Author Archives: James

About James

I've been an unconventional leader since I was a teenager. First with the scout movement, then the Territorial Army. After university I joined the UK civil service on a graduate management development programme. My career is now in its third decade and I've worked in Finance, HR, policy, strategy, IT, change, operations management and internal consultancy. Over the years I've mentored, coached and developed dozens of senior managers and hundreds of people.

Innovation – what exactly is innovation?

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

Innovation, like strategy, is constantly talked about yet greatly misunderstood. Government and business alike talk of innovation as driving economic growth. Innovation is a Holy Grail. So what is it? What is Innovation? I think that the best definition is ‘an idea Continue reading Innovation – what exactly is innovation?→

Brexit – what will the European Union do?

Posted on by — 3 Comments ↓
The EU before Brexit

Brexit won’t be an amicable parting or a conscious uncoupling. Brexit will be a very messy and spiteful divorce. Continue reading Brexit – what will the European Union do?→

Tending Leaders – Looking after our own leaders

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

The Kings of War (KOW) blog asked an interesting question a week or so ago. How good are we at tending leaders? Leadership is Lonely While the KOW blog has a military perspective the original thought came from a police Continue reading Tending Leaders – Looking after our own leaders→

E.Q. Librium by Yvette Bethel [Book Review]

Posted on by — 1 Comment ↓
Book Cover for E.Q. Librium by Yvette Bethel

E.Q. Librium Unleash the Power of Your Emotional Intelligence: A Proven Path to Career Success by Yvette Bethel My rating: 4 of 5 stars E.Q. Librium E.Q. Librium is a very useful reference work aimed at helping people understand their Continue reading E.Q. Librium by Yvette Bethel [Book Review]→

Lessons in Leadership from Andrew Strauss

Posted on by — No Comments ↓
Andrew Strauss who shared lessons in leadership

I was lucky enough to hear Andrew Strauss speak about the lessons in leadership he has learnt as a cricket captain and then as Director of Cricket England. Andrew Strauss has led the England cricket team to win the ashes three Continue reading Lessons in Leadership from Andrew Strauss→