Have you been worshipping your job?

You've been told your job should provide purpose, fulfilment, and identity. But what if the problem is expecting work to fill every gap in your life? This is your permission slip to stop asking your job - or your business - to save you. Instead, learn how to serve the work by first tending to your life beyond it.

In this article read-through, I break apart the perilous myth that work alone should carry all our burdens, value, and ambitions. You’ll walk away with a grounded framework for building a life where work is a partner, not the whole structure, and meaningful growth emerges from intentional practice, not desperate performance.

What You’ll Learn

➡ Why most jobs cannot and should not be responsible for your identity, worth, or happiness.

➡ The “tent pole” philosophy: how distributing your hopes and energy across work, purpose, value, wonder, and relationships creates resilience and perspective.

➡ Practical steps for auditing your life and raising new “tent poles” that support your wellbeing.

➡ How chasing financial freedom or external validation without inner clarity sets a trap for dissatisfaction.

➡ The liberating truth: constraints, not unending ambition, foster abundance and true contentment.

Chapters

0:00 Welcome and Intentions for the Unremarkable Entrepreneur Project

1:22 Stop Asking Work To Save You

3:38 Why Changing Work Won’t Solve Every Problem

5:06 The Danger of Making Work a Religion

7:00 When Work Amplifies What’s Missing in Life

8:57 Rethinking Financial Freedom and the Pursuit of Value

11:10 Constraints Matter More Than Ambition

11:52 Activity: Tent Pole Audit

15:05 Parabel: The Gardener's Choice

16:51 Closing Challenge & Final Thoughts

Are you still asking your work to be the centre pole of your life?

Share how you’re redistributing your attention or what “tent pole” needs reinforcing right now - your unremarkable wins are always welcome in the comments.

For more permission slips to practise, reflect, and grow intentionally (no hype required), subscribe to the newsletter: unremarkable.co

Have you asked the 50K question? You've spent months, maybe years, reworking your offer behind closed doors—polishing, tweaking, waiting for "ready." But what if the market can't respond simply because you never asked? The hardest part isn't the work itself, but daring to serve the work by inviting dialogue.

This is a call to swap performance and posturing for genuine practice. In this reflective read-through, I unpack why most entrepreneurs never ask the £50,000 question and how, after 18 months of hiding behind perfectionism, a simple act of asking turned silent effort into real opportunity. If you've been protecting yourself with busyness, this is your permission slip to reconnect with the world through honest inquiry, not just perfected "pitches."

What You’ll Learn> Why most businesses stay stuck in "waiting mode" and how genuine invitations change everything.> The overlooked practice of asking: Not for extraction, but for discovery.> Why serving the work is about letting the world respond, not manipulating for control.> How curiosity, not certainty, is the fuel for sustainable progress and “unremarkable wins.”> A practical 30-day challenge to build your asking muscles—one invitation at a time.

Chapters 0:00 - The Silent Reason Businesses Fail 2:55 - The Simple Power of "Ask" 4:06 - Asking as Dialogue, Not Transaction 5:39 - Asking: The Origin of Momentum 6:03 - Three Ways to Ask (and the Artist’s Approach) 8:08 - Courage over Control (Choosing Conversation) 9:09 - Getting the Answers We ‘Ask For’ 10:28 - The Tides of Opportunity (and How to Shift Them) 10:56 - The Difference Between Amateurs & Artists 11:56 - The 30-Day Asking Challenge 12:27 - Measuring Success by Discovery, Not Results

When was the last time you asked for something without rehearsing the outcome?

If you’re ready to drop the armour, move past controlled offers, and start creating through real conversation, share your own unremarkable wins below. Are you willing to try the 30-day challenge of asking, inviting, and seeing what actually happens? I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments.

Subscribe to the newsletter if you haven’t already: unremarkable.co

You've been told to plan every step perfectly before you start. But what if that overthinking is the only thing stopping you from generating momentum?

The planning trap is real. It’s a form of intelligent paralysis where we mistake thinking for doing. In this read-through of a recent article, I share my own struggle with being stuck in "planner mode" and the simple weekly cadence I committed to in order to liberate myself.

This is your permission slip to stop worshipping the outcome and start serving the work.

What You’ll Learn> Why building a business is about practice over performance.> The painful truth: You cannot plan your way to clarity—clarity emerges from action.> The power of constraint: How defining a simple, non-negotiable weekly cadence guarantees action over anxiety.> Why "imperfect action" is the only way to beat the paralysis of the forward thinker.

My commitment: One article, one offer post, one video, and repeat.

