On Patterns, Pausing and Perspective
To You, My Thinking Partner
A new year. A sense of starting again. Longer days, fresh energy, and Spring quietly on its way.
I’m usually one to lead the charge on new intentions, but this year I’ve kept it simple — just two.
The first: leaving my phone downstairs at night. A game-changer. I’m reading more, sleeping better, and really noticing the absence of the constant stimulation that bedtime scrolling creates.
The second: daily meditation. Just ten minutes — often still lying in bed as I wake — giving my mind and body some quiet before the day begins. What’s surprised me is how accessible that calm has become; a familiar place I can return to during the day when I need perspective.
Small changes. Meaningful impact.
January’s Inspirations
Diary of a CEO Podcast — Tony Robbins
I’ve never been a huge Tony Robbins follower. I’d heard enough about the scale and spectacle of his retreats to approach this conversation with a healthy dose of scepticism.
And yet — I stayed with it.
There were familiar themes: focus (“your life becomes what you focus on”), AI, and the importance of continuous learning. But what stood out most for me was his thinking on patterns.
A few reflections that lingered:
If I’m feeling uncertain or fearful, what pattern might I be missing? We operate within patterns — consciously (what’s worked before) and unconsciously (the wider context, the zeitgeist). His reminder that many of today’s challenges aren’t new was grounding. We’ve navigated similar moments before. And while periods of disruption can feel chaotic, I remain hopeful that our collective greater awareness will lead to better outcomes this time.
Change starts with state, not strategy. Tony speaks about change being comprised of strategy, story, and state — and challenges the instinct to start with how. Instead, he argues that lasting change begins with belief: the internal state that says, this is possible. When that belief shifts, the story we tell ourselves — and others — becomes more confident, credible, and compelling. That belief is what sustains momentum when complexity and distraction inevitably arise.
The Jigsaw
I love a jigsaw at this time of year. I found a 1,000-piece one while putting away our Christmas decorations, and it’s been quietly taking shape on my countertop in January.
What’s struck me is how closely the process mirrors leadership and life.
Clear vision builds confidence One thousand pieces can feel daunting, but with time, patience, and a clear picture of where you’re going, progress becomes inevitable.
Process and early momentum matter Edges first. Then the most distinctive sections. Small wins bring motivation and gather momentum.
Trusting the gaps I completed the edges — minus two pieces. A friend called over, glanced at the pile, and found both within minutes. Sometimes perspective is all that’s needed.
Comfort with ambiguity Some evenings feel chaotic — too many pieces, no obvious answers. Then something clicks, momentum returns, and clarity begins to emerge.
What I love most is the focus it demands, the visible progress, and the space it creates for reflection. There’s something deeply settling about it. Apparently, jigsaw puzzles can induce a meditative flow state that reduces stress and anxiety. I don’t doubt it
Client Insights This January
January has been a reset month for many of my clients.
From communicating a refreshed strategy, to making the decision to finally sell, preparing for shareholder events, or stepping into leadership of a newly formed division — the common thread has been quiet clarity.
Not rushed. Not reactive. But thoughtful, deliberate, and grounded.
That clarity doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from experience, creating time to think, considering multiple perspectives, and allowing space to ask why and why not.
This is conscious leadership: present, reflective, confident, and intentional.
The leaders who deliver consistently are those who step out of the noise to think — to be challenged, to test assumptions, and to gather their own thinking — so they can lead with conviction and calm when it matters most.
Scaling with Impact
Over the past year, many CEOs I work with have shared a similar realisation:
Scaling is no longer about doing more — it’s about thinking better.
In 2026, I’ll be working with a small number of CEOs through Scaling with Impact — a senior advisory partnership designed to support leaders navigating complexity, growth, and critical decision-making.
This work is for CEOs who want:
clearer strategic thinking
stronger alignment at leadership and board level
space to think well about the decisions that truly matter
If this resonates, you’re welcome to reply or message me — no pitch, just a thoughtful conversation to explore whether it’s the right fit.
With thanks
Thank you for reading, reflecting, and thinking alongside me. It’s a privilege to work with leaders who care deeply about how they lead — not just what they achieve.
I hope you’re welcoming Spring, new beginnings, and enjoying the longer days.
Elaine x