Just The Right Does of #NRG

After last week’s return, this week has been all about energy. Noticing it, borrowing it, lacking it… and being reminded just how powerful it can be in all the right places.

The Weekly Debrief

This week has been full of conversations with start-up founders, and I have to say, their energy is completely infectious. The passion, the belief, the sheer determination to make something work… It’s hard not to be swept up in it. That kind of #NRG is pretty special.

It did, however, get me reflecting on my own energy levels, which, if I’m honest, are not quite where they used to be. This was demonstrated rather clearly over the weekend when I decided (somewhat ambitiously) to tackle weeding the courtyard. Two days later… I’d done half. Half. And in the process, I discovered muscles I’d long forgotten, knees that strongly objected, and a level of stiffness that suggested I may not be as youthful as I like to think. Safe to say, note to self: time to get fitter.

The Week Ahead

Following on from last week, I’ve been reflecting on the traction conversation from my webinar, particularly the difference between motion and momentum. It’s easy to fill diaries and feel busy, but real traction comes from focused, intentional movement in a clear direction. A timely reminder as I head into a week of meetings to keep that energy purposeful.

On that note, I’ve set myself a goal of restarting my fitness journey. 10,000 steps a day and back to the Couch to 5K app. A little personal commitment to intentional movement (and, hopefully, slightly less complaining from my knees).

I’m heading back to the UK for a series of business meetings, and it's always a great opportunity to reconnect, refocus, and channel that energy where it matters most. I’ll also be attending the Women in Wales charity event on Friday, which I’m really looking forward to. It’s always inspiring to be surrounded by such a strong network, championing and supporting women. A different kind of energy, but just as powerful.

Lessons Learnt

Energy shows up in different ways. Sometimes it’s the infectious enthusiasm of a founder, sometimes it’s the quiet discipline of making progress, and sometimes… it’s the stark realisation that your knees are not as forgiving as they once were.

But perhaps the most powerful reminder this week came from watching a video of our ABE student graduation ceremony in Africa. The joy, the pride, the sheer celebration, it was completely contagious. It’s a powerful reminder that the work we do can have a truly life-changing impact. Seeing what those achievements mean to them makes me incredibly proud to chair such an important and impactful organisation.

So, this week’s takeaway? Protect your energy, direct it with purpose, and when needed… borrow it from those around you.

Here’s to a week of building the right kind of momentum and maybe pacing the gardening a little more wisely. Just the right dose of #NRG.