At one point, the most important people in our lives were strangers. I asked psychotherapist Esther Perel (@estherperelofficial) for the one relationship skill we should all master, and her answer surprised me. Whenās the last time you started a conversation with someone you didnāt know? š§ While A Bit of Optimism is on hiatus, listen to my full conversation with Esther wherever you get your podcasts.
Whether at a small team event or a large conference, in that moment you're a community. And that community is a group of people who showed up and agreed to grow together. Video from Globo, November 20
Purpose does not need to involve calculations or numbers. Purpose is about the quality of lifeābecause it's human, not economic. Video from SHRM26 (June 2026) in conversation with BambooHR CEO Bradley
Success is great. A hug at the front door is better. Gymshark founder and CEO Ben Francis built one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK. But when his kids came along, his wife asked for one thi
Arrogance is thinking something is perfect after the first draft. Humility is knowing there is always room for improvement. Video from LeanScaper Revenue Intensive, January 2026, in conversation with
Invest in relationships. None of us has the strength to go through life alone. We need people to encourage and inspire us so we can encourage and inspire others. Video from Globo, November 2025, in co
Trust isn't repaired with a simple "I'm sorry." Video from Autodesk One Team Conference, March 2026, in conversation with CRO Andy Elder
We must all try to empathize before we criticize. Ask someone what's wrong before telling them they're wrong. Video from Nordic Business Forum (Helsinki) 2025, in conversation with Maddy Savage + + +
Confidence in leadership is the confidence to trust others. Video from LeanScaper Revenue Intensive, January 2026, in conversation with founder Mark Bradley + + + Simon is an unshakable optimist. He b
A relationship is a relationship, at home or at work. Esther Perel came up through couples therapy. I came up through the corporate world. She helps couples resolve conflict, and they show up better a
"You don't hire for skills, you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills." āHerb Kelleher Video from SHRM26 (June 2026) in conversation with BambooHR CEO Bradley Rencher
Leaders take the risk to trust first. Video from LeanScaper Revenue Intensive, January 2026, in conversation with founder Mark Bradley
