Soho Summit 2025, Soho Farmhouse. Where courage inspires creative change
We went, we saw, we took it all in. Here’s our takeaways from Soho Summit 2025.
Who got to see an amazing array of people whose creativity and courage was shared. From Bernie Taupin, Keifer Sutherland, Harland Miller, Helen Fielding, Dolly Alderton, Rebel Wilson, Judi Love, Gillian Anderson, Dawn Airey, Ashley Walters, Felipe Nasr, Rahel Frey, Maya Raichoora, Alex Scott, Munroe Berghoff, Clara Amfo, Sasha Keeble, Self Esteem and Sharmaine Lovegood.
For us the theme itself was stimulating when we sit amongst the creativity in our products and services from life experiences to coaching with courage , from asking the deeper questions, to staying quiet and listen, to not judge or assume to create from a crowded space, we were all in.
One outcome what would give us inspir(a)ction? Our and. perspective of taking away and being inspired to do through action, to continue being creative and being courageous in speaking up , in and out. and. was created about doing, taking action being different and making a difference and being and doing it in the now seeking experiences to keep expanding us is essential to that.
Not our first rodeo!
We have been fortunate to attend a previous event at Soho Farmhouse, GQ Heroes and it left a lasting impression on us, we were excited for what we would experience this time. We looked forward to hearing different perspectives from worlds we didn’t know about. We replaced the raw rugged Glen and Easter Shain to undulating hills of Oxfordshire and a field to field, the natural environment is the first stimulus.
The agenda was a packed day of interviews, littered with Q&A’s, dinners, workshop spaces and meeting new people , listen, chat and connect with oh and throw in some amazing food too.
This blog is a reminder to us and also ensuring that we do what we say and take the inspired action = and. inspira(c)tion and not just have a nice three days away. Apply the creativity and courage of re-examine what we do, how we can continue to add value and ensure that we grow as we help others.
I am also aware of the paradox of situation and reality that being in this sphere is fortunate and also achieved through hard work so we can.
We write this as a memory lesson for us also in perspective, what Dave and I both took away from each, seeking the difference of interpretation the similarities, the connection to what we already know, to how does it extend us, stretch us, what did we connect with and what didn’t and allowing ourselves to sit with that too. We are doers, through being so allowing the inspira(c)tion to allow itself to appear. Each talk, workshop, artist and conversation we mentally recorded, took notes and had absorbed quotes and snippets for us to sit with and consider.
We share our individual takeaways which is key as we may have been at the same event we both experienced it differently.
First up was Bernie Taupin and Keifer Sutherland . A conversation of music, creativity and cowboys.
Debbie
My lack of knowing fully who Bernie Taupin was even from someone who has childhood memories of long car trips and Elton John being the soundtrack of it, to my teenage years and still loving his music, however I was less connected to the back story , the people surrounding. A shallow view of the one when there is many who were part of the story. Bernie Taupin was so significant in the creation of the whole story, success and yet emitted a calm that was humbling. Overall my fascination was how endearing in the most natural way, his storytelling and connection to it and his humour without ego. Truly enjoyable. Kiefer Sutherland was the interviewer and seemed as enamoured as I was his questions and answered shared. They talked about their long friendship and also connection to cowboys and ranches which was a glorious twist.
Inspira(c) tion The opportunity is there for all of us, it’s the doing something with it. I will continue leaning into seeing every conversation as a starting point.
My takeaways
1. Being self-aware is a work in progress, it’s is combination of humility, being humble and gentleness
2. Be the observer first, put the phone down and watch.
3. Stories matter.
4. What you create may never be received by another as you thought it would. (his songs are interpreted by the listener and their experiences).
5. Who you surround yourself with matters.
6. Create your options, its up to you.
7. Power of books and reading, new worlds, new thinking, new perspectives.
8. 100% into what you do. Every time.
Dave
I had no idea who Bernie was, and was delighted to learn about the magic, the process and commitment he showed to his life journey so far.
