Specialising in the world of sales, marketing, digital, SaaS and occasionally drifting into health, fitness, rugby or cycling. A compendium of triviality.
Having recently finished “The Boys in the Boat,” I’m struck by the powerful leadership and management lessons embedded within the narrative, set against the challenging backdrop of the 1930s. This era, marked by the Great Depression and rising global tensions, presents a stark canvas that brings the story’s themes of harmony, balance, and rhythm into sharp relief. These themes are not only vital in the realm of competitive sports but also resonate deeply with the challenges faced by leaders and managers in today’s complex business environment.
The historical context of the book adds a rich layer of complexity, illustrating how adversity and challenge can forge unparalleled teamwork and leadership. The rowers’ journey to Olympic gold, amidst economic hardship and geopolitical strife, underscores the timeless nature of their achievements and the universal applicability of the lessons learned.
Harmony: In the context of leadership and management, harmony represents the delicate art of blending diverse talents and personalities into a cohesive unit. The book illustrates how differing backgrounds and strengths, when aligned towards a common goal, can achieve remarkable outcomes. This lesson is particularly relevant for leaders striving to foster an inclusive culture where every team member’s contribution is valued and leveraged. The challenge lies in navigating interpersonal dynamics and aligning individual goals with the organisation’s mission—a task that requires empathy, clear communication, and a shared sense of purpose.
Balance: The concept of balance, as demonstrated by the rowers’ need to maintain both physical and mental equilibrium, mirrors the multifaceted role of leaders in managing competing priorities. Leaders must balance short-term demands with long-term strategic goals, stakeholder expectations with team capabilities, and innovation with operational stability. Embracing the “Stockdale Paradox,” which entails confronting the harsh realities of the present while remaining steadfast in the belief of eventual success, can guide leaders in navigating these tensions. This balance is crucial in making informed decisions that ensure the resilience and sustainability of the organisation.
Rhythm: Establishing a rhythm in leadership involves setting a consistent pace for the team, one that harmonises the urgency of deadlines with the need for thoroughness and quality. Just as the rowers found a collective cadence that maximised their efficiency, leaders must cultivate an environment where workflows are streamlined, and communication is fluid. This rhythm enables the team to operate with a sense of predictability and structure, even in the face of uncertainty, allowing for agility and responsiveness to emerging challenges.
The story of “The Boys in the Boat” serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of effective leadership and management. As we reflect on these lessons, I encourage fellow leaders and managers to consider how the themes of harmony, balance, and rhythm manifest within their own teams and organisations. How do you foster a harmonious work environment that embraces diversity and drives collective success? In what ways do you balance the pressing needs of the present with the strategic vision for the future? And how do you establish a productive rhythm that ensures your team’s resilience and adaptability?
I invite you to share your insights and experiences in the comments below. Let’s engage in a dialogue that not only celebrates the achievements of the past but also applies these timeless lessons to the leadership and management challenges of today, guiding our teams towards a future marked by unity, stability, and sustained progress.
This week’s roundup of top Salesforce blog posts offers a wealth of knowledge, covering the latest release updates, integrations, and development tips. Whether you’re a developer, administrator, or end-user, these articles provide valuable insights to enhance your Salesforce journey.
“Salesforce Spring ’24 Release – What to Expect” on CRM Folio3: This post dives into the anticipated features of the Salesforce Spring ’24 release, highlighting key dates and preparation tips. It’s a must-read for those looking to stay ahead of the curve with the latest Salesforce enhancements.
“Building Dynamic User Experiences with Salesforce Lightning” on Forcetalks (William Dawsey – Chetu): Explore how to create more engaging and efficient user interfaces using Salesforce Lightning’s dynamic capabilities. From contextual actions to mobile-first design, this article offers practical advice for enhancing user experience.
“Boost Collaboration with Slack-Salesforce Integration” on CETDIGIT (Olsen Antos): Discover how integrating Slack with Salesforce can streamline communication and workflow within your organization. This post outlines the benefits and setup process for this powerful collaboration tool.
“How to Write Better Generative AI Prompts for Business” on Salesforce Asia Blog: This guide offers practical advice on crafting effective prompts for generative AI, covering specifics, tone, and audience considerations. It’s particularly useful for businesses looking to improve their use of AI for content creation and customer interactions
Each of these posts contributes to a broader understanding of Salesforce’s capabilities and how to leverage them for business success. For more detailed insights, I recommend visiting the respective articles linked in each synopsis. Stay informed and elevate your Salesforce game!
