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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank so many of the amazing people I’ve worked with who have inspired me to write this book. From the Director of Organisation Development & People at Save the Children, Leonie Lonton, who perhaps never knew what an inspiration she was to me as my line manager during my time there. Leonie inspired me so greatly in her sheer drive to improve the lives of children, and in her ability to do so whilst always being such a genuinely kind person. And to the wonderful Pat Johnson, certainly one of the very finest colleagues and OD professionals I have worked with. Pat, you taught me so much about OD; from applying it in practice, to continuously working to develop ‘myself as an instrument’. My career aspiration continues to be to work with you again, and I feel so lucky to call you a dear friend.

I also want to thank my lovely friends and family who have supported me this year, personally and professionally. I’m blessed to have known many of my friends for nearly 30 years, and they have spurred me on to write the book that follows.

I would also like to thank all the amazing people at Practical Inspiration Publishing for supporting and, at times, cajoling me toward this finished book. And most of all, to Alison Jones of Practical Inspiration Publishing. You made me realise that writing a book could be more than a dream.

This book is dedicated to all the hidden voices in organisations; the people who are quietened, aren’t given the support to reach their potential or aren’t treated with the dignity and compassion they deserve. There really is another way.

And finally, this book is also dedicated to my little people, Martha and Sebastian. There are times that I haven’t been with you so that I could write this book. It is my small contribution to a world of work where one day I hope you’ll both be valued for being the uniquely, crazily special people that you are. I hope that one day you will find work that makes your heart and head sing too.

And so the book will open with a quote from Martha’s favourite story, for some of the best leadership and business lessons are to be found in stories:

Have courage and be kind.

[Cinderella, from the film, 2015]