Kids scream...

Uncategorised

December 13, 2023

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5 min read

‘I just want to scream,’ cried the main character of a TV drama during a slight spat.

To which the co-lead replied ‘Maybe you should. Kids scream all the time. And then they’re happy the rest of the time. And adults, we just try to keep everything stuffed in a box that explodes every once in a while, and hurts people.’

Well, ain't that the truth, I couldn’t help but think as I watched on. We could do with learning a lot from children...

The series is Catastrophe and, if like me, you’re late to that particular party – it’s a slightly dark (and not for everyone) brilliant gritty and raw comedy about - well – grown up life.

Currently whichever way we choose to look, we’d be forgiven for perhaps thinking there’s catastrophe at every turn; the war in Ukraine, the utter horror in Gaza, widespread human suffering, impossibly soaring global debt not to mention our diminishing natural habitat and rising temperatures.

But as the wonderful Benjamin Zephaniah, RIP, said ‘ Nothing is as it seems. Seeing is not believing. Sometimes... you have to feel, touch, experience... and use your intelligence. ‘

In a fractured world that has a lot of scared, dispossessed and desperate people in it, we need the combined power of our compassion, love and intelligence. Outstanding individuals and organisations are busting a gut to do the right thing and facilitate change. It has and continues to be humbling and a privilege to work alongside some of them.

It's important, I believe, to also celebrate all the positive things going on in the world - the kindness and care, the coming together of communities, the many incredible advancements and numerous discoveries happening all over the world.

This year we have cleaned a tiny bit of ocean, supported Crisis and made a donation to Hope for Tomorrow, an incredible charity that brings mobile cancer care units into the community in huge trucks. They’re manned by incredible NHS nurses... they could be angels?

Howsoever you celebrate this festive season, have a wonderful time, bask in the joy of the small things and if you need to, a scream (or talking with someone) can be quite cathartic...

See you in the New Year.

With love and light,

Kate

Kate Tojeiro is an Executive Coach & Mentor to executives and leaders across the world from Fortune 500 and FTSE 250 companies through to small cutting edge start-ups, an Advisory Board member at Hybrid Air Vehicles, author of The Art of Possible and an Ambassador for Child Of.

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Kate’s coaching has had a profound effect on me professionally and personally accelerated career growth, confidence, conviction, authenticity in all that I do. I gained clarity on my drivers and others perceptions; the nudge when I needed it, the right questions to get to the core issues holding me back, allowing me to push through my limits and turn potential into world class performance.

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Kate's coaching has been instrumental in helping me transition from "working in" my business to "working on" it. Through her guidance, I've been able to step back and understand where my true value lies within my company. This has allowed me to concentrate on the most urgent and strategic activities needed to advance my business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I highly recommend Kate!

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I’ve worked with Kate during two pivotal stages of my career: first as a mid-level manager at a multinational resources company and more recently over the past four years as I stepped into my first CEO role. Kate takes the time to truly understand you-not just as a professional, but as a person-building a foundation of trust that makes her guidance incredibly impactful. Her ability to listen deeply, offer fresh perspectives, and gently highlight when I may be veering towards the irrational is invaluable. While our sessions often feel like informal chats, she has a unique way of reframing challenges and inspiring me to take action, particularly in areas where I tend to procrastinate. Whether coaching in person or online, Kate consistently brings her wealth of knowledge, the latest research, and unwavering support. She has my back and has undoubtedly helped me grow and become more effective as a leader. I highly recommend her as a coach.

Ryan Cavanagh

CEO, Timberland, NZ

Sitting down with Kate for the first time was the result of a serendipitous series of events, but she was critical to transforming my perspective. I’d been eyes down in a fast paced, jet-lag induced career for twenty years. Kate gave me the space, time and perspective to look up. Now a permanent feature in my life, she unlocks the best in me, and keeps me focused.

Ben Whattam

Co-founder and CEO, RisingGen

It has been a privilege to work with Kate as my executive coach, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the impact she has had on my professional growth. Kate brings a remarkable level of insight and intuitive understanding to each session and quickly identifies the core issues I ‘m facing. Her ability to listen deeply and provide tailored feedback helped me gain clarity on my strengths and areas of growth. She offered invaluable strategies for relationship management and guidance on navigating complex organizational, cultural and geographical dynamics that I had previously struggled with. Kate helped me develop practical skills and also empowered me to make confident, strategic decisions. I highly recommend Kate to any executive looking to elevate their career and deepen their impact.

Eileen Graber

CFO, PSABDP

I’ve worked with Kate prior to and since becoming Senior Partner of Kingsley Napley, and I’ve always found her support invaluable. She’s very perceptive and is a good listener, and she’s helped me step back and reflect in a more considered way. At the same time, she isn’t afraid to question and challenge, and has helped me to see different perspectives and opportunities. I’ve also really valued her advice and experience. She’s well connected and has clearly worked with those holding leadership roles in a variety of sectors, including in professional services.

James Fulforth

Senior Partner, Kingsley Napley

Kate has an incredible ability to challenge you with finesse, pushing you gently, yet firmly, toward breakthroughs you once considered out of reach, pushing you out of your comfort zone all while making you feel completely comfortable in your own skin. I can’t recommend Kate enough for anyone looking to unlock their potential and lead with confidence and clarity.

Oktawia Cannon

Director, People and Culture

I recently had the pleasure of participating in an all day workshop that Kate facilitated. Her ability to bring a group to a place of openness and transparency, to make progress forming as a team was absolutely fantastic. She brings to her work a great balance of both practical and academic insights, with the right amount of fun to keep everyone fully engaged! I look forward to finding more ways to leverage Kate and her teams talents to help us all be better, work better and do better for all those we impact.

Accenture

SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR

I cannot speak more highly of Kate. She is the single most influential individual I have met in the past couple of years in terms of my development. Her compassion, empathy, tone (a wonderful mix of pragmatic and gentle yet direct) and positivity enabled me to view, accept and strengthen my authentic self. Thank you! I hope this is the beginning of a long, great relationship.

FTSE 250

HEAD OF LEGAL

NYSE Global Management Consultancy

Senior Managing Director

Kate is a brilliant executive coach, very insightful and extremely observant. She approaches questions with empathy, practical answers and yet without leaving objectivity and structure.

GLOBAL BANK

HEAD OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Having interviewed and observed approximately 500 executive coaches in my role at HSBC, Kate stood out. She has the ability to challenge you, bring out the best in you, dig deep and see more in you than you ever believe you can do yourself.

HSBC

DIRECTOR

Kate is an amazing and insightful person and I found working with her to be highly rewarding and of great value. Her ability to help you recognise your own potential and see things more clearly would have been called witchcraft in the 17th century!

TECHNOLOGY CO.