The joys of AI: leveraging DALL-E to summarise the blog in the style of Salvador Dali, an author renowned for being ‘different’.
As we navigate into 2024, the Salesforce ecosystem continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, particularly in the realms of AI, data analytics, and trust. Last year, I shared seven pivotal strategies for Salesforce partners looking to differentiate themselves in the competitive Australian market. Drawing from further insights and aligning with Salesforce’s forward trajectory in AI and Data, along with the foundational importance of trust, I’ve refined these strategies to help partners not only keep pace but lead in this dynamic environment.
Deep Industry Specialisation: The Path to Expertise
The need for industry specialisation has never been more critical. With Salesforce’s enhanced capabilities in AI and data analytics, partners have the opportunity to delve deeper into specific sectors, understanding unique challenges and tailoring solutions that drive real business outcomes. This deep dive approach positions you as an indispensable expert, a trusted advisor who speaks the language of the industry and delivers bespoke solutions.
Mastery of Salesforce Solutions: Beyond the Basics
Salesforce’s continuous innovation in AI and data solutions, such as Einstein AI and Tableau, offers partners a fertile ground for specialisation. Mastering these advanced tools and becoming a certified expert in specific Salesforce solutions can set you apart, offering your clients cutting-edge expertise that leverages the full power of Salesforce’s evolving technology stack.
Showcasing Success through Case Studies
In a landscape where AI-driven insights and data analytics are becoming the norm, demonstrating your ability to harness these technologies to drive customer success is crucial. Detailed case studies that highlight your innovative use of Salesforce AI and data solutions to solve complex business problems can underscore your expertise and build trust with potential clients.
Thought Leadership in the AI and Data Era
Embrace the role of a thought leader in the Salesforce ecosystem by sharing insights on how AI and data are transforming industries. Create content that not only showcases your expertise but also educates your audience on the strategic application of Salesforce technologies. Speaking engagements, webinars, and blogs that delve into the implications of AI and data trends can elevate your status as an industry visionary.
Customisation and Innovation: The Competitive Edge
With Salesforce’s AI and data capabilities, the potential for customisation and innovation is boundless. Demonstrating your ability to develop innovative applications or custom solutions that leverage Salesforce’s platform can significantly differentiate your services. This might involve creating bespoke AI models with Einstein or utilising Tableau for unique data visualisations that offer actionable insights.
Exceptional Customer Service: Building Trust and Loyalty
In an era where digital transformation is accelerating, providing exceptional customer service remains a timeless differentiator. This involves not just reactive support but proactive guidance, helping clients navigate the complexities of AI and data to make informed decisions. Building strong, trust-based relationships ensures client loyalty and turns customers into advocates.
Strengthening Partnerships with Salesforce
A close partnership with Salesforce is more crucial than ever. Engage deeply with Salesforce’s partner programs, stay abreast of the latest developments in AI and data, and align your strategies with Salesforce’s vision of customer success. Demonstrating a strong commitment to the Salesforce platform and its core values of trust, customer success, innovation, and equality can enhance your credibility and visibility in the ecosystem.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for 2024
As Salesforce continues to push the boundaries of AI, data analytics, and trust, partners have a unique opportunity to redefine their value proposition and solidify their position in the market. By deepening industry specialisation, mastering Salesforce’s evolving solutions, and committing to innovation and exceptional service, partners can not only navigate the challenges of 2024 but thrive, driving unparalleled success for their clients and themselves.
Let’s embrace these strategies with vigor and vision, setting a new standard for excellence in the Salesforce partnership landscape. The journey towards distinction and success in the Salesforce ecosystem is ongoing, and the time to act is now. Together, we can shape a future where innovation, trust, and customer success are at the heart of everything we do.
“AI Resource Roundup for Salesforce Admins”on Salesforce Admins Blog: This post offers a comprehensive guide for Salesforce Admins on leveraging AI within the Salesforce ecosystem. It covers topics such as the importance of clean and connected data, intelligent bot building for customer interactions, AI-powered automation and workflows, and the Einstein Trust Layer. It emphasises the transformative potential of AI in enhancing admin tasks and user experiences.
“Manage Field Service More Efficiently With AI” (Salesforce Blog): This article explores how AI enhances field service management, improving mobile worker productivity, customer satisfaction, and driving faster ROI through streamlined workflows and real-time data.
