Staying connected across generations – lessons on leadership and judgement
As a 50-something year old man with two kids now in their 30s, it’s tempting to believe I understand what it’s like to be 13 today. Truth is, I don’t. And that’s okay—it’s a reminder of how important it is for different generations to stay connected and keep learning from one another. This article from The […]
Workplace wellbeing is a waste of time—or are we just looking at it all wrong?
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s striking how much workplace wellbeing remains misunderstood. At the start of the year, my book The Emotional Overdraft launched alongside an Oxford study claiming that many wellbeing initiatives are ineffective. Critics argue that these efforts are either a distraction or a sticking plaster over deeper workplace issues. Here’s the […]
Resist-mas: a survival guide for the season (and the start of 2025)
For everyone who already knows they’ll be clinging to their sanity by a fraying thread come mid-December, this article is for you. Resist-mas is my rallying cry for those who’d rather not roll into the Christmas hols with nerves stretched as tight as overstuffed stockings. Here’s my advice on resisting ending the year deep in […]
Play Hard to Get: How Scarcity Drives Demand
Scarcity isn’t just a sales tactic; it’s a strategy for cultivating brand mystique and customer loyalty. Last Crumb, the “Rolex of cookies,” has mastered this art by treating their limited-edition cookie releases like exclusive product drops, akin to those of high-end streetwear brands. This model has done more than fuel demand—it has positioned Last Crumb […]
Watch: what is failure? A reflection on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s response
In the aftermath of the Milwaukee Bucks’ surprise playoff loss to the Miami Heat, NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked a question he’d heard before: Was this season a failure? His answer—both thoughtful and spirited—offered a window into his mindset on the nature of success and failure, and it brings a refreshing perspective that resonates […]
6 must-read books for building life-changing habits
If you’re looking to transform your habits, Jeff McKeon’s list (shared on LinkedIn) of recommended reads is an inspiring starting point. These books are invitations to reframe how we think about habits, productivity, and growth. Building habits is essential to maintaining balance and purpose in life, especially for leaders who face challenges that can drain […]
The Resentment Letter: why writing it can help you heal
I’m no therapist, but I do know that everyone – to my knowledge – has experienced resentment. That burning sense of frustration when someone we care about falls short of our expectations. The challenge with resentment, however, is that it tends to build up. When left unaddressed, it transforms into contempt, which can corrode our […]
The Power of Listening to Your Emotions
In my experience as a coach, and through the research for my book, there’s one thing that is abundantly clear: many leaders and high achievers push themselves into emotional overdraft by ignoring or even outright dismissing their emotions. We’ve been taught to ‘power through’, to keep a stiff upper lip, to ‘just get to the […]
When did you first join LinkedIn? Here’s how to find out…
How long have you been building connections? LinkedIn was founded in 2003 with 10 users. By 2004 it had 100k and by 2009 there were a staggering 17 million users! If you’re curious to see how long you’ve been part of LinkedIn then here’s a simple way to check: I was 2007 by the way – […]
Papa’s Tomato Garden – One of my favourite stories…
Is necessity really the mother of invention? Do difficult situations inspire ingenious solutions? Can constraints foster creativity? The below is one of my favourite stories for highlighting creative responses to challenging situations. It’s an oldie, but a goodie. An old Italian lived alone in New Jersey. He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it […]
