c/o Morten Vammen
If you promise to actively participate then I will promise not to waste your time. To quote William Shakespeare - "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark" - would be a disservice.
““Do well by doing better and do better by doing well.””
Passion is often sparked by what excites us, what we enjoy, what energises us. On the other hand, purpose runs deeper as it is anchored in what we believe, the values we hold, and the change we want to see in the world. When we lead with purpose, passion transforms, it becomes more than personal fuel, it becomes a force for meaningful impact. And the lens through which we choose to see the world profoundly shapes what we experience. If we move through life in search of excellence, for example, with curiosity, hope, and an openness to be inspired, then we are far more likely to encounter excellence in people, in moments, and in ourselves. On the contrary, if we move through life scanning for flaws and failures, our view narrows, and all we see are problems. What we look for becomes what we find and often, what we create.
““What a piece of bread looks like depends on whether you are hungry or not.””
c/o @LizAndMollie ©
One of the most powerful things you can do is learn to be okay alone. I think when you are truly comfortable in your own skin, you no longer crave external approval. This inner strength can be cultivated through practices like meditation, journaling, or training on your own, all of which help you build confidence, clarity, and self-reliance.
““Rest and be kind, you don’t have to prove anything.””
In a world that rewards speed, performance, and certainty, leadership can become narrowly defined. The leaders who create real, lasting change are often those who can slow down long enough to listen to themselves, to others, and to the systems they’re part of. These are the leaders who understand that storytelling isn’t just communication, it’s a tool for connection, transformation, and vision-building.
““Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” ”
Some things in life are best when we can telescope, compress, accelerate, and streamline them, making the process more efficient. And then there are things where the true value lies in the inefficiency, in the time spent, the time endured, and the effort invested.
““As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.””
I think a lot of what we do is learned behaviour.
Society tells us, "Be yourself," but then turns around and says, "No, not like that.”
Society says, "Tell me how you feel," but only if those feelings are comfortable or convenient. If your authenticity makes others uncomfortable, they reject it.
““The courage to be is the courage to accept oneself, in spite of being unacceptable.””
Apparently free speech a privilege rather than a right, and free speech is only granted if we approve of what is being said. As non-white individuals living in Europe, many of us feel this conditionality firsthand. If we don’t stick to the script, expressing gratitude and happiness for simply being here, then we’re told to leave, to "go back to where we came from." This is what I mean when I speak about privilege and inequality. How would you behave if your immigration status depended on it?
““Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ”
““Strength is the product of struggle, you must do what others don’t to achieve what others won’t.””
I’ve seen how hands-off approaches can fuel hate speech and misinformation. Without professional moderation, toxicity thrives, and those with harmful intent exploit the system. I think that the key isn’t censorship, it’s learning from past failures and building moderation frameworks that are transparent, adaptive, and fair.
Social media has become the public square of the 21st century, the space where people "spray and pray," hoping their voices are heard. Free speech is vital to a healthy democracy, but without thoughtful content moderation, the loudest and most harmful voices can drown out everyone else.
Meritocracy assumes a level playing field, but structural inequalities (e.g., access to education, networking, and mentorship) mean some groups start with disadvantages. Research shows that unconscious biases influence hiring, promotions, and leadership opportunities. The big question is would DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) initiatives be necessary if true meritocracy—where individuals are evaluated and rewarded solely based on their abilities, performance, and contributions—worked perfectly?
““Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, “You owe me.”
Look what happens with a love like that, it lights the whole sky.””
According to the teachings of the ancient Chinese master Lao-Tzu, the Four Cardinal Virtues offer a path to transcend habits and excuses, guiding you back to your original nature. The more you align your life with these virtues, the less control your ego has over you, allowing you to access the full power of source energy.