“Salesforce Certified Marketing Associate” (Apex Hours): Introduces the Salesforce Certified Marketing Associate exam, designed for marketers to validate their skills in marketing automation and analytics within the Salesforce Marketing Cloud platform.
“What is Salesforce Hyperforce?”(Salesforce Geek): A detailed explanation of Salesforce Hyperforce, a reimagined architecture designed to deliver enhanced performance, scalability, and data residency options by leveraging the public cloud.
For more detailed insights, you can visit the respective articles linked in each synopsis.
Read the match report on BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/68123032
As an ardent fan of England Cricket, the transformative journey under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has been nothing short of exhilarating. Their bold, new approach has not only redefined England’s cricketing ethos but has also led to some remarkable victories, including the recent triumph in India. This victory, while a cause for celebration, also offers rich insights into adaptability, leadership, and teamwork—principles that resonate deeply within the business world.
Tom Hartley and Ollie Pope, emerging as key figures in this fixture, brought their unique skills and resilience to the forefront, reflecting the depth and potential within the team. This blog post delves into the strategic underpinnings of England’s cricketing success and extracts valuable lessons for business professionals, all the while indulging in the sheer joy of a rare and cherished victory on Indian soil.
Visionary Leadership: The Stokes and Sinek Synergy
Ben Stokes’ leadership style, reminiscent of Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why,” emphasizes the power of a compelling vision to inspire action. Sinek’s concept revolves around the idea that people are motivated more by ‘why’ something is done than the ‘what’ or ‘how.’
Example: Just as Stokes might inspire his team with the vision of making history by winning on foreign soil, a business leader could energize their team by emphasizing the impact their project could have on improving customers’ lives, thus driving engagement and commitment.
Resilience in Adversity: The Ollie Pope Narrative
Ollie Pope’s comeback parallels Jim Collins’ principle of facing brutal facts with unwavering faith—a concept Collins terms the “Stockdale Paradox.” This principle suggests that while it’s essential to confront current realities, maintaining faith in eventual success is crucial.
Example: In business, adopting this resilience might look like a startup persevering through financial challenges while steadfastly believing in the value of their innovative product, similar to Pope’s determination to overcome injuries and poor form to contribute significantly to the team.
Embracing New Perspectives: The Hartley Lesson
Tom Hartley’s debut success highlights the value of new talent, akin to Charles Duhigg’s insights on habit formation and adaptability in “The Power of Habit.” Duhigg suggests that small changes in habits can significantly impact organizational performance.
Example: In a corporate setting, this could mean encouraging employees to adopt new software tools that enhance productivity, mirroring Hartley’s fresh approach and strategies that surprised opponents and added a new dimension to England’s game plan.
Counter-Arguments: The Complexity of Business and Sports
While the sports analogies provide compelling insights, the intricacies of the business world introduce additional complexities not as prevalent in sports.
Team Composition: Unlike a cricket team, where players may have defined roles throughout a series, business teams often see more dynamic shifts in roles and responsibilities due to project demands and evolving goals, requiring a more fluid approach to leadership and team management.
Competitor Rivalry: In sports, the competition is direct and the opponents are known. In business, competitors can emerge from any sector, often unexpectedly, requiring continuous innovation and adaptation to stay ahead.
Role of Chance: While chance plays a role in both fields, its impact can be more pronounced in sports, where a single moment can change the game’s outcome. In business, while luck is a factor, strategic planning and execution over time tend to have a greater influence on success.
Cultural and Environmental Factors: The England team’s victory in India underscores the importance of adapting to local conditions and strategies. Similarly, businesses operating in global markets must navigate cultural differences, regulatory environments, and market dynamics unique to each region.
Practical Takeaways for Business Professionals
Articulate Your Why: Just as Stokes inspires his team with a compelling vision, ensure your team understands the deeper purpose behind their work, fostering a sense of belonging and motivation.
Resilience is Key: Emulate Ollie Pope’s resilience by acknowledging the current challenges your team faces, while instilling confidence in the ultimate vision, akin to navigating through a tough market while keeping an eye on long-term goals.
Value Fresh Ideas: Encourage the integration of new perspectives and ideas within your team, much like Hartley’s unexpected strategies, to stimulate innovation and adaptability.
Embrace Complexity: Acknowledge and prepare for the multifaceted nature of business, readying your team to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing environment, much like a cricket team facing different pitches and conditions.
