Romantic love is a relatively recent concept, only about 300 years old. Before the 1700s, marriage was not about love but about maintaining family lines, property, political affiliations, and class associations. Spouses were often chosen at birth, and individuals had little say in the matter. Marriages were negotiated by parents, the community, and extended families, as they recognised that marriage connected families, not just individuals.
All hands
You can’t experience everything in the world, and you can’t rely solely on what’s inside you, because we are all limited in perspective, that’s why I think empathy is essential. Emotions like sadness, anger, and fear are natural and crucial for personal growth. When we avoid them, we miss valuable opportunities to learn, heal, and build resilience. One way to move forward is by breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable steps, things you can do today or this week. For example, instead of trying to manifest a new job all at once, focus on actionable steps like updating your CV or scheduling time to apply for roles.
Start by slowing down
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.” ”
Nuance not noise
Conversations about DEI require more than opinions, they demand data, rigour, and reflection. It’s easy to reduce these topics to headlines or soundbites, but real progress depends on our ability to lead with nuance. I think that as leaders, we must hold space for complex conversations. We must ask difficult questions without defaulting to fear, and we must challenge our own assumptions and those of others with facts, not just feelings. DEI is not about lowering standards, it’s about expanding access. It’s about creating systems where talent, skill, and potential aren’t limited by bias or structural barriers. What do you think?
Time and energy are valuable resources
I remind myself daily that my true power lies in how I choose to respond. I can’t control how others behave, but I can control where I direct my time and energy. Stressing over rude people or petty situations only drains my power, and if I let that happen too often, I risk never reaching my full potential. Time and energy are the two most valuable resources we have, and how we use them shapes the quality of our lives. I think real strength begins by asking myself on a daily basis: Am I investing in my growth? Am I protecting my peace?
What makes a great mentor?
When we think about the people who have shaped our personal and professional growth, mentors often rise to the top of the list. What actually makes a mentor great? It’s not just about experience or expertise, it’s about how they show up for you, challenge you, and help you grow into your best self.
Great mentors often see your potential before you do, they challenge you to stretch beyond your comfort zone, pushing you in ways you may not expect but always need. Instead of handing you answers, they encourage you to ask better questions, refining your thinking, sharpening your curiosity, and helping you navigate uncertainty with more confidence. They understand that growth is a journey, not a destination. That's why they expect and encourage continuous improvement, cheering you on through small wins and big lessons alike. And while they support you in setting goals, they also dare you to dream bigger than you thought possible.
One of the most powerful things a mentor can do is challenge your assumptions. They help you uncover blind spots, see from new perspectives, and think more critically about your choices and beliefs. And here’s something you might not always notice right away: the best mentors are still learning, too, as they embody humility and curiosity, showing that growth never really ends. Good mentors also value independence. They respect mentees who take initiative, explore ideas on their own, and come to the table with insights and questions. Self-taught learners are often deeply appreciated, because they reflect the kind of drive and ownership that makes mentorship truly meaningful.
At the heart of it all, a great mentor isn’t trying to mold you into their image. Their goal is to teach you how to think, not what to think. So, you can step fully into your own voice, vision, and power. Whether you're lucky enough to have a great mentor now or hoping to become one yourself, I think it’s important to remember that mentorship is less about giving answers and more about creating space for growth, reflection, and transformation.
Branding vs. Marketing
Branding is why
Marketing is how
Branding is your story
Marketing is how you tell it
Branding earns loyalty
Marketing drives action
Branding is the foundation
Marketing is the structure
Branding is the being
Marketing is the doing
Branding is macro
Marketing is micro
Branding defines trajectory
Marketing defines tactics
Branding is long-term
Marketing is short-term
Branding shapes culture
Marketing shapes campaigns
Branding is the promise of value
Marketing is the proof of value
I see branding as the essence of who you are, the identity and character of your business. Marketing, on the other hand, is how you build awareness of that brand. Branding is your long-term strategy, while marketing is made up of the tactical actions you take to reach your goals. Do you agree?
Increased trust and relatability
Coaching effectiveness is influenced by a variety of factors, and research suggests that racial and cultural alignment can significantly enhance engagement, trust, and overall outcomes. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that employees are more likely to trust and actively engage with mentors and leaders who share similar racial or ethnic backgrounds. This shared experience fosters deeper connections and strengthens the coaching relationship. Similarly, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) underscores the importance of cultural competence, emphasising that coaches who understand and reflect their clients’ backgrounds are better equipped to tailor their approach to meet specific needs.
We are all being shaped
As leaders, we are often encouraged to focus on external metrics, for example, visibility, performance, recognition. When we neglect the internal work, we risk losing our centre. Blaming society or systems may feel justified, and it also gives away our power. Yes, we have all been shaped, some may say manipulated by the pace of social media and the pressure to stay constantly "on." And in that, many have drifted from the deeper roots of community whether that’s Church, Synagogue, Mosque, or simply meaningful service to others. In my opinion, you can't lead with clarity if your life is led by everything else around you. I think by reclaiming your focus, values, and connection it isn’t just personal, it’s part of your leadership responsibility.
