Field Notes
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The container and the thing
There’s a bridge in Hanoi that rusts and rattles and carries the city’s history in its steel bones. Long Biên isn’t a typically beautiful bridge. But every time I saw it or crossed it, whether on the back of a Grab bike weaving through scooters and delivery drivers, or walking it with a friend while…
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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…
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Leaving well – the Hanoi edition
Noticing the small things through a big change.
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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.…
Gemma Archer 