Defining Moments (PDF)

PETER SHAW is a Partner of Praesta Partners which specialises in executive coaching at senior levels. His coaching clients include senior people in the public, private and voluntary sectors including Permanent Secretaries, High Court Judges, Bishops, UK Ambassadors and Chief Executives. He was formerly a Director General within Government and was a member of five different Government Department Boards. Peter is a Reader in the Anglican Church and a Governor of St. John's College, Durham. He is the author of a number of books and articles on leadership and coaching, and regularly leads workshops on the themes of his books in both the public, private and voluntary sectors.

"Peter's book guides us through a range of moments of significance. He encourages us to stand back and recognise the importance of moments that might be surprising, joyful, angry or painful. The book contains a rich blend of examples, ideas and practical suggestions. It will stimulate you to look for, accept and create moments of significance for you.

If you are open to the idea of defining moments, reading this book could change your attitude to your work and your life. It could mean that you see new opportunities and feel more confident in your next steps. Reading the book is likely to be a defining moment for you."

Lesley Strathie

Permanent Secretary, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, UK

"Defining moments in life should be cherished, celebrated and shared; they are all about the collective wisdom of the past enabling a stronger perspective of the future. Peter's book does just that, and is well timed for all of us navigating through the challenges of the European landscape with its fluid social and economic climate."

Mel Zuydam

Finance Director, Grontmij, The Netherlands

"When things are not quite right and you have a moment to call time, you have to take that moment, speak up and act. This requires a particular awareness and self-confidence and it's a capacity I'm always trying to improve. Peter's book encapsulates practical ways of recognising that at any given moment, there are no second chances."

Una O'Brien, Director General, Department of Health, UK

"Defining moments in my work included times when I had the courage to be explicit about the consequences of courses of action which were leading deeper into problems. Moments of standing back have been so important in bringing clarity about finding the right solution. Reading this book will help give you a new approach to standing back and then taking decisive action. Allowing defining moments to frame your next steps will keep you