#intentionalmastery

My latest article "Mastery from chaos" discusses the benefits of a facilitated mastery group in developing leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, and fostfostering personal and professional growth.

Chaotic Weather My friend and a past client called me on a windy, rainy, cold Thursday afternoon. The weather that day was chaotic. As we talked, the wind thrashed at the trees and rattled the windows. They explained how they were determined to sell the business and realise its value. They had appointed their new senior leaders, expert people in distinct roles, but the challenge was that none of…

Taking on a mentor is a big step, and if it is to work for you, you need to be ready. Is now the right time? Read more in our latest post:

Do you have the experience you need? As a small business owner, are you considering working with a mentor to help you grow and develop your business? I hope you are, as it is an essential step on the journey of mastery. While mentorship can be invaluable, having some business experience before you begin working with a mentor is vital. Many professions experts and masters spent years as…

“Grit” by Angela Duckworth is a compelling case for perseverance and passion as the keys to success in any field. Duckworth is a psychologist, and she draws on decades of research to argue that grit—defined as “passion and perseverance for long-term goals”—is more important than talent for high achievement. She makes a compelling case. Examples Duckworth provides in-depth examples of grit in…

Mentors are an active guide. A mentor is a person with knowledge, skills and experience relevant to you. Mentoring is an ongoing relationship of learning, of challenge, of conversation and of shared experience. It’s aim is for you to reach your goals more quickly and effectively. The idea of mentorship is nothing new. Since the days of ancient Greece, apprentices have worked beside masters to…

Where are your dead flowers?

I recently celebrated a milestone with a friend by sharing a meal at a fancy restaurant in London. We choose it because of its reputation. We arrived in good time, and the staff used my name to greet us. They led us to a table, offered drinks and menus, and explained what else was available from their daily specials. So far, so good. As we studied the menu and considered our choices, I found my…

The Global Speakers Summit last week was a joy. Here are my thoughts on four days of excellence.

I’m just back from a four-day Global Speakers Summit (GSS), which took place in Dublin, Ireland. I’m on the Professional Speaking Association (PSA) board, the U.K.’s membership body for speakers. So it was the PSA’s turn to host the GSS, and it was a success. Of course, there were fantastic talks. Talks that challenged us in so many ways. There were also workshops that made people think hard…