• Laughter is the best… lesson

    Laughter is the best… lesson

    The best bit of my job as a motivational speaker is learning from truly great speakers. I always learn from watching talented performers who can hold the audience in their hands and fill the stage with their presence. I’m referring, of course, to stand-up comedians. And that’s why I recently found myself in a small…

  • Making Babies with AI

    Making Babies with AI

    I’m old enough to remember when Dancing Baby was state of the art: But, three decades later, that pixelated, jerky .gif image looks painfully outdated and amateurish. It got me wondering, what might a computer-generated baby look like in 2025… So, to begin, I uploaded this photo of me to ChatGPT: Then I asked ChatGPT…

  • Are your HIPPOS holding you back?

    Are your HIPPOS holding you back?

    Predicting the future is famously difficult. Mostly because it hasn’t happened yet. But, I’m reliably informed, it will. With this in mind, preparing for the future sounds like a smart strategy right now. In business, we often hand responsibility for our future to the leaders. Their task is to see the big picture, set the…

  • Knowing My Luck

    Knowing My Luck

    Unlucky Alf: “See this? It’s an FA Cup final ticket, though *knowing my luck* they’ll probably cancel the game. So, I’ve decided not to risk it. I’m just goin’ t’ sit here, wi’ a nice glass o’ beer, and watch it on t’ telly.” [he picks up the remote, presses a button and the TV…

  • The Old Curiosity

    The Old Curiosity

    I often talk about curiosity being one of our most powerful AI-defeating human superpowers. Having the ability to question the status quo, to naively ask “Why?”, helps us better understand the present and make space in our minds where new possibilities can bubble up. Much of working life—processes, systems, rules— seems fixed, constant, nailed down.…

  • Use Your Imagination

    Use Your Imagination

    Creativity is a curious beast. When I talk about the miracle of human creativity, and how much better it can be than suggestions from A.I., I often sense a real unease building in the audience. “What? You want me to be creative? At work? Oh no, I don’t do that sort of thing.” “We have…

  • But is it what it is?

    But is it what it is?

    I’ve never cared much for the phrase “it is what it is.” I’m sure I’ve said it a few times, and heard it many more. But it never sat well with me. It smacks of resignation, reluctance, and self-suffering. Maybe even a little victimhood. We proclaim “it is what it is” when something is not…

  • Two questions for busy event organisers

    Two questions for busy event organisers

    We jokingly called them the “Croissant Department” at Microsoft. The Events Team put on dozens of conferences each month. They were stunningly good at their job. Real legends of the industry. But occasionally even they got caught up in the event management hamster wheel, churning out events because someone wanted an event, not because that…

  • A Festive Message

    A Festive Message

    Giant thanks to everyone who kept me wildly busy in 2024. Here are a few brief words from me as I prepare to leave for my festive break: I’ll see you again in 2025, when I’ll have exciting news about: If you’d like my help or simply want to find out more, book a call…

  • How to Rehearse Like a Pro

    How to Rehearse Like a Pro

    The Speaker Awards took place in London, UK, last week. This year I was Head Judge, and proudly presented some awards and hosted a quick-fire ‘Ask The Expert’ session. The topic I chose to explore with my fellow speakers: “How to Rehearse Like A Pro” The advice I’m sharing here is relevant to anyone who…