What are the triggers that influence where we fall on the fixed versus growth mindset continuum?
Mindset is shaped by a set of beliefs, and those beliefs are influenced by the people around us and the environment we’re in. It's important to understand that mindset isn’t just about effort. Simply telling ourselves to "try harder" doesn’t lead to true growth. A genuine growth mindset involves putting in effective effort - understanding whether the work you're doing is moving you towards your goals. I think it also means being open to seeking help, guidance, or coaching from others and being willing to pivot or adapt to learn, grow, and achieve the goals you’ve set.
How is change created?
Key questions for change:
What specific change are we trying to make?
Who are we aiming to influence?
Given our agreed-upon constraints and goals, is there a better path forward to reach our destination?
To proceed, we need clarity on the following:
Constraints:
What are the limitations or boundaries we’re operating within?Objectives:
What are the precise goals we are working toward?Target Audience:
Who are we trying to affect or change?
Without alignment on these key points, productive conversation becomes difficult. If we’re not on the same page, we risk revealing that we’re metaphorically on different journeys (or buses), heading in different directions. Contact me via email for a confidential conversation about your journey.
Some life lessons
I don’t use Tick-Tock but my children do, so sometimes I am confronted with some things to ponder, for example…
"Life is 100% better when no one knows anything about you."
Privacy can bring clarity and peace of mind. Guard it as you guard your ambition."You shouldn’t take advice from people who are not where you want to be in life."
Only follow the footsteps of those who have walked the path you aim to conquer."Everyone will show you who they are; just give them time."
Patience reveals truth. Be observant, and let time expose true intentions and character.You must be smart enough to create your own opportunities. Why wait for someone else to offer you what you desire when you have the ability to create it yourself?
“The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage.”
To achieve freedom, be courageous enough to act, to fail, to rise, and try again."You will always have problems."
Life will throw challenges, but you have the power to adjust your perception. Will you cry in the storm or dance in the rain?
““Lessons in life will be repeated until they are learned.””
3-2-1
Three essential rules for achieving success:
Know precisely what you want
Clear goals keep you focused and prevent distractions from deterring you.Determine the cost of what it will take to get it
Success requires sacrifice—understand the price before committing to your path.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.
Health is your wealth
Being wealthy and feeling wealthy are two very different experiences. While many in the West enjoy material abundance, we are currently facing an epidemic of loneliness and emotional isolation. Suicide rates are rising, and the pervasive sense of despair has driven people to search for meaning and connection in various ways. Practices like yoga and mindfulness have gained immense popularity as individuals seek spiritual fulfilment and mental clarity. At the same time, others turn to more destructive outlets like drugs and alcohol to numb their pain. This growing crisis highlights a deeper societal issue: despite our material wealth, there is a profound lack of emotional well-being and community, underscoring the need for more meaningful forms of connection and purpose in our lives. Contact me via e-mail if you are feeling isolated, anxious, worried or stressed?
The love hormone
Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a key role in feelings of love, friendship, trust, and loyalty. It can be stimulated by physical contact and acts of service. When we do something kind for someone without expecting anything in return, the reward is emotional rather than transactional, our bodies release oxytocin, making us feel good. This hormone not only benefits the giver but also the receiver, who experiences similar positive feelings. The more oxytocin we have, the more inclined we are to be generous, which helps foster social bonding. This is nature’s way of encouraging us to take care of one another, kindness begets more kindness.
What’s particularly interesting about oxytocin is that even witnessing or hearing about acts of generosity can trigger its release. I think that storytelling about kindness can be nearly as impactful as the act itself. Shared hardship can also produce oxytocin, strengthening bonds between people who face adversity together. This is why soldiers often feel a deep connection with one another or why families become closer after enduring a tragedy. However, in Western societies, many struggles are experienced individually, and without the support of a community, these hardships can intensify feelings of loneliness and despair, rather than fostering connection. Contact me via e-mail if you are feeling isolated, anxious, worried or stressed?
Encouraging feedback
Who is the real expert on corporate culture?
Is it the CEO or the people on the ground, particularly those from underrepresented groups? In my experience, it’s often the individuals from underrepresented groups who are most in tune with the subtle cues of culture. They can tell us a lot about what certain signals and statements mean in practice, and how they are thought of and treated within the organisation. Contact me via e-mail if you would you like us to at your organisations cultural landscape.
Advice to my younger self
I was recently asked what advice I would give to my younger self. I thought it was a great question, I paused and answered like this…
”When evaluating a brand, company or organisation as a potential employer, it’s essential to consider whether they nurture a growth mindset, and one way to gauge this is by observing the diversity within their workforce. A company that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives is often open to new ideas and committed to evolving through inclusion. Additionally, look for evidence of learning and development programs, as these initiatives show that the company is dedicated to continuous improvement and is invested in helping employees grow alongside the organisation. Finally, when speaking with recruiters, ask whether the company seeks only "geniuses" who already know everything or if they value individuals willing to learn and adapt. Companies with a growth mindset prioritise potential and development over perfection, creating an environment where growth is encouraged at every level.”
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Send me an e-mail, and we can arrange to have an informal 30 minute discovery call. No strings attached.
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.” ”
Anticipate shifts in the market
Leaders with advanced pattern recognition and strategic thinking skills are three times more likely to pioneer industry change. These abilities are not just leadership traits but essential ingredients for long-term success. Harnessing the power of strategic insights is crucial for leaders who aspire to drive transformation and leave a lasting mark.
Strategic insight occurs when you spot something before others do, whether it's a trend, anomaly, or a spike in data that signals an industry shift. To succeed in today’s business environment, it’s not enough to adapt; you must anticipate and create shifts in the market.
