Hi Reader, This weeks newsletter topic comes to us from one of our subscribers. Thanks (you know who you are 😄). He is struggling with the dilemma of whether to accept a new corporate opportunity or to take the leap (again) into entrepreneurship. And, he wanted to know what personal learnings and experiences I have had that he should avoid in the early stages of entrepreneurship. Now, that could be a HUGE can of worms. So, I’ve distilled it down to 3 key concepts that have either helped me or…

Hey friends 👋, ‘Growth mindset’ is more than a buzzword. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, the idea encompasses a fundamental approach to how we perceive challenges and opportunities. This edition unpacks what a growth mindset truly involves and outlines practical strategies to cultivate it, enriching both your professional and personal life. Let’s dive in! Read time: 3.5 minutes 🧠 Understanding the Growth Mindset At its core, a growth mindset is the belief that one’s abilities and…

Hey friends 👋, Navigating the startup journey can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You’re not alone if you think that finding product/market fit is a daunting milestone – it takes about two years for most, and sadly, 80 – 90% of products and services never reach this point. Considering these statistics and the potential years of exploring ideas, one can’t help but think there must be a better way. There is: it’s called Problem/Solution Fit. Today we’ll cover: Why focus on…

Hey friend 👋, Have you ever been frustrated with building a product to solve a problem, only to find it gains no traction? That was the story of my first business failure. There are countless startups, innovations and existing businesses that end up in the idea graveyard. Even hugely successful companies like Google and Microsoft have had dozens of failures. And remember Segways? Who would have thought that people would be too embarrassed to ride them? 😅 But this is serious business, costing…

Hey friend 👋, Have you ever been frustrated with building a product to solve a problem, only to find it gains no traction? That was the story of my first business failure. There are countless startups, innovations and existing businesses that end up in the idea graveyard. Even hugely successful companies like Google and Microsoft have had dozens of failures. And remember Segways? Who would have thought that people would be too embarrassed to ride them? 😅 But this is serious business, costing…

Today’s fast-pace of change means that we need to respond, adapt and grow like never before. Lifelong learning emerges as a pivotal pursuit. It’s not just about acquiring information, but about shaping character, refining skills, mastering learning methodologies, and igniting motivation. Today, we explore the five pillars essential for a lifelong learner, offering a blend of actionable strategies and insights to empower you on a path of continued growth. Let’s dive in! Read time: 2.5 minutes…

Strategy can sometimes appear complex and overwhelming in the dynamic and ever-changing business world. However, beneath the layers of intricacy lies a fundamental truth: strategy is simpler than you think. In this article, we will explore: The essence of strategy A 7-step process to design a strategy How to articulate your strategy Let’s dive in! Read time: 3.5 minutes Note: this previously posted in June 2023. It’s one of the most liked editions and has made the evergreen list. Enjoy….

I used to believe that great thinking was all about intelligence (the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills). That belief held me back in my early years when I focused on hard work and a good attitude alone. While that approach got me a long way, it also took more time and energy than was necessary. I’ve since learned invaluable critical thinking skills. But great thinking takes more than critical thinking. It takes practice and a range of thinking tools like: Critical thinking…

I used to believe that great thinking was all about intelligence (the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills). That belief held me back in my early years when I focused on hard work and a good attitude alone. While that approach got me a long way, it also took more time and energy than was necessary. I’ve since learned invaluable critical thinking skills. But great thinking takes more than critical thinking. It takes practice and a range of thinking tools like: Critical thinking…

When we experience a black swan event like the 2008 global financial crisis, we are surprised at the significant impact and yet rationalise how predictable it was. Whether a significant event is a black swan or a more likely disruptive event, such as the recent pandemic or a new market competitor, complex systems have many interdependencies that often react unpredictably to stressors. In response to a visible disruptive event, we often overreact, which can disproportionately negatively impact…