Fire & Legacy - Stefan’s Week-notes 25/04/2025
Inspired by the weeknotes of friends and coachees including John Fitzgerald, Steve Messer and Nour Sidawi - I thought I'd give it a go.
Inspired by the weeknotes of friends and coachees including John Fitzgerald, Steve Messer and Nour Sidawi - I thought I'd give it a go.
Fire- Weeknotes
Here's a dive in to the happenings of the past week.
Work
Coaching
This week was rich with connection and forward-facing energy.
I thoroughly enjoyed a session with a leader and influencer in the digital space—someone shaping bold ideas in innovative landscapes. We explored their long-term vision and how their current work is deeply connected to that purpose. Together, we uncovered how their current platform could serve as a playground and prototyping ground for future strands of impact, rather than a ‘dead end’.
Changing the narrative about their endeavours and finding ways to connect it to a positive future shifted something significant. I'm excited to work through the next steps with them.
It was one of those sessions that reminded me why I love this work: vision, purpose, and play all intertwined. And, of course, any session that references Rage Against the Machine gets me excited!
A deeper theme of legacy was also woven throughout the week, surfacing in multiple conversations.
Mentoring
This week, I held several mentoring sessions for my friend and Extraordinary Collective founder, @angela_mclelland, as part of our digital boost programme on behalf of the Liverpool City Region. The standout session was with a brilliant consultant stepping into self-employment for the first time.
Struggling with self-doubt, it was important to tread softly during our session. My role as a coach is to help people find their way ad sometimes that involves expressing the unsaid; ion this case - “it’s not going to work is it”.
As a coach and mentor, my role is to be a catalyst for change, micro and macro - whether it sparks a “F*ck you, I can do this” moment or a more reflective, “Ok… I don’t like it, but I hear you. So, what shall I do about it?”
On this occasion, I received an email of thanks after the session: “You’re the first person who’s said that won’t work, but here’s how to make it work (in a really nice way).” Instead of telling them it would work, I offered honesty and helped them find a way forward.
I’ve offered an extra free session. - why? I believe in them, and they deserve access to the truth.
Meetings
1: Legacy Coaches
In a discussion with two legacy-focused coaches, we explored the systemic impact they wish to create and the challenges faced in finding a route in to creating meaningful change.
A core insight emerged: there’s a profound need for legacy work; many individuals haven’t fully articulated what that legacy is—or found the courage to pursue it.
I love this space and am looking forward to developing more in this space as I open out my new leadership arc to the world (see my what have I been writing this week session for more).
2: Charity CEO
In a separate conversation with a charity CEO, we delved into their organisation's future and the challenges of maintaining impact in a rapidly changing environment. We discussed the importance of creating or re-establishing a clear vision for the organisation’s legacy and the steps needed to ensure all team members contribute and and embrace this vision.
The CEO is acutely aware of the responsibility tied to their role. But this very awareness can become stifling. We addressed the necessity of courage in leadership—specifically, the bravery to define and chase a legacy that resonates beyond the organisation and into the communities they serve.
2. Rest
This week has been interesting; I haven’t ridden my bike due to unpacking boxes post-flat move and managing funeral arrangements for my dad alongside a busy schedule. I simply needed to focus on eating, sleeping, and resting. It’s been beneficial, and I’m feeling the natural inclination to get back on the bike, motivated by joy rather than obligation.
It reminded me of a quote by Elizabeth Gilbert, the American author best known for her memoir - Eat, Pray, Love - "Rest is not idle, a daydream, or an escape; it is a necessary and productive part of the creative process."
I will however be finding a new goal to be focused upon; last years 1000km bike race certainly focused my mind, body and spirit and I feel the need for some of that back.
3. Play
Cycling
See above
Guitar and Music
I picked up the guitar again this week and wrote a new song. This is a good sign.
I’m still listening to the latest album from Linkin Park on vinyl, along with revisiting my collections from Jeff Buckley and Rage Against the Machine but I’m being drawn back to later era Radiohead again.
Thats pleasing.
3. Sustenance
Friends: My mates Jason and Darren were unavailable for a brew up ride, but I enjoyed lovely phone conversations about future cycling plans and discussions on death and relationships with Jason.
