When the stormy seas of life are difficult to navigate
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“Take charge of the tide. Be the current to change the course of the storm.” ― Hiral Nagda
In the midst of a great transition that spans the globe, we may often feel that the ship we pilot individually will inevitably be smashed to pieces on the rocks. In the face of potential destruction, it is easy to think that all our work and effort is pointless – when it is anything but.
The pirates of old did things differently – a crew together would not only share in great bounty but even change the course of history – bringing low kings and conquerors, and even whole armies.
I’m Pirate Jo, the Reconnection Coach, and you’re not alone in these feelings. Over time, I learned to let the storms of life reveal who I truly was, allowing them to shape and mould me to show my true essence to the world.
Now, I help others to do the same – to reconnect with themselves, with nature, with community, with the world – and to chart their course through the waters towards calm seas and joyful bounty.
You’re exhausted and sceptical, struggling with time and energy, and wondering if all your work was for naught. But while we cannot immediately mend the broken systems we work in, here’s what I can help you do:
I can help you prioritize what’s within your control and focus your energies in that sphere. I can help you see how your influence is greater than you imagine. I can give you tools that work immediately. I can help you connect with people who share your struggle. And I can show you that choosing yourself – saving yourself – is critical to sustaining your life’s mission and work.
The waters are rough, but calm seas make no good sailors – and you don’t have to sail alone.
“Do I really have time for this?”
Don’t think of reconnection as just another thing you have to do. Think of it as a reconfiguration of your personal process – doing things you already do differently.
My Story: Why I Get It
The eye patch isn’t just branding. It’s a reminder of the day I decided my challenges wouldn’t define my limits – I would. It is me reframing my adversity into opportunity. My retinal detachment due to complications in Type 1 diabetes could have stopped me from truly living life. Instead, I realised that I had been embracing a pirates philosophy for most of my life already:
- I seek wisdom outside of conventional thought
- I tend not do things just because ‘that’s the way things are done’
- I reject societal expectations and norms with regards to the more more more, hustle culture
- I work with natures and my own energy to chart my own course
- I am curious, and give space for people just to be themselves – without judgement
I’ve also navigated my own mental exhaustion in Agile coaching and sustainability work. When the passion turns to overwhelm and anxiety stops you moving. The “why am I even bothering?” feeling. The weight of trying to fix broken systems while operating within them. I know those feelings, I understand them.
I’m not here because I have all the answers. I’m here because I’ve been in rough waters and found my way through. And I can help you chart your course too. This is why I do this work.
Because the future can only be sustainable and regenerative – and it starts with you.
Not burned out you. Not barely-surviving you. Reconnected you.
What People Say
Even after just two sessions with Jo, the course of my career has been positively altered in ways I don’t think were possible otherwise. Jos’ advice and techniques were instantly understandable, relevant and implementable. I would recommend sessions with Jo wholeheartedly.
Jo’s commitment to sustainability and her ability to weave environmental mindfulness into agile practices is truly remarkable. I witnessed Jo work on enabling teams to learn how to align goals with a greater purpose, creating not just value for our clients but also positive change for the people we work with and the work relationships we maintain.
Jo has taught me many things and always knew when to encourage me to spread my wings, but also when to take breaks and be kind to myself.
If you’re seeking to identify or solve (wicked) problems, she’ll have valuable insights – for your business, its culture, its purpose.
Joanna has a brilliant gift for breaking down complex sustainability strategies into actionable steps that technologists can implement.
I highly recommend Joanna – any organisation would immensely benefit from her know-how and dedication. Working with such an inspiring sustainability and Agile advocate has been a joy!
Jo is a fantastic coach! She took the time to really understand my challenges and gave me the right tools to overcome them. Her support not only improved my speaking skills but also gave me confidence during interviews. She helped me to find ways to ease my nervousness. Her thoughtful approach and tailored advice made difference in myself.
We are all just human: flawed yet fabulous. Reaching for help when you need it is superhero brave.
– Pirate Jo