Dec 13, 2021Books I’ve read in 2021Some short reviews of what has inspired and entertained me this year — Continuing the tradition that I began last year with Books I’ve Read in 2020, I’m put together a list of all the books I read with my short review of each. I hope you’ll find some inspiration here! This year was dominated much more by fiction than last year (escapism…Books11 min readBooks11 min read
Nov 2, 2021Introducing: A Future UntoldMy new book on storytelling for systems change — The day has finally arrived. I still can’t quite believe that this day is real. …Storytelling6 min readStorytelling6 min read
Sep 16, 2021The Future: Revolution or Evolution?Some reflections to mark the 10th anniversary of Occupy — Today is my 40th birthday. Four decades I have spent navigating my body and mind through and across this Earth. Four decades of moving from childhood through adolescence into adulthood, and then slowly (and not without some regrettable moments), into a slightly wiser and more insightful version of my adult…Occupy Wall Street7 min readOccupy Wall Street7 min read
Aug 25, 2021Myth is not a dirty wordOn reclaiming the power of myth as guiding force for good — “Climate change is a myth” “Trickle down economics is a myth” “It’s a myth that gum takes seven years to digest in your stomach” What do these three phrases have in common? Putting aside the fact that they tend to be uttered by very different groups of people — climate…Storytelling9 min readStorytelling9 min read
May 18, 2021To Rant or to Invite Conversation?Shifting narratives by meeting people where they are at — Last year I wrote about coming out very publicly in my 2012 TEDx talk for the sake of telling an authentic story — which was after all, partly the focus of my talk. I originally wasn’t planning on including that particular part of my life story, but after some hearty…Narrative5 min readNarrative5 min read
Apr 13, 2021The Day That Decolonisation Became PersonalRe-authoring my inherited narratives of colonisation in Aotearoa New Zealand — I am a Pākēhā New Zealander. For the benefit of those reading from outside of New Zealand, what that means is that I am a Kiwi of European or non-Māori descent. In my case in particular, a half-Swiss, half 6th generation New Zealander of English and Irish ancestry. This heritage…Systemic Racism9 min readSystemic Racism9 min read
Published inAn Injustice!·Mar 18, 2021Making Peace with ParadoxOvercoming the Dualistic Mind to Save the World — The Roman god Janus is depicted with two faces. As the god of new beginnings and transitions, the month of January was named after him — he is thought to be simultaneously looking behind at the year that has been, and forward to the year ahead. …Paradox5 min readParadox5 min read
Feb 9, 2021Member-onlyThe Blessing and Curse of the 11th Hour SpannerI was warned. Be crystal clear on your audience. I was absolutely, duly warned. In fact, I even warned myself. Show, don’t tell. Human hearts and minds are convinced by story, not heavy rational arguments laced with statistics, facts, and figures. …Storytelling5 min readStorytelling5 min read
Dec 16, 2020Member-onlyBooks I’ve Read in 2020Short reviews of what has inspired and entertained me this year. — In late 2019, I decided to start recording all the books I read in a spreadsheet. Call me a geek, or an obsessive life-long learner, but it’s a habit I’ve decided to take forward into my life. …Books13 min readBooks13 min read
Nov 24, 2020Member-onlyOvercoming The ClownWhen our stories of self no longer serve us — As I entered my final year of primary school at age 10, I had one singular wish. I wanted nothing more than to be a student road warden who helped kids to cross the road at the pedestrian crossings near our school. I wanted to wear the bright orange vest…Stories6 min readStories6 min read