BLOG POSTS

Startups are built in uncertainty. And no matter how strong your plan, your product, or your pitch, Things will shift . A key hire leaves. The market turns. Your biggest customer churns. You miss the quarter.

As your company scales, everything changes, Your team, your tools, your speed. But one thing shouldn’t change: who you are. I’ve seen startups raise rounds, hire fast, and build brilliant roadmaps, only to look around one day...

Here’s something you don’t often hear in pitch meetings or product updates: You can hire for execution. You can raise money for growth. But if you’re disconnected from yourself, from your triggers, blind spots, rhythms,...

Some founders burn out, Some break through, And the difference isn’t luck or capital. I’ve worked with first-time founders and serial entrepreneurs across industries and continents. The ones who build companies that last, and...

If I asked you to show me your calendar, would it reflect your priorities? Founders come to me all the time saying they’re overwhelmed, stuck in meetings, and constantly context-switching. They’re leading teams, talking to...

Startups are emotional pressure cookers. You’re making big decisions with limited data. You’re absorbing your team’s energy. You’re hearing no more than yes, sometimes 10 times a day.

Founders love to talk about their product. The features. The updates. The roadmap. But here's the truth: People don’t buy what you’re building. They buy the story you're telling. And that story, whether you're pitching to...

We talk a lot about traction, product, and funding. But you know what makes or breaks most startups? Relationships. With your co-founder. Your team. Your partner at home. Your inner circle.

There’s a moment I see all the time in coaching — and I’ve lived it too. You’ve got a strong early product. The vision is big. You’ve built something that’s working. Now, it’s time to raise.

Today, I wanted to share a story about learning to trust. We all know it's important, but putting it into practice can be a whole different challenge.

Delegation is often seen as a way to reduce workload, but true leaders know it’s a strategy for fostering growth and innovation within a team.

If you struggle to finish, try these 3 strategies. Finishing isn't easy, but it is crucial. There's a lot of talk about starting new projects. But what about finishing them? Let's be honest, we all know about half-done...

There are 7 themes that will help you get back on track. Founders often struggle with personal relationships at home. And it is not because they do not love and cherish their partners.

What will you let go of today? Holding on to things that no longer serve you can hold you back. I've learned that letting go is essential for growth and happiness.

There are 7 things that fulfill my life and drive my actions and decisions everyday.. PSA: One slot left if you want to work with me: Click here

Who to spend time with and who to avoid... Surround yourself with 1s, consult frequently with 2s, and acknowledge, but keep a distance from 3s.

Here’s how I did it. The steps I took. The outcomes we achieved... It’s never easy to confront the issues in a relationship, especially when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Jennifer recently approached me, overwhelmed by her workload. Her startup was consuming her life, leaving her feeling defeated... Jennifer was overwhelmed by her workload. Her startup was consuming her life, leaving her...

Let me guess. Your to-do list is longer than your last investor update. Your brain is full of tabs, timelines, and tiny fires. You’re busy — but not sure you’re moving .

I hope all is well. Thanks for reading, another issue below. A clear, inspiring vision can unite teams and drive progress. From defining strategic objectives in corporate settings to aligning startup teams with bold missions,...

I hope all is well. Thanks for reading, another issue below. Crisis leadership is where theory meets reality. Whether facing corporate restructures or unforeseen challenges in a startup, I’ve seen that the ability to stay...

For many, vulnerability is perceived as a weakness, but in leadership, it’s a strength that fosters trust and authenticity. I learned that when leaders share their genuine selves—successes, doubts, and all—it creates an...

In a world full of distractions, being present can be one of the most powerful things a leader can do. One CEO I worked with realized that his habit of multitasking during meetings made his team feel unimportant. He committed...

I hope you are doing great. While technical skills and strategic vision are vital, it is emotional intelligence (EQ) that often sets great leaders apart. Through my varied leadership roles, I found that EQ enhances not only...

