Better to be bold than boring

Working with people who lead companies, I see that the best ones don't just go along with how things always are. They dare to do things differently.
Take Toby, for instance. He's shaking up how we use cars, making it so you can subscribe to a car like a magazine. It's a big change and not easy, but he's going for it.

Then there's Jeff, who used to help run a big website for programmers. Now, he's starting something new to change how we use computers, making them work better for us.

Tamir's doing something not many people talk about but is really important. He's making it easier for businesses to move big piles of data from one place to another. It may sound dry, but it's actually a big deal.

And Alison is tackling how students learn about healthcare. She's bringing new ideas to a part of education that doesn't change much, which is pretty bold.

What I love about these people is they're not afraid of tough jobs. They get excited by challenges and they’re not just doing the same old thing. They stand out because they're brave enough to try something new.

That’s what matters. Being brave enough to stand out and try new things can make work exciting. It’s about not being afraid to be different.

Better to be bold than boring

___
Videos for all these episodes are on my YouTube channel.

If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me at:

My LinkedIn Page

Or you can drop me an email.

Let's address the elephant in the room: Not every day is going to be a show-stopper, and that's okay. Most days? They're going to be average, and you know what? That's perfectly fine.

This pressure cooker environment we find ourselves in, thanks to social media and those glossy, over-the-top success stories, sometimes make us feel that if we aren't reaching for the stars every single day, then we're falling short. But here's a revelation: even the top-tier CEOs, the ones I have the pleasure of connecting with, they too have their fair share of average days.

The charm of life isn't just in the extraordinary. It's in those ordinary, run-of-the-mill days where things are just, well, average. These days are like the comfortable middle ground that offers us a breather. So, let’s not be too hard on ourselves, and certainly, let's stop chasing that constant high.

Sometimes, letting things be is the way to truly find those standout days. So, the next time you find yourself winding down from an average day, give yourself a pat on the back. You did good, and there's beauty in that.

___
Videos for all these episodes are on my YouTube channel.

If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me at:

My LinkedIn Page

Or you can drop me an email.

Let's ponder on something today. Are we simply bouncing back like a reactive pinball in this game of life? Or are we taking charge and shaping our path with intent? It's time for a self-check. If our days are mostly spent waiting for the next email alert, or that unexpected Zoom call – then maybe, just maybe, we're on the reactive side of things.

But hold up, it's not all doom and gloom! If we catch ourselves in that loop, we've got the power to switch things up. To act, not just react. To be the intentional go-getter who steers the ship instead of just drifting with the tide.

___
Videos for all these episodes are on my YouTube channel.

If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me at:

My LinkedIn Page

Or you can drop me an email.

Let's get to the heart of stress. A recent chat with a CEO friend brought up a clear-cut idea from Jeff Bezos: stress pops up when we avoid what we shouldn't.

So, what's on your list? What's eating at you? Ignoring things only piles on the stress. Let's face it, it's easier to address it head-on. Start simple. Make a list, share it, and tackle it bit by bit. Remember, facing the problem takes less energy than avoiding it. Let's get that weight off our shoulders. Let me know your thoughts.

___
Videos for all these episodes are on my YouTube channel.

If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me at:

My LinkedIn Page

Or you can drop me an email.

Ever thought about the massive shift in what it means to be a CEO today versus, say, 60 years ago? We're in the era where businesses morph from startups to billion-dollar behemoths in the blink of an eye. The playbook has changed, folks, and we're here to dive into it!

Gone are the days when leadership was just about hierarchy and command. Us modern CEOs, we're facing a landscape where success isn't just measured by the moolah in our bank, but by the impact we have on society. Yeah, the weight on our shoulders? It's gotten a tad bit heavier, as we step into roles even governments struggle with.

But don't sweat it! We've been keeping notes and compiling a killer list that's the ultimate guide for the contemporary CEO. It's peppered with some surprising nuggets like - CEO life should be a bit fun! And, while shareholder value remains king, it's no longer just about the dollars and cents. We're talking about genuine care for the world and society. Big shoes to fill, right?

Now, here's the juicy bit. We’ve jotted down around 40 gems of wisdom, curated from experiences with some ace CEOs and personal observations. Ready to take a deep dive and get your CEO game on point? We'd love to hear your thoughts. After all, this playbook is all about us coming together and levelling up our CEO game for the modern era. Dive in!

___
Videos for all these episodes are on my YouTube channel.

If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me at:

My LinkedIn Page

Or you can drop me an email.

The Secret to Effective Leadership

Every leader has a favourite question that they often resort to. The one question that I've found most effective — a secret I'm happy to share — is one that the best leaders I've encountered also frequently use.

