It’s Been A While…

By Adrian Mclean

It’s been a while! I haven’t felt compelled to write for some time. Admittedly, I’ve been bogged down by the mundane and boring, as well as simply existing! The end of the academic year meant some much needed R&R. However, the Commonwealth Games in my home city has brought about an energy and level of positivity that along with the sunshine has made everyone ‘Big Up’ themselves.

I am and always have been immensely proud of the city I am from. Its where I was shaped and moulded. For those of you that have heard me speak, then you will know my accent heightens as I get more animated! Over the last two weeks my city has been front and centre to the world… and we haven’t disappointed! #ItsaBrumTing was trending as a hashtag and the track by the same name has caught fire. The games have captured what us Brummies are about in a perfect snapshot… salt of the earth people who are friendly, welcoming and always up for good fun. John Crabtree OBE stated when closing the games that the people of the city delivered in exactly the way he knew they would.

The last month has been magical for this country from a sporting point of view – the World Championships in Athletics, Euro 2022 and of course the Commonwealth Games (with still more big European Championship events to come!). All of which have two strands I wish to explore – Developing/demonstrating character and the journey to acquire Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – that have got me inspired to write again. There is so much to pack in that I have split this edition into 3 parts:

Part 1: Born In The Dark… Performance Virtues in Action 

Part 2: Change Is Coming… Diversity and Inclusion 

Part 3: Power To The People… Civic Virtues in Action

Enjoy my musings and I look forward to interacting with you and discussing your thoughts, feelings and experiences.