The Optimistic Cynic

When the system punishes

This is disability in New Zealand today.

Almost 10 years on, what Sir Paul Callaghan said while presenting in March 2011 still holds true. We need to understand the true drivers for our economy – and even back then he knew it wasn’t tourism or politician identified ‘knowledge’. Niche tech – as identified and researched by entrepreneurs, not bureaucrats and certainly notContinue reading “It’s still gold”

Own your mistakes

We all know the theoretical strategies for when mistakes happen and for most, they’re easy to implement for the little things. The latest raft of issues about our covid-19 response however, highlights so many things NOT to do. Now this isn’t a political discussion because I’m pretty sure the poor handling of the mistakes couldContinue reading “Own your mistakes”

Interest is not a result.

If you have what you think is a good idea, an idea that others tell you is a good idea – is it still a good idea if it doesn’t work? Liking something and wanting to support it is not the same as actually supporting it. We see this in so many areas of life.Continue reading “Interest is not a result.”

So who’s the boss?

Working from home during lock down had a few challenges. Who got to use the office desk was a battle, a battle I tell you….

You’re responsible

I’ve been saying this for a while – but we have to be proactive, stamp our feet and bring about a wave of purposeful businesses

Seeing Great Things

A quote from GK Chesterton has always stuck with me. “One sees great things from the valley; only small things from the peak.” This analogy can be applied to so many different situations in life but the more I ponder the question of leadership, the more apt it becomes. We talk about humility being aContinue reading “Seeing Great Things”

Forget the plan but remember the planning

“The plan goes out of the window at the first contact with the enemy” is a common statement, obviously originating within the military. Boxing has a similar one following the first punch to the face. Many of us have spent quite a bit of time lately coming up with numerous scenarios of how the pandemicContinue reading “Forget the plan but remember the planning”

A fuzzy vision

I’m very fortunate to be on the CELF leadership course (Community & Enterprise Leadership Foundation – in conjunction with the Waikato Management School). Sure the pandemic has delayed the completion of the course but thanks to Tania Witheford and Peter Sun, we’re keeping learning through webinars etc. Last week we got to hear Dr ChellieContinue reading “A fuzzy vision”

Conflicting posts

One day a passionate plea for those supporting purposeful business to get out and shout about the journey. Next day a post questioning whether this is an appropriate time to push for change when businesses have to be in survival mode. Have I changed my mind or do I have a split personality? The truthContinue reading “Conflicting posts”