Welcome to this edition of the Friday Footnotes. I’ve just got back from a week in Sicily with the family; a little less polished than some parts of Italy, but in many ways that’s what makes it. Incredible food, great wine, warm people, and scenery that forces you to slow down and take it in. It made me think, when was the last time you properly switched off, and what did it give you back?
The Progress in Practice Podcast: Beyond Compliance- Using Your Numbers to Build a Better Business with Steve Price
In this episode, I sit down with Steve Price to explore what it really takes to inspire progress, both in business and in life. Steve has a great way of simplifying what can often feel complex, particularly around leadership, communication and building momentum. One of the key takeaways is how small, consistent improvements compound over time, something we often understand in fitness, but don’t always apply as well in business. If you’re looking to sharpen your thinking, lead more effectively, or simply get unstuck, this is a conversation worth tuning into.
Reading: The Superconscious Path – Christopher Michael Duncan
I picked this up whilst away, and it certainly got me thinking. The idea is simple but powerful. There are two paths available to all of us: the unconscious path, where we drift and react; or the superconscious path, where we operate with intention, clarity and creativity. What I found most interesting is how this shows up in day-to-day decisions. Are you reacting to emails, distractions and problems, or are you creating, building and moving forward deliberately? It’s a useful lens to look through, particularly if you feel like you’re busy but not necessarily progressing.
TED: Chris Hadfield: What I learned from going blind in space
Chris Hadfield shares a moment most of us can’t even imagine- suddenly losing his vision during a spacewalk. What stands out isn’t the drama, but the response. Preparation, calm thinking and training allowed him to handle a potentially catastrophic situation with clarity. It’s a brilliant reminder that confidence doesn’t come from hoping things go well, but from being prepared when they don’t. Whether that’s in a race, a presentation, or a tough business decision, composure is a trainable skill.
Watching: Reservoir Dogs
I recently rewatched this, and one scene stood out more than ever- Mr Orange being trained to tell a story so convincingly that it becomes believable. It’s not just about the facts, it’s about the detail, the emotion, the delivery. Strip it back, and that’s exactly what great marketing is. Facts tell, but stories sell. If you want people to engage with what you do, remember they don’t just buy the product or service, they buy the story you attach to it.
Tech: Runway
Runway is one of those tools that makes you stop and think about where things are heading. The ability to generate and edit video from simple text prompts, combined with advanced visual effects, is incredibly powerful. What used to take hours (or days) of editing can now be done in minutes. But beyond the novelty, there’s a real opportunity here. Video remains one of the most engaging forms of content, yet it’s often avoided because of the time, cost, or complexity involved. Tools like Runway remove those barriers. Whether it’s creating content for your brand, explaining a concept, or bringing an idea to life visually, it allows you to communicate in a far more dynamic way, without needing a full production team behind you. Like any tool, it’s not about replacing creativity, but enhancing it. The ideas still matter and this just helps you execute them faster and more effectively.
The Trusted Team – The Productivity Focuser
https://thetrusted.team/upcoming/the-productivity-focuser/
There’s a common theme running through a lot of this week’s content: focus. Whether it’s telling better stories, thinking more consciously, or staying calm under pressure, it all comes back to directing your attention where it matters most.
That’s exactly what The Productivity Focuser is designed to help with. In a world where most people are switching tasks every 10–15 minutes, it’s no surprise that days feel busy but not always productive. This session is about changing that. You’ll learn how to identify the distractions that are quietly draining your time, how to create the conditions for proper deep work, and how to structure your week so that meaningful work actually gets done.
It’s not about working harder; most people are already doing plenty of that. It’s about working with intention, protecting your focus, and creating the space to do your best work. If you can master that, everything else becomes easier.
Inspiring Quote – “Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion; you default to your training.” – often attributed to the Navy SEALs
As I reflect on a week of slowing down, good conversations, and a bit more headspace, the big takeaway is this- when you create space, you think better; and when you think better, you act better. The challenge is taking that clarity back into the noise of everyday life.
