One World in a New World with Clive Elliott QC – Author, Barrister, Change Agent
We start off with a rather horrific event that moved Clive deeply. You’ll find out exactly what it was early in our conversation. He felt that he needed to try to find what made the world seem to be dysfunctional and to try to find the root of that. What did he find?
He researched countries that seemed to be ahead with happiness and satisfying lives, and he found Finland to be among the top. He did a sample of comparisons to discover discrepancies and similarities. He interviewed a lot of thought leaders, then wrote his book, The Power of Wellbeing.
Then we go inside and inquire of Clive’s reflection from the inside looking out. An introvert by nature, he thinks and reads a lot, he felt he opened himself up to share what he found and thought, regardless of opinions of other. It felt like he exposed himself to the world, quite different from the court of law that was familiar.
How do we get in touch with our reticence and overcome it when we feel vulnerable? Clive mentions ‘toxic masculinity’ as a major factor in how our society has evolved. Learning how to move away from it is our challenge. He states the focus really needs to be on the environment and sustainability.
Clive goes on to speak to the point of reciprocity and the balance of activity, away from that which is aggressive toward or harmful to another. His training is to learn how to attack facts, not people. We tend to feel confronted with questions, though. How do we get beyond that?
How does he express the need for learning how to step back and reflect during perceived confrontation? He mentions context being king. Then the content can be examined more fully. Often the misunderstanding is brought to light and truth of fact emerges. Reciprocity again is what is offered and shared in practice.
Clive grew up during Apartheid in South Africa, completely oblivious because of white man’s rule. He has been fascinated with the Ubuntu principle: I am because we are. The Maori people from New Zealand believe what is important is the people, the people, the people.
There’s more inside, and you’re invited to visit.
Connect with Clive on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elliott-qc-0244164/
Clive’s artwork: https://cliveelliott.com/
Clive’s Blog: https://cliveelliott.wordpress.com/
Clive’s practice: http://www.cliveelliottqc.com/
The Power of Wellbeing: https://amzn.to/3wmIJaA
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