This is a harsh quote, but as I move through life and spend time with those who have achieved the things that most matter to them… I discover that they have an incredible ability to focus. My father commented that he finds that leaders have 3 types of activities on their calendars: vital, important and … Read more
How did Rockefeller make his fortune? Listening, thinking and reflecting… and a few good decisions Thinking work vs labour work – thinking work doesn’t look like work… it looks like slacking. I, and many around me, need to shift my idea of what “time-wasting” looks like and what actually is valuable. Rockefeller didn’t dig wells… … Read more
Finding your IKIGAI. IKIGAI is a Japanese concept meaning “A Reason for Being” People are different. Don’t try to be the same, or play the same game as other people. Find your strengths and play your own game. The 4 Elements of your IKIGAI IKIGAI is the union of 4 components of your life: If … Read more
This was a response to a student’s question about handling nerves while speaking in public… Dear writer Thank you for your contribution to the program and the positive impact you have had on so many of your fellow classmates. You mention that you find it difficult to remain composed and not become overwhelmed by nerves … Read more
Jim Rohn once asked a lady “is the work you are doing providing for your family, and giving you the growth and challenge you want?” “…No…” and Jim asked “How much time are you searching for the opportunity that will?” Finding is reserved for those who search. I hope you love the opportunity you are … Read more
The top 5 most viewed/shared videos that I have posted on Linkedin in 2023 are the following: First, with 82,667 views “It is not the mountain in front of you that will wear you out; it is the pebble in your shoe” Muhammad Ali Take great care to not accumulate pebbles in your shoe… They … Read more
In 2012 and 2013, Jim had the honor to spend 2 years teaching at West Point. He came away from the experience inspired by the young women and men he had met, and learned from. In 2015, he consolidated his reflections into a talk for the Global Leadership Summit, organised into seven questions. Jim Collin’s … Read more
Tony Anagor, a long time friend and fellow teacher at IESE Business School, is a great source of wisdom on negotiation. A great start to understanding Tony’s work is his article: The 7 Principles of Powerful Negotiation. Over the 18 years that I have known Tony he has consistently been able to engage with me … Read more
If you want to lead people, you need them to want what you want. Iris H was an MBA student at IESE a few years back, today a senior figure in Investment Banking. I recently discovered her blog. A recent post struck a chord with me: You can’t want it more… 3 Psychological Needs Self-Determination … Read more
“CEOs are in the business of making decisions” Sam Reese, Vistage CEO I’ve been reflecting this week on a quote from Economist Thomas Sowell “There are no solutions, only trade-offs.” I work with CEOs. They take decisions. They feel responsible for the consequences of these decisions. They often wait to find a “perfect solution” rather … Read more