In this episode, I’m sharing a very personal reflection on effort, performance, and the fine line between healthy striving and perfectionism - all inspired by a weekend dance show with my daughters. 

From pre-show nerves to post-performance self-criticism, I saw just how early we start internalising pressure to get things exactly right.

I’m talking about masking, memory processing challenges, the invisible cost of always “trying,” and why sometimes the most powerful leadership lesson is watching a professional forget the words to Phantom of the Opera - and carry on with a smile. 

If you’ve been stuck in all-or-nothing mode lately, this one’s a reminder that joy often shows up in the moments we don’t choreograph.

Here are the highlights:

Parental Concerns and Neurodiversity (2:58)

Balancing Effort and Perfectionism (4:55)

Learning from Mistakes (7:30)

Finding Joy in Imperfection (10:29)

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