I used to think Elon Musk was a fragrance. I have never been the curious type, except when in interview situations of course, where it ranks highly amongst my many skills, outlooks and interests, but I was not ready for the looks of bewilderment and indignation that were thrown my way when I declared this … More L’eau de toilette
Consultant. The ultimate C word. I’ve always had an innate loathing for the word (see previous article – The C-word), in whatever context you come across it, whether it be medical, financial or worst of all business. It screams smart arse who knows more than you but hovers above you showing no accountability yet plenty … More The reluctant consultant
Ok, so this one hurts. I always hoped that this blog would give me the opportunity to write honestly and humorously about the ups and downs of corporate life. If I could manage to maintain an even keel and a demeanour of bonhomie whilst continuing to navigate a broadly successful career I’d be happy, and … More A Very Private (Equity) Affair
The ‘Modern Executive’ bible tells us repeatedly how essential curiosity and continuous learning are for the aspiring leader. How we must seek out and build new sources of information to lead our contemporary teams and just stay relevant, let alone warding off the trio of evils of turning 50, being a straight male, and being … More Snipers Alley
Wowzer! One of my stated aims of this blog was to document – ideally in a humorous and irreverent way – the ups and downs of my lucky life close to the top of the Executive tree. It pains me to reflect that much of my recent musings seem to have documented the seemingly endless … More Fresh Mountain Air
I believe in keeping things simple and to the point. So I’ll start with my two words to bid adieu to 2020. The second one is “off”. You can insert your own first word. In normal times I’ve never been much of a fan of the annual review of “the year that was”. Always struck … More Farewell to 2020 in 2 words
Whilst I would love to believe otherwise, currently I am not aware of my blog having an avid fan base. Yet if there were such a thing it would surely have noticed a distinct lack of recent activity. Now I’m sure I’m not alone on that – the year has been mildly disruptive after all … More A Tale of Blowing Whistles
The annual company conference. Or bi-annual if your company has started to struggle. I’ve been to a few in my time. I know that I should feel grateful and lucky to have had the opportunity. It’s a big expense for a corporate to take on especially in a world of ever diminishing returns. Only the … More Shortcut to understanding your corporate culture : the company conference
Sorry Star Wars fans, this has absolutely no relevance to you at all. Unless of course the Evil Empire is actually the corporate world (an increasingly popular concept in this modern entrepreneurial world), in which case I am the newly appointed CEO Vader. Not only am I a new CEO but based on this title … More Episode IV : A New (Corporate) Dawn
With the incessant cavalry charge towards “authentic leadership” in full swing, one of the most regular battle cries is to “be able to look at yourself in the mirror”. It’s something I’ve always believed in and tried to live by. Tough decisions do need to be made for the greater good, but as long as … More Self Reflection : Mirror mirror on the wall
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