Starting in an unusually upbeat tempo - and so long as I avoid too much observation and commentary on the current state of politics it could stay that way. If only that were possible

The last desperate lashings of a government that has lost its moral authority & knows it is limping towards irrelevance is firmly in the spotlight once more. Others are more articulately expressing outrage about the attacks on the sick & disabled and clampdowns on 'sicknote culture'. But I couldn't help noticing that at the same time

The weekly round up of stuff that is in my head - in no particular order. Submitted last years' tax return - one bit of bureaucracy I always used to leave until the last minute. Now pleased to have it out of the way for another year. Been focused largely on two ongoing pieces of work

Met with an old friend this week - he's my age but his children are quite a bit younger and are at various stages of leaving home: moving back to the States, going to University or travelling on their gap year. 'I just worry that that's it - we've had the best times and now

Went to see Paul Weller's pre-tour warm up show on Tuesday with my friend and neighbour as trailed last week. I've seen him many times over the years - for good and bad. And this was one of the best - maybe because it was a 'warm up' the band were able to be

Which means I'm 1/4 way through the challenge to write a blog every week. Still making granola too - which is getting better each time. Unlike the blog. The quarter is drawing to a close - as is the financial year athough not my business year so I've been distracted chasing invoices, preparing VAT returns and

There was a large stage of my career when I was approached regularly by 'recruiters' / 'executive search partners' / 'headhunters' for a range of exciting roles for which I was allegedly uniquely positioned. Latterly most approaches - when they come - tend to be for Chair or other non-Exec Board roles. Still flattering to

Weekly blog - as I confirmed to an old colleague last week 'I just sit down for 20 minutes and write it in one draft'

Weekly blog continuing into month 3 - becoming almost habitual and at times cathartic. Having made the rookie consultant error of not thinking about next assignments when in the middle of a busy period I have found myself with a bit more time on my hands over the last week or so. Been good to re-charge,

We seem to have entered a world without political shame - the likes of which I don't remember seeing before. I grew up under the Thatcher governments of 80's. They were at times dreadful and we to a large extent are still living with their consequences - be that in damaged communities, lack of access