The Optimistic Cynic

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”

Help…

If we look at LinkedIn and other business environments, we’re all there putting out advice or ‘wise words’. Congratulating ourselves, our teams or our contacts on some success. When was the last time you saw a post asking for help, advice or support? I’m not talking about the odd post about which name or graphicContinue reading “Help…”

Hell

Today I was reminded of an old saying that I used to have pinned to the wall in front of me when I first took on a leadership position. “Hell is responsibility without authority” This is as true today as it was when I first saw it.

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”

A golden silence

Yes I’ve been slack. Have the thoughts dried up – absolutely not, but they’re not being tapped into the computer. They’re just drifting around in the space between my ears. The issue is simple, blogging isn’t enough. Wanting to see change is vastly different to making change happen. I need to do more. In factContinue reading “A golden silence”

Inspiration

Some inspiration I drew from Thought Leaders

Touch Point is now on Amazon

Learning how to use business as a resource to do good has become even easier. Touch Point, seven business strategies for a better world is now available on Amazon for down loading to your kindle or tablet. Check it out here

Finally – my money follows my mouth

Well I’ve finally put my money where my mouth is – and it’s fair enough to say “about time”. I have often spread the message about the great work being done by Duffle & Co. A social enterprise that is competing on the quality of their products as well as their purpose. They provide incomeContinue reading “Finally – my money follows my mouth”