What I do know from Elton John’s music is the profound effect the hits have had on my life, both reflectively and in key moments.
Learning and discovering about this and the other incredible things he has not only done and mastered, encouraged more action and commitment in my own mind, just by listening to it.
Added to this, I got to see and witness Jack Bauer, Mr President interview him, this was priceless for me.
My takeaways
1. Realising what your opportunities are around you, deciding whether you are going to accept them or forge a new one.
2. Being flexible with the process, the road is not a straight line.
3. Decide what you are going to do, and put your all into it, your whole heart.
4. You are the change and answer to what is in front of you.
5. Will I leave enough of a mark
6. Not looking backwards.
7. Find your space, your stamp.
Inspira(c) tion You can believe in something or choose to experience it, feel it and do it.
Decide what you are going to do, and pour all that you can into it.
Next was author and artist Harland Miller who was in conversation with Kate Byran Art Director of Soho House a conversation of circles of life and perspective.
Debbie
There was a discomfort of being in the limelight that Harland presented as he initially shared his story, and blended with a wicked sense of humour was endearing and made it a wonderful talk. A gentle northern accent regaling how he started and the evolution of his art from then to now. I loved the reincarnation of the art and The power of the word Fu&^!
My takeaways
1. The impact of breakthroughs
2. Pain of loss and its connection to creativity
3. Ability to see something others don’t, art is so powerful in that way
4. The self-awareness of what works for him, boundaries and their necessity.
5. Nothing is static.
Inspira(c) tion The circularity of life from his dad’s boxes of books seeking a first edition to his box of books for inspiration years later. How does it show up for me and when I see it use it.
Dave
Harland for me demonstrated how you can misread someone, from the off, yet if you stay open, with the possibility of thinking, and curious long enough you can learn a lot.
My takeaways
Another person I did not know anything about, a moment to learn and appreciate something that I had never considered before, the story about an artist and their process.
1. How situations and his experiences shaped his craft.
2. How his past influenced his future in the strangest of ways, because he had the means to notice the pattern.
3. The creative process, the feelings and how he manages them.
4. His mismatching nature [love it]
5. He was like an artist version of David Bowie.
Inspira(c)tion Put more of myself in to my next book and show up fully in how I write.
We then heard from Bridget Jones author Helen Fielding and author Dolly Alderton a conversation of say it how it is.
Debbie
The fun humorous storytelling of Helen was blended with a what seemed to be nervousness of Dolly as the interviewer, was it awe or nerves or heat, (the room was so hot) I will never know the however whatever the reason it made a wonderful talk and Helen shared a rawness, naturalness and reality that was so wonderful to experience. She shared the desire to be liked, the impact her celebratedness boosts her ego and how she even astounded herself.
My takeaways
1. Say it how it is.
2. Power of honest voice friends
3. Reality perspective.
4. The impact of humour
5. Permission and its importance
Inspira(c) tion Honesty is how to be. The reality for one is usually the reality of many, saying how it is is courage. Be courageous and say it.
Dave
This was an author who I instantly respected and did not know who she was prior to the talk. Despite fully appreciating the movie series and their successes. Her battle to retain copyright over characters is so encouraging.
My takeaways
1. Take the soft out of coaching and be graceful with truth, fully.
2. The layers of how the whole story unfolded from a column to a movie and everything in between.
3. The courage to start and be consistent and fearless in writing style.
4. Her openness around her successes and foylables.
5. The battle of being liked.
Inspira(c)tion Continue to support the awareness of men’s impact negatively on women and hold space for a more equity based and fair balance in all things I lead, coach or talk about.
Porsche sponsored the event and their contribution was more than that they brought their endurance drivers and shared their focus Felipe Nasr, Rahel Frey, Maya Raichoora and Alex Scott a conversation of practice to performance through failing.
