Preserve the stories of the land (John Goldwyn, Master Planner): The importance of your personal story

My day job wove my tapestry into the path of John Goldwyn, who has since become one of my "partners in crime" - or at least a very special dim sum buddy. I'll let him tell our story:

Dim sum buddies!

"Flashing back to 2018, I had the privilege of meeting Audrey in Athens where we were both speakers at the Global Megatrends conference. I can safely say that she outshone me substantially on the lectern; however I held my own when it came to pop culture, video games and music from our childhood! We discovered shared values and we are now good friends. And Audrey has since helped me address my public speaking deficiencies with some withering analysis and agonizing theatrical vocal exercises. Since this meeting, we have stretched our research and thought processes to engage on design projects to address psychology and mindfulness and my team now incorporates other global scientific experts to better understand how our work links to local custom. Not only are we thinking about how to design to conserve and enhance both the natural and built environment, we’re also thinking about what that experience does for the mind and soul." 

(John Goldwyn, Snr VP WATG, Director of Planning & Landscape. Extract from the foreword of "The Leader's Guide to Resilience" (pub Pearson 2020).) 

In return John has taught me a great deal about the respect for heritage that his incredible job entails. Architects are not there to tear down history - but rather to celebrate and preserve the stories of the land. This is what I hope my own journey will provide. When it comes to uncovering the past there are, of course, some areas of our history that are best left buried. While we can - and arguably must learn from the mistakes of our ancestors, we do not necessarily want to champion their poor decisions or actions.

Through my work with John, while he incorporates psychology into design, I in return, have learned how much architecture can structure psychological reflection. 

This is an extract from my forthcoming "The Leader's Guide to Resilience" due later this year. While in the book it forms the principles upon which self-reflection in order to build (or rebuild) inner strength and resilience is based, it forms the basis of my current approach to my personal history. 

Rebuilding anything brings its own obstacles: There is often the importance of saving the facade (or saving face!) 

Remember, you are not starting from scratch. There will be habits, behaviours, preferences and methodologies that are commonplace and do not need to be changed. In trying to do so, you may be faced with defensiveness. 

I hope to take as open minded approach as possible to what I discover. I do not agree with the process of arranged marriage for example, but I am happy to try and understand where the value was within that particular time period. 

There may be internal structures worthy of saving (change does not mean disregarding everything you have done previously) – keep what works. 

As personal growth occurs, becoming the “new you” or using the “new way”, may result in a desire to reject what may be perceived as the “old” one. While the behaviour strategies that have worked in the past may no longer be needed to readily, keep them in your archives rather than remove them as they may be helpful should circumstances change in future. 

I enjoy assimilating new ideas that I find work for me - one thing I have learned however, is to not adapt to the point of dilution. 

As you start work you may encounter hidden surprises, resistance or adaptability 

Whatever the response to the work you are doing, reflect on it. We are always affected by what we do and the experiences we encounter. 

Because of this it is important to make time to think about how and why elements may be having an effect. Some may indicate areas needing further exploration, others simply may be a product of the moment. 

Be mindful of how the change affects those in the immediate environment – negotiation may be necessary 

Those within a wider circle may notice that changes are going on. Sometimes they may even reject what you perceive as positive. The only person you can ever “control” is yourself, therefore negotiate and communicate with your network, but you can only adjust your behaviour, not theirs…something they too need to learn.

Vivienne and I in 2018 (and below in 1980)

What I learn may have an effect on my family - already it is having a positive one. I am excited to be speaking to my grand-aunt next week, I have been in touch with a very close friend of the family in Malaysia to progress this exploration practically - more on the incredible Vivienne Lee (pictured above) in a later blog, and I have smiled at a number of family albums. I even found out my grandpa is published in a journal on SE Asian studies regarding his work on Buddhism. When the current travel restrictions ease, it is certainly my hope to take a trip with my dad to his home town in order to uncover an old chest with memoires from his family. I haven't travelled with my dad for 25 years. 

Respect the foundation. A “new normal” is often best grown through respect for the old, not simply by demolishing it and trying to forget it. Everything you have been through shows you have survived. 

 I am excited about this new opportunity to grow.