The Scenario: Addressing the Symptom, Not the Disease

Let's consider a recent situation. A Chief Marketing Officer approaches the CEO, venting about the challenging economic climate, the increase in ad spend, and a slew of other problems. They feel unable to fulfil their job responsibilities due to these issues.

A less experienced leader might dive in, offering solutions or suggestions. However, the best leaders I've worked with take a different approach. They simply ask one question: "What's really going on here?"

The Question: A Tool for Deeper Understanding

This question prompts the other person to pause and reflect. The individual might have come with numerous complaints and issues, but these are often just symptoms of a deeper issue. Asking, "What's really going on here?" helps delve beneath the surface, unraveling the underlying layers of the problem.

It prompts the individual to explore their emotions, thoughts, and motivations, leading them to question their predicaments more deeply. If the person responds with another surface issue, the effective leader repeats the question until they strike emotional gold.

Getting to the Heart of the Matter: Addressing Emotional Roadblocks

You'll know you've hit the mark when the person begins discussing emotional challenges or personal insecurities. These are often the real obstacles holding them back, masked by a barrage of other superficial issues. By addressing the underlying emotions and their sources, you can help the person understand what they truly need to do next.

Conclusion: Probing Beyond the Superficial

If you find yourself constantly being approached with the same, superficial problems — issues that the person should ideally be able to address themselves but lacks the confidence to — pause and ask: "What's really going on here?"

Don't stop asking this question until you uncover the true root of the problem. It could be a lack of confidence, fear, personal issues, or inter-employee challenges. Once you identify the real cause, you can address it head-on, solving the actual problem instead of merely treating its symptoms.

___
Videos for all these episodes are on my YouTube channel.

If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me at:

My LinkedIn Page

Or you can drop me an email.

The Fear Factor in Leadership

When asked about fear, most CEOs I work with deny experiencing it. This denial usually indicates two scenarios: they are either genuinely not feeling fear, which can often signify boredom, or they are suppressing their fear, refusing to acknowledge it. However, it's important to understand fear as a potential catalyst for growth, and there are models that explain this process beautifully.

The Model: From Comfort Zone to Growth Zone

One compelling model is the transition from comfort zone to growth zone. In our comfort zone, everything feels familiar, safe, and pleasant. Although appealing, comfort zones can lead to stagnation. Beyond the comfort zone lies the fear zone. This area, while scary and challenging, pushes our boundaries and urges us to learn new skills.

When we venture into our fear zone, we often make excuses. Common statements include "I don't know if I can do this," or "I'm not sure if now's the right time." The fear zone can be influenced by external opinions and circumstances, leading us to frequently compare ourselves to others. This state usually reflects a lack of self-confidence.

Entering the Learning Zone: Leaning into Fear

Effective leaders understand that fear is a precursor to growth. They lean into this fear, transitioning into the learning zone, where they tackle challenges, acquire new skills, and expand their comfort zone. They develop new mindsets to become comfortable with previously intimidating situations, eventually transitioning into the growth zone.

Expanding the Comfort Zone: Embracing Growth

Consider this: I'm working with a CEO who leads an organisation of 200,000 employees. Five years ago, the thought of leading such a massive team would have terrified him. Today, he views it as a normal part of his role. His comfort zone has expanded significantly due to his willingness to face his fears and learn from them.

Conclusion: Fear as a Catalyst for Growth

Experiencing fear is not a flaw. It's a sign that you're venturing into new territory, which is often the precursor to growth. Identifying and understanding your fears, as well as the reasons behind them, can help you navigate through them effectively.

Fear, much like a rubber band, can pull you back to your comfort zone, but it can also propel you towards your growth zone. It's important to experience, understand, and work through your fears to achieve progress and growth.

___
Videos for all these episodes are on my YouTube channel.

If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me at:

My LinkedIn Page

Or you can drop me an email.

Navigating Life After Success: The Paradox of Purpose for Exited Founders

The Dream and Reality of Success

We've all daydreamed about the perfect retirement — comfortably settling down after achieving grand success and making that big exit. Yet, what happens after you've achieved that dream? The reality is that success brings with it a new set of challenges, particularly for founders who've recently exited their businesses.

Understanding Purpose: The Force That Drives Us

All of us have a purpose, don't we? It might be the shared goal with our colleagues at work, or the common objectives we strive for with our families. This purpose, this pursuit towards something, is what gets us out of bed each morning.

But what if one day, that purpose was gone? At first glance, this might sound like a relief. However, when the worries disappear, the sense of purpose often dissipates as well.

Life After Exit: Searching for New Purpose

Here's what happens to many exited founders. They invest time and money in building their dream home, dedicating themselves to fitness, and engaging with charities. They might even become advisors or board members for other businesses. Each of these pursuits provides a semblance of purpose, yet they often lead to a point where the founder starts to question their identity and purpose.