Reflecting on England’s cricketing journey and their recent victory in India offers a vivid tableau of leadership, resilience, and strategic adaptation. These lessons, while directly applicable to the sporting arena, also resonate within the business domain, albeit with nuanced differences. As we draw inspiration from England’s cricket team, let us also acknowledge the unique challenges and complexities of the business world, embracing the journey of continuous learning and adaptation.
Here are my top 5 Salesforce blog posts from the past week
“The State of the Salesforce Admin in 2023” (Salesforce Admins Blog): This post highlights the evolving role and impact of Salesforce Admins in organizations. It discusses the significant contributions of Admins in handling automations, reports, and AI predictions, and the growth of the admin identity within the Salesforce ecosystem.
“11 Ways to Learn About Salesforce Spring ’24 Release Features” (Asagarwal.com): This article provides a comprehensive guide to familiarize yourself with the Salesforce Spring ’24 Release. It includes various resources like the “1 Day 1 Tip 1 Minute” email series, following Salesforce bloggers, joining the Release Readiness Trailblazers Community Group, and exploring the Release Matrix.
“What Are Digital Sales? Tips, Strategies + Tools” (Salesforce Blog): This post delves into the concept of Digital Sales Rooms (DSR) and how they differ from digital marketing. It covers strategies for an effective digital sales model and suggests tools to enhance digital selling experiences.
“Salesforce Introduces Marketing GPT & Commerce GPT For Personalized Campaigns”(Email Uplers): This article discusses the latest features in Salesforce Commerce GPT, including Goals-based Commerce, Dynamic Product Descriptions, and Commerce Concierge. It also addresses the implications for digital marketers in adopting generative AI and strategies for leveraging Salesforce’s AI-powered solutions.
“Give Your Business The Marketing Cloud Advantage” (Grazitti): This blog post explores the role of AI in modern marketing and how Salesforce Marketing Cloud is leveraging AI to enhance marketing operations. It discusses the benefits of AI-powered tools in data-driven decision-making, personalization, predictive analytics, and automation in marketing strategies.
Each of these posts provides valuable insights into different aspects of Salesforce, from admin roles and release features to digital sales strategies, AI advancements, and marketing cloud capabilities.
Introduction: In the whirlwind of modern life, juggling work, family, and health can feel like a circus act. But, as I’ve discovered, it’s not only possible to fit exercise into a hectic schedule, it can also be a lot of fun! Drawing from my own experiences and a sprinkle of wisdom from industry gurus, I’m excited to share how I keep fit while keeping up with life’s fast pace.
“Maintaining friendships. Building a great company. Spending time w/family. Staying fit. Getting sleep. Pick 3.“
~ Randi Zuckerberg
The Importance of Exercise: We all know exercise is the secret sauce for mental sharpness and physical health. The American Heart Association suggests a hearty 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, yet a CDC survey shows only 23% of us hit that mark. Clearly, we’re all in the same boat, trying to row with too few hours in the day.
My Personal Strategies:
Work-Exercise Integration:
Taking a leaf out of Tim Ferriss’s “The 4-Hour Workweek,” I’ve turned my home office into a mini-gym. Picture this: peddling away on my Zwift, while diving into the latest on Salesforce+ or watching an on-demand webinar – it’s multitasking (multi-cycling?) with a fitness twist!
Mindful Movement:
Embracing Robin Sharma’s “The 5 AM Club,” my day kicks off with a dog walk (although not yet at 5am!) that’s more zen than chore. It’s my ‘me time’ to soak in the morning vibes and prep for the day – a small step for fitness, a giant leap for mindset!
Family Fitness:
Inspired by Stephen Covey’s wisdom, family time is also fitness time. On rainy days our living room transforms into a dance floor with Nintendo Switch sessions, proving workouts can provide family hilarity. Otherwise we are getting outside to kick a ball or ride bikes. I want to be a roll-model to my son, and one important part of that is showing him that exercise is an essential part of my life, and also something we can do together.
Social Exercise at Work:
Channeling Laura Vanderkam’s ethos, I started a run club at work (which needs a New Year reboot!) It’s our way of mixing fitness with friendly banter – who knew networking could be so sweaty? Hit me up if you ever want to turn one of our meetings into a walk or run together, or want to join the A&C run club.
Efficient Workouts:
On those jam-packed days, I rely on apps like FitBod for a quick fitness fix. It’s the espresso shot of exercise – short, sharp, and surprisingly effective.
