Field Notes

  • An act of refusal

    An act of refusal

    During my last morning briefing, I stood in front of the staff and cried. No composed delivery, no careful framing. Just the truth of it: that I was an emotional wreck, that I was deeply grateful, that they had shown me something about care and belonging I would carry with me. My body knew before…

  • Leaving well – the Hanoi edition

    Leaving well – the Hanoi edition

    Noticing the small things through a big change.

  • What I learned from failing at self-care

    What I learned from failing at self-care

    It was 3.15pm, and my lunch sat on the table, cold and untouched. Midway through a meeting, someone I line-managed said, “Please finish your lunch?” I realised I needed permission from those I looked after to care for myself. For 20 years, I worked as Simon Sinek (2014) describes: leaders eat last. I believed it.…