I recently got reminded of this book again.
I was part of an inspiring conversation with a group of senior leaders discussing talent growth inside their organization.
We talked about the mindset to disrupt yourself, ask yourself and others the hard questions, leaving your comfort zone frequently to learn and expect the same from others.… Read the rest
Last year in December, my headspace meditation streak that lasted for over 250 days got interrupted because I did not meditate for a day.
I’ll admit that I had set a goal of reaching 365 days of uninterrupted meditation, so when I skipped a day and saw the counter going back to zero, I had a slight moment of sadness.… Read the rest
I listened recently to a podcast where high-net-worth individuals and tax-avoiding companies were the subjects of the discussion.
Or perhaps the subject of their rage is a better expression of the dynamics of the conversation.
Then a politician, known for progressive and more left of the political spectrum beliefs, joined the conversation.… Read the rest
Have you ever heard of the term ‘it’s in our DNA?’
Of course, you did.
Whatever language you master and speak, I’m sure there’s also a version in your culture.
It’s the translation of the scientific meaning of DNA as your genetic code into a real-life application, such as running a business.… Read the rest
Losing a loved one is the most significant test for embracing the now.
I lost my mother recently. Unexpected.
I won’t elaborate more on that event itself, but more about my experience from when it happened until a few days after.
It has everything to do with the power of now. … Read the rest
Nearly twenty years ago, I had my first conversation with a mentor who helped me shape who I am today.
I was running supermarket operations at that time, working for a CEO who, in my eyes, was not meant to be CEO.
He was a former CFO who never transitioned from being a CFO to become a CEO.… Read the rest
Let’s start with a disclaimer about the word exceptional.
It’s connected to the two words human and being.
I’m not discussing in this insight whether you are an exceptional manager or leader.
For yourself and others.… Read the rest
At what speed do you listen to audiobooks or podcasts?
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’re one of my kind. You’re unaware you can playback your favorite media at a different speed.
Frankly, until recently, I didn’t know either.
Until a client of mine, who I had given a tip for an audiobook in the morning, came back to me the next day stating:
No matter what, the blue sky is always there.
It’s a great metaphor for seeing through difficult situations and times.
No matter how heavy the storm, how thick the layer of clouds, or how heavy the precipitation is, the blue sky is always there.
A matter of experience.… Read the rest
We all have blind spots.
Blind spots are gaps in awareness we have about ourselves that other people are aware of.
Let me give you an example.
When I was younger and had just started my career, I thought it was cool, appropriate, and necessary to voice my opinion regularly.
It’s a Thursday, shortly after noon.
I planned to write for one hour before I headed out for a massage.
I’m now thirty-six minutes into my hour of writing, and these are the first sentences I’m writing.
I scanned through my list of open topics, I have about twenty available at any time, but none inspires me.… Read the rest
I had a great lunch with a good friend the other week.
What made the lunch great was the conversation, the food, the atmosphere, and the fact I didn’t see him for a while.
He’s an opinionated person.
He’s a successful entrepreneur who works for fun.
That’s how I see him.… Read the rest
There are days you will not soon forget in your life.
Last Friday was a day I rather forget, but that’s probably not going to happen.
You’re reading this post today, the following Friday. A lot has happened in between, so the news is old.
Tonight, Friday the ninth of December, the Netherlands plays Argentina in the World Cup.
You know me.
I sometimes link my insights to sports, yet I keep them relevant to personal, leadership, and team growth.
A lot has been said about this World Cup in Qatar, and I’d like to add my perspective. … Read the rest
The sh#t they never taught us in school.
That’s the title of a nineteen-hour audiobook I completed last week. Nineteen hours I spent while traveling abroad, driving around Prague, or at home when I didn’t feel like reading from a book.
The authors, two passionate Aussies, read through 100+ books, noted the most important lessons, and made an entertaining book out of it.… Read the rest
What do you do with milk that has expired?
What do you do with clothes that are no longer in fashion?
Recently I heard the term ‘old school’ again from two different sources within two days.
It had been a while since I heard the term, so it triggered a reaction. … Read the rest
Last week I received a Whatsapp message from a good friend in the Netherlands.
He and I both meditate and call each other occasionally to discuss our experiences.
We’re both educated in economics.
He is, in my words, a hard-core finance guy who did well for himself. I’ve chosen the leadership side of business because I believe that’s where it all starts.… Read the rest
You want to make the best of your life, right?
Right!
Does that also mean you want to make the best of every day?
Or do you occasionally skip a day because, in the grand scheme of things, what difference can one day make?
I understand that skipping a good day is not your intention in the morning.… Read the rest
I went out of my car to smell the roses.
The sight of those roses and the smell I know I would experience soon were just too tempting to pass by.
I don’t remember the exact date and time, but I do remember I was in a hurry going somewhere when I got struck by this beautiful sight and decided to stop.… Read the rest
What do you want to be known for?
That’s how I ended my previous post, which addressed the legacy of the late Queen of England.
I argued that it’s worthwhile to think through how you come across it.
The Queen was known for never elaborating on the conversations she was having with all sorts of influential people around the world.… Read the rest
