Success Advice
6 Things I Learned From a $1,000 an Hour Consultation
About half a year ago, I made the step of paying $1000 for an hour of somebody’s time. I handed out that large amount just so I could pick his brain.
His name was Ryan Holiday, and in that hour Ryan taught me how to be a better writer.
And it wasn’t just about writing per se. It was about standing out in your pursuit of your dreams.
It may sound crazy, to pay a thousand dollars for just an hour of somebody’s time, but it’s well worth it.
Sometimes, you just have to take the leap to make big strides in yourself.
1) You cannot play safe, so be afraid
I learnt that before I publish a new article on my blog, I absolutely have to feel afraid, anxious and uncomfortable.
This is not a cheesy idea where as if only artistic people can relate to on some spiritual level.
Look at it this way: If you’re not afraid, anxious or the least bit uncomfortable, that means you’re playing it safe.
And if you’re safe, then you’re like the rest of the world.
You cannot stand out if you’re like the rest of the world, that is why you need to be afraid in the art you create.
So don’t play safe. Be very afraid and get uncomfortable. Your passion, art and message are dying to come out.
2) Ask yourself, “Is this something only I can make?”
Ryan told me this,
“Before you publish an article, ask yourself, ‘Is this something only YOU can show to the world?“
It sounds obvious enough, but I think it’s something most of us miss out on.
We keep thinking we need to follow the rules and emulate our idols or those we look up to. As such, we forget that we have something special to say in the first place.
From time to time, we should give ourselves the benefit of the doubt that we’re actually right, that our unique voice or message is something part of the world wants to hear.
You may not follow suit with the world, but that doesn’t mean you’re wrong. So trust your gut. That’s how you relay your message.
3) Sometimes you need to feel the pinch
Did I feel like I was crazy for spending a thousand bucks just for an hour of somebody’s time? I sure did.
But that’s okay.
I knew I had to make that step. Anything less would mean that I’d take it for granted.
So sacrifice. Feel the pinch.
Most people in the world want freebies and discount to the point that they don’t recognize the value of the great things they have.
You’ve way more than you think. If you really want something, then go all out for it.
4) If it works so well, why would they teach?
I think way too many of us are caught up in the rules of business and marketing. We think we need to follow the same path other marketers and entrepreneurs always try to teach.
And it’s very easy to get trapped by them because they’re seemingly successful.
But remember this: They managed to create their own path.
They’re trying to make you follow the same path, but there’d never be enough space for you to tag along.
There’d be a time when you eventually have to follow your own instincts, break the rules and feel entirely uncomfortable all the way.
So just do it. Create your own experience and learn from them. Your experience will never lie to you, whereas what others teach you may be questionable.
5) “Good content is giving a piece of your own humanity, back to humanity.”
That is the exact quote I was told.
Great content isn’t just about following a set of rules or learning from a bunch of teachers.
You need to harness your own energy and tell the world what you’re about; what your unique message really is. And no amount of mentors, coaches or courses can give you that. You can only learn so much from what others have to teach you.
Look deep within. Again, break some rules. If you’ve spotted something wrong in life and have something to say, say it.
The right people would appreciate you for that and those will eventually become your loyal fans.
6) The work is the goal
As a writer, I always thought that my eventual success would mean being “discovered” or experiencing some ultimate break.
But that is not the case. Why? Because that is like hoping to score the lottery and thinking that all your problems will be solved then.
You’ve to do the work every day. You’ve to put in the effort for all the little things all the time. You’ve to persevere even though there is not end in sight.
And with every small step you take, you’ll get closer to your goal. With every small thing you do, you’ll have created something big at the end.
Your just rewards will come eventually. You’ll know it when you feel it.
So don’t ever give up. Keep working hard and put in the daily work.
Success Advice
Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)
The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)
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What Every New CEO Must Do in Their First 100 Days (or Risk Failure)
Your first 100 days as CEO could define your entire legacy, here’s how to make every move count

When Tim Cook took over from Steve Jobs at Apple, the world watched with bated breath. Jobs wasn’t just a CEO; he was a visionary, an icon, and a legend of innovative leadership. (more…)
Entrepreneurs
The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025
Struggling to keep your team engaged? Here’s how leaders can turn frustrated employees into loyal advocates.