Debbie
This talk was the most relatable as it’s our day job. The irk of comparison seeped in a little and when I got over that , which I did. It was great to hear the different ways each person had their blueprint and how finding it worked in their situations, which is what we coach and also that nothing is new it’s just shared differently. Alex Scott was a phenomenal interviewer so natural and really listened to what was said and built her questions around that, bringing everyone equally into the conversation which can be easily missed in a group conversation.
My takeaways
1. How we choose to talk to ourself is critical
2. Affirmation of reality imagination
3. You choose. Control the controllables
4. Surround yourself with people who help each other
5. Power of team with a dedicated outcome
6. The skill and art of listening to reply, not listening to share personal agenda.
7. The power of analogy
8. Consistency is key
9. The power of practice
Inspira(c) tion Our work matters. Do the internal work first. Continue doing what we do.
Dave
My biggest lesson from the three people representing Porsche was to get out of my own way. Move out of my head on the things I hold back on, and get on with it.
The single mindedness of both drivers to do what they are doing today, is something you can apply to each thing you do, one thing at a time. Alex Scott was outstanding as a host and interviewer, wow.
My takeaways
1. The trained professional spends so much time rehearsing all types of outcomes, over and over again with one outcome, to perform.
2. A daily affirmation is a must for all of us
3. Listen to improve
4. Choose your crew carefully and who is around you
5. Master your controllables
6. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.
Inspira(c)tion To get on with what I am holding back from.
Rebel Wilson and Judi Love a conversation of breaking norms.
Debbie
What a combo, fun, “cheeky’ real and also delivered like a pro team. I loved the story telling and also knowing that there is a deeper reality to body positivity and no matter what we can rise above other assumptions of us even if we have to eat a tub of ice-cream afterwards. Courage comes in all shapes and sizes. The cliché or rejection and revenge disguised or not.
My takeaways
1. Being real.
2. Accepting self.
3. Humour allows us to deal with challenge.
4. Self-belief and the power of just one person believing in you is key.
5. Anything is truly possible.
6. Love is love.
7. There are no rules really.
Inspira(c) tion Nobody is better than anyone else. You do you always.
Dave
A truly refreshing conversation with Judy Love, and the pair of them were outstanding and truly clear about the things that mattered. The delivery of comedy, commotion, calamity and conversation were a perfect way to learn through the early afternoon.
My takeaway
1. Don’t be a brogan! IFKYK and I do now.
2. Push through things that limit you.
3. You are clever or smart as you choose to be.
4. Whatever you apply yourself to be, be the best you can be at it.
5. Your weakness or disadvantage could be the very thing that is your USP
6. The world is limitless.
Inspira(c)tion Courage is needed almost always, no matter how small it is.
More TV and stage royalty with Gillian Anderson and Dawn Airey a story of commercial business and character.
Debbie
Gillians diverse application of her skills evolving from her first forays as Scully from introvertism and to its activist role from stage through characters she has been and their influence on her was fascinating.
The conversation did evolve a lot of the commercial business of her drinks company GSpot, and Dawns interviewing direct ballsy interview style kept it there too, the expectation and difference of the style of conversation talk was refreshing.
My takeaways
1. Time is relative, if you want to find the time you will
2. Asking the question means you get an answer. Not asking means you don’t.
Inspira(c) tion – Ask the question always.
Dave
A truly honest and remarkable reflection on life so far and the intense schedule and creative work she is doing right now. A super insight to a remarkable mind.
My takeaway
1. That even the greatest in their field have internal anxiety about the quality of their work.
2. Caring about each job with total concentration to deliver great work.
3. Staying curious and saying yes.
4. Finding ways to get started and pushing through the outcome.
5. Doing the right things regardless of what is happening.
Inspira(c)tion -To be fully in the moment and on the next client conversation fully no matter what.
On the back of his latest acting success in Adolescence ,Ashley Walters and Jonathan Heaf shared the conversation of trauma to success.
Debbie
I was unaware of Ashley’s music career and loved his story and the continued theme of introversion and how it didn’t hold anyone back, they leant into it. having a vision and goal and seeing it, working towards it slowly and step by step. I was also amazed that his roles do not translate as a deep connection to an external character or impact, it’s a job and do the job well, support the story , the script and the realities again of we all need to see the importance of making the bed first thing!