Social Sports:
Incorporating social elements into your fitness routine can enhance the experience. I play in a Wednesday night Futsal league and also love a cycle with fellow MAMIL’s for a weekend catch up with a half-way coffee up at Palm Beach. It’s a great way to combine exercise with social interaction, making your workout something to look forward to.
Challenges and Improvements: This fitness journey is a marathon, not a sprint. I’m constantly scouting for new activities to keep the flame alive and haver been incorporating yoga and swimming recently. It’s about keeping it fresh and fun.
Call to Action: I’m all ears for your fitness hacks! How do you weave exercise into your busy life? Drop your stories and strategies in the comments – let’s inspire each other.
Conclusion: Fitting fitness into a busy schedule is a blend of creativity, commitment, and a dash of humour. By sharing my story, I hope to encourage you to find your own rhythm in the fitness dance. Remember, it’s about making time, not having time. Here’s to laughing our way to a healthier life!
In my last blog post, I emphasised the importance of continuous development in the business world. This relentless pursuit of improvement led me back to James Kerr’s “Legacy,” a book that provides profound insights into building a culture of excellence, highly relevant not just in sports but across the business and technology sectors.
Understanding the All Blacks: A Beacon of Excellence
For those unfamiliar, the New Zealand All Blacks are more than just a rugby team; they are a symbol of excellence, boasting one of the highest winning percentages in professional sports. Their success stems not just from physical prowess but from a deeply ingrained culture and set of values that prioritose character, team unity, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.
The Timeless Wisdom of ‘Legacy’
“Legacy” offers more than just a look into the New Zealand All Blacks’ rugby team’s secrets; it’s a treasure trove of wisdom for business leaders and organisations. The book’s 15 lessons – encompassing Character, Adapt, Purpose, Responsibility, Learn, and more – are pillars on which businesses can build lasting success. Kerr encapsulates this idea by stating, “Champions do extra. They sweep the sheds. They follow the spearhead. They keep a blue head. They are good ancestors”.
The All Blacks’ Culture: A Model for Business Leadership
A key theme in “Legacy” is the All Blacks’ culture, built on a foundation of strong values and collective purpose. This culture resonates deeply with my own views on business leadership, where I’ve always advocated for a values-driven approach. Kerr notes, “A values-based, purpose-driven culture is a foundation of the All Blacks’ approach and sustained success”. This philosophy is pivotal for technology companies and startups, where the culture often defines the pace and nature of growth.
Continuous Development: The Heart of ‘Legacy’
The principle of continuous development, a focus of my recent writings, is deeply embedded in the All Blacks’ philosophy. They believe in constantly improving, even when at the top, a lesson that is vital in the fast-paced world of business and technology. Kerr quotes, “The challenge is to always improve, to always get better, even when you are the best. Especially when you are the best”. This principle is essential for technology sales teams and businesses, where staying ahead of the curve is crucial.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
“Legacy” also delves into the importance of leadership and the right team dynamics. The All Blacks’ policy of ‘no dickheads’, which emphasizes character over raw talent, is a crucial lesson for any business environment. Effective leadership involves creating a team culture where values are shared, and everyone is accountable, not just to their leaders but to each other, as highlighted by Kerr’s insights into the All Blacks’ ethos.
Recognising Limitations and Challenges
While ‘Legacy’ offers profound insights, it’s important to acknowledge potential limitations in translating these principles across different business environments. The intense, close-knit culture of a sports team like the All Blacks may not always seamlessly apply to corporate settings, where diversity of thought and background can play a more significant role in innovation.
Broader Perspectives on Leadership
In addition to Kerr’s insights, other business and leadership resources echo similar themes. Books like Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” reinforce the importance of purpose-driven leadership, a key aspect of the All Blacks’ ethos. Meanwhile, Jim Collins’ “Good to Great” emphasises the concept of ‘Level 5 Leadership’, which parallels the humility and resilience advocated in “Legacy”.
Conclusion: A Holistic View of ‘Legacy’
Revisiting “Legacy” in the context of continuous development has reaffirmed its relevance in today’s business landscape. While we should be mindful of the differences between sports and business contexts, the core principles of strong values, team unity, and constant improvement remain universally applicable. As leaders and professionals, we can draw inspiration from the All Blacks to cultivate a culture of excellence in our organisations.
“Legacy” by James Kerr is more than just a sports book; it’s a guide for anyone aspiring to lead or contribute to a culture of excellence in the business world. I recommend it to all business leaders and teams as a source of inspiration and a blueprint for building a successful, value-driven culture.
