Have you heard this famous quote from Jim Rohn: “We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with, so choose them carefully”?

But this message has often been misunderstood and so deserves a closer look.

Most of us can’t simply “choose” our family or our colleagues, yet the principle behind the quote still carries enormous weight.

The real question is this: who are you intentionally learning from?

In a fast‑changing environment, the people you draw insight, ideas and inspiration from can shape your growth more than you realise.

Give it a watch, it might just reshape how you think about the people who influence your growth.

Let’s build the life we want, one smart decision at a time.

Have you noticed that sometimes a quick comment you leave on someone else’s LinkedIn post gets more impressions than the posts you spend half an hour writing?

 It’s not a glitch though, it’s LinkedIn showing us that comments are micro-content. They’re faster, more authentic, and often reach the right audience more effectively than a full post.

In this post, I break down:

• Why comments can outperform posts in reach and engagement
• How to identify the right people to comment on
• A simple daily routine that takes seconds but builds visibility and connections
• The surprising link between high-impression comments and profile visits

It’s practical, it’s simple, and it might just change the way you think about LinkedIn forever.

Where do you go to think differently?

Most entrepreneurs spend their days buried in the busy work of running their business. But here’s the truth: real change only happens when you step back and work on your business.

But at your desk, your brain stays in business-as-usual mode and that is NOT what you need if you’re working on your business (called Purple Time).

In this post, I share a simple but powerful practice of using your “purple time” in a different location.

This will allow you to step away from the daily grind, to strategise, plan and move your business closer to the one you truly want.

You’ll discover:

•              Why your environment matters more than you think.
•             How to avoid wasting “purple time” by showing up without a plan.
•             Practical tips for creating the space to think differently.

Whether it’s a quiet coffee shop, a golf club lounge, or even your own living room, the key is to step out of routine and into growth.

2026 isn’t about waiting for the economy to bounce back. It’s about taking control.

So how do you win in 2026?  Not by shouting louder on LinkedIn, that’s for sure. 

You win by being outstanding at delivery. In other words: -

• Truly understand their vacancies.
• Can present their company in the best light.
• Vet candidates for both fit and commitment.
• Make the placement process seamless and consistent.

That’s what clients actually buy. That’s what earns referrals. That’s what keeps you ahead of the competition.

I’ve shared my full thoughts,  including why delivery is the differentiator this year and how to prove you’re great at it, in my latest post.

Let’s make 2026 the year of outstanding delivery.

Thank you for being part of our journey and allowing us to be part of yours in 2025.

In my closing vlog, I reflect on the year, share why persistence is the superpower that will get us through 2026, along with a few thoughts on navigating the new world we find ourselves in.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.

We often talk about success as if it’s a solo journey. The “self‑made” entrepreneur, the lone visionary, the person who pulled themselves up by their bootstraps. But the truth is simpler and far more powerful: nobody does it alone.

Every career is shaped by the people we surround ourselves with mentors, partners, colleagues, even clients and friends.

They all form what I call your ‘inner circle’ and the quality of that circle has a direct impact on the quality of your success.  What’s more, you can have several circles:

• Your career circle (mentors, peers, clients).
• Your personal circle (family, friends).
• Your growth circle (people who challenge your thinking).
• Your giving circle (those you mentor or support).

Circles aren’t static; they evolve. Sometimes we need to prune them, sometimes expand them, and sometimes step into someone else’s circle to lift them up.

Each one shapes you differently, and together they form the mosaic of your success.

I’d say the more interesting ...

If you’re looking for a smarter, more human way to connect with prospects or clients, this one’s for you.

A simple way to make your BD outreach more personal is to use Zoom Clips, a free feature built into Zoom, to record short, personalised videos that are quick to create, easy to share, and surprisingly effective.

Whether you’re in business development, client care, or just want to stand out in someone’s inbox, this tool is a quiet powerhouse.

•  It’s fast: Record and send a video in minutes.
• It’s personal: Add a human touch to your outreach.
• It’s trackable: know when your video is watched and how engaged the viewers was.
• It’s versatile: Use it for BD campaigns, client check-ins, event invites, or social media.

It’s a brilliant way to spark conversations, build trust, and show people you’ve taken the time (without actually taking much time at all).

So here’s the question:

What if your next outreach message wasn’t just another email… but a short, personalised video that act...

Let’s be honest, podcasts are often misunderstood.

Some people jump in expecting instant fame. Others avoid them altogether, thinking they’re too technical or time-consuming.

But here’s the truth: podcasts are easy to produce and distribute and can be incredibly powerful, provided you use them the right way.

• Not as a fame machine.
• Not as a content factory.
• But as a relationship engine.

Used strategically, a podcast becomes a tool for starting meaningful conversations, building credibility, and opening doors, regardless of how many people listen.

If you’ve ever wondered whether starting a podcast is worth it, this perspective might change your mind. 

Many recruiters (and small businesses) jump into outsourced marketing hoping for magic, but without clear expectations or accountability, reality often brings disappointing results.

In this post, I break down the three rules - simple, practical, and battle-tested - that separate smart outsourcing from wasted spend. If you’re thinking about bringing in outside help, this is your checklist.

I’ll cover:

• Why hiring smart makes all the difference
• How to avoid getting locked into long contracts
• What ROI really looks like in outsourced marketing

Whether you're exploring outsourcing now or want to avoid costly mistakes in the future, this post could save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

Some time ago, I listened to a podcast where someone said the key to self-discipline is gratitude, and they explained it in a way that stuck with me.

It has transformed my ability to stick to commitments I have made to myself (the ones that tend to slip).

It’s based on generosity and gratitude. Generosity to your future self and gratitude to a past version of yourself.

Sounds kooky I know but it works!

Thank your past self for the sacrifices they made and do something today your future self will be grateful for.

I’ve been using this idea to tackle some personal goals (hello, wetsuit moment) and it’s helped me stay focused on business too.

Turns out, when you’re doing something for someone else, even if that someone is future you - it’s easier to stick with it.

Would love to know if this resonates with you,  or if you’ve tried something similar.