experienced the frontline of a trade mark battle with a multinational corporation - a pretty unique insight for a sole trader which has led me to challenge and question both the motive and the methods of corporate and public organisations.
BPS accredited.Mentored and trained by 4 excellent and successful coaches.
I have a certificate in coaching accredited by The British Psychology Society (BPS) and Im an ISCP member.
Memberships gives me access to very high level supervisors ensuring the best possible support.
The CBT approach gives me some very practical and effective tools to the coaching process.
My career in music started before the digital revolution and the huge changes in behaviour, communication and values it brought . Adapting to a major change makes it much easier to help others do the same.
Living and working in 4 different countries has also built on my adaptability, as has being well travelled as a world touring artist :-
USA, Canada, Japan, S Africa, Brunei,France, Germany,Belgium,Spain,Italy,Sweden,Denmark,Australia, New Zealand, Holland,Yugoslavia, Mexico, Israel, Venzuela, Portugal, Switzerland, Brazil, Hungary, Norway, Morroco, Ethiopia, South Africa ,Greece,Italy.
Between 1996 and 1999 I worked with pop-soul singer Gabrielle. Initially playing guitar on her 2nd album, I was then entrusted with co-directing her band an 11 piece full soul band. Gabrielle’s experience up until that point had been performing in Clubs with backing tracks not with a live band and so my first task was a series of acoustic tours with just the two of us playing to intimate audiences and live tv and radio in Japan, USA and Europe.
The process of developing trust and slowly scaling up the experiences gave me a sensitivity to understanding how to take a colleague or client forward on a growth process, with Gabrielle that process contributed to her first Britpop award.
Working with Music is one of the best mediums to work with to develop deep listening skills. Years of playing, composing and producing have honed my ability to hear nuance, emotion and intent in a voice , valuable attributes in working closely with an individual client or group.
As a composer and producer l’ve had to turn on and off the creativity under pressure. I’ve worked with the 3 essentials of commissioned work- a budget a brief and a deadline. Writing music for BBC,Ch4,ITV,National Geographic,Sony and Sega has given me confidence in turning on a dime with difficult creative challenges and the politics that comes with that territory.
The ability to improvise is something many musicians take for granted and relish. This quality can be used other environments and can also be a catalytic energy within itself, helping to break patterns and cycles of thinking and operation.
I am deeply intuitive and can use this attribute to help empower others.
The live experience – performing in front and “reading “audiences night after night , dealing with the adrenal challenge of live television in front of live audiences or recording in a studio under pressure , such as the live take of “Walk on By” with Gabrielle with a full Orchestra at George Martin’s “Air” studios has created an ability to work under pressure and a willingness to be playful and creative in any scenario .
In Australia and New Zealand I spent time living and working on organic farms ,working with plant remedies and learning about Permaculture.
Observing the rhythms and patterns of nature has never been more important in guiding the choices and beahaviour of humans.
Gregory and Nora Bateson are major influences in my thinking.
2009- 2012 I worked as a Creative Producer for...
Kaleidio Communication Design in Melbourne. This gave me experience working with major public sector organisations including the Australian Government.
I learned about the challenges of public messaging and gained an understanding of decision making processes in scenarios with multiple stakeholders.Priceless experience for working with organisations and groups.