Imagine you’re on a game show, and the host, who’s definitely not wearing a sparkly suit, presents you with a choice. Option one: a suitcase stuffed with a million dollars, which could buy you a lifetime supply of avocado toast or, if you’re feeling fancy, a small island. Option two: a penny that doubles in value every day for a month.
At first it seems like a no-brainer and many people will chose the million dollars. But, by day 31, that penny turns into a staggering $10,737,418.24! It’s like a financial Cinderella story, minus the glass slippers. This scenario, straight out of Daniel Pink’s ‘The Power of Regret’, isn’t just a cool party trick. It’s a vivid illustration of the power of compounding, as magical in finance as finding extra fries at the bottom of your takeout bag.
But what if we applied this principle to learning and education? Imagine your brain as that penny, doubling in knowledge, skills, and possibly charm. How does this financial wizardry translate into a lifetime of learning? Let’s dive in, no calculator needed!
Sports Psychology, MBA, and Sales: A Compounding Trilogy
As I’ve chronicled before, my journey weaves together sports psychology and an MBA into a successful sales career. This blend shows how diverse skills, when combined, can revolutionise fields. The fusion of sports psychology and business principles, like teamwork and resilience, demonstrates their universal applicability.
Cross-Application of Skills in Diverse Fields
Military to Corporate Leadership: Veterans transition into corporate roles, their leadership and strategic skills becoming invaluable in business settings.
Arts to Technology: Artists and musicians often excel in tech roles, bringing unique problem-solving skills. Their creative perspectives drive innovation in technology.
Teaching to Marketing: Educators moving into marketing bring invaluable skills in communication and audience engagement. They excel in devising compelling marketing strategies.
Thought Leadership Insights
Scott Adams talks about ‘skill stacking’, the idea of combining average skills to create a unique set. Success often stems from this unique combination rather than excellence in a single skill.
“Every skill you acquire doubles your odds of success.”
Angela Duckworth, in ‘Grit’, emphasises the power of passion and perseverance across different fields.
“Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.”
Carol Dweck discusses the ‘Growth Mindset’, highlighting the importance of embracing challenges and persisting in setbacks.
“In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”
Salesforce and Continuous Learning: A Culture of Growth and Innovation
At Salesforce, continuous learning is integral to our culture, embodied by our Trailhead platform. This innovative approach to professional development epitomises continuous growth.
Trailhead: Gamifying the Learning Experience
Personalized Learning Paths: Trailhead’s tailored approach mirrors the compounding effect of knowledge.
Gamification Elements: The platform’s motivating elements encourage continuous skill advancement.
Community and Collaboration: Trailhead fosters a collaborative learning environment, reflecting the workplace’s collaborative nature.
Practical Application: Building a High-Performing Sales Team
Applying principles from sports, like scouting talent and fostering teamwork, is akin to investing in that penny. These strategies create a resilient, adaptable, and high-performing sales team.
Conclusion
So, there you stand at life’s crossroads, with a million-dollar question: Do you grab the million dollars, or do you bet on the humble penny that quietly multiplies in the background? While the million might scream instant gratification, the penny is the unsung hero of this story, symbolizing the extraordinary power and potential of continuous learning.
Embarking on this journey isn’t just about making a choice; it’s about embracing a lifestyle. Here’s how you can dive in:
Leverage Learning Platforms: Think of platforms like Salesforce’s Trailhead, Coursera, or Khan Academy as your personal gym for the brain.
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a well-rounded intellect. Set bite-sized goals – they’re like the breadcrumbs leading you through the forest of knowledge.
Apply Your Knowledge: Take your newfound skills for a test drive in the real world. It’s like learning to cook; you can’t just read the recipe – you have to get in the kitchen and make a few messes!
Stay Curious: Keep the flame of curiosity alive. Let your inquisitive nature lead you to new and exciting intellectual territories.
Reflect and Journal: Keep a diary of your learning adventures. It’s not just a log of your journey; it’s the map that shows how far you’ve come and guides where you’re heading next.
As you start on this path, remember that your knowledge and skills have the potential to grow beyond your wildest dreams, much like our legendary penny. In the marketplace of life, continuous learning is the currency that never devalues. So go ahead, bet on yourself and your ability to learn and grow. After all, who needs a suitcase of cash when you’ve got a brain that can outgrow it?
