personal

3-2-1

Three essential rules for achieving success:

  1. Know precisely what you want
    Clear goals keep you focused and prevent distractions from deterring you.

  2. Determine the cost of what it will take to get it
    Success requires sacrifice—understand the price before committing to your path.

  3. Don’t bargain over price
    Once the cost is known, be ready to invest your time, effort, or resources without hesitation.


Life-long learner

Both Jamaican and Danish cultures value humility. I was raised to stay grounded and not "get too big for my boots." Humility is important, but sometimes you need to set it aside and remember that sharing your accomplishments isn't bragging if you’ve done the work.


I’ve learned that the less I strive for perfection, the easier it is to connect with people. Recently, Casper Emil from SparkForce gave a masterclass for my Brotherhood for Professionals of Color (BPoC) community, and he encouraged us to share our personal brand with more people. Now, I am posting on LinkedIn on a regular basis - wish me luck.


Ubuntu

Ubuntu describes a set of closely related Bantu African-origin value systems that emphasise the interconnectedness of individuals with their surrounding societal and physical worlds. The Ubuntu spirit embodies the idea that “I am because you are, and you are because I am.” It reflects the belief that our individual humanity is deeply interconnected. I think in essence, it means that we thrive through our relationships with others, and no one can exist in isolation. Ubuntu promotes a sense of community, where people look after one another and prioritise collective well-being over individualism.

“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.”
— African proverb

Cultural fluency

Have you ever tried to suspend your own involvement and just observe what’s going on?

Yes, one of the advantages of growing up in the inner city of London as a Black person is that you are exposed to a whole host of stereotypes. The only things I have is honesty and openness, therefore, I learned so much from listening to people. I learned that there are two major streams of self-awareness: “me,” which builds the narrative about our past and future; and “I,” which brings us into the immediate present.


The Equinox

Many people in Denmark celebrated Sankt Hans (mid-summer) yesterday. The evening is celebrated with bonfires, communal singing and speeches at both public and private events.
In the UK, we call it the summer solstice as it’s the point of the year in the northern hemisphere when the sun is at its furthest point from the equator, making it the longest day of the year. This is always the time when I reflect on the first half of the year, reflecting on whether I am on track with my mission.

”My mission is to accelerate goal achievement for individuals and teams by providing highly effective learning tools and experiences. I measure success by the positive impact on users' personal and professional lives.”


I know nothing

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, so please take the following statement as an opinion rather than professional advice.

Stress is a natural response meant to protect you, not harm you. It becomes destructive only when you ignore or mismanage it. Embrace your anxiety as a cue to make necessary changes in your life. Learn mindfulness, practice self-care, and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

No amount of anxiety will change your future and no amount of regret can change your past. The key is acceptance.
— Steven Bartlett

Change your perspective

We all have our own perspectives. I think both comedy and creativity are subjective, as a comedian, no one can definitively say your joke isn't funny. In creativity, we get to share what we find beautiful, as if someone else doesn't like it, that's fine by me as it's not for everyone; it's for us. At the end of the day, what matters is whether I like it, and that's my favourite thing.


Morning thoughts

I woke up this morning with Professor Richard Feynman quote reverberating around my head: “If you cannot be corrected without being offended, then you will not truly grow in life.”

1. When you are alone, mind your thoughts
2. When you are with friends, mind your words
3. When you are angry, mind your temper
4. When you are with a group, mind your behavior
5. When you are stressed, mind your emotions
6. When you are winning, mind your ego


It’s official

I am now the Vice President of the Brotherhood for Professionals of Color (BPoC). In this role, I will manage our events and programs while supporting the President and other board members. Together, we aim to connect, mentor, and empower professionals of color, advocating for diversity and fostering a more equitable and inclusive workplace culture. Are you or your organisation interested in collaborating with us? Please reach out via email to discuss how we can work together.


Humble yourself

Nowadays I think there is a thin line between fame and infamy, in fact the line is extremely blurred in our contemporary society. People are willing to do anything, even negative and controversial things to gain fame and they are often rewarded for it. Meanwhile, there are others who gain fame simply by living their lives publicly, even if it means exposing their vulnerabilities or flaws. Both groups receive attention and validation, regardless of their actions or intentions.


Feeling under appreciated

I have been dealing with a challenging situation. Right now, I feel unappreciated and because I’ve been taken advantage of, and it’s incredibly draining. I think that by prioritising my own mental health is not selfish as it’s essential for my overall happiness and fulfilment. Nowadays, I recognise the importance of setting boundaries and communicating my needs. Surrounding myself with people who appreciate and reciprocate my generosity is crucial for maintaining my well-being.


Changing of the guard

A single move in the right direction can change your entire life.
— Burrellism

We are not robots, we are human beings with emotions, feelings, and personalities, and sometimes you will clash with people in your workplace. I think it’s OK to say, “I don’t know!” As the illusion of knowledge is more dangerous than ignorance. There’s no shame in that as the only shame is to pretend that we know everything.


A better world

I won the dream and aspiration lottery a long time ago which has allowed me the fortune of pursuing almost everything that I ever wanted to do. My path has not been linear, I want to be a teacher, someone who wants “turns on the lights.” I mean illuminating perspectives that once unseen will forever be in the forefront of our minds. My mission is not to enlighten everyone but rather those willing to embrace new insights. I want to leave a legacy behind which my children and grandchildren would be proud of, and this what makes culture matter. 


All things matter

What must be protected to ensure that people and nature thrive?
Charles Darwin revealed that all species have evolved over time to best exploit the conditions in which they live. Darwin further realised that these conditions are not simply those of geography and climate but also their relationship to other lives that they live alongside. I’ve always believed that few people will protect the natural world if they don’t first love and understand it. I think many sequences revealed in nature are most fascinating and delightful, and others prove that good things do indeed come to those who wait.


Happy New Year (2024)

I would like us all to have a peaceful, healthy, and successful 2024. I think it will be the year where we rediscover our common humanity, hope and optimism.

Things to leave behind:
1. The sense of entitlement
2. Resentment
3. Self-doubt
4. Regrets
5. The fear of failure or shame
6. Prejudices

Things to hold on to:
1. All opportunities to help
2. A sense of wonderment
3. All feelings of gratitude
4. Humility and optimism
5. Courage and commitment
6. Generosity