October is a season of clarity, where we begin to notice those finer details and at P&M, we have reworked the traditional business plans (hear us out!) and have aligned our work with strategy cycles that work for us.
I am going to begin to share what this means in practice and have soft launched it over the last few months to see how it feels, if it works for our clients and the business. Don’t worry, I don’t plan to rip up all my commercial acumen but having been at Ideas Fest last month one of the key messages for me was to be more curious, this isn’t about taking risks, it is about moving out of comfort zones.
Brief Highlights: Listening to a panel with Simon Squibb and Simon Alexander Ong, on Big Dream Energy, meeting lots of other founders, some at start up stage, some established, all keen to understand what others do. I listened to female founders discuss the power of purpose, and how this drove decision making, ‘shenanigan’s’ from the Board room and understanding the dynamics of Boards and egos, conversations around how to manage equity and how to scale with an exit on the horizon.
Meeting Ruby Wax was pretty cool too, especially after a mindfulness session in a thunderstorm, an experience I won’t forget!
Personally I came away with new ideas, reflections on the plans already taking shape and it was the perfect timing as this month is all about redefining, tweaking, and clarifying exactly how I want P&M to show up as we head into the last 3 months of 2025.
Do you have capacity?
It’s a question we are asked often.
The answer isn’t always simple. Many of our clients work with us on rolling contracts or specific projects, so depending on when you ask, the response can vary. Saying no is a boundary I’ve learned to honour over time (after too many evenings spent working because I said yes). There are also seasons when we have space, and that familiar BD hat comes back on, keeping an eye on cash flow and future planning.
This is something we are intentionally shifting.
Looking ahead, 2026 planning is already underway and as financial budgets begin to take shape, we are opening up more time in April to partner with organisations who share our values and want to build with intention.
This might look like:
- Fractional CPO or HRD support with a strategic focus
- A clear-eyed HR audit to understand what’s in place and what’s next
- Investing in leadership and culture, starting top down with a coaching mindset
If you are also planning ahead and want to explore how we might work together, now is a good time to begin a conversation.
Invitation to set intentions
This month is about creating space for deeper coaching conversations, thoughtful decisions, and reconnecting with what matters.
At the end of September, we joined The Founders Sanctuary with Helen McGuire, a space rooted in the belief that investing in ourselves allows us to better serve others. That spirit is woven into our work this October, as we welcome both new and returning coaching clients.
As we are planting seeds now, we invite you to ask yourself a question.
What part of you is ready to be heard?
You might not know exactly why coaching is calling, or have the right words for it, but something in your rhythm, your leadership, or your energy might be asking for attention. Listen a little closer as this might be the right season to begin, either working alongside us or investing ahead of our next cycle in spring.
Working with P&M
Our focus is on connecting with clients who care about their people. This means investing in experienced, knowledgeable HR support.
Ways to connect:
Fancy a coffee and chat, we are creating space in the diary this month so feel free to suggest a date.
And finally….
Back to recommending things I enjoy.
Where to find me:
Hri Annual Conference, this is the first year able to attend ( did you know in 2022 I was a finalist in the Inspirational Indie 2022 awards, and this year, will be supporting Kate who is a finalist in the same category!
What to read/ listen to:
I have now read 26 books so already hit the ’25 in 2025’ goal so looking for recommendations to see me through to the end of the year.
Some highlights so far:
The Bookbinder of Jericho and The Kashmir Shawl
The Panic Years and The Female Founder Formula
These podcasts may seem polar opposite, but at the heart of both is around connection with others and provide some really interesting insights.
Mo Gawdat and Steve Bartlett discussing AI and the impact in the near future on the world, work and humanity.
How to be in Love, some really interesting conversations on human connections, especially the Stephen Fry episode.
Till November…
Alice