My takeaways
1. You never know the impact of something till it’s finished.
2. Be single-minded on your worth.
Inspira(c) tion Knock on consequences of what we choose to focus on become our reality.
Dave
It was great to hear from an actor and musician about their challenges and insights from their star moments and past key decisions.
How he manages self-talk during filming was great to hear about as a reality and unexpected discovery.
Inspira(c)tion To keep thinking right, doing right and moving forwards.
My takeaways
1. Manifest the future in thought and action.
2. Decide what it is you are going to do and do it.
3. Set your own terms.
4. True impact is reflected to you over time.
The second time we have seen Munroe talk and she nailed it again. Munroe Berghoff and Clara Amfo the conversation of inequality and exclusion impacts everyone.
Debbie
This is the second time I have heard Munroe talk and wow again her ability to narrate the difficulty of how we treat people, including trans and the reality it has on all of us. The disconnection we have in society of one decision of indignity affects us all.
My takeaways
1. Eyes wide open needed
2. Do your research
3. Respect others
4. We all own activism
5. Privacy is not about private
6. The consequence of an action must be dug down to ensure we know the consequences
7. Staying quiet is not ok
8. Allyship is your own responsibility
Inspira(c) tion Do not be quiet, be a loud ally.
Dave
Incredible articulation of the problems in the world today and why we must wake up, stand true to our values, and be available for those being punished or singled-out in the West, the USA and the UK right now.
My takeaways
1. The articulation of the troubles of the world today
2. The need for us all to speak up and uncover bias, abuse and ‘isms’
3. Staying quiet is not okay
4. We are all sleep walking towards a different world order and system, we can all change this now.
5. Respect is something we all deserve
6. Do your research
Inspira(c)tion To speak out, educate, question and support those around me directly, do better.
We got to experience a workshop with Sharmaine Lovegrove on publishing a book.
Debbie
Sharmaine’s knowledge and experience was amazing, she provided an access to her years of working as agent publisher and within tv and media with no hold bars. Insightful and also her energy was infectious. Off to write a book now!
My takeaways
1. Book writing is a long game
2. It requires perseverance and you can do it.
3. It can be at the whim of another
4. Luck is involved
5. Who you know matters
6. Have the conversation
7. Do the work
8. Get a publisher
9. Get an agent
Inspira(c) tion Do it. get the books out there.
Dave
This is the talk, I wish we had had years ago, with a view to being in a better place now. Looking forward to doing this work.
My takeaway
1. We have made a good start
2. There is a clear roadmap towards a better impact with Leadership or Leadershit
3. Follow the process
4. Scale your level of application and be open to feedback
5. Take the next step
6. Do it today
7. Show up in my next book more
Inspira(c)tion To build the new book in the new way and support DHE with getting reviews for Leadership or Leadershit L and The Framework.
Music from Sasha Keable and Self Esteem so different interpretations of music, storytelling and we loved both, music is one of those mediums that shit happens to everyone, irrespective of what status or label we place on someone and sharing it we help others. If she ever read this Self Esteem we did buy the album!
The overarching combined takeaways were
Don’t be a dick ever. Kindness and respect of others creativity is a human care.
Creativity is perception, an audience exists you have to let it find you and you it.
Introversion creates courage.
Human to human, no one is better than another, so have the conversation, ask the question.
Honesty, openness coexist with ego, desire want and need. When balanced and shared it becomes positively infectious and human.
Courage is self-awareness.
We are all evolving.
The affirmation that the good work we do is important. The ability to continue to seek, search, be curious in every conversation, and it truly made us certain that anything is possible.
Also wanted to have a shout out to a few stand out attendees, we met and had so many great conversations over the long table dinner and in the event spaces , thanks for holding space and conversation with us David, Victoria, Rosie, Lee, Ros, Caroline.
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