Exercise: Engaged in a few yoga sessions and some walking; no bike rides or strength training this week as I said - i’m resting, hibernating even.
Family: Enjoyed wonderful catch-ups with my brother and sister while sorting out dad's affairs and funeral. I must make time to speak with my mum. This weekend with Will and Vera includes a football tournament Saturday PM and a visit to the newly opened Robin Hill on Sunday.
4. This Week's Writing
This week’s writing has focused on creating my new leadership arc, which I can’t wait to share with you in full. A bringing together of my journey over the past 20 years as a coach, alongside my recent work over the last two years with incredible leaders—good people committed to leading meaningful change.
What I’m embarking on is is a meaningful leadership pathway that is not simply linear; it’s a dynamic and enriching experience. And I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into it.
The arc begins with deep inner work to explore values and motivations, laying a strong foundation for everything that follows. From there, the arc engages in the outer layers of leadership, connecting with teams, peer circles, and organisations. Each step will build upon the last, creating a cohesive experience.
What excites me most is the opportunity to fully develop the “gatherings” or “oceans” that will accompany this journey. These gatherings will foster spaces for connection, collaboration, and shared learning, allowing us to delve even deeper into our collective work.
I can’t wait to share this with you and my clients, to see how our experiences intertwine and identify how they can elevate one another and my mission to help good people lead great things - to ultimately create a thriving planet.
5. What’s Gone Well
This week, I received exciting news from a leader in the public sector reflecting on the culmination of the hard work and dedication they put into co-creating a vision with their team.
It’s something we worked on together over 2 years, bringing a leadership team together first and then the wider department. It’s on the verge of being adopted by the organisation. Their commitment has clearly paid off, with ideas permeating the minds of many and shaping future plans.
Additionally, another coachee shared an organisational communiqué reflecting on a cultural and systemic change their team has been implementing. Their leadership embodies the essence of legacy in motion, demonstrating how effective leadership can quietly restructure the future and inspire others to embrace and continue the journey.
It’s also a sea change from whats gone before and is already reaping rewards in efficiency, time and has the potential to send ripples through the sector.
Such achievements highlight the power of collaborative effort and the importance of steadfast commitment to a vision. It’s also testament to what can happen when teams align around a common goal and work in a sustained, aligned way to see it through.
Again i’ve worked with the leader for the pst two years; integration personal, professional and life shifts.
6. What Could Have Gone Better?
This week I’m conscious that I’ve made less time for business development in recent months; and i’ve been posting a lot of thoughtful and reflective posts which have garnered some lovely comments and new connections. It reminds me, that I need to spell out more often what I do.
What do I do?
I help good people lead great things, people who are seeking to lead social, technological, educational, environmental, political, legal and ethical change. I do 1-1 coaching, team coaching, board facilitation and strategy work and also consult on change work.
I also develop coaches who want to do the same whether it be coaching them, mentoring them or running coach development programmes (NFU Mutual, Santander, Royal Mail and Birmingham City Uni)
Do I make that clear enough? Not always.
Who do I work with?
CEO’s, CPO’s, CFO, CTO, COO’s etc the board, ‘Senior leaders’, head of and architects of change.
But its not just there; It’s those aspiring to get into those positions whether they have realised it or not. Agents of change.
My work spans work, rest, play and sustenance - because you cant deliver change if it or you aren’t sustainable.
How many sessions?
You can book one session to test me, 3 sessions to test the process and work on a key change or work with me on a full coaching session.
it’s the same with a team, a board or an organisation.
Would you like to know more?
If you’d like to know more book an inquisitive session with me - 1 hour in which you ask me anything and I ask you anything; work related, process related, values related and what do you really want to lead type questions.
Calendly is on the way; for now - email me stefan@stefanpowell.co.uk
7. What Am I Reading?
This week I have started reading a new book - Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie - it’s one of the books own this years focus on books by female writes and leaders.
As I say, I’ve only just begin I’m struck by how relevant her insights are to my work as an executive coach. The book addresses the pressing issue of climate change, innovative solutions, and community resilience, which resonates deeply with me, serving as a reminder of the importance of proactive leadership in addressing today’s challenges.