The importance of letting go
When you face criticism, see it as an opportunity to sharpen your focus and reaffirm your commitment to your vision. There’s a key difference between focus and attachment. Focus is rooted in clarity and intention, it’s about knowing what you want and why you want it. Attachment, on the other hand, is about trying to control the outcome, often driven by fear or a sense of lack. When you're attached to a specific result, you may inadvertently block the very thing you're trying to attract. Instead, practice focusing on what you desire, then release your grip on how and when it will come. Trust that the universe or life itself knows the best way to bring your vision into reality. Be open to possibilities you may not have considered. Focus on the what and the why, and let the universe take care of the how and when.
I think it’s essential to remember that maintaining your focus when things don’t go as planned is just as important. These moments may be invitations to grow, opportunities to become the person who is not only capable of achieving, but also sustaining, what you truly want.
Time well spent
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.””
Authentic leadership traits
Infographic © Justin Wright
““A cat that dreams of becoming a lion must lose its appetite for rats.””
Nature is our teacher
Self-assessment is a superpower as it allows you to challenge and change self-limiting beliefs, giving you the ability to choose your emotional state rather than be at the mercy of it. The more aware you become, the more power you have to direct your focus and attract what you truly want. While humans are self-aware, the contents of our minds differ because we all have unique life experiences. As a result, our unconscious mind is often in a constant state of judging, complaining, liking, and disliking, based on what it believes to be true. I understand that if you grow up rooting for one sports team, you may be told to hate another, but if you consciously observe this belief, you may ask: Why should hate exist at all?
Trust the process
Here’s a thoughtful list of mindset shifts that support emotional detachment in a healthy, self-empowering way:
- Let people be who they want to be, then decide if you want them in your life.
- Trust that rejection is always redirection to something bigger and better.
- Some people are only meant to help you grow, not be in your life forever.
- What if everything is falling apart to come together in a way you can’t guess?
- Focus only on what you can control.
I think each point touches on a different layer of letting go, trusting the process, and reclaiming your energy.
Failure is not an option
Image: Costas K. Gian ©
In investing, as in life, every dip teaches, and every fall refines. Each setback is not an end, but a stepping stone, it’s an opportunity to learn, adjust, and grow. The butterfly only takes flight after enduring the struggle, and so too must we embrace the challenges that shape us. Stay invested, both financially and personally, and commit to continuous evolution. Learn from the fall, acknowledge the journey, and take the time to investigate what lies beneath the surface. I think that only then can you rise again, wiser, stronger, and with renewed purpose.
Making wise choices
As a conscious and creative being, I recognise that I have the power and the ability to intentionally shape my life according to my deepest desires. I understand that I will only attract what I am truly focused on. That’s why it’s essential to choose my focus wisely, direct it with purpose, and maintain it consistently. I am patient with the process, yet relentless in my focus. I trust in the unfolding of my vision while remaining committed to my role in bringing it to life. And above all, I choose to enjoy the journey.
Building interpersonal skills
If you really want to learn more, start by listening more. It sounds simple but listening with the intent to understand and not to reply is one of the most overlooked leadership skills. Real learning begins when we create space for others to speak, and when we resist the urge to fill that space with our own voice. Nobody has ever learned anything new by dominating the conversation or hearing themselves talk. I think listening is where insight, trust, and real connections are built.
““The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.””
Have a nice day
Did you know that people who genuinely love themselves tend to naturally attract love from others? When you are truly at peace with yourself, you are not focused on finding faults in others. Instead, you are drawn to the qualities that resonate with you, the parts that bring you joy. Research shows that gratitude has a profound impact on our bodies, including strengthening the immune system.
““If you spend your time chasing butterflies, they will fly away. But if you spend your time making a beautiful garden, the butterflies will come. Do not chance, attract.””
Reality check
In my control:
My attitude
My boundaries
My energy
My response
My self-talk
The way I process emotions
The way I speak
The way I treat others
Who I choose to spend my time with
Out of my control
Aging
External events
Other people’s beliefs & behaviours
Other people’s opinion of me
Outcomes
The future
The past
The way people speak to me
The way people treat me
Time
What others say about me
Living the dream
Image c/o Disney ©
Sometimes living in Denmark feels like stepping into my own version of Alice in Wonderland. Like Alice, I am guided by an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for adventure. Her ability to think unconventionally and adapt to strange, often surreal situations mirrors my own independent spirit and willingness to embrace the unfamiliar. Navigating a new culture, language, and way of life has pushed me to grow, reflect, and see the world through a different lens, just as Alice did in her whimsical journey.