Timestamps

0:00 - The Planning Trap: A Diagnosis1:20 - Why Planning Feels Like Progress2:45 - The First Casualty: Your Content4:10 - The Power of Constraint (Family & Time)5:30 - The Paralysis of the Forward Thinker7:15 - My New Unremarkable Weekly Practice9:40 - Serve the Work, Not the Outcome10:30 - Your Permission Slip: Start Monday

Are you ready to trade performance for practice?

If you’re stuck in the same trap, overthinking, over planning, and waiting for the perfect structure, this is your signal. Drop a comment below and share your own "unremarkable wins" this week.

Subscribe to the newsletter if you haven’t already: unremarkable.co

I quit the hustle after it worked. I replaced my income, built a community, and still felt misaligned. This is the story of how a new constraint (my first child) forced me to stop chasing "spectacular" and start building something sustainable.

Hustle culture promises everything but delivers burnout. I spent a decade on the professional treadmill, launched a successful business (Culture Crush), and realized the system was still broken. The breakthrough wasn't a new playbook - it was leveraging 15 years of my own "unremarkable" notes and experiences.

This video is about the evolution from a successful podcast to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur - a practice built on depth, resonance, and the courage to pursue "enough" instead of "everything."

We'll be redefining success by focusing on:> The Increment: Why ordinary, consistent actions beat giant leaps.> Serving the Work: Prioritising meaning over outcome worship.> Constraints as Fuel: How limited time and a specific niche force innovation.> Resonance over Reach: Building a small, deeply connected community that lasts.

If you're tired of funnel fatigue, personal brand theatre, and platform slavery, this is your invitation.

Join the Community:1. The Newsletter: The foundational work, articles, and practical application happens here each week. Subscribe here.2. The Podcast: Stay subscribed for conversations focused on living this path.3. Engage: Comment and message with your own "unremarkable wins."

Thank you for being part of the journey. Welcome to The Unremarkable Entrepreneur.

On this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan sits down with Ashley Faus, author of the just-launched “Human Centered Marketing”, to break down what truly makes communities tick in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Ashley, fresh off her book launch and gearing up to teach at Stanford, shares candid lessons from her own experiences, from resisting broadcast-style marketing to embracing vulnerability and real human connection (even in a post-Zoom-fatigue era).

Grab your copy of Ashley's book here.

Questions to reflect on while listening:

1️⃣ Think of a brand you love - what helps you feel a sense of deeper connection?

2️⃣ When have you felt truly seen by a group? What made the difference?

3️⃣ Are connections being damaged by tech and efficiency? 

Episode Highlights:

Community isn’t about YOU! Move from broadcast to real conversation.

Ashley shared the “social spectrum” of community, showing how the most impactful brands go beyond ‘amplify our message’ and start creating spaces where others talk to each other, and not just about the brand.

Small, deep connections matter more than big numbers.

Forget the pressure to “go big or go home.” Meaningful progress often starts with 10 purposeful relationships, not 10,000 faceless likes. Focus on value exchanges and helping each other out, even if it’s behind the scenes.

Be honest about your intention: don’t fake community for sales.

People can spot a pitch from a mile away. Ashley’s advice: if you’re here to sell, be transparent. If you want to build trust, think about what you can genuinely offer, (connections, knowledge, referrals, etc) not just a sales transaction.

Wondering whether to build your own group or join existing ones? We unpacked that too, plus why investing in self-sustaining communities (where members talk more than you do!) is the new competitive advantage.

Join the Crush?

Every episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers. Sadly, the Crush is coming to an end, but there are exciting evolutions to come. See you soon.

Loved the episode?

Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.

Culture Crush is brought to you by ⁠Anthem⁠. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 Failed Book Attempt Shared

05:30 Embracing Connection on Stage

09:19 Connecting Meaningfully Amidst Zoom Fatigue

12:49 Balancing AI, Video, and Human Connection

13:57 "Trust Famine and Authentic Community"

18:35 "Brands Stuck in Conversation Phase"

22:49 "Joining Conversations: Brands & Creators"

26:35 Mutually Beneficial Networking Connections

30:11 Value Deep, Not Wide, Connections

31:31 Build or Join a Community?

36:42 Event Planning Challenges at Atlassian

40:16 Creating Authentic Group Experiences

44:08 "The Art of Genuine Curiosity"

46:44 "Networking: It Depends on Goals"

Episode 66: Why Goal Setting Is Slowly Killing Your Confidence (and what you can do about it).

Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life but you're not actually getting anywhere meaningful? You're not alone. In this week's episode of Culture Crush, we sat down with leadership strategist and 'high-performance whisperer' Justin Hills to crack open a big question:

Is traditional goal setting slowly killing your confidence? And how can we finally break the cycle?

Questions to reflect on while listening:

1️⃣ Does the to-do list fill you with dread?

2️⃣ Do you have a clear 6-month vision?

3️⃣ Do you react & regret or reflect & respond?

Episode Highlights:

Why “Action = Progress” Is a Trap Are you stuck in motion, mistaking busyness for real progress? Justin reveals why we’re conditioned to jump to action (often busywork) instead of pausing to make the right moves, for the right reasons, at the right time. (Spoiler: Tackling just one high-impact action beats a dozen distractions every time.)

Introducing: The MAPS System Justin’s signature MAPS framework flips goal setting on its head:

➡️ Measure: Look back before you move forward. What are you proud of from the last 6 months?

➡️ Aspire: Define what success looks—and feels—like 6 months from now.

➡️ Prioritise: Get ruthless. What are the 1–3 focus areas that move the needle most?

➡️ Stack: Reverse engineer milestones all the way from your big vision down to today’s next step.

Fav Takeaways:

⭐️ “Right action, right time, right reason” over mindless task-ticking.

⭐️ We often procrastinate by “learning” instead of doing—sound familiar?

⭐️ Only 10% of people achieve their ambitious goals. Most simply shrink goals over time to avoid disappointment. Ouch.

⭐️ Reflecting on past wins radically boosts your self-confidence and motivation (try it!).

⭐️ Busy ≠ meaningful. Are your daily tasks actually tied to your dreams?

Join the Crush

Every episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers. Join the next event: ⁠https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush⁠

Loved the episode?

Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.

Culture Crush is brought to you by ⁠Anthem⁠. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 "Reflective Mindset and Life Goals"

04:36 "Nonlinear Marketing Journey"

07:07 "Diverse Goals, Common Struggles"

13:12 Procrastination Through Endless Learning

14:23 "Risk Avoidance vs. Taking Action"

19:26 Burnout vs. Inspiration

21:20 MAPS Goal Setting Essentials

26:54 "Transformation Through Celebration"

28:15 "MAPS Goal Setting Insights"

34:22 Reflecting on Last Year's Vacation

35:57 Six-Month Reflection and Goal Assessment

41:27 "Embrace the Present Moment"

45:02 Defining Personal Satisfaction

48:28 Reverse Goal Stacking Strategy

49:34 "Steps to Long-Term Success"

55:19 "Simple Planning for Enjoyment"

57:54 Reflecting on Our Collaborative Journey

Are you feeling stuck in a rut?

This week on Culture Crush, we're going from beige to brilliant with three mindset shifting questions to unlock your awesome! These question are power: they can ignite personal and professional growth, dial up your self-awareness and help you hit new levels of confidence... so lean in as we welcome LinkedIn rabble-rouser and HR disruptor, Michelle Hartley, to the show!

Check out Michelle’s work

Questions to Reflect On While Listening

These questions are designed to help you step into a reflective mindset as you listen. Consider them as you follow along.

• Are you giving yourself enough credit? Who sets the crazy high standards you’re trying to reach? Who told you that you needed to hit certain goals and milestones or post consistently? And where does that pressure come from?
• Are you getting in your own way and making things too complicated? How do you keep things simple?
• Do you find your goals liberating or are they a constant guilt trip?

Episode Highlights

• The Power of “How Do We Get to Yes?”: This question helps shift perspectives from resistance to solutions. It encourages creative problem-solving and a more positive approach to challenges, especially within teams and organisations. [14:30] Michelle shares how this question transformed her previous corporate role, breaking down resistance and fostering a more collaborative environment.
• Simplicity and Experimentation: Overcomplicating things is a common hurdle. The episode emphasises the importance of simplifying processes and embracing experimentation, encouraging listeners to ask “What does easy look like?” and to adopt an experimental mindset to overcome obstacles. Michelle shares how this simple question helped her overcome self-doubt and perfectionism. [21:24]
• The 1% Better Mindset: Instead of aiming for dramatic overnight changes, focus on small, incremental improvements. Ask, “What does 1% better feel like?” and identify those tiny actions that can create a ripple effect. The episode emphasises the power of small daily actions and celebrates the benefits of micro-goals and micro-praise in team settings. [31:29] Michelle shares how this approach helped her manage depression and fatigue, advocating for gentle, achievable steps toward well-being.
• LinkedIn Controversy and Authentic Self-Expression: Michelle shares a humorous anecdote about getting a video banned from LinkedIn. This sparked a conversation about the importance of authenticity and the potential risks of expressing unconventional opinions, reminding listeners that sometimes, expressing one’s true voice can lead to opportunities and stronger connections. [09:44]

Join the Crush

Every episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers.

Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush

Loved the episode?

Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.

Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush

00:16 Introducing Michelle Hartley

03:14 Reflective Questions: Giving Yourself Credit, Over complication, Liberating Goals

08:06 Michelle’s Work: Transforming HR Teams

09:44 LinkedIn Ban and Authentic Self-Expression

13:36 Three Big Questions: How to Get to Yes, What Does Easy Look Like, What Does 1% Better Feel Like?

14:30 How Do We Get to Yes?

21:24 What Does Easy Look Like?

31:29 What Does 1% Better Feel Like?

42:58 Where to Start Your Experimentation Journey

45:19 Episode Wrap-Up

Feeling stuck in a life that isn’t truly yours?

This week on Culture Crush, we explore three powerful strategies for designing a life filled with purpose, impact, and genuine fulfilment with Wilson Obeneme. Wilson is a coach who helps leaders unlock their potential and create a legacy that matters, and in this episode we focus on actionable steps you can take towards self-discovery, mindful living, and lasting personal growth.

Check out Wilson’s work

Questions to Reflect On While Listening

↳ Do you keep doubting yourself? And why do you think that might be? This links to Wilson’s discussion on identifying and leveraging your strengths to build confidence and overcome self-doubt (10:01).

↳ Do you find yourself chasing other people’s expectations of you? Reflect on this as Wilson explores the importance of aligning your actions with your core values and personal vision (17:07).

↳ Are you looking to other people for a sense of validation? Or are you able to find that from within? This ties back to the discussion on building a life based on intrinsic motivation and fulfilling your own definition of success (20:27).

Episode Highlights

↳ Living by Design, Not Default: Wilson introduces the concept of consciously designing your life rather than passively accepting societal expectations (06:33). He emphasises understanding your strengths and aligning them with what genuinely brings you fulfilment (9:35).

↳ Uncovering Your True Fulfilment: The episode explores the difference between happiness and fulfilment (8:51). Wilson encourages listeners to identify activities or states that naturally excite them and bring them into a “flow state” (9:56), where they feel truly engaged and fulfilled (10:01).

↳ How You Want to Be Remembered: Wilson emphasises the importance of identifying your core values and attributes (17:29). He suggests reflecting on what characteristics you want people to associate with you, even in your absence (18:58). The discussion includes considering the legacy you want to leave behind and the impact you want to have on others’ lives (22:26).

↳ Impact and Achievement Beyond Material Success: The conversation shifts towards defining achievement and impact not solely through monetary success, but also through the positive influence you have on others (29:31). Wilson underscores the significance of considering the ripple effect of your actions and striving to create positive change in the lives of others, even if on a smaller scale (31:03).

↳ The Importance of Authenticity: Both Dan and Wilson discuss the importance of being authentic in your pursuits. Authenticity helps you connect with the right people and build a business or career that truly aligns with your values and passions (36:49).

Join the CrushEvery episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers. Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush

Loved the episode?Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush

06:33 Living by Design, Not Default

08:51 Uncovering Your True Fulfilment

17:07 How You Want to Be Remembered

29:31 Impact and Achievement Beyond Material Success

36:49 The Importance of Authenticity

Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges?

Emotional intelligence is key to navigating the complexities of work and personal life, but there’s a secret ingredient often overlooked: resilience. This week on Culture Crush, we delve into the power of resilience with returning guest Justin Bariso, an expert in emotional intelligence. Justin reveals a crucial element for high-achievers seeking to build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and achieve greater success. Discover Justin's work.

Questions to Reflect On While Listening

• What is the secret that you think makes people successful? Connect this to Justin’s discussion of resilience as a key trait amongst successful leaders, such as Barbara Corcoran (15:13).
• What are the character traits that you’re really investing in? Reflect on this as Justin explains the importance of building inner resources and the practice of cognitive reframing (29:28).
• Do you find yourself reacting and regretting or reflecting and responding? This ties back to Justin’s explanation of resilience as not just bouncing back from setbacks, but also making conscious choices about your response (22:14).

Episode Highlights

The Four Core Elements of Emotional Intelligence & The Secret Fifth: Justin outlines the four core components of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management (08:53). He introduces resilience as the often-overlooked fifth element, crucial for navigating challenges and bouncing back from adversity (12:11).