I hope you've been well since last time. Taking time to reflect is one of the most important habits a leader can develop. One client integrated reflection as a regular practice in his leadership. Creating time to think...

In an ever-evolving world, continuous learning is not optional for leaders—it’s essential. Over my career, I’ve realized that those who commit to lifelong learning stay ahead and inspire their teams to do the same. The pace of...

Discomfort is an unavoidable part of growth for leaders and their teams. One leader I worked with learned to lean into discomfort as a sign of growth. He encouraged his team to step outside their comfort zones, which led to...

Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness in leadership, but today’s story shows it’s quite the opposite. One CEO I coached found that sharing his vulnerabilities didn’t diminish his authority—it humanized him, built trust,...

Decisions that shape the future of a team or organization can be daunting, especially under pressure. From my years in corporate decision-making to urgent choices in startup ecosystems, I’ve learned that preparation and...

Today’s story is about creating an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up—a vital part of outstanding leadership. One executive noticed that some team members were holding back, especially in challenging...

I hope life’s treating you kindly this week. Resilience is a hallmark of strong leadership, shaped not just during crises but in the daily grind. My journey from navigating multinational corporate environments to scaling...

I hope you and yours are well. I have an inspiring story to share today about diversity—not just in people but also in thoughts and ideas. A leader I worked with realized that he had not always appreciated diversity of...

I hope all is well. Thanks for reading, another issue ready below. Do you ever feel the pressure to always have the right answers? Many leaders do, but what if asking the right questions was more powerful?

Hope you are doing well. Thanks for reading along, another issue below. The modern leadership landscape often glorifies non-stop work, but rest is an often overlooked yet essential component of sustainable leadership. In 2020,...

Do you ever feel the pressure to always have the right answers? Many leaders do, but what if asking the right questions was more powerful? One client I worked with had always felt this pressure. He believed being a good leader...

I hope you've been well. Thanks for reading, Empathy isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for impactful leadership. However, true empathy stems from understanding oneself. In my years leading across cities like London,...

I hope you've been well. Thanks for reading along, another edition is ready below. Whether it’s stepping into a new role, expanding responsibilities, or pivoting strategy, transitions can test even seasoned leaders. I’ve...

Growth can be exciting, but it also brings new challenges. One client I worked with found himself in a rapidly growing organization and had to evolve his leadership style accordingly.

True leadership extends beyond personal achievements—it’s about nurturing others to step into leadership roles themselves. Throughout my journey, from mentoring junior colleagues in corporate settings to guiding ambitious...

I hope you and yours are well. Today’s story is about shifting perspective and letting the team lead. An executive I worked with decided to take inspiration directly from her team, making her leadership adaptive and rooted in...

Accountability is the backbone of effective teamwork and high performance. In my years working in diverse leadership roles, I learned that a culture of accountability must be fostered deliberately. It is not about assigning...

Today's story is about redefining success beyond the numbers. A leader I worked with used to view success strictly in terms of metrics and goals. Over time, he learned that true success was about building an environment where...

I hope you are well. Thanks for reading, another issue below. Trust isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for high-functioning teams. In my experience managing cross-cultural teams from Paris to London, I found that trust comes...

Leading effectively is often about finding balance. One leader I worked with found that he needed to learn when to direct and when to support—and seeing this balance transformed his leadership.

Knowing where to focus your energy is one of the most powerful aspects of effective leadership. Prioritization isn’t just about to-do lists; it’s a strategic discipline that amplifies impact. I learned this throughout my...

The company’s growing. The mission is alive. But your days feel more like triage than leadership. You’re not leading a business. You’re maintaining one. And that’s a dangerous place for a founder to get stuck.

Opened the Sign-ups for the 2026 edition of the Whole Human Reset. Learn more here On to the newsletter: Startups don’t grow because they solve a problem. They grow because they solve a problem that matters now.

The team’s well-managed. 1:1s are happening. Feedback loops are in place. But something still feels... disconnected. Not broken. Not dysfunctional. Just slightly off. Like you’re performing leadership instead of living it.

