Field Notes is a creative series from Between Seasons, sharing a monthly dispatch from the Butter Field studio - part mood board, part growth journal. A glimpse behind the scenes at what’s blooming, what we’re learning and the quiet rhythms shaping change beneath the surface.
October has arrived with sharper edges. Where September carried lightness and momentum, October is asking me to narrow in and focus. It feels like the difference between a wide, open meadow and a path that winds deeper into the trees — still expansive, but more intentional.
Last month, I realised I was fixated on low-hanging fruit — ideas and offerings that were exciting, but ultimately distractions. It was a reminder that momentum without direction can scatter as quickly as it builds. So at the start of the month, I came back to my core: my why. I sat down and made a set of Clarity Cards — simple anchors to remind me of what Butter Field exists to do, and what is not mine to carry (no matter how much I love the idea). Having those cards on my desktop has been like carrying a compass in my pocket. Every time a shiny new idea tempts me off-course, I can return to them and remember: this is what I’m here to do in this season.
And then, just as the month was closing, another mic-drop moment arrived. I pressed play on a new audiobook, and within the first chapter I felt years of circling questions click into place. (More on that below). It felt like October had bookended itself with clarity — one moment at the start, one at the end — drawing the path a little sharper, a little more defined.
Focus, it turns out, is freedom.
What’s Growing?
This month isn’t about more. It’s about less — but deeper, sharper, clearer.
Inside-Out Sustainability — A phrase that landed with me while listening to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (more below!). It felt like a crystallisation of everything I’ve been circling for months (years, really): that real, lasting impact starts within, then ripples outward into systems, strategies and stories. This is the Butter Field lens — and I’m excited to share more about this methodology.
Influence Archetypes — I know I’ve been saying this for months. But now that the priorities are clear, the design work is flowing. The overview is ready, the PDF is in the works, and you’ll see it bloom very soon. Here’s a sneak peak at the 8 key archetypes that you need to know about:
The Brand Impact Audit has been sidelined. This was the, very noble, but distracting side quest I found myself on. I still believe it’s a valuable approach to accessing mentorship on an accessible budget, but I’ve deprioritised for now, and it’ll make a comeback in the launch plans with a slightly different context.
Butter Field is on Instagram — I finally started posting on the Butter Field account (and Bodega Bloom, if you want to peek behind-the-scenes at building an aligned and layered brand). It feels playful and creative, which is exactly what I want this space to hold. Come find me there if you’re craving more vibe and value in between these emails (and crusty old LinkedIn).
Studio Soundtrack
I haven’t put together a playlist for this month — I think I need to just move in the direction that the work takes me, instead of setting the course.
Instead, here’s a podcast to add to your rotation.
My friend Courtney (of Circular Sourcing, and Substack Clothing 2.0) just launched F*Words with a group of gal pals. It’s a behind-the-scenes series from female founders — it’s honest, scrappy and refreshing. Exactly the kind of energy I’m carrying into October.
Note to Self
No shiny object syndrome this month.
Reading & Reflections
Just last week, I hit play on the audiobook of Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It’s funny that I’ve never actually listened to it before, when my uncle — who has endlessly inspiring leadership skills — has worked at the company for decades… Hi Doug, if you’re reading this!
Within the first chapter, I had to stop what I was doing to let it sink in. It felt like everything I’ve been circling for months (maybe even years) was being spoken back to me.
Real leadership, real change, that lasts, begins from inside-out.
I’m exciting to listen to the rest of the book this month, making my way through the 7 habits and applying an impact and sustainability lens to the ideas. I’ll report back!
I’ve also been reflecting on The Death of the Corporate Job, a viral Substack post that sparked a chorus of recognition across industries. If you missed it, it’s worth a read.
💬 What about you — do you have a knowledge source you return to again and again? I’d love to know what sparks ideas for you.
What’s Coming Up?
Here’s what October holds:
A How I Did It podcast episode with a behind-the-scenes story from eBay
The long-awaited (by me, anyway) launch of the Influence Archetypes
More insight on Inside-Out Sustainability
Fresh energy on Butter Field + Bodega Bloom’s Instagrams
Focus is in season - and I’m here for it.
Until November (ouch! that hurts to type), I’ll be leaning into the the deeper work and confidently putting one foot in front of the other — even if slowly.
Rooting for you always,