In workplaces around the world, there’s a growing gap between employers and employees and between superiors and their teams. It’s a common refrain: “People don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses.”
While there are, of course, cases where management could do better, this isn’t just a “bad boss” problem. The relationship between leaders and employees is complex. Instead of assigning blame, we should explore practical solutions to build stronger, healthier workplaces where everyone thrives.
Why This Gap Exists
Every workplace needs someone to guide, supervise, and provide feedback. That’s essential for productivity and performance. But because there are usually far more employees than managers, dissatisfaction, fair or not, spreads quickly.
What if, instead of focusing on blame, we focused on building trust, empathy, and communication? This is where modern leadership and human-centered management can make a difference.
Tools and Techniques to Bridge the Gap
Here are proven strategies leaders and employees can use to foster stronger relationships and create a workplace where people actually want to stay.
1. Practice Mutual Empathy
Both managers and employees need to recognize they are ultimately on the same team. Leaders have to balance people and performance, and often face intense pressure to hit targets. Employees who understand this reality are more likely to cooperate and problem-solve collaboratively.
2. Maintain Professional Boundaries
Superiors should separate personal issues from professional decision-making. Consistency, fairness, and integrity build trust, and trust is the foundation of a motivated team.
3. Follow the Golden Rule
Treat people how you would like to be treated. This simple principle encourages compassion and respect, two qualities every effective leader must demonstrate.
4. Avoid Micromanagement
Micromanaging stifles creativity and damages morale. Great leaders see themselves as partners, not just bosses, and treat their teams as collaborators working toward a shared goal.
5. Empower Employees to Grow
Empowerment means giving employees responsibility that matches their capacity, and then trusting them to deliver. Encourage them to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and problem-solve independently. If something goes wrong, turn it into a learning opportunity, not a reprimand.
6. Communicate in All Directions
Communication shouldn’t just be top-down. Invite feedback, create open channels for suggestions, and genuinely listen to what your people have to say. Healthy upward communication closes gaps before they become conflicts.
7. Overcome Insecurities
Many leaders secretly fear being outshone by younger, more tech-savvy employees. Instead of resisting, embrace the chance to learn from them. Humility earns respect and helps the team innovate faster.
8. Invest in Coaching and Mentorship
True leaders grow other leaders. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and stretch opportunities so employees can develop new skills. Leadership is learned through experience, but guided experience is even more powerful.
9. Eliminate Favoritism
Avoid cliques and office politics. Decisions should be based on facts and fairness, not gossip. Objective, transparent decision-making builds credibility.
10. Recognize Efforts Promptly
Recognition often matters more than rewards. Publicly appreciate employees’ contributions and do so consistently and fairly. A timely “thank you” can be more motivating than a quarterly bonus.
11. Conduct Thoughtful Exit Interviews
When employees leave, treat it as an opportunity to learn. Keep interviews confidential and use the insights to improve management practices and culture.
12. Provide Leadership Development
Train managers to lead, not just supervise. Leadership development programs help shift mindsets from “command and control” to “coach and empower.” This transformation has a direct impact on morale and retention.
13. Adopt Soft Leadership Principles
Today’s workforce, largely millennials and Gen Z, value collaboration over hierarchy. Soft leadership focuses on partnership, mutual respect, and shared purpose, rather than rigid top-down control.
The Bigger Picture: HR’s Role
Mercer’s global research highlights five key priorities for organizations:
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Build diverse talent pipelines
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Embrace flexible work models
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Design compelling career paths
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Simplify HR processes
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Redefine the value HR brings
The challenge? Employers and employees often view these priorities differently. Bridging that perception gap is just as important as bridging the relational gap between leaders and staff.
Treat Employees Like Associates, Not Just Staff
When you treat employees like partners, they bring their best selves to work. HR leaders must develop strategies to keep talent engaged, empowered, and prepared for the future.
Organizational success starts with people, always. Build the relationship with your team first, and the results will follow.
Entrepreneurs
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