The Quietest Man on the Door What eleven years as a doorman taught me about urgency, control and the truth: A Saturday in Catford, gone midnight and the second queue surge is in full flow now the pubs have closed. A man at the front of the queue has decided tonight is the night. He's shouting, squaring up and the youngest lad on the door is matching him decibel for decibel. That younger lad was me... The face I thought was strength Then Ricky, the oldest doorman on the team w

We often talk about success as if it only moves one way: upward. More status. More money. More recognition. More visible progress. But nature tells a different story. A tree grows in two directions. Its roots grow downward into the dark, damp, unseen ground. This is called gravitropism - the natural tendency of roots to grow with gravity, seeking stability, water, and strength. At the same time, its branches grow upward toward the light. This is called phototropism - the inst

Leadership Under Pressure: The Deeper Lesson A dramatic headline, perhaps, but it’s the title of the song written by Elton John with Bernie Taupin. This song isn’t just about a personal crisis; it’s about what happens when external expectations collide with internal truth. This moment is one every senior leader eventually faces. Click here for the song. 1. The Most Dangerous Moment Isn’t Failure: It’s False Success Elton wasn’t failing. He was: Engaged On a conventional path

CLICK HERE to watch the video There are moments that stay with you, not because of the performance itself, but because of the human story that unfolds beneath it. One such moment was Gruffydd Wyn Roberts’s first audition on Britain’s Got Talent. At first glance, Gruffydd appeared confident - smiling, composed, ready. But then Simon Cowell asked a simple question: “Why do you live with your Nan?” That question unearthed something deeper. Suddenly, Gruffydd’s poise cracked. His

Ready to move beyond the illusion? One of my favourite movies ever is The Truman Show where Jim Carrey’s character lives in a world that appears idyllic - pastel houses, sparkling water, impossibly cheerful neighbours. But beneath the perfect surface lies a disturbing truth: everything is staged. Every smile, every interaction, every relationship is orchestrated for an audience he doesn’t know exists. At first, Truman senses something is “off” - a flicker of doubt, a passing

Susan Jeffers’ Book A book I often recommend to clients is by Susan Jeffers Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway where she describes how fear is not a psychological disorder to be eliminated, but a signal to be understood and embraced. The key is not the absence of fear, it’s the ability to act in spite of it. We all feel fear. In fact, fear is a built-in alarm system; when we venture into uncertainty, our brain signals danger. Yet in leadership, career transitions, entrepreneursh

Kintsugi (金継ぎ) In Japan, there is a centuries-old practice called Kintsugi; the art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold. Rather than hiding the cracks, Kintsugi highlights them, transforming what was once broken into something more beautiful, unique, and resilient. It’s a philosophy that reaches far beyond pottery. It speaks directly to the way we grow as human beings, leaders, and learners. Embracing the Cracks We live in a world that prizes per

The Power of Journaling Have you ever woken up with a knot in your stomach but couldn’t quite explain why? I know I have. For years, like many leaders I’ve coached, I carried thoughts that never fully made sense until I started writing them down. What surprised me wasn’t the act of journaling; it was the clarity it gave me. In leadership, we often chase answers through meetings, mentors, or management frameworks. Yet sometimes, the most powerful insight comes not from others

Carl Gustav Jung | Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist | 1875 to 1961 Carl Jung once wrote, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” In leadership, this privilege is also a responsibility. Leaders who are disconnected from their authentic selves may drive results in the short term, but they rarely inspire trust, creativity, or loyalty. Those who lead from authenticity, however, build the kind of psychological safety and alignment that teams crave. Dra

It’s all about mindset As an executive coach, I’ve worked with leaders navigating immense pressure, disappointment, and even betrayal. In those moments, the pull toward victimhood can be powerful. “Why me?” becomes a seductive question. But here’s the truth: leaders who linger too long in that space rarely move forward. What separates resilient, impactful leaders from the rest is the mindset shift from blame to ownership and the quiet discipline of gratitude. Gratitude isn’t

