Oasis EQ

11/12/2025

Some takeaways from my interview with Business Backstage

10/12/2025

Important questions related to AI, workplace wellbeing, imposter syndrome, belonging were covered in this talk. I’ll post a link to the full interview soon

02/12/2025

Another workshop day. No, not one of those I deliver. This time I was there to learn.

But it wasn’t another CPD session. Instead I t was a deep and (at times) uncomfortable dive into how age is assessed for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in Scotland. And what happens when the system gets it wrong.

Listening to real life stories from lawyers, advocates, caseworkers, charities was sobering.

While some narratives in the media paint a seamless picture of support (and even luxury) for these young people, the reality is complex and challenging

And fragile

One age decision can mean the difference between
- a guardian and no guardian
- a social worker or none
- safer child-centred processes or fast-track adult systems

And not to forget very different chances of protection, education and long-term safety.

The revised Scottish Age Assessment Practice Guidance makes clear that there’s no scientific way to establish age (despite what media is trying to tell us). We need a professional judgment informed by a holistic, evidence-driven process. Snap decisions at borders can have catastrophic consequences

As someone who spends a lot of time talking about belonging, safety and being seen, I know it’s not the systems that it deliver dignity. It’s us, people who do it. So it’s in our power to create those the systems that will make these young people feel like they belong. Only this way we can end the division (so much supported by modern politicians) and build something better

Thank you to Francesca Sella from JustRight Scotland and Lauren Purkiss from British Red Cross for such powerful session. Good to have conversations about this with colleagues Flóra Kovács, Karina Vilca Emslie and others from GREC (Grampian Regional Equality Council) and Shiva Afraste from YAHYA's International Hub. Thank you to Iona Rennie from Shelter Scotland for organising the venue and to Aberdeen Foyer for hosting it.

27/11/2025

When we chose the topic for the latest British Psychological Society Hub event in Aberdeen to be assisted dying, we knew it was a big one. We had no doubt it would spark a discussion that will involve facts and emotions.

And it happened.

We often debate Assisted Dying as a legal concept, but what does it mean for the people? This is a conversation where profound personal suffering meets complex legal, moral and psychological realities.

I’m grateful Dr Sarah Sivers, LLB (Hons), PhD, Associate Dean for Research, School of Law and Social Sciences, Robert Gordon University and Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay MA (Hons), PhD, SFHEA, CPsychol, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, RGU.

Their dual perspectives made it clear that while law provides the essential structure, it is psychology, ethics, and compassion that give the process its meaning and humanity

A few takeaways that have stayed with me:

As Katrina highlighted, data shows this isn’t always about physical pain. The top reasons include serious psychological distress:
- Loss of Autonomy
- Inability to Enjoy Life
- Loss of Dignity
- feeling of being a burden

Interestingly, research shows that those working closer with people at the end of their lives (palliative care, geriatric medicine) oppose the Assisted dying bill more.

What’s more interesting, in countries this bill has become a law, this statistics flips and the opposite becomes the reality

Both speakers mentioned the ‘Slippery slope’, the ethical concern that a law for the terminally ill could erode to include other vulnerable groups.

Sarah offered a powerful reframe: The ‘slippery slope’ argument is met with the fact that ‘the law is a snow gate.’ So, robust, carefully written legislation with strict safeguards is designed not to enable a slide, but to prevent it.

This conversation is about compassion, choice and control. We should keep it going.

What are your thoughts?

26/11/2025

I’ve spoken in front of business owners, I’ve shared my knowledge with academics. I’ve worked with high level management teams. But children? This was a first. And confession: ive never been this nervous before!

But wow! What conversations!

The conversations at St Margaret's School for Girls were genuinely moving.

These young people asked insightful questions and listened to each other. Their openness around empathy, support and respect felt honest. The way they explored what it means to belong was meaningful.

These young people are going to inherit our community. Seeing how deeply they understand the meaning of belonging left me inspired.

