76: What Authored The Author? How work and organisations shape us: Dr Simon Western

This podcast reflects on my extensive and diverse work journey,
which has been profoundly enriching. Yet, it transcends a mere
work biography; it delves into an emotional journey shared. Work
occupies a significant portion of our lives, yet we seldom
reflect on how our experiences in the workplace impact and shape
us.

Every time I recount this story to a live audience, I am
surprised by how it evolves. The adage "you can't step into the
same river twice" holds. My unconscious seems to guide me as I
speak, causing me to omit certain details or emphasize aspects
that typically escape my attention. Sometimes, I even find myself
becoming emotional at specific points that resonate deeply. This
story has a life of its own, continually revealing new insights
about my past and present self as I revisit it.

We all have countless stories to tell about ourselves, and I've
recounted my own tale, "what authored the author," numerous
times, both in writing and in various settings. Interestingly,
this particular narrative elicits a strong emotional response in
people, a fact that initially caught me off guard. However, I've
come to realize that this is precisely the essence of the story.
It's not about me; rather, it serves as a mirror, reflecting
something back to the reader. What it evokes, stirs, and ignites
within you is significant; it prompts the question, "what
authored you?"

Bio 

Simon Western is a leading academic and practitioner in coaching
and leadership, and the author of several books, reports, and
academic papers. He is the host of the Edgy Ideas Podcast and the
author behind the Re-enchanting Our Worlds newsletter on
Substack. Simon has also developed and led the organisation’s
popular courses.  He is the founder of the Eco-Leadership
Institute which runs coach training and leadership programmes and
is a think-tank to create a more adaptive, ethical and impactful
leadership approach for today's precarious-interdependent
age.