image
Ian Burgess 理山
Uncarving the Bloc

Ian Burgess 理山

"The most interesting people you'll find are the ones that don’t fit into your average cardboard box. They’ll make what they need, they’ll make their own boxes."
— Dr. Temple Grandin

Over time, you begin to recognise the innate skills you possess and the ones you can develop. The key is not to cut them down to fit into a predefined box, but rather to find a way to use them all. I strive to live a life that isn't confined to a single identity or perspective — an ongoing process of “uncarving the block.”

As a result, my journey has led me to diverse roles: director of a technology company (Civic), trustee of a charity supporting neurodiversity (S4dN), and board member of an organisation promoting the UK’s open-source industry (OpenUK). Alongside these, I am active in consulting, mentoring, and teaching Taijiquan, Qigong, and meditation.

What Guides Me

Daoism

Daoism has profoundly shaped my worldview, guiding how I engage with everyday challenges and complex strategic decisions. At its core, Daoism emphasises living in harmony with the Dao (the Way), the natural order that underpins all existence. Rooted in ancient texts like Lao Tzu’s Dao De Jing and the teachings of Zhuangzi, Daoism calls for simplicity, humility, and balance—qualities that resonate deeply in my personal and professional life.

Through the practice of Daoism, I’ve cultivated a quiet, contemplative approach to life, valuing stillness and reflection as essential elements for navigating a fast-paced world. The Daoist concept of wu wei (effortless action) has been particularly influential in shaping my philosophy toward leadership and strategy. Rather than forcing outcomes, I focus on aligning with the flow of situations, allowing solutions to emerge naturally by understanding the broader context and the unseen forces at play.

Over time, Daoism has expanded to encompass all elements of my life, influencing how I interact with others and how I approach decision-making and problem-solving. In my work as a strategist and consultant, Daoism informs my ability to assess situations clearly, recognising that adaptability and flexibility often lead to better outcomes than rigid adherence to preconceived plans. The Dao teaches us to embrace uncertainty, accept change, and see challenges as opportunities for growth.

Daoism’s holistic perspective emphasises harmony between the internal and external worlds; this balance shapes my spiritual practice and my approach to fostering collaborative, thoughtful, and sustainable solutions in business and community initiatives.

Open

"Open" is more than just a software licence; it represents a broader philosophy of accessibility and empowerment. In my work, I see openness as a fundamental approach to ensuring that information, tools, and technology are available to everyone, regardless of their background or resources. It is through this open sharing of knowledge and resources that individuals are empowered to create their own solutions, addressing unique challenges and improving their quality of life.

This philosophy underpins my engagement with the open-source community and the broader open movement. By advocating for open access, I support a culture where innovation is democratised, and individuals are not merely consumers of technology but active participants in shaping it. Openness fosters collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, ensuring that the power to drive change is shared rather than concentrated in the hands of a few.

In professional sectors such as fintech, tech startups, or social innovation, this open approach enables rapid adaptation, growth, and collective problem-solving. It creates a fertile ground for diverse ideas and contributions, leading to more inclusive and sustainable solutions that reflect the needs of a wider range of people. Through the lens of openness, I aim to help create a world where technology and information are not just tools but avenues for empowerment and transformation.

What I do

Consulting

When we work together, my role isn’t just to provide quick fixes or temporary solutions. It’s to help you find clarity through thoughtful reflection. The challenges you face aren’t isolated events; they’re part of a larger journey. Addressing them requires patience, careful thinking, and the willingness to look beyond the immediate problem.

I’m not here to hand you answers, but to work alongside you as we discover them together. We’ll look at your situation with a calm, measured approach, recognising that every challenge presents an opportunity to learn and refine your judgement. It’s not the external pressures that matter most, but how we respond to them. Together, we’ll clear away confusion and find the best way forward.

Every decision, no matter how complicated, can be broken down, considered carefully, and approached with purpose. I’m here to offer guidance, helping you see the options clearly and choose the right path. Ultimately, though, it’s your insight, your determination, and your willingness to act that will lead you to success. I can’t make the journey for you, but I can help light the way.

Our focus won’t just be on solving the immediate issues in front of you, but on how each step contributes to your broader goals. The solutions we create together will be lasting, built on your own strengths and capacity for growth. My goal is to ensure that long after our work together, you’ll continue to thrive, equipped with the clarity and confidence to tackle whatever comes next.

Mentoring

When we work together, my aim isn’t to hand you quick fixes but to help you find clarity through thoughtful reflection. Challenges aren’t just obstacles; they’re part of a bigger journey that requires patience and a broader perspective.

Every problem we face together allows us to approach things calmly and purposefully. It’s not the challenges that shape us but how we respond to them. Together, we’ll determine the best way forward based on reason and what truly matters.

Each decision can be broken down, stripped of confusion, and approached with intention. I’ll help you see the options clearly, but your insight and determination will lead to success. While I can’t walk the path for you, I’ll be there to guide you and help light the way.

Our focus will go beyond just solving what’s in front of us. We’ll align your immediate decisions with your bigger goals, creating lasting solutions built on your strengths. Long after our work together, you’ll have the clarity and confidence to keep moving forward on your terms.

What I teach

Yang Sheng Gong - Life Nurturing Practices

A holistic approach to cultivating vitality and well-being. It encompasses a wide array of disciplines and traditions, all aimed at nourishing and sustaining life in its fullest sense.

At its core, Yang Sheng Gong initially appeared to me as an umbrella term that covered practices like Daoyin (導引), Qigong (氣功), meditation, and dietary management. These ancient techniques, each with a long history rooted in Chinese philosophy and medicine, are designed to promote physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. They focus on aligning the body and mind with the natural rhythms of life, creating harmony within oneself and with the environment.

However, as I delved deeper into the practice, my understanding of Yang Sheng Gong evolved. It became clear that it extends far beyond just personal health practices. Not only nurtures our own well-being but also fosters the health and happiness of those around us. It teaches us that life is interconnected and that nurturing ourselves inevitably involves nurturing our relationships, communities, and the world at large.

Taijiquan

Taichi is often perceived as a gentle form of exercise, but within its graceful movements lies a sophisticated system of martial arts, internal development, and spiritual growth. At our school, we are dedicated to transmitting the authentic Yang style Taijiquan—a lineage that seamlessly integrates health, martial skill, and inner cultivation.

Taichi is about embodying the thirteen core principles, achieving balance, strength, and harmony both internally and externally. Our teaching approach is methodically structured to guide students from foundational skills, such as relaxation (Fang Song) and internal listening (Ting Jin), to advanced martial techniques like neutralising (Hua Jin) and issuing power (Fa Jin). This comprehensive training develops both the internal and external aspects of Taichi, ensuring a well-rounded practice.

You’ll learn the practical applications of every movement, from self-defence techniques to push hands (Tui Shou) drills, ensuring that your practice is not only functional but also deeply rooted in traditional martial principles.

Projects

HME Edinburgh

HME Edinburgh

Martial Arts
Penglai Fellowship UK

Penglai Fellowship UK

Internal Arts
Open UK

Open UK

Industry Body
Civic

Civic

Digital Agency
The Society for Neurodiversity (S4Nd)

The Society for Neurodiversity (S4Nd)

Charity

Testimonials