As we gracefully step into the bright possibilities of 2024, it’s a time for reflection on the year that has passed. The journey through 2023 was not merely a sequence of events, but a rich tapestry woven with personal ambitions, professional shifts, and, most importantly, the unwavering love and support of my family.
My wife, Carmien, has been a beacon of guidance and support, her presence and wisdom illuminating the path through each challenge and triumph. Together with our son, and our two loyal dogs, Jock and Elsie, they form the essence of my motivation, the heartbeat of my ‘Why’, influencing every decision and aspiration.
As I cast my gaze towards the horizon of 2024, I’ve embarked on a unique endeavour – interviewing myself. This self-interview captures not only my reflections on 2023 but also my aspirations for 2024. Join me in this introspective journey, and I would be thrilled to hear your own reflections and goals.
Interview with Paul Dobinson
Q1: What was your favourite holiday or trip this year? A1: “Our family road trip to Queensland was remarkable, filled with beautiful landscapes and quality time together. We loved being on the road in this amazing country. We are looking forward to many more adventures in “Robbo’, our Camper-Trailer. The holiday in Fiji stood out as well, offering a peaceful retreat where we could unwind and enjoy each other’s company.”
Q2: Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration and motivation this year? A2: “My family has been my greatest source of inspiration, particularly my mother. Her resilience in facing health challenges while continuing to lead and support her church and community is truly inspiring. Her strength and perseverance have been a guiding light for me. She has continued to evolve, having been a Singer, a Maths Teacher, a Mother, an Educational Consultant, a University Lecturer and now, in ‘retirement’, a full-time pastor. I think this is in part what inspires my appetite to constantly develop, to learn and to grow. I am proud of adding 3 more Salesforce Certifications this last year to the 5 I already had.”
Q3: Were there any unexpected surprises or learning experiences this past year? A3: “This past year I took on several opportunities to mentor people at different stages in their professional career. I also sought out mentors for myself. Returning to mentoring and coaching brought new perspectives and insights. Each session was a valuable exchange of knowledge and experience, providing growth opportunities not just for those I mentored, but also for myself. Each mentoring session, whether I was learning or teaching, wasn’t just about professional development but about building resilience and adaptability. I learned the importance of active listening – truly understanding the challenges and perspectives of others, a skill that proved invaluable both at work and at home.”
Q4: What advice would you give to someone based on lessons you learnt last year? A4: “Approach life changes with an open mind and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Significant changes often require stepping out of your comfort zone, but the growth and learning that come from these experiences are invaluable. Finding harmony between our vibrant Sydney office and the quiet of home was an exercise in balance. It was about learning to switch hats, sometimes mid-sentence, from a professional to a parent. This dance between two worlds taught me not just about productivity, but about the importance of flexibility and the art of being present, regardless of the setting.”
Q5: How do you define success, and what were some of your biggest challenges and successes last year? A5: “I define success as a balance between personal fulfilment, professional achievement, and the ability to contribute positively to others’ lives. One of the biggest challenges last year was adapting to the rapid changes in the tech industry, which required resilience and a commitment to continual learning. The leap from supporting just our MuleSoft Partners to the vast expanse of Salesforce C360 for Retail and Consumer Goods was more than a career transition; it was navigating through the tumultuous waters of a shifting economy. The rising tides of inflation and the focus on a heavily impacted Retail vertical demanded not just professional acumen, but required me to draw on my experience as both as Salesforce customer and partner to build an ecosystem ready to embrace the rapid pivot to AI and Data, and our developing product suite in Consumer Goods.
Lastly, our journey to become Australian Citizens marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, deeply meaningful one. It’s a transition that goes beyond legal formalities; it symbolises our wholehearted embrace of Australia, a land that has given us not just a home, but a community, a sense of belonging, and endless opportunities for growth and adventure. This momentous step signifies our love and commitment to a country that now holds a special place in our hearts, reflecting our gratitude and excitement to be part of its vibrant and diverse tapestry.”
Q6: Where do you see yourself and your family in the next five years? A6: “In the next five years, I envision continued growth both personally and professionally. I hope to advance further in my career while ensuring that family remains at the core of my life. I also aim to maintain my involvement in sporting and community endeavours. I strive to continue to try to find the balance between exercise, work, family and play.”
