Off the Court

A real pleasure to chat with Stephen Tierney who I would describe as an education thinker and innovator.  Super active on Twitter under his handle @Leading Learner and a prolific writer and contributor to the education world. Stephen was a Headteacher of a Blackpool secondary school for many years and then became CEO of a multi-academy trust.  Now in retirement Stephen is continues to affect positively through his consultancy work, books and social media activity. Stephen's has a clear sense of purpose and focus still - in this second part Stephen talks about being a 'change agent', his desire to change children living with poverty, some life regrets and how his roots are firmly in his faith journey. Enjoy! 

A real pleasure to chat with Stephen Tierney who I would describe as an education thinker and innovator.  Super active on Twitter under his handle @Leading Learner and a prolific writer and contributor to the education world. Stephen was a Headteacher of a Blackpool secondary school for many years and then became CEO of a multi-academy trust.  Now in retirement Stephen is continues to affect positively through his consultancy work, books and social media activity. Stephen's has a clear sense of purpose and focus still - in this first part I take Stephen back to his influencers and we chat through the lens of his childhood. Enjoy! 

A reflection on the times in our life where we are presented with decisions - being at a crossroads.  However not just the bigger, more impactful decisions but those everyday opportunities to shape our future that we maybe miss.  You will see more crossroads after this...

How do you see time?  A reflection on how different people perceive time slightly differently that may help explain why some people are always late to the frustration of others!  And also why some people are far more able to live in the moment rather than wish time away... enjoy!

In Part 2, Mark tells us about his basketball experiences in life including playing in the USA and meeting Lebron James!  Mark reflects on his 'obsessive' tendencies and feels it's an essential part of the drive to being successful.  He acknowledges though there are some downsides to this... Mark has some fascinating views - especially for one of his age (I hope he doesn't mind me saying). A true blessing to spend time with him.

Mark was born in 1990 - making him a 33 year old, 6'6" giant of a man!  Mark's life has been defined by sport and the lessons he has learnt through his experiences and encounters of sport.  He has played professional basketball in the UK having perfected his craft in USA - but Mark is also a serial entrepreneur and you can hear that in his spirit and zest for life. I have known Mark since he was a school boy when he came to NBC camps to impress his coaches with his raw talent and enthusiasm - and he certainly did that.  I was struck by Mark's honesty in talking about his upbringing, specifically the fact he was adopted and how that has impacted upon his life. I am sure you will enjoy part one of Mark Rangeley - Everyone has a story...

What is potential?  What determines your potential?  Are you seeing this as being affected by external factors like your environment, job market, parents, where you live? Consider the derivation of the word - 'potent' coming from the latin word meaning 'power'... do YOU actually have the power to a achieve your potential without any external factors?

"The thing you are holding on to is the thing that is holding you back" Zen Proverb What do we hold on that prevents us from going in the direction we want?  Are we even aware of these things that are inhibiting our progress?

Seema takes us deeper into her journey, exploring spirituality and faith and explaining how here recent struggles have re-energised her interest in this area.  Seema speaks frankly about race and the role of women and challenges us all to have higher expectations for girls and women in society. Seema's story is a fascinating one that resonates with so  many of us too - she is warm, honest and passionate.  Get yourself booked into Dale in Poulton very soon!!

I first came to now Seema Dalvi when we taught together in a Blackpool school – Seema taught maths to teenage children but it was clear to see she had so much more to give them in terms of cultural education and so I was delighted when she agreed to come with me taking a group fo school children to Nepal – it’s a trip I have done many times before and I knew that she would be fantastic with our own students in getting them to understand what life is like living in Nepal. Fast forward to today – Seema is an mum to two beautiful children, wife to husband Krish who we will find more about and award winning Chef-patron of Dalvee in Poulton. Seema opened her Dalvee in Poulton in 2020: her main passion around bringing Indian street-food to our north-western British palates.  Seema is an inspiration to girls and women alike – showing that with grit, determination and a dream – just about anything is possible. Everyone has a story – this is Seema Dalvi

Do you believe that truth is complete and singular.  Do you believe that we should see things as black or white, right or wrong, guilty or innocent?  It's hardly surprising then that might bring about conflict in our world...

We are measured and judged each and every moment it seems... forgotten is the notion that meaningful change and success comes as a sum of many parts that also include the journey.  Are we living in a world that has forgotten the joy from the pleasure of the journey rather than the single pursuit of a goal? 

A reflection on chance encounters and the power and responsibility we have in ensuring they are positive for others.  I touch upon the incredible story of Fatima Whitbread who grew from significant adversity into one of the most beautiful human beings in the world - I would encourage you to find out more

Ian is an amazing man who has dedicated his professional life to teaching children - along the way, Ian has collected stories and experiences that we can all learn from. Part Two of this wonderful chat where Ian delves into his own views on Faith, Success and secrets to a happy and fulfilling 'second half of life.'

Ian Rhodes taught children for over 40 years and what an impact he had.  With a straightforward set of unwavering values, Ian was able to inspire children and teachers to be the best human beings they can be and make use of their 'gifts'. St Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, use words only if necessary" - I cannot think of a person who epitomised this more than Ian. Part One of Ian's story takes us back to his humble Manchester beginnings and how he developed his passion for sport and competitiveness that led to him dedicating his career to making a difference to children's lives.  Part 2 coming soon....

New Year is a time for new beginnings and promises to make changes in our lives - but most of us will fail in less than 30 days.  Let's consider why... and then be discouraged but instead take smaller steps each day to our improved life.

From a young age we are encouraged to be self-reliant, independent and so the opposite seems like a weak position.  I would like us to consider the damage that does on society

The ability to 'reflect' often comes too late.  And yet the value of being able to take time to sharpen the mind is invaluable...

Its amazing how a few words said internally or out loud can affect the reality of our daily experience... when you try it out, you will see.

In a the pressure cooker of the global village, it feels like everyone is watching for how we will react... maybe, there is an alternative...