The Keys Are Within Our Sight
Nicholas McCarthy talked of two ambitions when he was very young – to be a chef or a concert pianist. He chose the latter and now with a highly acclaimed album riding up the classical charts he has proven that…
The ‘Alex Ferguson’ Equivalent Who Changed My Life 47 Years Ago
Alex Ferguson described his function as a leader at Manchester United as to make people believe ‘the impossible was possible’. He certainly achieved that in his career. But, it is in that first vital step that I believe he has…
The ‘Ys’ Have It
One student at an event at Stirling University I spoke at last week mentioned that his generation has been described as the lazy generation. I quickly rejected this description as both ‘lazy’ and wildly inaccurate. I have had the privilege…
‘Migrants’ Bleed Like You – So Think Before You Speak
Mixed race and proud I have always regarded my Scottish, Irish and Lebanese blood as an intoxicating and exotic mix. It manifests itself in my physical appearance but has also broadened my view of the world. During the 1950s I…
2030 VISION MAKES CREATIVITY AND COMMUNICATION MUST HAVES
Enter a different world It is predicted that in just 15 years we will see 80% of doctor visits replaced by automated exams, over 90% of all restaurants using some form of a 3D food printer in their meal preparations,…
Let’s Turn Intent Into Action
If policy and good intent were enough our streets will soon be paved with gold, but there are real impediments to progress that we have to sweep aside now. While I find great richness of talent and ideas in schools,…
Resilience: Putting the toys back into the pram
I recently facilitated a session where a team were set a task which made them confront their own personal prejudices and beliefs, some of which they may not even have been aware of….. However, what the task also did, was…
I wanna tell you a story
My Great Uncle Alex used to sit in his rocking chair in the porch of the house. He would tell stories of his time when he was a rancher in Chile, painting a picture that made me decide I wanted…
“Not yet” beats “never”
Today is where today should stay When I speak to people who believe their destiny is carved in stone I tell them countless stories of individuals whose lives spiral out of control, yet find ways out of the abyss and…
GO FROM GREAT TO EXTRAORDINARY
Let me be part of the big stuff I have made so many mistakes in leadership that I have lost count. In the main, I have recognised them, owned up to them and learned from most of them. Mistakes are…