Persefone Campaigning

16/06/2025

🧠 Why Do Some Nations Turn from Victim to Aggressor? And Why Do We Keep Electing Leaders Who Reflect That?

In both psychology and geopolitics, there’s a haunting pattern: unhealed trauma, personal or collective, doesn’t just disappear. It mutates. Often into control, aggression, or moral exceptionalism.
Think of how trauma narratives shape the policies of leaders like Netanyahu, Putin, or Trump. But the harder truth? These leaders often don’t impose themselves on us: we elect them. Why? Because they reflect something in the collective psyche: a desire to feel safe, powerful, or vindicated after suffering.

In this article, I explore:
• How trauma distorts leadership and national identity
• Why remembrance alone doesn’t heal
• The danger of strongman politics as a psychological defence
• And what real moral maturity in leadership could look like

This isn’t just about the Middle East or the USA. It’s about all of us, and the unconscious forces shaping today’s politics.

🔗 https://persefonecoaching.wixsite.com/persefonecampaigning/post/when-victims-become-aggressors-understanding-how-collective-wounds-shape-national-behaviour

Would love to hear your thoughts.
What wounds are still shaping the world, and how do we begin to heal them?

In both psychology and geopolitics, there's a powerful and often unsettling pattern: victims can become oppressors. This is not due to moral failure alone but often stems from deep psychological forces embedded in individual and collective trauma. What starts as a defensive posture can turn into dom...

14/05/2025

Why Starmer’s Shift to the Right on Immigration Rhetoric Will Backfire:
Keir Starmer’s recent embrace of tougher rhetoric on immigration appears to be a calculated move to win back voters who’ve drifted toward Reform UK. But it’s a strategy doomed to fail, and for one very simple reason: it’s inauthentic.

Those who’ve already left Labour for Reform won’t be persuaded by this pivot. They’ve long made up their minds that Labour doesn’t speak for them, particularly on cultural issues like immigration. A sudden adoption of harder language won’t convince them. It will simply appear opportunistic.

More damaging, though, is what this move signals to Labour’s own base. Long-time supporters, activists, and members of the party will see it not just as cynical, but as a betrayal of Labour’s values. For many, immigration isn’t merely a policy issue; they're now more likely to vote Green.

In trying to appease the right, Starmer risks bleeding support from his left. Worse, he undermines one of the few things that still resonates with disillusioned voters: integrity. If Labour’s positions appear malleable, shaped more by polling than principle, then what does the party stand for?

Political triangulation might win headlines, but it rarely inspires trust. And without trust, you don’t win elections, or govern effectively.

19/04/2025

🇮🇹✨ Why saying “Domani vado dal dottore” might be fine in conversation… but not in a political campaign.

When we speak in public — especially in politics — the tense we choose shapes the vision we communicate.

Too much present tense? Your message might feel flat, reactive, or too focused on now.
Use the future, and suddenly you’re inspiring belief in what’s possible.

I just published a short piece on how this plays out in Italian political messaging — with practical examples and why it matters for campaign strategy.

🔗 https://persefonecoaching.wixsite.com/persefonecampaigning/post/does-the-language-we-speak-influence-how-we-think-about-the-future-a-reflection-for-political-commu

If you’re working in political comms or campaigning in Italian, this one’s for you.

Does the language we speak influence how we think? According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, it might. This theory suggests that the structure and vocabulary of our language shape how we perceive reality. When applied to political communication, it raises a compelling question: if a language rarely t...

19/03/2025

The Left Needs to Offer More Than Just a Reaction

As politics becomes more polarised again, the left is finding itself in a difficult position. While the right have mastered the art of selling a clear, emotionally charged vision, the left often focuses on countering policies instead of offering a cohesive alternative. In Italy and many other countries they are currently in the opposition so it should make their job easier!

What’s missing? A well-articulated, values-driven vision that unites the left’s policies. Without this, the left risks being seen as fragmented and defensive rather than a credible force for change.

The key lies in framing policies around shared values—such as fairness, opportunity, and shared prosperity—and repeating these messages in a way that resonates emotionally. People aren’t motivated by a list of policy fixes—they need a vision that connects with their hopes and aspirations.

In my latest post, I explore how the left can shift from a reactive stance to one that offers a clear, forward-thinking narrative that inspires and unites.

https://persefonecoaching.wixsite.com/persefonecampaigning/post/the-left-needs-a-vision-building-a-clear-identity-for-the-future

Politics is polarised again, the left is struggling to define what it actually stands for. While conservatives are effective at selling a clear, emotionally charged vision rooted in tradition, security, and national identity, the left tends to focus on countering right-wing policies rather than pres...

