Now that the sun is emerging and the sea warming, my attempt to become a better surfer in Cornwall begins. There’s something wonderfully peaceful about hanging out at the back of the surf, watching the waves roll in and feeling the salt spray on your skin. It’s humbling, invigorating, and good for the soul. Where could you create more moments that make you pause like this?
Michelle Hoskin dives into the power of leadership within businesses, focusing not just on the ones at the top but on the people who truly run the gears behind the scenes. What struck me most was her insights into championing teams and recognising the talent often overlooked. If you’ve ever felt that your business relies too heavily on your direct input, Michelle’s conversation offers a refreshing perspective on stepping back to empower others and create systems that thrive. The best leaders don’t just lead; they elevate everyone around them.
Reading: Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
Dan Ariely’s book unpacks the invisible forces that drive our decision-making, often in ways that feel anything but rational. From pricing to behaviour, from how we perceive value to the choices we make under pressure, his research is both enlightening and incredibly practical. For entrepreneurs, understanding these triggers isn’t just fascinating, it’s a gamechanger.
Whether you’re structuring your marketing campaigns or refining how you present your services, the insights from Predictably Irrational can help you create stronger offers and deeper connections with your clients. It’s not about manipulating people; it’s about aligning with how we all naturally think and act.
TED: Ben Saunders: Why Bother Leaving the House?
Juliet Funt makes a compelling case for something most of us resist: doing less.
She introduces the idea of “white space- those small pockets of time where nothing is scheduled, nothing is demanded, and your brain is allowed to breathe.
It sounds simple, but in practice it’s incredibly rare. We fill every gap, chase efficiency, and wear busyness like a badge of honour.
Yet, as she explains, it’s often in those quieter moments that the best ideas surface, problems get solved, and clarity returns.
If you’ve been pushing hard but not quite getting the breakthroughs you expected, it might not be a case of doing more, but creating space for better thinking.
Watching: Saving Private Ryan
Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece reminds us why storytelling matters, because great stories endure. Saving Private Ryan is gritty, visceral, and deeply human, drawing you straight into the chaos and fragility of war like few films ever have. As I watched it again this week, I was struck by how much value there is in revisiting these classics. In a world of constant newness, some lessons get sharper with time—like courage, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of doing what’s right, even when everything around you says otherwise.
Tech: Higgsfield
Higgsfield provides the tools to create cinema-quality video clips, whether for professional use or personal passion projects. In a world where businesses are fighting for attention, the ability to capture stunning visuals with ease feels like an unfair advantage. What I found particularly exciting is how accessible this technology is becoming. You don’t need a big production team or weeks of editing anymore; Higgsfield makes producing striking, shareable content achievable even for small teams. For storytelling and branding, this is a leap forward.
Trusted Team: The Trusted Growth Accelerator — Exclusive 50% Off for Footnotes Readers
The Trusted Growth Accelerator — Exclusive 50% Off for Footnotes Readers
This week’s Footnotes thread has revolved around rethinking how we invest our energy, time, and focusand this upcoming event couldn’t fit better into that narrative.
The Trusted Growth Accelerator is a full-day, live, in-person workshop in London on Tuesday 30th June, built for professionals and service-based business owners whose growth has stalled, or is happening, but not fast enough to justify the hours going in. If your diary is full but your energy is running low, this day is for you.
Over the course of the day, I’ll take you through five proven frameworks I’ve used with hundreds of professional service entrepreneurs: The Evaluation Spotlight, The Automated Marketing Machine, The Delegate Compound, The Game of Gains, and The Leadership Scale-Up. These aren’t theoretical ideas; they’re the exact systems behind 50% year-on-year growth in my own business, seven years running. You’ll leave with a clear, structured plan to unlock the potential you know your business has, plus the chance to connect with fellow professionals at the evening drinks reception.
The standard investment is £1,997 plus VAT, but as a Friday Footnotes reader, you can secure your place for 50% off. Just £998.50 plus VAT for a full day that could change the trajectory of your business.
Claim your 50% Footnotes discount here: https://link.fastpaydirect.com/payment-link/6a1d887a03b17c94f5713e72
Spaces are limited, and this offer is exclusive to Footnotes readers, so if you’re ready to stop leaving growth to chance, I’d love to spend the day with you.
Inspiring Quote – “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” – Henry David Thoreau
The peace I felt sitting on my board out at the back of the sea this week reminded me of a powerful truththat what enriches our lives isn’t just the external achievements, but how we choose to invest our limited energy and time. I hope something in this week’s Footnotes sparks an idea or approach that helps you step closer to that balance. Until next time, enjoy the waves and the moments between them.
