Field Notes
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Leaving well – the Hanoi edition
Noticing the small things through a big change.
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Why I left a role I was good at
When I left my last role, someone called me an “IB warrior.” It was meant as praise; a nod to the steadiness and care I brought. But it made me pause. What happens when work relies on those qualities without the systems to sustain them? In many sectors, capability is mistaken for resilience. Reliability is…
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The clarity of values alignment
Over the past year, I’ve had time to reflect on what truly shapes my growth and fulfillment. It’s not a single, dramatic moment that stands out, but rather a gradual realisation that has become increasingly clear with time. The most formative insight I’ve gained is this: I do not thrive in an environment where there…
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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.…
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Rethinking Leadership: My Journey Towards Authenticity and Growth
Leadership often demands strength, decisiveness, and self-sacrifice. But as I reflect on 2024, I’ve started to see recurring patterns in my leadership that sometimes conflict with my values. For a long time, I misinterpreted “servant leadership” as suppressing my own needs—a mindset that left me stuck in cycles that didn’t serve me or those I…
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Reflections on The Art of Standing Out: Leadership, Growth and Purpose
I’ve been sitting with Andrew Morrish’s The Art of Standing Out for a while now, letting its ideas settle and noticing where they resonate with my own experiences in leadership. It’s one of those books that doesn’t just offer practical advice but invites reflection and honest questions about how we show up as leaders—and why.…
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Show Your Work! Embracing the messy middle
My thoughts after reading Show Your Work by Austin Kleon. I frequently hesitate to share my work before it feels ‘finished.’ Perfectionism sneaks in, convincing me to hold back even when I know better. It’s something I often talk about with students—how embracing the messy middle can lead to growth and learning—but I also struggle…
Gemma Archer 