+ how it helps them perform better. 5) I take them to museums. ↳ Looking at art opens their minds to things that were right before them but were invisible before. 4) I challenge them to cut caffeine for 1 week. ↳ Caffeine...

The best advice you'll receive today... This idea about stop watering dead plants might seem obvious in your house, but for some reason, many people continue doing it in their businesses.

(2, 7 and 11 being the big ones....) (2, 7 and 11 being the big ones….) 1) Overwhelmed by choices → The expansion of a company demands more decisions from CEOs every day, leading to a decline in the quality of these decisions...

Heck, everyone should start doing today... (I wish I did 3, 4, and 5 much much earlier in life) 1) Exercising any way you can… daily → Ditch the rigid routine, mix it up, and remember, doing anything is better than nothing.

Organizations across the world are starting to mandate coming back to the office - this needs to stop... It was recently reported that Zoom would start requiring part-time in-person attendance by employees who live within a...

The number one mistake founders make in the early days is this. They do not consistently make the world aware of who they are and what they are selling.

As a founder and CEO, taking time off during the summer is essential for recharging and maintaining peak performance. As a founder and CEO, taking time off during the summer is essential for recharging and maintaining peak...

I’ve always stressed the importance of spending time by yourself to support your mental health. But how do you find just 30 minutes a day in what seems like an impossible schedule with work and family life?

As coaches and mentors, we often assume everyone can benefit from coaching. Improved performance, increased confidence, and enhanced well-being are well-documented benefits.

Most of my clients experience a lack of energy, a decline in mental surplus, and a missing joy in their lives when they first come to me. In this video , I share three simple things you can do to change that if you also need...

NOTE: This newsletter is a rewritten version of an email I wrote to a founder about his belief that he was not a good salesperson. It, therefore, reads a bit differently than my normal letters.

During a conversation with a founder last year, a line from The Shawshank Redemption resonated with me ADuring a conversation with a founder last year, a line from The Shawshank Redemption, a movie known for its robust...

The other day, I was recording an episode of my new podcast, and we talked about the signs of stress and burnout. While they are individual, there are patterns to look out for.

A Lesson from Howard Schultz's Return to Starbucks. As a leader, it's natural to want to maintain control and ensure your vision is executed perfectly.

I’m going on vacation tomorrow - a week on Lanzarote with my son, surfing, playing sports, hanging out, and hopefully getting a bit of sun. I am a big advocate of impromptu vacations/breaks, so I would encourage you to...

The questions you should pack for your next trip. I’m going on vacation for a week tomorrow. But, before I go, here is a reflection on what vacations can do for you.

Being accountable to others is easy, but to ourselves, not so much. There are three reasons for that: we do not have a clear sense of priority and urgency for the things we have to do

Stop feeling guilty and do something about it. As company builders, we're no strangers to hard work and dedication. But when it comes to balancing our professional and personal lives, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle...

How do you do it - how did you do it? My favorite advice to first-time founders when they ask me how to succeed with their company includes dealing with the ups and downs, getting the word out, taking care of yourself, and...

A CEOs and Founders you are both in the early days and over time less of an executioner, focusing on the longer vision of the company. In this video I cover how and when to make that transition.

"You are what you eat” - that was drilled into our heads as kids, yet at some point, most likely when we are teenagers, our diets go haywire.

Many co-founders get into conflict with each other along the way. It can for the most part be avoided by starting off the relationship right.

Most people occasionally feel like they have lost who they are in the pursuit of building the perfect life and company. Martin was no different when we started working together.

How you, too, can bend time We often wish for more time in our relentless pursuit of success and fulfillment. Today, I'm thrilled to share a groundbreaking discovery that has revolutionized my life and could transform yours:

“What do you mean I’m not doing a good job!?” You were trying to give feedback, but all your colleague heard was criticism. It happens to all of us, so in this video I walk through a few ideas to improve how you give (and...

