Say yes to what you really want by saying no to what you don’t


Saying no is difficult in the world we live in. People are asking of our attention, our time, our resource and so on at increasing rates. It’s human nature to want to say yes and there is an underlying fear in the workplace and generally throughout life of being someone who is unreasonable.

We don’t want to offend people but ultimately the end result of overcommitting is that dreaded combination of over-promising and under-delivering. If you have an enthusiasm for new projects (like I do) then you may be particularly susceptible to this.

Read More

Why pressure is a good thing


If you’re anything like me, then you feel slightly stressed, tired, stretched and at the limits of your life. Welcome to being a vaguely useful human being. Or adulting as the kids call it nowadays.

The pressures of life can weigh us down, keep us stuck in one place and make life truly miserable at times. However, I have come with alternative news in this blog post. I really do believe that pressure is a gift.

Read More

The underwhelming power of consistency


Possibly the most underrated quality in today’s world is faithfulness. We tend to under-appreciate those who remain most consistent, simply for virtue of the fact that they are always there.

They’re the people who rock up when no one else does. They’re the people who you don’t have to chase. They’re the people who you just get used to relying on. They’re low maintenance, frequently high capacity with a lot to offer and often go unnoticed.

Read More

How to grow your Instagram following


It's the ultimate question isn't it. Growing your Instagram following is akin to social status nowadays. And who doesn't want everyone to think they are awesome?

But as I've been unpacking and considering all things social media over the past few months, I've had some revelations that I think are worth sharing. Is it possible that we're asking the wrong question? It's not that growth is bad in itself, it's just that it feels like there is another more important question we should be considering first.

Why would we want to grow our social media following?

Read More

How to be less annoying (and make people like you)


Let’s be honest. We’re all slightly annoying from time to time. It’s part of the wonderful complexity of what it means to be human. But certainly some are more annoying than others. Why is that the case and is it possible to change how others perceive you?

Who wouldn’t want to be more likeable, appreciated and all round better person in the room?

Social skills are one of the great mysteries of life for many of us. Without them, even the most talented will limit their future because life comprises ultimately of relationships. So can they be developed? And why is that that we’re generally fairly awkward talking about such things?

Read More

A no-nonsense guide to becoming less anxious


I’ve been thinking a lot about how we talk about mental health as a society. Whilst there have been great moves in creating an environment of openness where people can talk about what they’re facing rather than burying their feelings, it also feels like no one is talking about some of the basics of recovery. I would call it personal responsibility.

If those words are triggering to you, then I suggest not reading further.

Read More

10 books that changed the game in the last decade


2019 has been a busy yet good year and one full of many mini lessons to learn. One of the qualities of those who succeed is a desire to learn and I am always trying to keep myself personally sharp and fruitful.

Here are twelve of my top thoughts and takeaways I picked up this year along the way in life and leadership.

Read More

12 mini lessons I learnt in 2019


2019 has been a busy yet good year and one full of many mini lessons to learn. One of the qualities of those who succeed is a desire to learn and I am always trying to keep myself personally sharp and fruitful.

Here are twelve of my top thoughts and takeaways I picked up this year along the way in life and leadership.

Read More

You cannot mandate generosity


I feel like billionaires have been getting a bad rep lately. Let’s be honest, I’m ever so slightly jealous of someone who can figure out how to be just that successful. The level of work ethic, sacrifice, innovation, failure, disappointment and endurance is to be celebrated and encouraged.

When kids talk about their big dreams and their big plans they are applauded. But when adults hit real success and real figures, somehow society turns on its head. It’s very easy for us to criticise and judge.

Read More

Fear is never a good medium of communication


It’s Friday 13th December 2019 and the nation is reeling from waking up to the news of an extraordinary Conservative majority under Boris Johnson. Not only that but the most significant Labour loss since 1935, winning just over 200 seats.

This is of course a historic election in the context of Brexit and the future of Great Britain. But I wonder if there is something else at play that is worth noting.

Read More