John Woodberry’s Post

Art is for everyone. Not just professionals. Kurt Vonnegut knew this well. In 2006, a teacher had students write to famous authors. Vonnegut was the only one who replied. His message? Practice art for joy, not for money or fame. Create something. Anything. Then let it go. This isn't about becoming a professional artist. It's about finding yourself. It's about growing your soul. Vonnegut's advice is simple but powerful. He believed the act of creating is its reward. So, paint a picture. Write a poem. Dance. Sing. Do it for you, not for others. Art is a journey of self-discovery. It's a way to explore who you are and what you can become. The experience of creating is what matters. Not the result. Not the applause or the recognition. Vonnegut's words remind us that art is a gift we give to ourselves. It's a way to connect with our inner selves and the world. So, take his advice. Create. Let it go. And watch yourself grow.

In Shanghai it was impossible. Now in KL we just open the backdoor. How often do your children go out and play outside? Here are some key benefits of exposing young children to nature: - Cognitive Development - Enhances creativity and problem-solving skills - Improves focus, concentration, and cognitive abilities - Boosts academic performance in science, maths, and language arts - Stimulates curiosity and imagination - Physical Health - Increases physical activity and fitness - Improves gross and fine motor skills - Enhances bone health through vitamin D exposure - Reduces rates of nearsightedness - Mental Health - Reduces stress, anxiety, and ADHD symptoms - Improves mood and self-esteem - Promotes emotional regulation and resilience - Enhances overall psychological wellbeing - Social Development - Improves social skills and cooperation - Enhances communication abilities - Fosters empathy and nurturing behaviours - Provides opportunities for unstructured social interaction - Environmental Awareness - Builds appreciation for nature and wildlife - Fosters environmental stewardship - Develops understanding of natural systems - Encourages sustainable behaviours Regular exposure to nature supports children’s cognitive, physical, mental, social, and environmental development. Even short outdoor play positively impacting their health and well-being.

After two DVTs, I used to get cramps in my calves all the time. A local TCM doctor in Shanghai suggested grounding. Now, I play sports daily. One of the most underrated habits for my body and brain is grounding. Grounding is a form of therapy involving activities that reconnect us with the Earth. You can do this by touching your feet to grass, swimming in the ocean, or using a grounding mat. Research has shown it to reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Scientists believe that our natural defences of the body can be restored through grounding. A study was done to find out if this was true. So, the researchers had subjects ground their bodies for four days for 30 minutes a day, and the results were dramatic. Subjects found a reduction in pain, reduced inflammation, increased healing rates, and overall stress reductions. The studies are early, but something as simple as putting your feet on grass for 30 minutes may dramatically impact your overall health. ☑ How to practice grounding: Outdoors: Take off your shoes and allow your body to touch the Earth. Easy ways to do this are walking on the grass, lying in the sand, or swimming in the sea. If you walk on grass, it's best to make sure that you do so on grass that hasn't been sprayed with fertilizer. I feel rejuvenated whenever I put my feet on grass or dip in the ocean. Regardless of the early studies, you can’t go wrong re-connecting with nature. Choose wisely. Reconnect with the Earth and feel the benefits.

Britain's universities are well regarded. Britain's universities are world-class. Britain's universities need help. Here’s why and how to fix it: ☑ Financial Strain: A recent report shows 40% of universities in England are expected to run at a deficit this year. Insolvencies are now a real threat. ☑ Immigration Policies: A previous government decision to reduce immigration has hit universities hard. Restrictions on international students led to a 44% drop in visa applications, impacting revenue significantly. ☑ Tuition Fee Cap: Domestic tuition fees have been capped at £9,250 since 2017. If adjusted for inflation, they would be over £12,000 today. This cap is hurting universities financially. ☑ Possible Solutions: - Raise Tuition Fees: Allow fees to rise with inflation to cover basic costs. - Market Adaptation: Find new income sources, build industry ties, and enhance alum relations. - Policy Adjustments: Ease visa restrictions and ensure compliance with immigration policies. - Structural Changes: Consider mergers or centralising services to remain viable. ☑ Grim Outlook: Without significant changes, many universities face an uncertain future. The reliance on international students is risky, and current budget constraints make it hard for taxpayers to fill financial gaps. The time for action is now.

Mastering the 'startup mentality' in international schools. Why this should be central to how we should all work? 1. Risk-Taking and Innovation: This can redefine educational standards globally. International schools should embrace big risks and accept failure. Like Apple, they need to pioneer new teaching methods and technologies. 2. Lean and Efficient Operations: A streamlined approach avoids bureaucracy and keeps them agile. Efficiency ensures better use of resources and time. Schools must keep operations lean and efficient. 3. Cultural Elements: These startup-like qualities keep international schools agile and successful. Maintain focus and attention to detail in all educational activities. Foster collaborative debate and deep expertise among staff. This culture drives continuous improvement and innovation. Adopt this mindset to stay ahead in education. Are these realistic aims? Can we translate them into schools?

Working during holidays is more common than you think. It affects well-being and has been a growing trend since COVID-19. Let's dive into the details. • Prevalence of Working on Vacation: 68% of employees work while on vacation. Nearly half expect to work during the winter holidays. 24% plan to work on Christmas Eve, 12% on Christmas Day, and 19% on New Year's Day. • Remote Work Impact: Remote work makes it easier to work during holidays. Over 25% of all American work now happens at home. Remote workers are more likely to work on holidays like Christmas. • "Workcations" Trend: Nearly half of workers have taken a "workcation" in the past year. 80% would consider working remotely from a vacation spot for a longer trip. • Holiday Stress and Productivity: 61% of workers feel negatively impacted during the holiday season. 44% feel more stressed, and 17% report declining well-being. Offices that close additional days during holidays see higher productivity (42% vs 17%). • Work-Life Balance Challenges: 51% of employees feel uncomfortable asking for time off during holidays. Americans take about 14 days off annually, compared to Europeans, who take around 24 days. Many feel their workloads prevent them from taking necessary time off. Understanding these facts can help employers address work-life balance and productivity challenges during the holiday season. What’s your take on this?

Anyone believing that India, Vietnam, and Indonesia can effortlessly take over all of China’s manufacturing needs a reality check. The challenges are complex and not as straightforward as it seems. Awesome analysis as ever Shaun Rein

City life often means sacrificing nature – but should it? I don't think so. Engaging with nature means everything to our family. In Shanghai, it’s a 3-hour train ride to something which isn't an urban park. Here in KL, just a 15-minute drive to a community farm or a 2 minute walk into the forest from our home. Urban planning should make green spaces more accessible.