Everyone struggles with getting their message across or feeling misunderstood. In this video I share a few simple tips to ensure you are heard and understood as you intend.

Thanks for subscribing—I do not say that often enough. It means a ton to me that you read along here and maybe follow me on social media. If there is anything I can do for you or write about publicly, I hope you will let me know.

Find that mental and physical space for yourself? In this video I walk through a couple of strategies that will help you find and reclaim some serenity in your busy day.

Managing a board is like managing a football team. Here’s why. Football games are often won off the field. First, you need to make sure the composition of your team is balanced. If your roster leans too heavily on speedy...

We want to be incredibly successful in our careers… but we also want to have a life. I think we’ve all seen stories of executives who have risen to the top, but are also on their third or fourth marriage. Can we find a balance?

Yes, that was an intentionally provocative headline, but the numbers seem to bear it out. 94% of workers in the professional service industry work over 50 hours a week

Quantity and quality of sleep are two of the biggest challenges I hear from my clients, and it’s no surprise. Here are some sleep facts that illustrate how big a problem this is:

“You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” I’ve always loved this quote by the great Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor and mindfulness guru. It takes such an important concept and phrases it simply and artfully.

The comic above is a good example of the perception about getting fired many of us grew up with. TV shows also presented losing a job in a lighthearted way - the character would shrug, put their belongings into a cardboard box...

It’s an old maxim, but one worth repeating: “Hire slowly, fire quickly.” Finding the right people for your team might be the most critical activity you undertake as a leader.

You can hire an elephant to climb a tree, but hiring a squirrel is better. This wise saying was told to me years ago, and I always considered it when I interviewed potential employees.

Foosball tables. Massage chairs. Beer on tap. Unlimited vacation days. These are just some of the perks that many companies offer to their employees.

There are no shortage of hurdles when you’re starting a company. But one of the largest - and most intimidating - is getting funding. The move from bootstrapping and friends & family to professional investors is a huge one.

Do you struggle with delegating tasks and projects to your team? If you do, you’re not alone. According to an article in Harvard Business Review, close to 50% of organizations say they are concerned about the delegation skills...

Want to grow? Say “I don’t know.” These three words are among the hardest to say in business, and the higher you get in a company, the more difficult it can be.

Last week, I sent you this video about the five things you should stop doing as leaders. I hope you’ve had the opportunity to try at least one of them.

I was looking for a quote to start this email so I searched on the word “stop.” Immediately, I was inundated with people giving quips about NOT stopping. Most of them looked something like this:

Not many of us enjoy conflict. We tend to avoid it until it becomes absolutely necessary. And the situation is even more difficult when the conflict is between co-founders of a company.

While the common belief is that it’s because of tiredness and boredom - and sometimes this is undoubtedly true - yawning is a reflex that your brain induces to wake you up or make you more alert.

“Success or failure in business is caused more by mental attitude than by mental capacity.” - Walter Dill Scott Being a founder or CEO is an emotional roller coaster, and one that has dips and twists you can’t see coming.

Traveling always brings new perspectives. After almost three weeks offline in Vietnam, I thought of five reflections I wanted to share with you.

Here’s a sobering stat: 75% of the time we spend with our children over their lives is before they turn 12. I say this not to frighten you, but to emphasize the importance of our roles as parents.

Today I’m coming to you from the past. As I mentioned last week, I’m taking some time off to completely unplug. However, I queued up a few emails and videos to send while I’m gone because I think you’ll find them useful.

As you might have read on my social media, I’m taking three weeks off from work to enjoy all that Vietnam has to offer and give the logical side of my brain time to rest.

The world we live in is full of misconceptions that we accept as fact. Here are a few of my favorites: Fortune cookies are Chinese (they were actually brought to the U.S. by the Japanese)

As a first-time founder, there’s no shortage of critical decisions you will need to make. But the ones you make about the people you surround yourself with are probably the most important.

I haven’t done one in a little while, but I used to love running races. The energy, the camaraderie and the physical test I was putting myself through were all exhilarating.