Apprentice Achievements

What was your favourite job?

In the early 80’s I was lucky enough to secure a job as a cleaner/labourer in an engineering company.

New Year Resolutions

As we head towards the end of our first week in 2024 are you considering making some New Years Resolutions or are you already falling away from the ones you made at 3.00am on New Years day with a glass in your hand?

Education Demystified

I've written my first article for the The Rennie Johnson Foundation looking at how we can demystify education. I'd love to hear your thoughts

We’ve kissed some frogs

During the pandemic many people took the opportunity to evaluate their lives with some making the decision to leave, or change their jobs in an attempt to improve their work-life balance

Mis-Take

I have moments of relative genius when I can read a room & make all the right decisions, but I also fail epically too, getting things completely wrong.

The Importance of Trust

Throughout our lives trust is often something that’s implied, unspoken & relied upon without us ever having a conversation about its foundational importance in a relationship.

Looking Back On 2021

In a year when the mainstream media have consistently annoyed me & I’ve taken 125 Lateral Flow Tests so far, all of which have been negative, I’ve been looking back on our second consecutive year of disruption caused by the COVID pandemic.

Are Your Struggling with Career Confusion?

It’s that time of the year again as thousands of young people are thinking about & planning their careers.

Is This Our Winter of Discontent?

As a child I didn’t feel the impact of the 1978/79 winter industrial action but it’s current historical comparison 42 years later fills me with a sense of sadness & dread.

Think Differently

We’re on a journey to being outstanding Now I know this is a bold statement & one which some may argue isn’t possible to achieve, but I believe it is & I’ve said it out loud so we’ve nowhere to hide now!

Education Isn't One Size Fits All

When I was at school I loved History, Math's, Science & Metalwork, & importantly I wanted to love English, but I struggled.

I'm Tired of Being Tired

I’ve been pretty quiet with my blogging (ness) over the past few weeks & I was struggling to understand where my inspiration for such mind blowing, thought provoking snippets had gone. What?

Exercising both Mind & Body

My swimming restarted last week having stopped in March 2020 & although my achiness knows no bounds, & the pool needs to introduce an extra slow lane, it really is great to be swimming again.

Don't Take Things for Granted

It’s never easy when we lose someone we love & even when we recognise that age &/or illness create a tone of inevitability, it still hurts!

Rediscover Your Inner Child

I was out for my early morning run when I had an overwhelming urge to just skip down the road.

Stop & Just Breathe

When was the last time you just stopped & looked up to marvel at the sky or enjoyed an uninterrupted walk in the woods?

Comfort in Mediocrity

Just like any other day I woke up at about 4.30am, but unlike other days I wanted to turn over and go back to sleep.

You’ll Just Feel a Little Prick

I received my first vaccine last week and the aching, bruised feeling I experienced in my arm was dwarfed by my feeling of pride & patriotism.

Speaking your own truth

As I start to increase my training in preparation for the Virtual London Marathon in October it’s becoming increasing clear that my 15-year marathon running gap has caught up with me.

In the Service of Others

Engineering is my passion, particularly engineering manufacture (making stuff from metal) & I love the smells & sounds associated with a workshop.

Enjoy the Little Things

In a moment of what can only be described as lockdown lunacy I along with some of my colleagues entered the virtual London Marathon taking place in October, setting ourselves the challenge of either building or maintaining a level of fitness and supporting our chosen Charity, Mary’s Meals.

Your Excuses Are Valid. What Now?

I recently listened to a podcast in which Vusi Thembekwayo, a South African business leader, was being interviewed.

Is It Unreasonable to be Unreasonable?

George Bernard Shaw said “the reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man”.

Discovering Your Purpose

Teaching was at best generic and devoid of passion in the critical years leading up to exams & I couldn’t visual how I’d use the information being imparted by our teachers.

I'll Procrastinate Tomorrow

I was set a deadline by colleagues to write a blog for publication every Monday & my musing on procrastination are the first to be written on time!

How Often Do You Fail?

I am an epic failer, no that’s not a spelling mistake, but I’m also an epic tryer which pretty much lends itself to the former statement.

Is Education Poverty Exclusive to Developing Countries?

Education has been the cornerstone of societal growth across the globe & throughout the ages.

Lockdown Opportunities

You can be forgiven for the incredulous look you’ve just given the above title but please bear with me before throwing something heavy in my direction.

Podiatry - Good for the Soul

I’ve been regularly visiting a podiatrist for a few years, not because of an underlying problem with my feet, but to avoid this happening as I, erm, mature!