The first virtue, reverence for life, emphasises unconditional love and respect for all beings. Natural sincerityencourages authenticity and emotional honesty, embracing the mantra: “This is who I am, and this is how I feel”. Gentleness serves as an umbrella for forgiveness, acceptance, and love, fostering inner peace and harmonious relationships. Finally, supportiveness reflects selfless service to others, offering help without expectation of reward. I think by embodying these virtues, one cultivates a life of balance, compassion, and deeper connection to the world.
““Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth ‘you owe me.’””
People tend to focus on what is happening in their immediate environment and plan only for the near future. The problem with this approach is that they often neglect distant threats, which may have a significant impact in the long run. This is part of human nature as distant threats simply don’t evoke the same sense of urgency or fear as immediate dangers, such as a looming economic recession or a natural disaster. Future problems often feel too abstract for us to act on; for example, the effects of climate change may seem gradual and intangible, making it easier to delay necessary action.
““Knowledge isn’t free. You have to pay attention.” ”
Image c/o @arvind.lakhani2
Effective leadership often involves questioning established norms and embracing innovative thinking. Leaders who prioritise emotional intelligence, and have a willingness to challenge their own beliefs are better equipped to inspire their teams and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of business. I think to move forward, leaders must challenge conventional wisdom and unlearn assumptions. Like an inventor or scientist, a leader operates in uncharted territory.
““Every great inventor or scientist has had to unlearn conventional wisdom in order to proceed with his work.””
Reaching the next level of leadership requires deliberate effort, it’s not a natural consequence of time or seniority. Tenure alone should never be the reason someone holds a leadership position. Advancing in leadership roles requires deliberate efforts in skill enhancement rather than relying solely on tenure. I think that leadership training should be crucial for career advancement.
Whenever you feel as though you are getting weak, there is something out there to strengthen you. Find that faith or should I say perseverance in yourself to keep going. I think life has a way of challenging us, but with inner confidence and an unwavering belief in our abilities, we can overcome any obstacle. Remember, every setback is an opportunity to grow stronger, and every challenge is a chance to prove our resilience.
““If you have no confidence in self you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence you have won even before you have started.” ”
The strength that stays are:
Be a safe person.
Be someone who can be trusted to hold another person’s vulnerabilities, struggles, and fears with care. All while offering wisdom, protection, and confidentiality in return.
Be someone whose energy and presence bring serenity and joy, creating a sense of security for those around them.
Be a person whose words breathe life, and whose embrace makes even a stranger feel seen, heard, and loved.
““When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from those who have never left home.””
I’m not afraid to be vulnerable, therefore, I follow these three rules:
Do the right thing.
Do your best.
Always show people that you care.
Because until people know you care, they won't care to follow you.
In life, we accumulate lessons, stories, mindsets, and skill sets that once served us. We often believe we need to carry them with us indefinitely, just in case they prove useful again. This baggage - both mental and emotional - becomes a shield, keeping us guarded and blocking out new opportunities or perspectives. We tell ourselves, "It wasn’t true back then, so how can it be true now?" As a result, we hold onto outdated mindsets, strategies, and ideas that no longer serve our present or future selves. We cling to remnants like old worksheets or unnecessary packaging, thinking, "Maybe one day I’ll need this." Growth requires us to let go and by releasing what no longer matters, we make room for new experiences, insights, and opportunities to take root.
““In the end only three things matter. How much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” ”
““The strongest of all warriors are these two - Time and Patience.””
Race may be a social construct, but racism is a very real system. If we think of racism as a system, it becomes clear that its operation doesn’t depend on who is in charge. Whether the hands steering it are Black, brown, or white, the system continues to function as designed. In the West, the individual successes of middle-class Black people are almost always deeply connected to the collective struggles and advances made by working-class Black communities. Yet, paradoxically, it is often the working-class Black individuals who see the least benefit from these advances.
““There is an understanding of diversity as the difference that brings no difference and the change that brings no change.””
““Two things that seldom seem to go together are genius and common sense. When I try to think of people with both, the first name that comes to mind is Milton Friedman. But it is a struggle to try to come up with more names after that.””
