THE OUTPOST

12.25

Welcome to December, 

The month where nature reminds us that rest is not retreat, but renewal.

Fallen Oak leaves

Here are three of my favourite things to look for in the UK this month:

🐦‍⬛ 1. Winter Thrushes 
🌲 2. Evergreens 
🌤️ 3. Early Sunrise

As the year leans into its darkest days, take a moment outside to notice what’s still holding its colour, its shape, its presence.

Where can you find colour in these dark December Days - in an experience, in a connection, in a conversation, in nature? 🧡 🌲 

"As you start to walk on the way, the way appears. Clarity doesn't come before action. It comes from action." — Rumi.

Industry presence isn’t about being loud

It's about having the courage to step beyond your title, your immediate priorities, and your familiar networks to contribute where it matters most.

When you expand your influence beyond your walls, you:

• Strengthen your strategic value within your company and externally with your next move

• Build credibility and trust beyond your role

• Open doors for collaboration and innovation

• Shape conversations that define the future of your field

Below are 4 reflection areas - an invitation to lean into that challenge, even when it feels uncertain.

1. Expand your horizon

Reflection prompts:

• Where were you most focused on the "now" at the expense of the "next"

Action ideas:

• Block a monthly "future scan" session to explore trends, challenges, and opportunities

2. Become a trusted voice

Reflection prompts:

• What's a topic or cause I'm passionate about that my industry needs to hear more about?

Action ideas:

• Share insights publicly once a month through an article, talk, or panel.

3. Build adaptive leadership

Reflection prompts:

• How do I respond to disruption: with curiosity or defensiveness

Action ideas:

• Stay close to trusted data sources and sector reports and share distilled insights with your network.

4. Lead for legacy

Reflection prompts:

• How do I want to be remembered in my industry

Action ideas:

• Identify one high-impact action for the next month that extends beyond your remit.

A closing thought for you- the leader you're meant to be doesn't stop at the edge of your organisation's chart.

We would love to know your thoughts on this or ways you might introduce these actions into your life. Use the button below to get in touch. 

 A MOMENT OF OUTSPIRATION

Downloadable resource- Stephen Covey’s Circles of Influence

When you know change is coming but have no idea when or what it will bring, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost control.

RED JANUARY

A community dedicated to improved wellbeing through physical movement, and we start every year with a campaign to make winter a positive and energising experience. 

Get in touch if you are interested in joining Jon Salmon and me in team 'I like to move it' for January 2026. We have a WhatsApp group to motivate the team to get up and moving in the dark, grey month of January. 🥾

Nature-led coaching in wild places, for calm, clarity & lasting impact. 

Do you know someone stuck in the fog? Read this LinkedIn post. 

The Outspire: vision in fog, calm in the chaos,

direction in the drift.