I look forward to seeing how this read will enrich my understanding of sustainability and inform the conversations I have with leaders striving to lead truly great things in this world of ours.
8. What Am I Grateful For and what do I wish for?
I am deeply grateful for the coachees I work with, who have all reached out to ask how I am in light of my father’s passing. Each one took the time to stop and genuinely inquire, “How are you really?” It’s been lovely to feel that I can be held while also holding space for them in our coaching interactions. This real connection is far more than a working relationship—thank you.
This week, I wish for the focus and excitement to fully return so that I can embrace the joy of riding my bike again. There’s something about the freedom of cycling that makes me feel truly alive, with every turn of the pedals breathing energy into my spirit.
As Greg LeMond famously said, “It never gets easier; you just go faster.” This perfectly captures the thrill of cycling—each ride pushes me to grow and evolve, making every moment on the bike even more exhilarating.
Feeling good on a bike and in health generally make me more resilient and able to lean into big goals and big change and as I said above a stupendously ambitious. goal should work; any thoughts on what that could be - let me know.
9. Word of the week and a Question
This weeks word of the week is fire.
After a challenging six months, this week felt like a return to something vital. I couldn’t pick one word, so Fire and legacy are the words that’s come through for me—an ignition, a rekindling, a deep warmth and intensity. I’ve been working with some truly fabulous people through it all, and it feels like the spark I’ve been tending to is finally catching light again.
That sense of fire has been especially present as I gather together the very best of what’s worked over the past 2.5 years—alongside the wisdom drawn from the 20 years before that. I’m pulling it all into a coherent, compelling leadership arc and an aligned coaching programme. Once I’ve fully rationalised it, I’ll be sharing it with you.What future would you be willing to risk comfort, reputation, or certainty to help create—and are you truly living like it matters?
What future would you be willing to risk comfort, reputation, or certainty to help create—and are you truly living like it matters?
This question has been stirring beneath the surface this week, shaped by legacy work, values alignment, and the fire that’s starting to burn bright again. It’s the kind of question that doesn’t just invite reflection—it demands honesty, courage, and movement.
This question has been stirring beneath the surface this week, influenced by legacy work, values alignment, and the fire that is starting to burn bright again. It's that kind of question that demands reflection.
10. A Last Word from me: Legacy
We are all shaping something—whether we choose to or not. The invitation is to choose it, name it, and lead as though it matters. Each of us has the potential to leave a legacy that reflects our values and aspirations. Embracing the notion that our actions today can influence the future encourages us to engage with purpose and intention.
In the past few weeks, I lost my father a a dear friend Ian, founder of Northriad cycles. Ian built my high end gravel/racing bike the “explorer” and he is a great loss to his beautiful partner Jane, our community and the world of bike riding and at large.
This week and his legacy, remind us that leadership is not just about setting an example; it’s about creating a space where others can find their voice and have the courage to pursue their own legacies.
My dad did that for me, Ian does that for cyclists of all shapes, sizes and abilities whether on or off road.
As we step out of this week and into the coming week; let’s do so with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embrace both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. And together, let’s ignite our fires and lead with authenticity, passion, and conviction.
A thriving planet is worth it and we all need you.
Stefan
Enjoyed reading this? Consider doing one of these:
Get in touch - If any of this topic resonated with you and you have something you’d like to share with me or if you’d like to discuss working with me on this topic - stefan@stefanpowell.co.uk works really well for me.
Book an inquisitive session with me to find out more about what I do and how I do it or run a challenge or thought you have passed me.
Connect with me on linked in and read my long form posts on the rotating topics of Work, Rest. Play, Sustenance and Love every Thursday
Sign up to my newsletter ‘Be The Waves” here - which collates each weeks long form post on a monthly basis and you’ll get to read it later in the month
Follow me on strava.
For now; thank you
I am…
An executive coach who specialises in helping good people lead great things.
Good people care about others, our planet and beauty. Great things are changes for the betterment of society and all that lives within an around it.
It sounds big and fun - it is.
I'm also an endurance racing cyclist and a go. getter.
You can read more about me and what I do; how I work here