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.
The perfect creative brief
“I’m looking for a really big hit for Aretha, How about writing a song called ‘Natural Woman?’” This is probably the best creative brief I have ever heard, though the full story is even better, in Ian Leslie's latest "The Ruffian" substack post. (You Make Me Feel...
The perfect creative brief
“I’m looking for a really big hit for Aretha, How about writing a song called ‘Natural Woman?’” This is probably the best creative brief I…
Focus on only three things
Past and current clients will smile at the title, as I love the "rule of three" and always look to get them to distil their focus down to three things, no matter the size of the company, the complexity of the challenges, opportunities, issues they face. However, what...
Make a bigger dent in the universe
(c) Gaping Void Leverage BraveryYou are already a brave leader. You had to be to get to where you are. You are already successful, making a difference, yet remain hungry to make an even bigger “dent in the universe”. So, what’s next? At the moment, am working in the...
Back yourself
The lesson is simple: Back Yourself. When nobody else likes the deal but you. That’s how you win big.Fred Wilson of USV, from his post "Negative Social Proof" Over the years I've reviewed literally thousands of businesses for investment, whether for the active...
On Being Consistent
Consistent actions and behaviours become a rhythm in relationships. It allows people to know where they stand. At the core of all relationships sits one thing. Maintain it, nurture it, deepen it and you will deepen the strength of the relationship. Lose it, even for a...
Proactive Resilience – Emotional Equations
Emotional Equations can bring both self-awareness and comfort at times we feel down or simply off-balance. As we head into the Northern Hemisphere winter and the Pandemic continues, I've written about the importance of Proactive Resilience, of preparing for the times...
6 Components of Wisdom
Last year I mused widely in the post: "What is your definition of Wisdom?" Today, more focussed thoughts on the 6 Components of Wisdom, each both thought-provoking and actionable for you in your leadership of self and others. Thank you to my wise friend Bruce Lloyd,...
The power of finding meaning when you are younger
I reflect on the immense power it brings to find meaning younger in life. Of all books, this one has had the most impact on my life "Researchers have found that on average we feel that our lives have the most purpose at the age of about 60"from The Times: "You will...
I repeat – slow down to speed up later
In my experience, the starting point is to slow down. To take time to really get clear on personal and business "why", from Purpose to Vision. My clients are very often high achievers who have spent their careers driven to achieve, to plan and then work the plan, to...
Thank you for a record month!
As we come to the end of September, the steady upwards trend of visitors has continued, and leapt up this month to really “smash it!”…
Musical Zen – Kate Bush and Prince
As winter approaches with the prospect of the impact of the pandemic second wave, regular readers will note I'm regularly posting around the idea of proactive resilience, including sharing music and writing and other art that inspires. Today a story around a musical...
Ready for Change? Incremental or Radical?
Design genius from Maitland Telke of Brand Oxygen Are you ready for change? If so, does it feel like a time for incremental change or radical change? This year, I really sense a feeling of “Transitions”, where the pandemic has accelerated change for so many of us and...
Make your Proactive Resilience list
Proactive Resilience: Do everything you can to be prepared and strong (physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and more) in advance of things getting worse. Resilience sign with wooden cubes on background Nine days ago, September 18th, I published: "Prepare for...