16/03/2025

For years, the Italian left has struggled to define itself clearly on social media. Too often, progressive parties and politicians focus on criticising the right rather than offering a compelling alternative vision.

But people don’t vote for critiques—they vote for hope, identity, and a better future. In other words a clear vision.

Social media isn’t just a tool for communication—it’s a battleground for shaping perceptions, defining movements, and mobilising voters. To win, the Italian left must do more than react to the government’s actions; it needs to set the agenda, create a strong identity, and show how its vision will improve people’s lives.

Political parties need to go beyond just criticising opponents. Social media offers an opportunity for left-wing parties

29/01/2025

The new Italian bill proposed under the 'Ddl Sicurezza' is causing significant concern. This legislation aims at university surveillance and could infringe on academic freedom and privacy. Learn what it means for the future of education here: https://wix.to/NQ0G3yG

A new proposal in Italy, part of the “Ddl Sicurezza” (Security Bill), has sparked serious concern regarding privacy and academic freedom. The bill, currently under discussion, introduces the idea that universities could be compelled to share personal data on students, staff, and researchers with...

25/11/2024

14/11/2024

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Get practical tips for handling conversations, improving collaboration, and enhancing effective professional communication.

Thank you for subscribing. I’m Julie, founder of Persefone Coaching, and my background in communication and leadership coaching has allowed me to see first-hand the impact that clear, thoughtful communication can have on professional success and workplace dynamics.

06/11/2024

How to support your sad US friends:

Call now to connect with business.

06/11/2024

This article is very much needed today after the US elections. Which techniques have you been using to avoid confrontation with those who have strong but different opinions to your own?

Encountering colleagues with different opinions and perspectives is common—and often beneficial. When opposing views arise, the goal shouldn’t be to “win” the conversation or prove your point but to find a mutually beneficial path forward.

29/10/2024

Il Potere delle Parole: Analizzando il Loro Impatto Psicologico

Le parole che scegliamo hanno un peso enorme. Questo articolo esplora gli effetti psicologici del linguaggio, in particolare come alcuni termini possano inavvertitamente rinforzare percezioni negative e ostacolare il progresso.

Spesso ci imbattiamo in etichette come “vulnerabile” o “vittima,” che possono minare la dignità e l’autonomia di coloro che descrivono. Questo articolo esamina le profonde implicazioni della scelta delle parole, non solo nelle interazioni personali ma anche all’interno di contesti sociali più ampi, tra cui politica, istruzione, lavoro e giustizia sociale.

Come leader e influenzatori, è fondamentale riflettere sul linguaggio che utilizziamo e sul suo impatto sull’autostima, l’empowerment e le dinamiche comunitarie. Promuoviamo un discorso che eleva e rispetta gli individui piuttosto che diminuire le loro esperienze.

Ti invito a leggere l’articolo completo e a considerare come il nostro linguaggio plasmi percezioni e realtà.

The words we choose affect not only the clarity of our message but also the emotions, beliefs, and responses of our audience. Our choice of…

23/10/2024

🌟 Master Active Listening: A Game Changer for Communication! 🌟

Hey everyone! 🎧 If you’re looking to improve your communication skills, I’ve put together a course on Mastering Active Listening. It’s all about listening deeply and really connecting with others, whether you’re in a face-to-face conversation or navigating the virtual world.

📚 What You’ll Find:
✨ Strategies for understanding non-native speakers
💻 Tips for effective virtual communication
🔍 Practical exercises that you can use right away

Here are a few quick tips to enhance your active listening skills:
🧘 Stay Present: Put away distractions and focus entirely on the speaker. This shows respect and fosters better understanding.

🔄 Practice Reflective Listening: After the speaker shares their thoughts, try paraphrasing what you’ve heard before responding. This reinforces understanding and ensures you’re both on the same page.

⏳ Embrace Silence: Allow pauses in the conversation. It gives the speaker space to think and can lead to deeper insights. Sometimes, the most meaningful contributions come after a moment of reflection.

I believe that better listening can lead to more meaningful conversations and stronger connections. If you do too check out my course for free 🔗https://www.udemy.com/course/master-active-listening/?couponCode=58B82BDAF1723FE9946A