Over three recent events in September and October, the Breakthrough Thinking Team (BTT) gathered the IofC community for meaningful conversations on leadership, personal growth and finding peace in challenging times.
Leadership with Care and Growth
At the 21 September panel in Armagh, speakers Jim Beggs, Brenda Cooke and Hasnain Razwi shared personal stories of leadership shaped by conscience and compassion. 95 year-old Jim, a long-time supporter of IofCA, reflected on how IofC values transformed his approach to leadership on the Australian waterfront, where he worked for over 40 years. Jim emphasised on the need for trust and the courage to apologise when interactions caused tensions. Erstwhile Principal Lawyer, Advisor and Mediator Brenda described her ‘free-range leadership’ style — providing clarity without micro-management — and highlighted the importance of beginning with personal change. Hasnain, who has extensive experience in Change Management, Project Management and Business Analysis introduced the Care and Growth model of the Schuitema Group who he has been associated with. This model places human development at the heart of organisational success
There were many rich insights and shared stories that arose from the speakers’ inspiring stories as well as from the shared reflection time and small group discussions. Participants left encouraged by the authenticity of the speakers and the sense of hope created.
Intent and Motivation in Organisations
On 15 October, an international webinar introduced leadership thinker Etsko Schuitema to the wider IofC community. Etsko outlined the Care and Growth philosophy: people are the real product of any organisation. When leaders invest in their people’s growth, he said, organisations naturally thrive. He invited leaders to examine their intent — a key factor in whether teams feel motivated or disengaged — and to lead from a place of genuine care.
Finding Peace in a Stressful World
The 23 October a gathering at Armagh explored how inner peace can be nurtured even when life feels uncertain. Jim Beggs once again grounded the group in the IofC story with his much-loved waterfront reflection. Etsko Schuitema, present in person, encouraged participants to shift focus from what is missing to what has quietly gone right in life. A simple group activity — naming five things that had gone right without personal intervention — revealed deep gratitude for health, safety, connection and the miracle of simply being alive. Younger participants found particular encouragement in Etsko’s reminder to ‘treat the world as your ally’.
The morning closed with a strong sense of community and renewed perspective: while stresses persist, each of us can grow peace from within, allowing it to ripple outward into our relationships and workplaces.
The BTT plans to continue gatherings on this same theme in the new year. Subscribe to our newsletter to be informed of upcoming events.