As the summer sun shines bright, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what drives us, both in business and in life. Whether it’s the thrill of competition, the pursuit of knowledge, or simply enjoying the ride, this edition of Friday Footnotes is packed with insights to keep you inspired.
Business of Endurance Podcast
Lewis Robling is a former professional rugby player who has made a name for himself in the world of endurance sports. Lewis’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. After an impressive career in rugby, he transitioned into ultrarunning, where he not only found a new passion but also a new purpose. His ultrarunning journey, which began as an accident during the lockdown, has led him to complete some of the most gruelling races imaginable, including a 125km ultra with just four weeks of preparation and five 250km ultras in just 12 months. But Lewis’s story is about more than just physical endurance. He is a strong advocate for mental health, supporting the Big Moose charity, and using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being. His belief in the transformative power of running for mental health and his personal experiences in this area offer invaluable insights.
What I’ve Been Reading
Diet Cults by Matt Fitzgerald dives deep into the world of extreme diets and the often fanatical followers they attract. “Diet Cults” unpacks the psychology behind why people cling to certain eating regimes with religious fervour, even when the science doesn’t support their claims. Through engaging storytelling, Fitzgerald explores the human desire for identity, belonging, and the comfort of rules, which diets often provide. By understanding these motivations, you can approach your own nutrition with a more balanced mindset—focusing on what truly works for you rather than chasing the latest fad.
What I’ve Been Watching
This year, I finally sat down to watch the Tour de France from start to finish, and it has been nothing short of spectacular. The combination of relentless physical endurance, strategic team dynamics, and sheer mental grit required to compete in this race is awe-inspiring. Each stage is a masterclass in perseverance, with athletes pushing their limits in a way that mirrors the challenges we face in business and life. If you’ve never watched the Tour before, I highly recommend giving it a go—it’s a reminder of what’s possible when you commit fully to your goals.
TED Talk I’ve Found Interesting
I’m rereading ‘Drive’ by Dan Pink at the moment and so I also caught up on “The Puzzle of Motivation” in which he examines the science of motivation and reveals the mismatch between what science knows and what business does. Pink explains how traditional rewards are not always as effective as we think and introduces the idea that autonomy, mastery, and purpose are far more powerful motivators. This talk provides entrepreneurs with a fresh perspective on motivating themselves and their teams to achieve higher levels of performance and satisfaction.
Tech I’ve Found Useful
We’ve all been there—staring at a blank PowerPoint slide, trying to make our ideas look as compelling as they sound. Enter Gamma, an AI-powered tool that turns your concepts into beautiful, professional presentations in minutes. With Gamma, you can say goodbye to the tedious work of design and focus on what really matters: your content. Whether you’re preparing for a big pitch or just want to elevate your day-to-day presentations, this tool is a game changer.
Quote of the Week
“The idea that any one diet can work for everyone is not only unscientific, it’s dangerous.”
— Matt Fitzgerald, Diet Cults
The Trusted Team
What makes watching the Tour de France or the Olympics so compelling is not just the winning of medals and jerseys, but the stories behind the success. In business, the same applies because facts tell but stories sell. People buy into stories and a much deeper level, so it is how you use those stories that can create a huge impact in your business.
If you’d like to transform your narrative, inspire your audience, and accelerate your success, Join us for the exclusive free Expert Story Solution workshop that transforms your personal and professional experiences into a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with your clients, peers, and prospects.
This workshop will take place as a hybrid event – please get in touch to let us know if you’d prefer to attend in person (in Oakham) as spaces are limited.
Reserve your spot at this free event today and start crafting the story only you can tell!
Let these insights fuel your journey as you navigate the challenges and triumphs ahead. Enjoy the weekend, and see you next time!