Incendo

16/10/2026

Have you ever reached the end of a page and realised you haven’t taken in a single word? Or found yourself thinking about tomorrow’s problems while still dealing with today’s?

Our minds are pretty good at wandering, particularly when we’re busy, stressed or feeling overwhelmed.

In this excellent TED Talk, neuroscientist Dr Amishi Jha explores how our attention works, why it can be so easily hijacked, and how can help us develop a healthier relationship with our wandering thoughts.

One of the things I say about mindfulness on my workshops is that it doesn’t require us to empty our minds or somehow stop thinking. Instead, it’s about learning to notice where our attention has gone and gently bringing it back.

A useful reminder that looking after our wellbeing sometimes starts with something as simple as paying attention to our attention.

Well worth a watch!

Amishi Jha studies how we pay attention: the process by which our brain decides what's important out of the constant stream of information it receives. Both external distractions (like stress) and internal ones (like mind-wandering) diminish our attention's power, Jha says -- but some simple techniq...

10/10/2026

Today is , and I thought I’d dust off a blog I wrote a couple of years ago for Mental Health Awareness Week.

In it, I shared five books from the Incendo bookshelf that I’d found particularly interesting and useful when it comes to personal development, and looking after our .

Two years on, I still think they’re worth a read.

If you’re looking for your next good book, or perhaps a fresh perspective on mental wellbeing, you might find something here that catches your eye.

Here at Incendo HQ, we love good quality, non-fiction books about personal development and wellbeing – so, to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, I am recommending five well-thumbed titles from the office bookshelf. Although none of these should be seen as a substitute for professional advice ...

26/08/2026

To mark I’m sharing a blog post I wrote in 2024, not long after we rehomed Rocky! 🐾

https://www.incendo-uk.com/rescuing-a-dog/

A week ago today, we decided to give a forever home to a wonderful little dog from Clymping Dog Sanctuary in West Sussex. His name is Rocky and he’s a Cairn Terrier crossed with (probably!) a Wire-haired Dachshund; he’s four years old and has settled into life with our other two dogs very well s...

08/08/2026

There are times when it feels as though we’ve forgotten how to disagree.

Whether it’s politics, social issues or everyday workplace decisions, opinions often seem to have become more entrenched, conversations more polarised, and curiosity replaced by certainty. Yet most issues are full of nuance, context and shades of grey - rather than being black and white.

In this blog, I explore why making space for opposing viewpoints doesn’t mean you have to give up your own beliefs. It’s about listening well enough to understand how someone else arrived at theirs. In the workplace, that can be the difference between and .

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

As a team leader, navigating the complexities of differing viewpoints among your employees can be a delicate and challenging task. However, I think it’s a crucial responsibility that, when handled effectively, can lead to a more cohesive, productive and harmonious work environment. In this blog po...

07/08/2026

An office-based afternoon today, working with a couple of recent participants from Incendo’s workshop ‘Go Slide Free’.

As part of their ongoing implementation of the behaviours and techniques gained with us, they undertake follow-up 1:1 and prepare an assessed presentation.

Both of them did so well today! I usually go to client sites for my sessions, but as they were local it worked out well them coming to Incendo.

05/08/2026

In today’s workshop on influence and communication, the group discussed how corporate bullsh*t and ‘clever’ office jargon actually dilutes the message.

Here are some tongue-in-cheek examples I shared today, but the participants also came up with some real crackers that they’d heard recently - the best of the bunch being:

“We’ve got to open the kimono on this project” …which produced a lot of eye rolling (understandably). 🙄

Why do people talk like this?!

30/07/2026

Getting enough quality can feel like a challenge when work, family and life all compete for your attention.

This article from Harvard Health looks at the growing evidence that a regular practice may help improve sleep by calming the mind and easing the that often keeps us awake.

It’s NOT a magic fix, just another reminder that looking after our often starts with small, consistent habits.

...

29/07/2026

A day spent with a group of exploring one of the biggest influences on performance: and engagement.

When people understand what drives them, and leaders know how to create the conditions where others can thrive, work becomes more purposeful, relationships strengthen, and performance follows.

28/07/2026

Today I’m working with a group of professionals from the technology sector as they begin developing their skills as .

Great is about asking thoughtful questions (not having all the answers!), listening well and helping someone else grow in confidence and capability.

Looking forward to a day of practical conversations, skills practice and real-world . If you’re thinking about developing mentors in your own organisation, take a look at this programme:

https://www.incendo-uk.com/programmes/being-a-mentor-that-makes-a-difference/

22/07/2026

is often misunderstood at work. Too often it’s mistaken for weakness, indecision or naivety, when in reality it can take far more than cynicism ever will.

In this blog post, I explore why kindness and strength aren’t opposites, and why some of the best manage to embody both.

Read the article here and let me know what you think of the topic.

In the business world, we’re often told to be strategic, assertive and tough. These traits are held up as the hallmarks of competence and leadership potential, and yet there’s another cohort of professionals – those who naturally lead with patience, warmth and kindness – who too often find t...