Resilience: A Muscle to Be Built, Not Just a Trait: The conversation explores resilience not as an innate trait, but a skill that can be developed through targeted exercises (14:49). Justin shares Barbara Corcoran’s inspiring story of overcoming setbacks to illustrate this point (15:13).

Cultural Influences on Resilience: The discussion highlights the cultural differences in how resilience is perceived and cultivated, comparing the “tough and grit” approach of some Eastern European cultures with the more praise-focused approach prevalent in the United States (18:28).

Building Inner Resources and Cognitive Reframing: Justin introduces two key exercises for building resilience: “replay,” which involves reflecting on positive experiences, and the “milk carton rule,” which emphasises focusing on what you can control (30:40). The importance of journaling is highlighted as a way to reinforce these practices (32:37).

The Power of Cognitive Reframing: The episode explores using the question, “What advice would you give yourself?”, to gain a fresh perspective during difficult times. This exercise aids in detaching from immediate emotions, allowing for more logical decision-making (36:30).

Join the Crush

Every episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers.Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush

Loved the episode?Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.

Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem: https://www.anthem.ooo. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush08:53 The Four Core Elements of Emotional Intelligence12:11 Introducing Resilience: The Secret Fifth Element14:49 Resilience: A Skill to Be Developed15:13 Barbara Corcoran’s Story: Overcoming Setbacks18:28 Cultural Influences on Resilience22:14 Reacting vs. Responding: Conscious Choices29:28 Building Inner Resources and Cognitive Reframing30:40 Practical Exercises for Building Resilience: Replay and the Milk Carton Rule36:30 Cognitive Reframing: Seeking External Perspective39:37 Neuroplasticity and Building Resilience

Feeling icky about traditional marketing? 

This week on Culture Crush, we challenge the status quo with Justin Foster, exploring how to create content that aligns with your values and resonates deeply with your audience, regardless of the algorithm. Learn to ditch the funnel mentality, connect authentically, and build a brand that’s not just profitable but purposeful.

Check out Justin Foster’s work: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fosterjustin/

Questions to Reflect On While Listening

• Do traditional marketing approaches make you feel icky? Justin’s unpacks the inherent ickiness of manipulative marketing techniques rooted in fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) at [27:21].
• Do you find yourself diluting your message in order to appease the algorithm? Reflect on this as Justin explains how focusing on authentic expression and brand poetry can attract the right audience organically, bypassing the need for constant algorithm manipulation at [38:05].
• If there were no rules, if there were no best practice guidelines, if you were to allow your inner activist to roar, what would you create? This ties back to Justin’s core message: creating impact through values alignment, elite skills, and a focus on spiritual ROI at [08:05].

Episode Highlights

• The Funnel Mentality is King? Justin challenges the pervasive funnel mentality in marketing, advocating for authentic conversations and invitations instead of manipulation at [13:54]. He argues that treating humans as mere leads to be funneled leads to poor results.
• Direct-to-Consumer Marketing is Always Effective? Justin explains how the high cost of customer acquisition in direct-to-consumer models often leads to compromises in quality and ultimately hurts the brand at [20:40].

• Fact: Marketing Copy is About Persuasion, Not Truth. Justin reveals the dark origins of marketing copy, tracing its roots back to propaganda techniques used by authoritarian regimes, and advocates for brand poetry as a way to express truth authentically at [38:05].
• Practical Techniques for Authentic Marketing. This episode provides practical advice on using brand poetry and simple language, understanding deeper motivators beyond FUD, and avoiding the automation of intimacy at [32:36] and [52:33]. Discover how to create an experience rather than a transaction.
• The Power of Love in Marketing. Justin emphasizes that love—for yourself, your team, and your customers—is the ultimate algorithm hack. Focusing on creating amazing experiences organically builds word-of-mouth marketing that transcends the need for algorithm game playing at [33:27].

Join the Crush

Every episode is co-curated by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers.

Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush

Loved the episode?

Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.

Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush

08:05 Values Alignment: The Core of Purposeful Business

13:54 Ditching the Funnel Mentality: Marketing as Conversation

20:40 The High Cost of Customer Acquisition: A Critical Look at Direct-to-Consumer

27:21 Understanding Deeper Motivators: Beyond FUD

33:27 The Ultimate Algorithm Hack: Love

38:05 Brand Poetry: Communicating Authentically

52:33 Don’t Automate Intimacy: Building Genuine Connections