The other day, during a game of tennis I observed that I was frequently cursing myself for playing terribly. Each bad shot prompted me to use four-letter words in my mind, though I admit occasionally they would come out loud! Of course it didn’t cross my mind that perhaps my opponent was a much better […]
Rethinking Talent: Are We Hiring for the Wrong Skills?
I have been trying to help some clients identify talent for middle and senior management roles recently. But I keep coming up with gaps between what they require and what is available. On the other hand there are some exceptional people who are available but it is difficult for them to be a good fit […]
The Hidden Wisdom of Those Who Refuse Power
In one of my previous organisations, a senior leader surprised us all by quitting his job and retiring the day he turned 50. We couldn’t imagine why anyone would make such a drastic decision. He was one of the most respected people in the organisation, and we were sure he was on his way to […]
Why Entrepreneurship Isn’t the Freedom You Think It Is
Do employed people think about being their own boss? I meet many smart, young, energetic individuals who are always wishing to own a business. Many of them work for good organizations and many have even built a side gig from something they are passionate about. This is no different to when we were young. The […]
A New Kind of Leader for a New World
In today’s world, leaders exhibit two distinct personality traits. One extreme exemplifies subservience or a compliant nature, chosen for the role due to their willingness to conform to those in positions of greater power or status. Conversely, the other extreme embodies self promotion, is ego centric – focuses on me, me and I, and often […]
The Digital Escape and the Reality We Avoid
I am not sure if everyone feels it, but I struggle living in two parallel worlds these days. When we exist in the digital world, life seems so easy. Food delivery services will bring you whatever you are craving for and E commerce suppliers will make things coming to your house very easy. You can […]
Beyond Success: Finding Meaning Through Inner Guidance
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with senior leaders across various organisations, both in my professional career and now in an advisory capacity. These are outstanding individuals who, on paper at least, possess all the requisite attributes; prominent titles, significant responsibilities, and an outwardly successful demeanor. However, when you dig deeper, […]
From Careers to Crypto: The Rise of Speculation in Modern Life
The budget this year has made me think about where this world is going. Not that there was anything good expected from this meaningless annual exercise. From the casino-like world of crypto (now boosted by the highest levels of our government) to the pursuit of easy profits for a few through finance and real estate, […]
AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
Here is my attempt to understand Artificial Intelligence from a different perspective. The current debate about AI often focuses on its potential to automate knowledge work. It is assumed that AI will gradually replace human cognitive functions, eventually surpassing our capabilities in all areas. This seems to be correct as computational power, algorithm sophistication, and […]
From Amateurism to Excellence: Reviving True Professionalism
As a society, our culture wants us to conform and follow a laid-down path in life. Innovation requires breaking out of this, which means facing our worries about failure, criticism, and the potential negative impact on our careers. Here is an intriguing experiment; HR managers everywhere should record the start times of all meetings and […]
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