As a seasoned leader, I've often navigated the complex intersection of professional ambitions and the rich tapestry of personal life. Through this journey, I've discovered the profound impact of a well-crafted tool: the Vision Board. It's not merely an art project; it's a strategic blueprint for success, a visual dialogue between today's realities and tomorrow's aspirations.

In a Vision Board workshop, you delve into what you have achieved to date, you look at it your life’s achievements to date with gratitude, because even failure is something to be thankful for. Then, you set SMART goals and ambitions for the year in the various categories of your life, but first look into yourself as to what are the obstacles preventing you from achieving your goals from the year gone – lack of confidence, childhood trauma, bereavement, lack of training and development, neurodivergence, poor relationships, the list of reasons can endless…and then you address them in the year ahead! This is an exercise for those who genuinely want to change and improve themselves and their lives, and you must to be emotionally open to the process.

I recall the exact moment I decided on vision boarding, it was after redundancy during the pandemic and deciding enough was enough, I wanted control of my destiny, and as a mother of a son with special needs, I was sick of my personal circumstances dictating my pat, and not my capabilities. That’s typical for women’s careers as primary carers.

The Science Behind Vision Boards: More Than Meets the Eye

Let's delve into the rationale behind vision boards. It's all rooted in the principle of visualisation. Neuroscience tells us that when we visualise our goals, our brain activates in remarkably similar ways to when we achieve them. This isn't just wishful thinking; it's a methodical approach to preparing our minds to recognise and grasp the opportunities that align with our ambitions.

Striking the Balance: Leading in a Multifaceted World

The life of a senior leader is multidimensional, requiring a harmonious blend of professional growth and personal fulfilment.

1. In the Professional Sphere

   - Breaking Through Barriers: We're familiar with the challenges, from navigating corporate dynamics to championing diversity and inclusion. A vision board can serve as a tangible reminder of our leadership goals, the impact we strive to make, and the barriers we're committed to breaking.

   - Expanding Networks: In leadership, the strength of our networks is invaluable. A vision board can help us strategize our networking goals, ensuring we forge connections that are not only influential but also align with our core values and leadership style.

2. In the Personal Realm:

   - Family and Self: Integrating family commitments with personal development is a delicate dance. A vision board allows us to visually align our family aspirations with our personal growth paths, ensuring one complements the other.

   - Personal Mastery: Committing to lifelong learning and self-improvement is a hallmark of great leaders. Whether it's enhancing our skills, embracing new hobbies, or prioritising self-care, our vision board can be a constant reminder to invest in ourselves.

Crafting Your Vision Board: A Leader's Perspective

Creating your vision board is an exercise in introspection and foresight. It's about painting a picture of your desired future and the steps to get there. Allow your board to be a dynamic entity, evolving as you do, and reflecting the shifting landscapes of your professional and personal life.

Final Thoughts: Leading with Vision and Heart

In closing, a vision board is much more than a collection of images and aspirations. It's a visual commitment to your journey – a journey punctuated with growth, learning, and fulfilment. It encapsulates not just the leader you aim to be but also the person you are evolving into every day.  

I have written this from my perspective, a Senior leader in Technology, juggling parenting, disability, a business and various other important causes, and it’s written from the context, demands and considerations that come with where I am at in my life, but your life and your journey is unique. Whether your priority is family over career this year, a vision board is still for you, it’s your vision. And if your purpose is charity over profit, again, it’s your vision. All that matters is that you visualise it, set S.M.A.R.T. goals, address the emotional and psychological blockers and work to achieve it, incrementally. Consistency is key! Failure is growth, opportunity and not failure at all.

Embrace this journey with the clarity and purpose that defines your leadership – you are the leader of your destiny and let your vision board be a testament to your journey, a narrative of resilience, innovation, and authenticity. Here's to crafting a vision that resonates with every facet of your life, propelling you towards a future crafted with intention and heart.