From a D- to a B-: What I’ve Learned About Looking After Myself

Rachel Morris reckons she used to be terrible at self-care and self-compassion — genuinely, a D- performance. Here’s what’s shifted that, and why understanding the difference between these two ideas gave her new tools for supporting herself and others, especially when classic self-care advice just didn’t land.

Stepping into a senior leadership role can feel exciting, disorienting, and unexpectedly complex all at once. In this article, Rachel Morris explores the shift from individual contributor to people leader, and the hidden challenges that come with letting go of the familiar “doing” to make space for a different kind of leadership.

Read on to discover the “balcony moment” and what it really takes to lead well at the next level.

Self-awareness is something we often recognise as important, yet rarely find the time or space to fully explore.

In this blog, Rachel Morris reflects on a recent experience that challenged her own assumptions, opening up a deeper look at how we understand ourselves and how others experience us. Through this lens, she explores the subtle but powerful link between self-awareness, self-doubt, and our ability to find and use our voice.

Have you ever found yourself softening your message, holding back your opinion, or wondering whether being direct will make you seem “difficult”?

You’re not alone. In her latest post, Rachel Morris explores the assertiveness paradox many women face: how to speak up with clarity and confidence without losing warmth or connection. If you’ve ever felt the tension between being true to yourself and keeping the peace, this article offers a thoughtful and empowering place to begin.

You might notice it before you even sit down – a subtle shift in energy, the quick scan of faces, the somatic awareness that your presence is an exception, not the norm.

Maybe it’s a board meeting, a senior leadership offsite, or a strategic negotiation. Around the table, the voices carry confidence and familiarity. You take your seat, already aware that you are – once again – the only woman in the room.

Senior leaders are often surrounded by people yet feel deeply alone with tough decisions, constant visibility and ultimate accountability.

This blog explores the loneliness paradox at the top, why it matters for performance and wellbeing, and how a strong external Bench – including executive coaching – can provide the confidential, human space every leader needs.

Burnout isn’t a badge of honour, and yet so many executives seem to think it’s a natural part of the workplace, driving themselves until they reach a point of complete collapse.

Rachel Morris and therapist Miranda Rock discuss their first hand experiences of support executives, and the actions individuals and organisations can take, in episode 2 of Work Truths: Off the Record.

Burnout rarely announces itself with a crash. It creeps in as a slow disappearing of self - until one day you realize you’ve been operating on empty, disconnected from your body, values, and voice.

Rachel Morris and Catherine Lightfoot discussed this and other insights in this conversation about Burnout in episode 1 of Work Truths: Off the Record

When did you last ask someone how they were, and although they said ‘fine’ you weren’t convinced? It happens regularly in the coaching room, as Rachel Morris acknowledges.

The way we communicate when faced with the signs of stress has a huge impact; finding a way of enabling someone to open up and discuss their true emotions is a real skill…

Stress seems to have become a badge of honour in modern working life. Conversations in the coaching room suggest that many people accept it as the price of ambition, of building a career or of having increased responsibility.

But if the “slippery slope” resonates silently, you may well already recognise the meaning of burnout.

We don’t believe that mental health in the workplace will improve through campaigns and slogans alone, or through nice sounding values written on lovely walls.  

It only improves when actions match intentions. When mental health isn’t an afterthought but woven into ‘who we are, and how the work in our place gets done’.  Rachel explores her beliefs in our latest blog.

We are all delighted to celebrate Rachel Morris’ latest achievement. Her book, Working Mother, received a Highly Commended award at the Business Book Awards.

Here at Motion we are so proud to support her commitment to advancing conversations around work, life, and the parental transition through her heartfelt, practical and wise words.

For HR and talent leaders, choosing the most suitable approach to develop your people and teams can be challenging.

Two effective options - group coaching and team building - are often confused, yet they serve very different purposes. Find out more.

We are currently living in a world where remote and hybrid working models are the norm.

In our latest blog, Rachel Morris explores the way each type of work setting has brought new challenges for leadership teams, and how group coaching can help.

✨ Something new is coming this autumn… ✨

We’re lifting the lid on the hidden stories and emotions that shape our working lives. Work Truths: Off the Record – our brand-new podcast – launches soon.

Stay tuned for powerful conversations, expert insights and truths rarely spoken at work. 🎙️

Group coaching offers a unique opportunity for individuals to grow together, learn from one another, and create meaningful change.

Rachel Morris shares her insights on listening to both the ‘said and unsaid’, whilst facilitating with care, to build trust and connection between individuals within a safe group setting.

Group coaching is becoming a powerful tool for leadership development and culture change.

In this blog, Rachel Morris shares her take on where it’s heading, the latest trends shaping its future, and simple ways professionals can get more from it. It’s a must-read for today’s people leaders.

In our recent webinar Rachel Morris and Ian Temple explored the journey of learning in the workplace, and uncovered how to facilitate growth in ourselves and others, even when the going gets tough. 

Here are some insights and reflections from that fascinating conversation.

Have you ever felt like there’s still so much to learn before you achieve mastery and success? And has that learning seemed almost too challenging?

If so, you been at the foot of the ladder. A vital part of our work is supporting people as they build and climb their learning ladder. Here’s more about how we do that, and how you can do it for yourself…

Would you ever work with a therapist who wasn't fully qualified, regulated, and monitored? I imagine not. So why should it be any different with a coach? The answer is simple: it shouldn't be. As a client, you deserve to work with someone who you know is capable, adhering to best practice, and therefore fit to work with you. Which is why regulation is so important.