My Library
People are my library, my writing inspired by what I learn: ideas, inspiration, wisdom, and sometimes some eclectic whimsy for good measure, all centred around #OpenLeadership. At the heart of all of this is that I write to share learnings and to discover my thoughts. Over the years i have written (mostly) daily, over 2000 posts and 1,000,000 words (that last part blows my mind, tbh!). Enjoy browsing.
Some moments are perfect
This photo was from 14 years ago today, 16th August 2009, on Dalbeg Beach on the Isle of Lewis. One of my favourite places in the world, two of my favourite people in the world, two Caymanian-Scottish boys picking tiny stones from the beach, stones of Lewisian Gneiss,...
Some moments are perfect
Some moments are perfect. The older I get, the more I appreciate the moments, and take time to savour them, each tiny one.
Learnings from listening
Last week I attended a talk at The RSA in London by Stephen Burt on the power of listening. Stephen is a highly experienced leadership coach, so operating in a similar space to me. I, therefore, invested the time to come to this talk not to expect to learn new core...
Counterintuitive business growth tips
Business Growth Tips from a counterintuitive perspective. Today, a post that is a little different and comes from my past experience building and investing in businesses. It is to give two counterintuitive tips for planning to grow a business. These relate...
Who can you introduce?
Introduce Business Associates. Make the introduction strong and clear Hi. My name is Tom. I'm 53, white, male, tall, straight, middle class, university educated, professionally qualified and a native English speaker from the developed world. Every single one of those...
Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist
"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist" ~ Pablo Picasso Today a story to illustrate this thought from Picasso. A story of skilled and highly experienced professionals knowing when to throw away the rule book and the script and go with...
The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms
"The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms" ~ Socrates Yesterday I had a wonderful and inspiring two-hour lunch conversation which became an exploration of the definition of wisdom. The quote from Socrates came to mind, as there was much discussion around the...
Being a Vulnerable Visionary
"I think the best entrepreneurs are Vulnerable Visionaries. Its a combination of being vulnerable and having confidence." ~ Chip Conley I have referenced Chip Conley in my daily posts multiple times, with his concept of "Vulnerable Visionary" one learning I repeatedly...
Lust for…Responsibility?
A wonderful quote from one of my favourite books, "Dune", the 1965 science fiction masterpiece by Frank Herbert focussed around clans and corporations fighting for power, where power means control of a powerful (interesting that choice of descriptor!) drug that is...
Language, Truth and Trust
Language, truth and trust, as relates to a recent blog by Seth Godin on different types of truth. One of the things I love about London is the ease of attending talks and workshops and learning from amazing intellects. Last week was one such occasion where I went to a...
“WorkAnywhere”. Going beyond “Remote”
A wonderful depiction by Gaping Void of the core messages of the book "Remote" I strongly believe in remote working. However, today let me take it a level further. For now let's call it "WorkAnywhere", as the idea of remote working still implies a paradigm where...
What’s your Context?
Context is a powerful tool which can be used at both a personal and professional level. In the last few weeks I've started working with a few new clients. At the beginning of any new engagement, I always like to take time with the client to set a Context before we...
What clock are you on?
There is no definition of time: what clock are you on? Andromeda galaxy - so far away that light takes two million years to reach us. How long is 38 years to you? Is it the same to each of us? If not, why not? Today a story about 38 years, then some thoughts on what...
Would you give your business away?
Would you give your business away? Well, Julian Richer just did. Let's look at that story today. This week, on the same day that the Institute of Fiscal Studies announced their major new study on inequalities, the IFS Deaton Review, Julian Richer announced he is...