Author Archives: The Optimistic Cynic

To Profit or Not to Profit

Rob Campbell comments to a financial analysists conference were reported in Stuff He made the very valid point that “Business is not a machine whose purpose is to spit out money to shareholders in a reliable stream forever“. I saw this article on LinkedIn and thought I’d add my views… Business is just a resource.Continue reading “To Profit or Not to Profit”

Positive change is the ‘why’ for your thoughts

Thought leaders must generate conversations. Conversations must generate action. Actions must generate positive change This seems simple but whether it’s in business, social services or even politics, it provides a basic rule of thumb for what “thought leaders” should be striving for. Ideas are great, action has to follow but positive change is what it’sContinue reading “Positive change is the ‘why’ for your thoughts”

Be a storyteller

I recently attended a social media/digital marketing seminar for NFP and social enterprise. Tyler Riewer came out with the great question while talking about telling stories. Are storytellers really just sales people, and if so, is this a bad thing? I often think that many purposeful organisations, especially NFPs, see ‘selling’ as a dirty word.Continue reading “Be a storyteller”

A bit of cynicism is fine but don’t dismiss the awesome reality

Someone commented on LinkedIn that purpose at work is just a con – a way that profit hunger managers and owners can get their staff more engaged, simply so they can earn even more profit. Owning a business called The Optimistic Cynic, I totally understand the point they’re trying to make here. There will beContinue reading “A bit of cynicism is fine but don’t dismiss the awesome reality”

Do something

I have just attended a Waster Workshop hosted by Mainstream Green and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce – enabled by the WDC. I’ve been a bit flat lately (the concussion didn’t help but that’s another story) but you simply can’t help but be inspired by Nicola Turner talking so passionately and practically about reducing waste.Continue reading “Do something”