Q7: What was the best sporting achievement of your year? A7: “This year, my standout sporting achievement was reigniting my connection with soccer. Diving back into the game was more than just a physical endeavor; it was a rediscovery of an old passion, a deep love for the sport that has always been a part of me. The process was humbling – relearning techniques, embracing the team spirit, and experiencing the sheer joy of playing. It reminded me how sports, particularly soccer, are intertwined with my identity and well-being.
Apart from playing soccer, I’ve dedicated myself to maintaining a consistent routine of physical activity. This commitment goes beyond just keeping fit; it’s a fundamental aspect of my lifestyle that benefits both my physical and mental health. This discipline in sports echoes the sentiment of David Goggins: ‘You have to build calluses on your brain just like how you build calluses on your hands.’ For me, this translates into a philosophy where sports are not just a test of physical strength but a continuous challenge to mentally fortify myself, to push boundaries and to grow in all aspects of life.”
Q8: What was your creative highlight of the year? A8: “My creative highlight this year was achieving a long-held ambition to write a short novel, culminating in the publication of ‘The Bermuda Sunset.’ This project was more than just a literary endeavour; it was a deeply personal journey that mentally transported me back to Bermuda, a place very dear to my heart. Writing this novel allowed me to reconnect with cherished memories and experiences from Bermuda, infusing the narrative with a sense of nostalgia and personal significance. Moreover, developing my website has been an integral part of this creative process. It serves not only as a platform to share the novel but also as an extension of my personal brand, reflecting my values and passions. Together, the book and the website represent my dedication to creativity and the fulfillment of a dream, while also offering a unique way to revisit and share the fondness I hold for Bermuda.”
Q9: What were your favourite book, TV show, movie, and sporting event of the year? A9: “This year, ‘Never Finished’ by David Goggins really struck a chord with me. Goggins’ unfiltered account of overcoming life’s toughest challenges emphasises the relentless pursuit of personal growth, which I find incredibly motivating. ‘Drive’ by Daniel Pink also reshaped my understanding of motivation, highlighting the power of internal drives over external incentives.
In terms of TV, ‘Ted Lasso’ was a refreshing change. Its blend of humour and genuine warmth is a rare find. On a grittier note, ‘Dr. Death Season 2’ was compelling, delving into the dark side of the medical profession with a gripping narrative.
‘My film pick is ‘Ford vs Ferrari.’ It’s not just about racing; it’s a well-crafted story of determination and rivalry, brought to life by stellar performances.
As for sports, the Rugby World Cup was the highlight, no question. As a rugby enthusiast, I was captivated by the high-caliber matches. Although South Africa’s win was a bittersweet moment for me, given my wife’s roots, the event itself was a spectacular display of sportsmanship and skill.”
Q10: Looking ahead, what are your goals for 2024? A10:“For the upcoming year, my goals revolve around three core pillars: physical well-being, mindfulness, and continuous growth. Firstly, I plan to maintain a consistent routine in physical training. This isn’t just about staying fit; it’s about discipline, resilience, and setting a standard of excellence in every aspect of life. Regular physical activity is a metaphor for life’s challenges – it teaches persistence, endurance, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Secondly, embracing the present moment is crucial for me. In a world that’s constantly rushing towards the next big thing, I want to ensure that I appreciate the ‘now’. This means being fully engaged with my family, savouring the small joys of everyday life, and being mindful in my professional endeavors. It’s about finding a balance between ambition and contentment.
Finally, the pursuit of ongoing personal and professional development is a journey without a finish line. I’m committed to learning new skills, expanding my knowledge base, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Whether it’s through reading, networking, or undertaking new projects, I see each day as an opportunity to grow a little more.
To sum up my approach to 2024, I’m reminded of a quote from my boss, Marc Benioff, who once said, ‘The business of business is improving the state of the world.’ This quote resonates deeply with my personal and professional ethos. It’s not just about personal success; it’s about making a positive impact on the world around us. As I stride into 2024, I carry this philosophy with me, aiming to not only achieve my own goals but also contribute positively to the lives of those around me.”
Conclusion:
As this introspective journey concludes, I reflect on the lessons learned and the aspirations set for the coming year. The experiences and insights shared here are more than just personal milestones; they’re a testament to the continuous journey of growth and discovery. I hope this self-interview inspires you to reflect on your own journey, to cherish your triumphs and learn from your challenges.
I encourage you to share your thoughts and reflections. What were your defining moments of 2023? What are your ambitions for 2024? Let’s engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences. You can reach out to me on LinkedIn or comment below.
Let’s inspire and support each other as we embark on this new chapter.