This can be a tough phase. As a neuroscientist, I can tell you that our brains require a sense of purpose to keep us moving. Losing this purpose can lead to a rather unpleasant place, proving the old adage that money can't buy everything.

The Founder's Journey: Life After Exit

A brilliant paper from Yale delves into the journey of exited founders and life on the other side of success. It discusses preparing for the post-exit journey and discovering what comes next. Unfortunately, this paper isn't widely available online, but I'd be happy to share it with you.

Reconnecting with Purpose: My Role

My work centers on founders who've made their exit and are grappling with these challenges. Providing a safe, judgment-free space to explore their thoughts and feelings, I strive to assist in finding their inner purpose anew.

Conclusion: You're Not Alone in This Journey

Remember, transitioning into life after success can be a lonely journey, but you don't have to go through it alone. Few understand what it's like to be on the other side, but rest assured that help is available. Feel free to get in touch if you're in need of tips, advice, or even if you simply need someone to talk to.

___
Videos for all these episodes are on my YouTube channel.

If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me at:

My LinkedIn Page

Or you can drop me an email.

AI - A Wave or The Rising Tide?

Hello, everyone! In today's conversation, we're discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI). There's a lot of excitement about AI, but also a considerable amount of fear. Some fear the unknown, while others fear missing out on the potential opportunities.

To better understand AI's place, we can draw parallels with the industrial revolution. Consider when steam mills in the north of England created jobs for the 'Head of Electricity.' Today, that title seems bizarre because electricity is everywhere. It's ubiquitous and a commodity.

The same could be said about AI. Is it revolutionary? Yes. Can it be commoditized and included in various products? Likely, yes. The barrier to entry for integrating AI into your product is quite low. However, the use cases vary, just like with electricity. We don't back startups just because they use electricity; we back them for their innovative ideas that might use electricity along the way.

When considering AI, we need to view it as an enabler. If you're caught up in the hype, it's essential to check in with yourself. Are you operating out of fear or excitement? Are you feeling the pressure to catch a wave or are you recognizing a rising tide?

Think about other times in history - the gold rush, railway mania, the emergence of cryptocurrency. Were these waves or tides? It can seem like both at times, but upon reflection, they often resemble a rising tide.

The critical takeaway here is that AI, like electricity, will likely become ubiquitous. It's a rising tide that will enhance every product. The key isn't the AI itself, but its use cases. That's where the real business opportunity and profit will lie.

So, take a deep breath. Is this a wave, or is the tide rising? Are you contemplating appointing a 'Head of AI' like the 'Head of Electricity' of the past? Or can you recognize that AI integration will likely happen organically? Reflect on these questions, and you'll feel better prepared for the pervasive presence of AI in the future.


___
Thanks for watching!

If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeleech/, or via email at: [email protected]!

___
Videos for all these episodes are on my YouTube channel.

If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me at:

My LinkedIn Page

Or you can drop me an email.

AI - A Wave or The Rising Tide?

Hello, everyone! In today's conversation, we're discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI). There's a lot of excitement about AI, but also a considerable amount of fear. Some fear the unknown, while others fear missing out on the potential opportunities.

To better understand AI's place, we can draw parallels with the industrial revolution. Consider when steam mills in the north of England created jobs for the 'Head of Electricity.' Today, that title seems bizarre because electricity is everywhere. It's ubiquitous and a commodity.

The same could be said about AI. Is it revolutionary? Yes. Can it be commoditised and included in various products? Likely, yes. The barrier to entry for integrating AI into your product is quite low. However, the use cases vary, just like with electricity. We don't back startups just because they use electricity; we back them for their innovative ideas that might use electricity along the way.

When considering AI, we need to view it as an enabler. If you're caught up in the hype, it's essential to check in with yourself. Are you operating out of fear or excitement? Are you feeling the pressure to catch a wave or are you recognizing a rising tide?

Think about other times in history - the gold rush, railway mania, the emergence of cryptocurrency. Were these waves or tides? It can seem like both at times, but upon reflection, they often resemble a rising tide.

The critical takeaway here is that AI, like electricity, will likely become ubiquitous. It's a rising tide that will enhance every product. The key isn't the AI itself, but its use cases. That's where the real business opportunity and profit will lie.

So, take a deep breath. Is this a wave, or is the tide rising? Are you contemplating appointing a 'Head of AI' like the 'Head of Electricity' of the past? Or can you recognize that AI integration will likely happen organically? Reflect on these questions, and you'll feel better prepared for the pervasive presence of AI in the future.

___
Videos for all these episodes are on my YouTube channel.

If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me at:

My LinkedIn Page

Or you can drop me an email.