Unforeseen factors may impact your strategy, but staying agile in times of change requires actively listening to customers, analysing industry trends and competitors, and using that data to make informed decisions. Just because your plan may change doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one.
Style never goes out of fashion
Have you mastered the art of non-verbal leadership?
Your personal style is more than just a reflection of your brand, it's also a powerful leadership tool. When your appearance aligns with the values you uphold, it amplifies your leadership message and strengthens both your personal and professional identity.
Here are a few ways you can harness the power of style as a form of non-verbal leadership:
• Just like a well-thought-out strategy, a perfectly curated outfit commands attention and respect. It signals precision, intentionality, and a commitment to high standards—projecting leadership without needing to speak.
• A consistent personal style communicates trustworthiness, and it conveys reliability and stability, which are critical qualities in leadership. When others can predict how you present yourself, it fosters a sense of dependability in your leadership.
• Your wardrobe can skillfully balance authority with approachability. Choosing relaxed attire in the right context can make you more relatable, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration within your team.
• Incorporating modern trends while staying true to your personal style shows flexibility and a forward-thinking mindset, which are both vital leadership attributes.
Before you speak, your appearance sets the tone, shaping perceptions and reinforcing your leadership presence. Style, when used effectively, is a silent yet impactful leadership trait. I think ultimately, personal style is a form of influence.
It's lonely at the top
Our brains like to fix things, so when you tell me your story I subconsciously begin to strategise and think of solutions. I’m really good at problem solving and I really like people so coaching seemed like a natural progression. I became the catalyst when I ask questions and bring observations into our conversations. And one of the things I listen for is what makes this a problem for this person? It’s often a perspective, a mindset, an idea, assumption or a belief and that’s what I’m listening for. The details of the story then become fuzzy as I am homing in to the person in front of me.
- What’s really going on?
- Are you hurt and feeling betrayed?
- Are you thinking things should be different than they currently are?
- Do you have expectations that are just not happening?
- What are your fears?
- What’s making you anxious?
- What can’t you control?
You are not alone, there’s a lot going on for everyone.
Contact me via e-mail and let’s have a confidential conversation about what actions you think you should focus on.
““Quiet the ego and look for the lesson.””
Put out the fires and water the flowers
Yesterday it was a particularly hot day in Copenhagen, and I met an older woman while standing in the supermarket queue. She casually mentioned, "Remember to put out the fires and water the flowers." I found this brilliant as it perfectly captures how businesses should manage their relationships with customers. If you only engage with customers when they complain, you train them to speak up only when they have something negative to say.
When a company focuses solely on addressing problems, “putting out fires”, it risks creating an environment where customer interaction is driven by issues alone. Over time, customers begin to associate the brand with complaints. However, by also celebrating positive moments and rewarding loyalty, “watering the flowers”, the company will foster more positive relationships. By recognising and appreciating customers when they’re happy, the business encourages them to share their positive experiences, creating a more balanced and open connection.
Drop the ego
How do you connect with the younger generation?
I find it quite easy because the younger generation is also purpose-driven. Like them, I want to work with organisations that value human connection and prioritise human values. I want to engage on a personal level, sit down, have a conversation, and enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea), even if we eventually part ways professionally. It’s important for me to separate the business side from the human side, which can be challenging at times. But for me, the psychological aspect, I mean the human connection is what matters most.
In today’s digital world, where there is an obsession with smart devices and social media, everything is open and instant, which can add complexity. I focus on the emotional well-being of all employees, ensuring they are balanced. I think with social media, even small issues can escalate quickly, and criticism can spread widely, therefore, it's essential to stay emotionally resilient in such an environment. I’m there for you with a quiet ego and an open mind.
How do you know?
Where does your team fall on the cultural mindset continuum (e.g., fixed vs. growth mindset)?
How can you recognise cultural features through your organisation’s cultural artifacts?
How do you structure the start and end of your meetings?
In what ways do you praise or acknowledge your team members' contributions?
How do you approach situations when team members make mistakes?
What practices, policies, and norms do you have in place that shape your culture?
Are you open to discussing your organisation's culture with me?
Feel free to contact me via email for a cultural review.
Mindset affects your resilience
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.””
Breaking patterns of behaviour
Diversity serves as a trigger as it makes people dig deeper, work harder and question themselves. There’s more conflict in these diverse groups – conflict of opinions and perspectives – and that leads to better outcomes. Don’t trust me, you can read the McKinsey & Co. reports.
i have been advised to be a little more active on LinkedIn to establish myself as a thought leader. This is my challenge for September as I have conditioned to believe that self-praise is no recommendation. I will give it a try…
““The moment you realise not everybody is going to like you is the moment you take back your power.””
Together we grow
c/o Medium
What’s the most challenging part of your DEI job?
One of the most challenging parts is aligning individual perspectives with the broader goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. For example, I once worked with a team member who was hesitant about implementing a mentorship program aimed at supporting women in leadership roles as they were concerned it might create unfair advantages. To address this, I shared an experience where we introduced a similar program in a previous organisation, and it resulted in not only more women in leadership positions but also an overall increase in team collaboration and performance. By framing the situation with concrete outcomes, I helped them see the bigger picture. My goal is not necessarily to change their mind but to broaden their understanding of why these initiatives are important from a DEI perspective.
What is coaching?
c/o ELLE magazine
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership.
We all have goals we want to reach, challenges we are striving to overcome and times when we feel stuck. Partnering with a coach can change your life, setting you on a path to greater personal and professional fulfillment.