Thinking Success UK

What a week it’s been…

I don’t often share the detail behind the days, but this one feels worth pausing for.

I’ve just submitted my first “proper” assignment for my Global DBA — challenging doesn’t even begin to cover it, but hugely rewarding and learned lots.

Alongside that:
• Supported one of my senior leader through a mentoring session, while keeping my Senior Leadership Apprenticeship learners at Durham University on track.
• Wrapped up two cohorts of a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualification — genuinely excited to see what this group goes on to achieve
• Delivered 3 coaching sessions with senior leaders, focusing on confidence, strategy and real-world delivery

And, perhaps most importantly…
I also took on the role of “top DJ” at a school disco 🎧

Real life is about balance so I’ll be doing all things family this weekend.

Some weeks are about progress you can measure. Others are about showing up, staying consistent, and keeping momentum going—even while keeping my tired looking eyes at bay.

Well today was the day… first day of my Global DBA at Durham University Business School with emlyon business school. I’ve already met some amaizing people. Looking forward to where this will take me and Thinking Success UK One day down….5years 364 days to go

Merry Christmas for those we have worked with that celebrate this holiday. We wish you a restful break and look forward to the New Year.

This week was the start of the Durham University Business School, Senior Leadership Apprenticeship. As a mentor I’m looking forward to sharing in the experiences of the students and how I can support their success.

Our main focus at Thinking Success UK from the very start is:

Training should make your job easier, not harder.

Good development isn’t about impressive theory, glossy slides, or ticking a box. It should directly apply to your role, help you tackle real challenges, and support you to progress with more confidence and less stress.

When training is done well, people:
• Use it immediately
• Make better decisions
• Communicate more effectively
• Feel more capable and in control
• Get results faster

So how do you spot great training? Here are a few things to look for:

🔹 Practical application – Can you clearly see how this will help you in your role next week, not “one day”?
🔹 Real experience – Is the trainer someone who’s actually done the job, led teams, and handled pressure?
🔹 Relevance – Does it reflect the reality of your organisation, your people, and your challenges?
🔹 Simplicity – The best training makes complex things feel clearer, not more confusing.
🔹 Support beyond the session – Real development happens in the application, not just the room.

This latest Senior leadership Apprenticeship has really been designed with application in mind.

If you’re looking for something more bespoke or a shorter programme that can make a real difference, we can share some ideas, so just give us a call.



📸 About the photo:
Taken at Durham University Business School in their riverside building, this image shows around 70 apprentices, mentors and professors gathered on the main staircase — a real mix of people, backgrounds and experience, all starting the programme together.

I’ve just finished delivering a Net Zero course, and honestly — it’s opened my eyes in ways I didn’t expect.

Net Zero is new territory for me, but the more I’ve learned, the clearer it’s become that this isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a leadership one. It’s about how we think, make decisions, and inspire others to act responsibly and creatively in a changing world.

The delegates I met were brilliant — curious, passionate, and full of ideas that could make a real difference in their organisations. It reminded me that great leadership starts with curiosity, not perfection.

A few reflections for any business thinking about Net Zero:
Start small — small actions lead to bigger shifts in mindset.
Involve your people — when values align, change sticks.
Think long-term — sustainability isn’t a project, it’s a direction.

I’ve loved every conversation over the last couple of weeks and feel genuinely inspired to keep learning and helping others lead the change. 🌱

Would you be confident to say you’re an expert?

A new way to market your business — by confidently sharing your expertise.

I often meet people who shy away from declaring their expertise, talents, knowledge, skills or the things they’re genuinely great at.
Sometimes it’s a mix of self-belief, worry that we’ll be challenged or proven wrong, or even fear of sounding boastful.

But here’s the truth — when it comes to your business, you owe it to yourself and others to be clear about what you’re great at, what expertise you offer, and the value you bring.

Because the new way to market your business isn’t just about shouting louder, spending more, or chasing the latest trend — it’s about revealing your expertise with confidence and authenticity.

If you’re genuinely an expert in something, hiding it serves no one.
Your audience, clients and community are looking for people who know their stuff and can show up with clarity and confidence.

That’s why I’d like to recommend .com
a simple, practical approach to help you share your expertise in a way that feels natural, credible and compelling.

It’s designed to help you:
* Identify and own your true expertise
* Communicate it confidently across your marketing
* Build trust, visibility and influence in your industry

If you’ve ever struggled to talk about what you’re great at without feeling awkward, this system will help you find your voice and use it powerfully.

Would you like me to share a quick overview of how it works, let’s schedule some time, or I can share a link for you to have a look around the system.

We are delighted to announce that Erica Thomson has joined Thinking Success UK as an associate trainer and consultant on the 1st of October. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and skill including:
⭐️ Over 35 years experience in education and training.
⭐️2 years specialising in workplace wellbeing.
⭐️ Expertise in personal development, mental health awareness, emotional intelligence, anger management and resilience.
We welcome her and we’ll be sharing some of her popular programmes you or your business could get involved in.

Well today marked the last day of our visiting fellows programme at Durham University Business School. Today we had guest presenter Kat Sykes from MIND Your Business to help us think about the moments that have brought us to this point, and the strategic focus going forward.

I personally have had such a life changing year and Thinking Success UK is on a trajectory I can only imagine at this point, but I look forward to sharing my moments along the way.

Thank you to Jonathan Kimmitt for making the programme such an engaging and enjoyable experience and truly listening to the challenges we have as business owners, and tailoring the sessions to give us exactly what we need. Thanks to Jeffrey Hughes David Johnson and Katherine Kirby for your continued support and guidance.

And finally, but definitely not least thanks to Sarah Price Kirsty Waite🦉 John Graham David Swithenbank Scott Wilson-Laing Kelly M. Whitfield 🚀 Kevin Price Robert Smith and Marie for sharing your thoughts honestly, cheerleading and being my best Lego buddies. I can’t wait to hear about all your success.

Here’s a pic of some of my Lego just so you can see my artistic flare 😊 and yes that is an elephant…