Why Criticism Feels So Painful for Ex-Boarders
In this episode, I explore why criticism can feel so painful for those of us who went to boarding school.
For many ex-boarders, criticism does not simply feel like feedback. It can feel like danger. It can activate old patterns of shame, fear, compliance, dissociation or defensiveness.
I reflect on…
Polyvagal Theory, Vagus Nerve & Boarding School Trauma
Here is the link to this Friday's podcast with Sara Warner about the vagus nerve and wearables: https://youtu.be/HpxcTW0oKI8
In this episode, I explore polyvagal theory, the vagus nerve, childhood trauma and boarding school syndrome.
Following my recent conversation with Sarah Warner about vagus …
5 Reasons We Need to Stop Sending Future Leaders to Boarding School
Prince George is set to attend Eton College, continuing a long tradition of future leaders being educated in elite boarding schools.
But is this really the best way to prepare someone for leadership in the 21st century?
In this episode of An Evolving Man Podcast, I explore five reasons why we need …
Why High Achieving Leaders Can’t Switch Off | Burnout, Rest and Leadership
Why do so many successful leaders struggle to switch off?
In this episode of An Evolving Man Podcast, I explore why high-achieving leaders often find it difficult to rest, sleep, stop working, put the phone down or be fully present with family.
This is not simply a time management issue.
For many l…
Why Change Feels So Uncomfortable After Boarding School | Piers Cross
Why can transitions feel disproportionately difficult for former boarders?
In this short episode of An Evolving Man Podcast, Piers Cross reflects on his own nervousness before leaving for a workshop and retreat—and explores how apparently ordinary transitions can activate much older emotional patte…
John Bunzl on Co-Creating the Third Attractor
What if the world’s biggest problems aren’t caused by bad leaders, but by a system that forces every nation to compete instead of cooperate?In this conversation, John Bunzl, founder of Simpol (Simultaneous Policy), joins Daniela Bomatter to explore why climate change, AI governance, economic inequa…
Boarding School Syndrome & the Inner Critic: Why We’re So Hard on Ourselves
Why are so many former boarders relentlessly hard on themselves?
In this short episode of An Evolving Man Podcast, Piers Cross explores the brutal inner critic that can develop through boarding school and childhood trauma.
Piers reflects on how being humiliated for showing emotion led him to begin …
Prince George Starts at Eton: Boarding School, Separation & Emotional Survival | Piers Cross
What can the first day at boarding school feel like for a child?
Following Prince George’s arrival at Eton College, Piers Cross reflects on his own first days at boarding school and the psychology of leaving home for a large residential institution.
Drawing on the work of Nick Duffell and Joy Schav…
Boarding School Syndrome: The First Stage of Healing | Piers Cross
What is the first step in healing boarding school syndrome?
In this short episode of An Evolving Man Podcast, Piers Cross explores the importance of understanding and education at the beginning of a healing journey.
Drawing on Pete Walker’s work on complex PTSD, Piers reflects on how learning about…
Boarding School Concern Conference 2026 | Boarding School Syndrome, Healing & Support
What is it like to attend a conference where people genuinely understand the experience of being sent away to boarding school?
In this short episode, Piers Cross shares details of the Boarding School Concern Conference 2026, taking place in London on Saturday 7 November.
Piers has attended the conf…
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