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Flip it on its head

Can you take a concept that people think they understand very well and flip it on its head?

Yes, no problems!
A brand isn’t just a logo or a company name. I think a brand is a shorthand: it’s what people expect when they hire you, when you walk into the room, or when they see your name. If your approach is just "Tell us what you need, and we’ll make it," you risk losing any distinct identity. You won’t stand for anything unique. Many creatives struggle to set prices for their work, often feeling like a sell-out when they find commercial success.

Value comes from the story and the price. You can choose one of two paths: you can position yourself as an affordable, general option, someone who competes on price alone and gets a steady flow of business. Or you can position yourself as a premium choice, someone who charges more but delivers exceptional value. You may get fewer clients, but those who value quality over cost will seek you out. Who do you want to be?

““Don’t become a wandering generality. Be a meaningful specific.”
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— Zig Ziglar

What's the challenge?

Image c/o LinkedIn

I have become both a sponge and a filter, absorbing everything while carefully choosing what to amplify. On one hand, I want to give voice to important topics, but on the other, I don’t want those topics to be solely associated with me. There’s a risk of losing myself or making it seem like the issue is about me, which could undermine the message. My challenge is finding ways to support these causes behind the scenes, without drawing too much attention to myself.

““What disturbs men’s minds is not events but their judgement on events.””
— Epictetus

What does a good coach deliver?

I think a good coach consistently delivers self-belief, self-motivation, choice, clarity, commitment, awareness, responsibility, and action, whilst also holding the client accountable. While many of us may be capable of providing these qualities to others occasionally, a skilled coach delivers them reliably, empowering most people most of the time. Contact me via email to discuss your coaching requirements.

“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”
— John Wooden
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Mindset affects your resilience

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Which mindset do you have?

In her book “Mindset: How You Can Fulfil Your Potential”, Carol Dweck (author and psychologist) challenges conventional thinking by exploring the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets and how they shape our attitudes, behaviours, and outcomes. I think it’s an oversimplification to think that we can only have one mindset. Most people believe they either have a growth or fixed mindset, but research shows we possess both. At times, we operate with a fixed mindset, and at other times, we adopt a growth mindset.

““Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.””
— Bernard Baruch

Understanding kindness

We can restore humanity and dignity to the workplace by empowering people to take ownership of the process. With the right approach to continuous improvement, we can cultivate the humility, courage, and creativity needed to put things in their proper place. I think the key is to start by re-examining how we view humans, both in general and within the working context.

““I’m for the truth, no matter who tells it. 
I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. 
I’m a human being first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.””
— Malcolm X

Attitude determines altitude

Our attitude towards both our professional and personal lives will determine how far we go in business and in life. Attitude is a choice, not a skillset. By adopting an attitude of gratitude, you'll achieve greater success in business and experience countless blessings in life. So, change your attitude and stop making excuses.

“ “It’s your attitude, not your aptitude that will determine your altitude.””
— Zig Ziglar

Explain rather than excuse

I'm focused on deliverables, not just activity, so during our knowledge work team meeting about objectives, I want to emphasise results over excuses. Few of us have had the privilege of working on high-performance teams where we're genuinely excited to go to work, and that's the kind of environment I want to foster. What about you?

“Not managing your time and making excuses are two bad habits. Don’t put them both together by claiming you ‘don’t have the time’.””
— Robert Foster Bennett

Building a new team

In any team project, the journey to success often involves navigating through distinct stages:
1st Stage: Forming, when the team members come together and start to understand each other's roles and strengths.

2nd Stage: Storming, this phase is often marked by conflicts and challenges as different opinions and working styles clash.

3rd Stage: Norming, where the team begins to resolve differences, establish norms, and work more cohesively.

4th Stage: Performing, the final stage where the team operates at its highest potential, efficiently and effectively achieving its goals.
At what stage is your team? Contact me via email if you would like some guidance on your journey.

““The only skill that will be important in the 21st century is the skill of learning new skills. Everything else will become obsolete over time.””
— Peter Drucker

Fine-tuning our minds

The words you use to frame your current situation will change your mindset and elevate your mood. A positive mindset allows you to stay open to new possibilities where others see barriers, and a positive mood will lift your spirits and attract people in your life who will help, support, or hire you. I think successful individuals in any field used positive words to frame an outcome. It's an imperfect world, and despite hours of practice and years of experience, the ball won't always bounce your way, you'll be dealt a bad hand, or an unprecedented pandemic will shift your plans. 

““We dance round in a ring and suppose,
But the secret sits in the middle and knows.””
— Robert Frost

Learning about yourself

Insights about yourself or the situation at hand lead to actions and behavior changes. Positive behavior changes create an impact, which in turn generates new insights and awareness, perpetuating the cycle. When coaching one has to park our ego and let our coachees' achievements shine, amplifying their successes. I think it’s important to find the right balance between helping others and helping yourself.

