Blog
How Adults Develop - and Why Coaching Is One of the Most Powerful Catalysts
Robert Kegan’s theory of adult development gives us a helpful way to understand how our inner world evolves - from being shaped by others’ expectations, to defining our own values, to holding multiple perspectives at once. It’s a lens, not a hierarchy, but it captures something important about how adults evolve: as our meaning-making expands, so does our capacity to lead with curiosity, presence and intention. Coaching is one of the most powerful catalysts for this shift, creating the reflective space where old patterns become visible and new ways of thinking can take root.
Finding Steady Ground When Everything’s Changing
When life or work feels uncertain, our nervous system does what it’s built to do - protect us. But those same protective stories can also keep us stuck: overthinking, avoiding risk, or chasing certainty at all costs. This piece, drawn from my Re:Work Live session “Finding Steady Ground When Everything’s Changing,” explores what really happens inside us during transition - and how developing mindsight can help us pause, notice, and choose our next steps with greater calm, clarity, and courage.
The Social Psychology of Leading Well
Leadership doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s shaped in the space between you and everyone around you. This is why advice like “don’t compare yourself to others” falls flat. We do compare. We’re wired to. The real work is noticing the forces that help us thrive and the ones that quietly hold us back.
Meaning-Making Machines: Seeing the World Through Our Own Distortions
Human beings are meaning-making machines. We don’t just see the world. We interpret it, through a set of invisible distortions that help us feel safe, connected, and in control. This article explores some of the most common perceptual biases - from confirmation bias and self-serving bias to the halo effect - and invites reflection on what it means to notice, rather than fight, the beautifully flawed ways our minds make sense of the world.
The Trouble with “Near Enemies”
Some qualities look like virtues but quietly undermine them. Rigidity can masquerade as discipline, pity as compassion, perfection as excellence. In leadership, these “near enemies” can stall progress, erode trust, and damage teams - often without us realising. This article explores seven near enemies that show up in the workplace, how to spot them, and how to pivot back to the real qualities that help leaders and teams thrive.
28% Increase in Leader Wellbeing: New Independent Data from Inside Out Leadership
New data shows a 28% boost in leader wellbeing from the Inside Out Leadership programme, with gains across emotional regulation, self-awareness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Praised as “the most transformational CPD I’ve had,” the programme is now gaining traction beyond education into finance, healthcare and professional services. For interviews, case studies, or expert comment from co-founder Astrid Korin, get in touch: coaching@astridkorin.com.
Caught, not taught: What leaders are really teaching without saying a word
Much of leadership is "caught, not taught" - your team learns more from how you are than what you say. From self-regulation to risk-taking, your behaviour sets the tone for what’s safe, acceptable, and possible. This article explores the impact of what you model and how you show up as a leader - the subtle signals, everyday behaviours, and emotional cues that shape your team more than any strategy slide ever could.
Inside Out Leadership as an act of inner freedom
Authentic leadership begins with an inner act of liberation - the quiet courage to unhook from who we think we should be. Inside Out Leadership invites us to notice where we’re leading from autopilot - perfectionism, people-pleasing, control, fear - and choose something freer. It’s not enlightenment (yet!), but it is a step toward it: a conscious shift from reactivity to presence, from conditioning to choice.
News: From the Inside Out - A Leadership Programme Changing the Way we Work, Lead and Live
Inside Out Leadership, the resilience-focused development programme founded by Astrid Korin, Maggie Farrar, and Roger Bretherton, is expanding its format in response to rising cross-sector demand. Originally designed for education leaders, the programme now offers flexible delivery options and a new follow-on course, supporting leaders to deepen self-awareness, build resilience, and lead with authenticity. With a growing track record of impact and strong participant feedback, Inside Out continues to evolve as a space for meaningful leadership development in a changing world.
Who coaches the coach?
Ever wonder who supports your coach behind the scenes? Coaching supervision is where I pause, reflect, and get curious about how I’m showing up - so I can serve you with clarity, presence, and integrity. In this new post, I’m lifting the lid on what really happens in the supervision room - and why it matters to you.