Work should be fun. But my idea of fun might not be the same as yours. I love my work and split my time between several companies. If I’m not visiting them, I’m working at home in my office – often until late into the evening. I keep intending to slow down, but I enjoy … Read more
Trust is critical within any successful team. How does trust grow in a working team? The simple answer is that it is built through clarity, honesty and openness. It’s reinforced through shared values, which are essential for creating a team culture of shared responsibility that can deal with whatever is thrown at it. Honest communication … Read more
Most leaders find themselves in the position, at some point, of thinking ‘we could do better’. In some cases, the organisation may have even arrived at a point where it needs bold decisions and fast action to survive. As a leader this will test your ability, your courage, your integrity and your commitment to the … Read more
Building a world class organisation is exciting. The leader’s role is to generate that excitement and inspire the team to share the journey to an extraordinary future. That’s a key ability for a leader – to share a vision and inspire the team to action. When people understand the what and the why of success, … Read more
If you’ve been following my adventures, you’ll know that back in 2020/21 I was part of a 5-man team of rowers that tackled the daunting task of rowing – unsupported – across the Atlantic. We spent three years preparing for this adventure, because we knew that, to succeed, we needed to know what we were … Read more
Every company has someone – sometimes several someones – who grumble about how the organisation does things. Sometimes the complaints have a basis in reality and there are operational habits that are not productive. An inspiring leader doesn’t pretend they don’t exist. To create an inspired organisation the issues raised must be dealt with – … Read more
Formula 1 cars are not built from standard parts. The engine supplier designs, manufactures and provides the actual engine – but everything else, every screw, nut and washer, is designed and made by the team. They have a plan for the car and every component is on the plan and is made, checked, tested according … Read more
I have been leading companies for 25 years – my earliest challenges were to rebuild a broken Porsche brand and then to inspire the team at BMW GB to achieve a 500% improvement in profit while transforming the service levels of an industry. Since then I have founded start-ups, driven turnarounds and built companies in … Read more
You can’t really miss it. The headlines, the endless discussions and debates, the boundless optimism from some and apocalyptic warnings from others. Unless you’ve had your head stuck in the sand for the last few months – and who, at times, hasn’t wanted to do that?! – the turbulence in the markets has permeated all aspects … Read more