Work vs Humanity
Chris Hewitt at the Hope Centre Business Colab
The Project Ignite roadshow continues.
Hello my friends!
"Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued." – Brené Brown
Today I was delighted to speak about Project Ignite at a thought-provoking Business Colab hosted by the Hope Centre. The theme? Rethinking what it means to work and thrive as humans in an increasingly transactional and mechanistic world. I left inspired by the depth of insight shared and full of gratitude to have made a new friend in Chris Hewitt, the guest speaker. Let me take you through some key takeaways from the day.
The False Paradox: Work vs Humanity
Chris challenged a commonly held belief: that to excel professionally, we must compromise our human spirit. Drawing on his experiences in coaching and entrepreneurship, he unravelled this “false paradox.” Instead of seeing work and life as adversaries, Chris encouraged us to imagine a future where they complement one another, fuelling personal joy and professional success simultaneously.
He shared three practical steps for breaking free from this binary trap:
Prioritise Well-being: It’s not selfish to care for yourself first; it’s essential. Chris recounted a time when his relentless “crush it” mindset led him to burnout. His antidote? Building a routine that centred on restorative habits - sleep, mindfulness, and movement - and giving himself permission to take care of his needs before tackling the day’s demands.
Stop Waiting to Be Happy: Life isn’t a destination; it’s the sum of our daily experiences. Chris asked a poignant question: What brings you joy that you’re not making time for? From playing music to exploring nature, he encouraged us to infuse our weeks with moments that light us up. As he said, "You’re living your life now, not in some distant, perfect future."
Stop Holding Back: Many of us hesitate to share our talents with the world, fearing rejection or imperfection. Chris flipped this notion on its head, urging us to see our unique gifts as a responsibility. “Your potential is not just for you,” he said. “It’s for everyone who can benefit from your courage and creativity.”
Reflections on Andy Knox’s TED Talk: Are We Really Well?
After his talk, Chris recommended to me, an inspiring TED talk by his friend Andy Knox, titled "Are We Really Well?". Andy’s presentation delves into themes that resonate deeply with the heart of Love Sheffield: community engagement, inclusivity, and the transformative power of kindness.
Andy shared powerful stories that highlighted how small, intentional acts of connection can ripple outward, creating profound change in communities. His emphasis on “listening to understand” rather than “listening to respond” struck a chord, reminding us of the importance of empathy in all our interactions. This aligns strongly with Project Ignite’s principle of developing authentic, compassionate relationships as the foundation of a thriving community.
A particularly moving example from Andy’s talk involved a community initiative where neighbours came together to transform underutilised gardens into thriving spaces for growing food. This act of collective care not only provided nourishment but also encouraged a deeper sense of belonging and purpose among participants. Such initiatives echo Project Ignite’s commitment to empowering communities through collaboration and shared purpose.
Andy’s message was clear: when we nurture our connections with others, we nurture ourselves. This resonates deeply with Project Ignite’s vision of holistic well-being, where individual and collective health are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.
This talk reaffirmed the importance of kindness, shared purpose, and authentic connection as pillars of a flourishing community. Andy’s insights offer a powerful reminder that our well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of those around us.
Let’s Build Together
The ideas shared at the Business Colab reaffirmed something we all know in our hearts: that connection is the foundation of a flourishing life. As we continue to grow Love Sheffield, let’s do so with the intention to prioritise well-being, embrace joy, and courageously share our gifts with the world.
Until next time, let’s keep igniting change - one act of kindness, one moment of connection at a time.
With warmth and gratitude,
Brian Mosley
Uniting Hearts, Igniting Change
Peace to you Brian,
I am Faraz and also from Sheffield. I used to be a Practice Health Champion a decade ago at Heeley Farm. Someone called Shelly McDonald linked me to your site and she was my supervisor.
I am on the similar mission to you and would like to link up with you iA.
I would like to share with you about my venture of making a counter-economy why it's so crucial for decentralization of communities.
I look forward to your thoughts.
Btw, is that the same Chris Hewitt who used to be part of Co-Create at SYHA?