A recent conversation with Michael LaChapelle on strategic design reminded me of the sheer importance of adaptability and resilience. There’s a certain allure to making plans. Plans give us order, predictability, and a map to follow when the world feels chaotic. They’ve been the bedrock of … [Read more...]
10 Networking Strategies That Worked for an Introvert like Me, and Could Be Equally Useful for Others
Networking can be a daunting task, especially if you're an introvert. And I am as introverted as we come ^_^ The idea of working a room, delivering a rehearsed pitch, or initiating small talk may feel uncomfortable. A lot of this pressure and discomfort around networking comes from the … [Read more...]
Lighthouses, Not Tugboats: The True Role of Mentors in Building Your Own Path
Mentors are often seen as the guiding lights on our journeys - the wise ones who share their experiences, offer insights, and help us avoid costly mistakes. But mentorship isn’t about receiving a set of ready-made answers or a clear-cut map to success. It’s far more nuanced than that. To truly … [Read more...]
The Heartbeat of Strategy: Beyond Metrics and into Meaning
In today’s business environment, it has become almost second nature to assess strategy by financial metrics alone - profits, ROI, and shareholder value have become the cornerstones of strategic discussions. Yet, relying solely on these numbers to determine success risks missing the very foundation … [Read more...]
The Hidden Truth of Strategy: It’s Not Just About the Plan – It’s About the People and the Action
Strategy is one of those words that gets tossed around in business circles with an air of reverence. Everyone loves a good strategy session - delving deep into the data, mapping out the future, and envisioning how everything will fall perfectly into place. But here’s the kicker: most of what we call … [Read more...]
The Currency of High-Performing Teams: Trust, Accountability, and the Power of Collaboration
In the world of teams, strategies are nothing without the right people to execute them. Weak teams, no matter how innovative their plan, will stumble. Conversely, even the most basic strategy can thrive in the hands of a strong, cohesive team. Yet, despite all the rhetoric around teamwork, true … [Read more...]
Self-Care Is Not Selfish: The Need to Understand the Distinction
In today's fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it's easy to confuse self-care with selfishness. However, this misunderstanding can lead to detrimental effects on our well-being and productivity. I want to take a moment to share my thoughts on this subject, drawing from my personal experiences and … [Read more...]
Embracing Change: The Leader’s Constant Companion
Change is the only constant in our lives. We’ve all heard this before, but embracing change - truly welcoming it - is often one of the hardest tasks we face, especially as leaders. The pursuit of stability, of predictability, can sometimes feel like chasing the horizon: the closer you get, the more … [Read more...]
Starting a Business: Simplest of the Simple Frameworks
Starting a business might seem like a daunting task, but when broken down into a simple framework, it becomes much more manageable. Over the years, my journey through various strategic roles has taught me that clarity and simplicity are key. Here’s a straightforward framework that has guided me and … [Read more...]
Learning to Lose: A Lesson in Grace and Pride
With the super Sunday where we saw two memorable and competitive football games in the final games of Euro 2024 and the 2024 Copa America, I was reminded of something profound: the art of losing. Watching these intense matches unfold, it became clear that, while winning is celebrated, losing … [Read more...]