Does Art Have to be Useful?
We often struggle to justify art because it doesn’t feel “useful.” But what if its value lies elsewhere? A reflection on emotional connection, joy, and expression—and why art deserves space in our lives.
Tag: reflection
Why I Don’t Believe in Work-Life Balance
Last week I was invited to speak on a panel about work-life balance. My first response intrigued them: I don’t believe in work-life balance. Instead, I’ve come to think about life more like a river—dynamic, imperfect, and constantly flowing. This reflection explores perfectionism, guilt, and why letting go of balance might actually bring more ease to our lives.
Planning vs. Doing: The Fight for Time
How much planning is too much? A day spent between financial planning, schedules, goals, and reflection — and why planning and doing need each other more than we think.
Start the Year with Both Feet on the Ground
Every January, we tend to fall into one of two traps: dreaming without a plan, or starting without reflection. A reflection on what it means to begin the year with both feet on the ground.
My Word of the Year: Breakthrough
Breakthrough is my word of the year. A reflection on resistance, reframing, and the quiet accumulation that leads to a true before and after.
Reading Reflections from the Year: My Books for 2025
This is less a list and more a reflection. A look back at the books that shaped my year — slowing me down, inviting depth, and reconnecting me with reading and writing.
Sit Down for a CEO Day: The Year-End Business Review Questions You Need Right Now
Before setting new goals, take a CEO Day to reflect on where your business really stands. These year-end business review questions guide you through what worked, what didn’t, and what still matters for the months ahead.
Web Summit Reflections: Finding My Balance Between Learning and Connection
This year, I approached the Web Summit differently—less rush, more intention. Between learning, AI debates, and walking the floor, I found a new balance between insight and connection.
What I Learned About Thinking — and Myself — While Teaching Critical Thinking in the 21st Century
Last week, I launched a new skills workshop at Nova SBE — Critical Thinking in the 21st Century. What began as an idea two years ago turned into a milestone and a mirror. Through learning, creating, and making people think, I discovered how much joy comes from doing something you love — and how teaching reshapes your own thinking too.
Day 6 – The Skill of Patience
Day 6 of my journey brings a simple but essential reminder — that patience is not passive. In development work, change takes time, and impact takes trust. This is what it looks like to wait with purpose.
Day 3 – Analysing the Past to Build Lasting Impact
Today we went back to two of our oldest projects in Mozambique. Revisiting our roots reminded us that progress begins with reflection. By analysing the past, we found new ways to strengthen our schools, our partnerships, and the lasting impact we want to create for every child.
Day 1 – The Return Home
After the rush to “get everything done,” I land in Mozambique and finally slow down. Between joy, teamwork, and purpose, this first day back reminds me why we do what we do.
Reflections from My Nova SBE Commencement Speech: On Humility, Ambition, and Community
Returning to Nova SBE after nearly twenty years, I shared reflections on what I wish I had known when I graduated — about humility, ambition, and community. These lessons, spoken for the Class of 2025, continue to resonate far beyond the ceremony.
Take Stock: An Audit for Life and Business
An audit doesn’t just belong in business. A life audit can reset your goals, turn gaps into actions, and bring clarity in both work and personal life.
The End-of-Year in Sight: Taking Stock of Your Goals
With the end-of-year in sight, I paused to take stock of my goals. From health and family wins to business and charity lessons, I discovered the power of decluttering, re-centering, and going deep. Here’s what I learned as I prepare for the months ahead.