What does a British prison doctor and a New York graphic artist have in common? More than you’d think, as it happens.

This autumn I submitted my coaching Masters dissertation (more on that in the future) and so, free from the shackles of academic articles, I sought a change of direction for my reading and two seemingly disparate books caught my attention.  I picked up The Prison Doctor by Dr Amanda Brown and Feck Perfuction: Dangerous Ideas on the Business of Life by James Victore. 

They are two very different books but, as it happens, they turned out to have much more in common than expected.  Equally provocative, challenging and motivating, for me, they provide inspiration to challenge the status quo, and act upon it. 

The Prison Doctor is Dr Amanda Brown’s account of how, in her 40s, she left a Buckinghamshire GP practice, a safe haven, you could argue, and took up an offer to work in the prison service.  She started in HMP Huntercombe, working with young offenders, then on to HMP Wormwood Scrubs and more recently in the female prison HMP Bronzefield.  The way she worked had to change overnight, and her perspective on life was, unsurprisingly, altered.  It is not always an easy read, with some challenging and heart-breaking stories recounted.  But her demonstration of making a radical, purpose-led shift in life direction is truly inspiring and she shows compassion in spades.  

As the name suggests, Feck Perfuction is always going to be a provocative read.   James Victore is an artist and teacher and this is his collection of experiences, to kick-start a purposeful and creative career and life.  It is not an academic coaching text, for sure, but it is bold and brash, directive and challenging, and colourful, and I loved it for that.  I open a page; it pokes, prods, and resonates. Being a designer, the layout and imagery also defies convention and each page provides an assault on the senses.

In coaching, clients frequently cite feeling stuck, wanting more purpose in their lives, lacking that ‘something’ to make and sustain a change.  The client has the answers themselves, but a little external inspiration can go a long way. 

So, if you are looking for input to shake things up a bit, take a look at these two books to gain a different perspective on courage, motivation, action, creativity and compassion.  They might provide the nudge you need.