““A rising tide lifts all boats.””
— J.F. Kennedy

Tailor-made solutions

Our tailor-made coaching for performance solutions aim to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity, which effectively enhances teamwork, communication, and productivity. Research has shown that creating a positive work environment boosts productivity, promotes teamwork, reduces turnover rates, and improves employee satisfaction. By investing in coaching for performance, you can help your employees develop the skills they need to perform at their best and contribute to the overall success of your company. Contact me via email for a free 30-minute discovery call.

““Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can always control what you will feel and do about what happens to you.” ”
— Viktor Frankl

Frames create focus

You will control your life when you learn how to control energy, and you will not control energy unless you control yourself and your emotions. I think the first steps to spiritual advancement and increasing your strength involve self-control.


Everything has a positive and a negative side. It’s impossible for anything to exist with only one side. For example, have you ever seen a one-sided coin, a one-sided piece of paper, or a one-sided piece of bread? If something exists and has a negative aspect, there must be something positive about it at the same time, and vice versa.

““When we are no longer able to change the situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. Hope and positive energy can turn challenges into triumphs.””
— Viktor Frankl

Are you a risk taker?

I think entrepreneurship lies within everyone, though not all possess the discipline it requires. While anyone can become an entrepreneur, not everyone aspires to be one; some prefer to rely on others, thinking it means less effort. I believe true entrepreneurship demands leadership, and a genuine leader never delegates tasks they wouldn't undertake themselves. Contact me via email for short discovery meeting when you are ready to take the next step on your journey.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an entrepreneur is defined as "a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit."

““The caterpillar does all the work but the butterfly gets all the publicity.””
— George Carlin

Emotional conversations

Illustration: Liz Fossilien ©

If you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you, you will continue to struggle. True power lies in sitting back and observing things with logic and restraint. If words control you, it means everyone else can control you. I think you should just breathe and let things pass.

““If you start a conversation with the assumption that you are right or that you must win, obviously it is difficult to talk.””
— Wendell Berry

Supporting your dreams

There are countless definitions of coaching, each offered by the thousands of coaches out there. It's important to hold off on giving advice and maintain curiosity for a bit longer, as new initiatives often meet resistance. I think anything worthwhile will encounter obstacles and pushback, and organisational change can be particularly daunting. Remember, pushback isn't personal; it's simply a systemic reaction to the changes taking place.

““As with any new skill, attitude, style, or belief, adopting a coaching ethos requires commitment, practice, and some time before it flows naturally and its effectiveness is optimised.””
— Sir John Whitmore
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The watered down version of DEI

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I recently used an anology to illustrate the concepts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the context of a meeting.
Diversity - Who is invited to the meeting?
Equity - Who is trying to get in but can’t?
Inclusion - Has everyone’s views been heard and acknowledged?
The receiver thought it captured the essence of each component of DEI, making it easy to understand and apply. What do you think?

““You can’t access empathy if you’re not willing to be vulnerable.””
— Brené Brown

Deepen your understanding

A military general is a strategist who does not react impulsively to every situation. Instead, general’s have a strategy and a plan for when things occur, they pay close attention, take a step back, assess the situation, and only then decide the best way to allocate their energy, time, and resources. This allows them to create an effective plan of action for their next move. In contrast, those who are constantly reacting to events are not strategists; they lack the calmness required for thoughtful planning. I like information because it allows me to understand what has happened and determine the best course of action. And with the necessary information, I can make informed decisions and move forward effectively. The only time I struggle to strategise is when I don't have all the information I need.

““Sometimes I am so clever that I do not understand a single word of what I am saying.””
— Oscar Wilde

The power of silence

A seed grows with no sound, but a tree falls with a resounding crash. The quiet, persistent process of growth contrasts starkly with the loud, sudden act of destruction. This stark difference illustrates a profound truth: destruction has noise, but creation thrives in silence. True growth happens quietly, away from the spotlight. I think those who seek to lead should embody this principle, nurturing progress through steady, silent effort. Leadership is not about loudly pointing out the flaws and weaknesses of others; it is about fostering growth and strength with patience and humility. Real leaders understand that the most impactful changes often happen quietly, beneath the surface, and their actions speak louder than their words.

““The most basic function of leadership is to tell people what needs to be done and help them do it.””
— Lolly Daskal

Managing expectations

How to develop a framework for high-achievement?
To develop a framework for high achievement you have to start by learning from your mistakes, using each one as a stepping stone for improvement. I think the cure for worry is continuous, persistent action toward your goals, as by clearly defining your targets you will create focused and effective plans that you can work on a daily basis. Prioritise the most critical tasks to ensure your efforts yield the best results, maintain your focus and concentrate on these important actions. Finally, decide in advance that no matter what obstacles arise, you will never give up, persisting until you succeed.

““Everyone is jealous of what you’ve got, no one is jealous of how you got it.””
— Jimmy Carr