My heart is singing knowing that the next generation values connection and belonging. NOT JUST FITTING IN.

I learned as much from their questions as from sharing my own experiences.

Grateful for what I learned with them and for the chance to witness their vision for tomorrow.

08/11/2025

What does it mean to belong when you are thousands of miles from home? How do communities shape us, heal us, and give us a place to stand in a world that can feel fragmented?

On 29 October I was honoured to participate at the Turkish National Day reception held at The University of Edinburgh.

Surrounded by diverse voices, I caught myself thinking that community is not just a gathering of people. It is that invisible thread that connects our stories, our hopes, our shared resilience.

As someone actively engaged in the Azerbaijani community, I know these moments of connection carry deep significance. They are regular confirmations that 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬.

A special thanks to the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkiye for their warm hospitality, which transformed the evening into a true celebration of unity and hope.

What resonated most was the conversations about Atatürk’s lasting legacy as a symbol of unity, progress and forward-looking leadership that continues to inspire our communities.

We live in a world full of division. Having these gatherings offer a chance to remember that our strength lies in the communities, we should nurture them no matter where we live.

This weekend i feel gratitude and a renewed commitment to continue building bridges through shared initiatives and ongoing collaborations.

Who are the communities that hold you? How do they shape your journey?

07/11/2025

Facilitating meaningful conversations and practical learning moments light up creative energy and teamwork.

This can be achieved only through creating a safe space where teams feel seen, ideas flow and action follows.

I’ve found that genuine progress comes from clear language, practical tools and a rhythm that keeps participants engaged without hype.

Over the past weeks, I’ve been refining a facilitation approach that blends interactive activities with real-world outcomes, so teams leave with concrete steps they can implement the next day.

The results speak: higher participation, more cross-team collaboration, a measurable lift in ideas moving from concept to action.

If your organisation wants sessions that deliver lasting impact (not just inspiration), I’d love to explore how a tailored workshop or keynote could help.

What’s the one outcome you want from your next workshop or talk?

05/11/2025

A week ago the VIP launch for the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 training programme brought together an incredible community of trainers and delegates.

Main drive for all? The drive for professional growth and meaningful change.

Each trainer shared their passion and expertise, from leadership and digital marketing to key business skills. The Chamber now offers a rich and diverse menu of learning opportunities.

Personally I was delighted to introduce my new course: 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. Designed for professionals and teams, this course can be tailored for any industry. The aim is simple: help people break free from self-doubt and show up with confidence every day.

A huge thank you to the Chamber team for organising the event and fellow trainers for a packed and engaging launch.

Just reflecting on the event and I came to realisation that we are not just delivering training. We are shaping the future of skills, confidence and connection across our region. And that is pretty cool.

Download the brochure here https://agcc.typeform.com/course-brochure and contact for more information

18/10/2025

16/10/2025

Myth: Imposter syndrome is a superpower.

Reality: If it’s a superpower, then it should remind you one of those uninvited house guests who comes in, criticises you and everything around and constantly shouts: ‘you don’t belong here’.

Imposter syndrome is about your brain playing the worst kind of prank by convincing you that every success is a fluke and every step is a disaster waiting to happen.

Superpower?

Well, here is the plot twist.

Surviving and overcoming it means you are basically a superhero in disguise. Well, maybe with a messy cape and awful coffee habits.

But a superhero nonetheless.

The real power (your superpower) lies not in ignoring that voice, but in recognizing it for what it is and still showing up.

What do you do with those uninvited guests?

08/10/2025

Hands up if you’ve ever felt imposter syndrome… honestly, it’s wild how many of us do!

Talking about what it means, how it sneaks into our lives and how to push back is one of my favourite things about this work.

Yesterday’s talk filled the room with more people than signed up. The energy was amazing and the stories in the room reminded me we are all in this together.

The more we talk about it, the less power those imposter feelings hold.

Can’t wait to do it all again soon! 💛🙌