Tom
McCallumWhat I’m Focussed on Now
Updated 20th May 2025
{this is a Now page, hat tip to Derek Sivers for the idea}. I love the idea of a Now page, as so many of us focus on so much more than our core work as expressed on our website. I set this up in November 2020, I update it regularly.
Yutori
Context is key in leadership and in any activity, business or personal. In periodic updates to this NOW page, then, I often highlight my current context.
As I entered 2025, my new context became “Yutori”
How does it translate? Spaciousness, perhaps, and more.
With many years as a coach, choosing a Context to begin each year is quite instinctive. This year I had a sense that I would choose the word Presence, then Yutori presented itself to me and this feels more “at source”. By choosing such spaciousness, I will, as an outcome be more present more of the time.
Of the eight factors, the one I want to focus on is challenge, so I will be looking at new challenges (that I enjoy and that build my competence).
So, Yutori as my Context, with challenge, enjoyment and competence the focal areas.
Less is more
In recent updates to this page, going back to early 2023, I have noted that I am “currently not accepting new clients”, then noted that I absolutely could have taken on more clients, but choose to be “always active, never busy“. This phrase itself came from a growing focus on “being intentional with time“, being around being the best I can be, always, for the clients that I do choose to work with.
Now, in May 2025, my client book has remained closed, though with my current context of “Yutori”, the spaciousness this has presented me now has me ready for one or more collaborative projects where I can bring knowledge (and perhaps wisdom) to add value and make a difference.
Loss and acceptance
Since my last update to this page in May 2024, I have experienced profound losses, with two close family members and two close friend dying suddenly. I am living with grief and feeling several of the Kubler Ross stages (notably anger and depression) in waves. My focus is on acceptance and empathy for self and othes.
What is #OpenLeadership?
With each periodic upate of this NOW page, I keep this section as a constant, as my concept of #OpenLeadership remains a constant and one that has more and more resonance and relevance for leaders everywhere.
I developed the idea some years ago and it is one of two core themes flowing through all of the over 2000 daily posts on my blog and over 100 podcasts on #Whatcomesnextlive (also on this site).
So, here is a reminder of the core article: “Are you ready for #OpenLeadership” and the summary within it:
What is #OpenLeadership?
What we are talking about here is a transformational shift in leadership, from closed, “command and control” to open, empowering, inclusive, trusting, believing, supportive (and more!). This is therefore all about how a leadership “shows up”, who they are “being” as a Leader.
I also highlight the four attributes in the image below, and ask you to consider them as two pairs. First, to be “Brave and Hungry”. These can be powerful on their own, but also run the risk of being controlling and even toxic. So, then add the second pair, to be “Open and Humble”. Again, these on their own can be frail and even the opposite of leadership into the future, but pair them with “Brave and Hungry” and you have a powerful combination.