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Success Advice

Your PHD / MBA Doesn’t Impress Me

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That piece of paper you get after slaving away for years and going into huge amounts of debt doesn’t impress me. That acronym known as your education with three letters after your name doesn’t impress me.

Many countries like Australia, where I live, allow us to go on some deferred government payment system to achieve something we’re told we need.

I don’t hate university education; I just hate what it can do to people, and the entitlement and superiority it often creates. I hate when it changes people and makes them incongruent with who they really are. I hate when the piece of paper comes in the mail at the end of it all and nothing has changed. The broken dreams and a sense that we’re not enough continues on.

Think carefully about who and why you’re being told to get that Ph.D. / MBA because it doesn’t impress anyone, let alone me.

I’d rather you have time

Time to have fun and enjoy life. We’re here for a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of things. Who wants to spend time studying something, buried in books, rather than getting real world experience? Not me. If you want to learn a new skill, then go and do it.

The time you are wasting on getting a piece of paper to impress other people is killing your time. You could be using that time to do something you are passionate about and become a master at it, at the same time. You could do something that utilizes your passion and simultaneously inspires others.

Inspiring people with your gifts will light you up a lot more than any accreditation ever will. Spend your time wisely – you can’t get it back. You can’t cash in your qualification for all of those lost hours when you start to have regrets.

I’d rather you had money

Education costs a bucket load of cashola. Those thousands of dollars could be used to start a business you love or to travel to places you’ve always wanted to go to.

Those same dollars could be spent on self-development where you’ll learn who you are and why you’re here. You’ll learn the meaning of life. The meaning of life is not to work your butt off until everyone around you forgets who you are.

“Finding out who you are is the best education you can get”

Becoming a student of life is far more important. How do you do that? Take consistent action towards something you care about.

Having resources like money at your disposal can buy you time. Time buys you hours towards mastering your passion. It’s all linked. The thing that lights you up is what you need to educate yourself on.

If that’s a three-letter education, then chase it all you want and throw this article in the bin. If you’re honest with yourself and that’s not the case, run from your course as fast as you can. Don’t look back and forget about what your colleagues think.

I’d rather you were happy (not depressed)

I meet many academics that are not happy because they think that graduating will give them some Holy Grail.

“The Holy Grail is you. You’re the trophy and you’re better than any accreditation”

I hereby accredit you to be happy and live the life of your dreams. Being happy is much better than being depressed because you’re stressed from too much study.

Your number one priority should be your happiness. Seeing someone happy is what impresses me because it’s so hard to find in this crazy, messed up world.

Happiness should become your new holy grail and you should spend time studying that if you feel you haven’t found it. Happiness is found in the simple things in life. Happiness starts with you first. You must give yourself permission to be happy and no outside force will do that for you. Not even that university degree you think you need to be part of society.

I’d rather you were less stressed

Stress makes you age quickly and it takes away your willpower to inspire people and get out of your comfort zone. Stress is that disease in your body that is the catalyst for everything that is making you feel messed up. The good news is that stress can be worked through once it’s identified.

What impresses me is meeting someone who is calm and relaxed like a Buddhist monk. Someone who is full of wisdom and is not always thinking about the next goal or big event.

I’d rather you used creativity

People who are present and calm can change the world. The reason is that they have the headspace needed to be creative.

What they don’t teach you at university is how to be creative. The crux of creativity is being able to dream up something that no one else can imagine. It’s using your mind to think of a problem and then solve it. Creativity is having faith in the outcome even though it doesn’t exist in any physical form yet.

Creativity is like the heart of any entrepreneur. Creativity mixed with passion will change the world. That’s what impresses me, not your education status.

I’d rather you followed your dream

Not following your dream because you are trying to fit in with someone else’s standards is a real tragedy. Think carefully: who told you that you need a Ph.D. / MBA? What made you think you need one? If it was because you had a passion for education, then that’s okay sailor.

If it’s for some other reason (it usually is) then Mr. Trump, we have a problem. People that follow their dream are impressive. They do what 99% of people don’t seem to do. They’ve put it all on the line for that one thing that makes sense and lights them up.

When you meet someone who follows their dream, they have a different energy about them. They’re confident – not because they’re cocky – they’re confident because they know what they are pursuing in life. Certainty is confidence which leads to power. That’s what impresses me.

I’d rather you served others

Instead of chasing an education status that fulfills your own selfish desires, I’d rather you served others. I’d rather you had an education in the power of serving others and helping people. It feels amazing and it’s the sort of feeling that most MBA’s / Ph.D.’s will never give you.

That doesn’t mean we forget about ourselves; it just means we get a two for one combo. We serve others and we get the fulfillment to keep all to ourselves.

It’s tricky to explain unless you’ve experienced it. How you can affect other people’s lives is the best education for your own life.

“Your selfish desires are met through the desires of those you serve”

Finding a meaning for your life is buried deep within others. No one ever tells you that. We keep digging for treasure in the form of education thinking that the more we focus on ourselves, the more we will achieve our goals. This way of thinking is completely the opposite of the truth.

I’d rather you changed the world

If you want to impress the pants off me, then change the world. Do what so many are not prepared to do. Have a vision so large that people laugh in your face at your ridiculous ideas. Defy the odds. Go through hell and back. Spend your life learning how to work with people.

Become a leader. Help people change their lives. Improve the way we live on Earth and chase your dreams to the end of the universe. If you do that, then you’ll impress me. Your Ph.D. / MBA will never do that. Think about that thought long and hard.

If you want to increase your productivity and learn some more valuable life hacks, then join my private mailing list on timdenning.net

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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how to build self-confidence through action
Image Credit: Midjourney

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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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.

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Why one-size-fits-all leadership doesn’t work
Image Credit: Midjourney

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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Success Advice

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

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leadership tips for new CEO
Image Credit: Midjourney

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…)

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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.

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Bridging the gap between employees and employers
Image Credit: Midjourney

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:

  • Build diverse talent pipelines

  • Embrace flexible work models

  • Design compelling career paths

  • Simplify HR processes

  • 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.

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