Shona Stirling

14/08/2026

I’ve really struggled to create content on here.
Partly because there’s a vulnerability to putting your thoughts into a public space.

But I think there’s something else going on too.

This is a platform that rewards speed.
Novelty.
Constant output.

And I find myself wondering what that means for leadership because some of the things I think matter most in leadership aren’t particularly fast.

Listening.
Reflection.
Curiosity.
Sitting with something before deciding what you think.
Resisting the urge to have an instant answer.

There’s more to leadership than speed and novelty.
But if those are the things that get rewarded by the algorithm!
Can we really be heard without them?
I’m not sure.

What do you think?

12/08/2026

Three weeks off should surely be enough to fix everything - right??

Except it isn’t.

I wonder if it’s not a quick fix we need but a radical rethink of what we’re actually doing outside of those three weeks off.

Rest matters but perhaps rhythms matter more.

What happens when you go back to ‘normal’ after a really good break?

10/08/2026

I like it up here - everything looks different!

It’s not easy doing all the stuff. Sometimes it can all feel a bit overwhelming and we can lose our perspective.

How are you finding your’s today?

07/08/2026

I read a news article this morning about two politicians who were known to be close friends.

The headline suggested that because one had publicly criticised the other’s policies, the friendship was surely over.

It made me stop and think.

When did disagreement become evidence that a relationship has failed?

There are, of course, beliefs and behaviours that make trust impossible.

But I’m not talking about those.

I’m wondering about the everyday differences.

The opinions.
The approaches.
The ways we see the world.

Have we become less able to stay in relationship with people who don’t think like us?

Or has it always been this difficult?

I’d be interested to know where you land on this. Can deep disagreement and genuine trust coexist?

03/08/2026

I’ve been on a bit of journey. Maybe I’ll share some of that process here at some point but for now, I want you to know that I don’t just want to make content, I want to bring the best of 3 decades in senior leadership - the things I’ve learned, what I wish I’d done better and all the things you’ve taught me as we’ve sat together.

You might see less on here from me and that’s intentional! I’m not doing content for the sake of it - I’m trying to work out how to bring my best for an audience of One. IYKYK ❤️

23/04/2026

They said you were the problem and at one point you might even have believed them.

New Substack here:

On systems, enmeshment, and the people who hold you when everything falls apart

31/03/2026

There’s a real vulnerability in leadership and it’s not always what you think before you get into it.
Substack link to the full piece in the bio.
Let me know if it resonates with you.

19/03/2026

Had a great chat with the lovely hosts from the Emerging Emmaus podcast by Sanctuary First You can have a listen to the chat here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/17CTXsTHEA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Catch the latest episode of the Emerging Emmaus Podcast on Wednesday at 7pm!
Find out more: www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk/podcast
This week on the Emerging Emmaus Podcast we spoke with leadership coach and speaker Shona Stirling for an honest conversation about leadership, faith, and what it means to live well. Shona works with leaders across business and church contexts who are wrestling with deeper questions about purpose, emotional health, and how to stay rooted in Christ in demanding roles.
Together they explore the pressures leaders face, why paying attention to our emotions and inner life matters, and how churches can cultivate discipleship cultures that are life-giving and help people grow in Christ.
If you’ve ever wondered how to lead well without losing yourself—or your faith—this conversation offers thoughtful wisdom and encouragement for the journey.
Be encouraged & inspired!

Find all past episodes of the podcast on the Sanctuary First website, via our App and on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Join us as we discover, faith hope and stories of grief in the Church of Scotland. Come! Emmaus, Emerge from the gloom. Come Holy Spirit Come!