As an executive coach, I often work with leaders who seem calm and in control on the outside, but inside, they’re running on empty. They carry huge responsibilities, yet rarely stop to check in on themselves. As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, it’s a good moment to pause and remember; resilience isn’t about pushing through. It’s about knowing when to breathe, reflect, and ask for support. Many leaders feel they have to be the strong one; the fixer, the steady

Turns out, lobsters are better career coaches than most gurus on LinkedIn! Sounds strange, right? But stay with me, because this simple truth might change the way you think about stress, growth, and success. Here’s the thing about lobsters: Their shell doesn’t grow with them. As they get bigger, the shell becomes tight, restrictive, and painful. At a certain point, the lobster can’t ignore the discomfort anymore; it has to leave the old shell behind. It hides, vulnerable and

When Malaysia's first Formula One driver Alex Yoong stepped onto the grid at Monza alongside teammate Fernando Alonso, it represented the culmination of years of sacrifice, determination, and unwavering belief. Yet for Yoong, reaching Formula One was never the goal - becoming world champion was. This distinction in mindset offers fascinating insights into how elite performers approach their craft and handle pressure. Throughout our conversation in Episode 4 of The Power Withi

Why do some names echo through the centuries?Rembrandt. Constable. Michelangelo - these are my own favourite artists and I have been privileged enough to see their works at close quarters in Amsterdam, London and Florence. We know them as masters of their craft; defining figures in portraiture, landscape, and sculpture. But beyond the art world, their lives hold powerful lessons for anyone pursuing personal growth, leadership excellence, or creative impact. Because greatness

Resilience Rewired For years, resilience has been synonymous with toughness; the ability to withstand adversity without breaking. However, Colonel Eddie Maskell-Pedersen - my guest in the first episode of The Power Within offers a nuanced perspective, suggesting that true resilience encompasses more than sheer endurance. It’s about understanding and managing one’s workflow and energy levels, allowing for strategic intensification when necessary. Managing Workflow and Energy:

The Vagus Nerve Ever noticed how a splash of cold water on your face can instantly shift your state? That’s your vagus nerve at work. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body, playing a key role in activating the parasympathetic nervous system, our natural “rest and digest” response. When stimulated, it helps regulate stress, slow the heart rate, and bring a sense of calm and clarity. One simple and effective way to engage the vagus nerve? Cold water immersio

As the year comes to a close, it’s valuable to pause, reflect, and gain insight from your experiences. Whether you choose to journal your thoughts or simply reflect quietly, these questions can help you create a meaningful review of 2024. There are no right or wrong answers, and you don’t have to share them with anyone. The key is to be honest with yourself—let your answers surprise you. 1. Capturing the Essence What one word or phrase best sums up your 2024? 2. Authenticity

Connecting a Year-End Personal Impact Plan Questionnaire 1. Reflecting on 2024 Achievements and Lessons Learned What were your top three accomplishments this year? Describe the impact of each. What key lessons did you learn from challenges or setbacks in 2024? Were there specific moments this year that inspired you or shifted your perspective? What were they, and why were they impactful? What feedback did you receive from colleagues, mentors, or team members? How did this fee

In a world often consumed by the facade of perfection, vulnerability stands as a beacon of authenticity and connection. It's the raw courage to expose our true selves, flaws and all, embracing the uncertainty of how we may be perceived. Contrary to common misconceptions, vulnerability is not a weakness; rather, it's a profound display of strength. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we invite others into our world, creating genuine connections based on mutual understand

Unlike IQ, which measures only cognitive ability, EQ assesses emotional and cognitive skills. Studies prove EQ is a better predictor of success. High EQ individuals excel in problem-solving, decision-making, and relationships, and are resilient in adversity. Improve your EQ for a successful life! Here’s ten habits to practice in order to enhance your EQ. Which one(s) resonate with you? Listen with curiosity, speak with honesty, and act with integrity. The key to building stro