Andrew Austin explaining metaphor analysis on a flip chart, symbolising 'The Canvas of Character' in leadership, transformation and personal growth

How2-Change Words of Wisdom: Andrew Austin

The Canvas of Character: Transformation Insights from Andrew Austin

In the latest episode of the How2-Change Words of Wisdom podcast, Andrew Austin – therapist, trainer, and creator of Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) and Metaphors of Movement – shares a piece of advice that’s as profound as it is challenging: give up any notion of acquiring status. Known for his groundbreaking work in personal transformation, Andrew advocates for an approach where authenticity and meaningful work take precedence over superficial recognition.

Introducing Andrew Austin and His Approach to Transformation

Andrew Austin is well-versed in helping individuals tackle some of life’s most deep-rooted challenges, particularly in the realms of trauma and identity and more generally in executive coaching. Through IEMT, he offers a pathway to reprocess difficult emotions without reliving them, making it an invaluable tool for personal resilience. And with Metaphors of Movement, he’s created a model that reveals how people’s unconscious metaphors shape their perspectives and, ultimately, their behaviour.

Having attended Andrew’s Metaphors of Movement course and worked with him as a coaching client, I’ve experienced the power of his approach first-hand. Andrew’s unique ability to guide clients to explore the metaphors they unconsciously use to make sense of their lives allows for a transformative shift in understanding. By drawing these metaphors out, he helps clients see their situations in a new light and reveals ways to solve their challenges from within the metaphor itself – a process that’s grounding, empowering and often humorous when challenges are seen as cartoons on paper.

Practical Application: Moving Beyond Status to Authentic Work

In this episode, Andrew unpacks the pitfalls of chasing status. He believes that focusing on being “someone special” often detracts from the real work, leading to a disconnect between what we do and who we are. This wisdom, encapsulated in the metaphor “The Canvas of Character,” serves as a reminder that each action and choice we make is like a brushstroke contributing to a larger picture.

For leaders and managers, Andrew’s insights may be especially relevant. When the pursuit of recognition overtakes the pursuit of authenticity, it can lead to a culture that prioritises appearances over impact. However, by grounding transformation efforts in authenticity, where every “brushstroke” of effort is meaningful in itself, leaders can inspire teams to engage more deeply and achieve results that are both impactful and sustainable.

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The Canvas of Character: A Metaphor for Transformation

The Canvas of Character is more than just a metaphor. It’s a call to action. Each brushstroke symbolises an authentic choice, a commitment to meaningful work, and an understanding that the value of our efforts lies within the work itself. Through How2-Change’s Reality Check® and toolkits like Change in a Box and M&A in a Box which create instant impact in client engagements, we enable organisations to embrace this depth of transformation, supporting leaders who are ready to move beyond the surface and deliver the full potential of their ambitions.

How2-Change: A Partner in Authentic Transformation

At How2-Change, we believe that effective transformation starts from within. Just as Andrew’s Metaphors of Movement reveal unconscious beliefs, our tools and methodologies bring clarity and alignment to each stage of transformation. Whether it’s through the rapid diagnostic of the How2-Change Reality Check® or the structured support of our toolkits and the application of psychology to guide client teams through M&A, integration and transformation, we provide the insights and accountability leaders need to inspire authentic, lasting change.